Annual Statements Open main menu

Summit Materials, Inc. - Annual Report: 2019 (Form 10-K)


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 
For the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019
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 numbers:
001-36873 (Summit Materials, Inc.)
333-187556 (Summit Materials, LLC) 
SUMMIT MATERIALS, INC.
SUMMIT MATERIALS, LLC
(exact name of registrants as specified in their charters)


Delaware (Summit Materials, Inc.)
Delaware (Summit Materials, LLC)
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
1550 Wynkoop Street, 3rd Floor
Denver, Colorado
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
            
47-1984212
26-4138486
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
80202
(Zip Code)
Registrants’ telephone number, including area code: (303893-0012
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class 
   
Trading Symbol(s)
 
Name of each exchange on which registered 
Class A Common Stock (par value $.01 per share)
 
SUM
 
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
 
 
 
 
 
Summit Materials, Inc.
 
 
 
Yes
No
Summit Materials, LLC
 
 
 
Yes
No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Summit Materials, LLC
 
 
 
Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
 
 
 
 
Summit Materials, Inc.
 
 
 
Yes
No
Summit Materials, LLC
 
 
 
Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).
 
 
 
 
 
Summit Materials, Inc.     
 
 
 
Yes
No
Summit Materials, LLC    
 
 
 
Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Summit Materials, Inc.
 
 
 
 
Large accelerated filer
 
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
 
Smaller reporting company
 
 
 
Emerging growth company
Summit Materials, LLC
 
 
 
 
Large accelerated filer
 
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
 
Smaller reporting company
 
 
 
Emerging growth company
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
 
 
 
 
 
Summit Materials, Inc.
 
 
 
Yes
No
Summit Materials, LLC
 
 
 
Yes
No
The aggregate market value of the Summit Materials, Inc. voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrants as of June 28, 2019 was approximately $2.2 billion.
As of February 3, 2020, the number of shares of Summit Materials, Inc.’s outstanding Class A and Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share for each class, was 113,311,347 and 99, respectively.
As of February 3, 2020, 100% of Summit Materials, LLC’s outstanding limited liability company interests were held by Summit Materials Intermediate Holdings, LLC, its sole member and an indirect subsidiary of Summit Materials, Inc.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain information required by Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III incorporate information by reference from Summit Materials, Inc.’s definitive proxy statement relating to its 2020 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the close of Summit Materials, Inc.’s fiscal year.

1


PART
 
ITEM
 
 
 
PAGE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
II 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
III 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 










 

 



2


EXPLANATORY NOTE
 
This annual report on Form 10-K (this “report”) is a combined annual report being filed separately by two registrants: Summit Materials, Inc. and Summit Materials, LLC. Each registrant hereto is filing on its own behalf all of the information contained in this report that relates to such registrant. Each registrant hereto is not filing any information that does not relate to such registrant, and therefore makes no representation as to any such information. We believe that combining the annual reports on Form 10-K of Summit Materials, Inc. and Summit Materials, LLC into this single report eliminates duplicative and potentially confusing disclosure and provides a more streamlined presentation since a substantial amount of the disclosure applies to both registrants.
 
Unless stated otherwise or the context requires otherwise, references to “Summit Inc.” mean Summit Materials, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and references to “Summit LLC” mean Summit Materials, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. The references to Summit Inc. and Summit LLC are used in cases where it is important to distinguish between them. We use the terms “we,” “our,” “Summit Materials” or “the Company” to refer to Summit Inc. and Summit LLC together with their respective subsidiaries, unless otherwise noted or the context otherwise requires.
 
Summit Inc. was formed on September 23, 2014 to be a holding company. As of December 28, 2019, its sole material asset was a 97.2% economic interest in Summit Materials Holdings L.P. (“Summit Holdings”). Summit Inc. has 100% of the voting rights of Summit Holdings, which is the indirect parent of Summit LLC. Summit LLC is a co-issuer of our 6 1/8% senior notes due 2023 (“2023 Notes”), our 5 1/8% senior notes due 2025 (“2025 Notes”) and our 6 1/2% senior notes due 2027 (“2027 Notes” and collectively with the 2023 Notes and 2025 Notes, the “Senior Notes”). Summit Inc.’s only revenue for the year ended December 28, 2019 is that generated by Summit LLC. Summit Inc. controls all of the business and affairs of Summit Holdings and, in turn, Summit LLC, as a result of its reorganization into a holding corporation structure (the “Reorganization”) consummated in connection with its initial public offering.

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
This report includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts, and you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “intends,” “trends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “projects” or “anticipates” or similar expressions that concern our strategy, plans, expectations or intentions. All statements made relating to our estimated and projected earnings, margins, costs, expenditures, cash flows, growth rates and financial results are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. We derive many of our forward-looking statements from our operating budgets and forecasts, which are based upon many detailed assumptions. While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, it is very difficult to predict the effect of known factors, and, of course, it is impossible to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. 
 
Some of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations are disclosed under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us, or persons acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements.
 
We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.

CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
 
As used in this report, unless otherwise noted or the context otherwise requires:
 
“board” and the “directors” refer to the board and the directors of Summit Inc. following its March 2015 initial public offering (“IPO”) and to the board and the directors of the general partner of Summit Holdings prior to Summit Inc.’s IPO;

“Continental Cement” refers to Continental Cement Company, L.L.C.;

“EBITDA” refers to net income (loss) before interest expense, income tax expense (benefit), depreciation, depletion and amortization expense;


3


“Finance Corp.” refers to Summit Materials Finance Corp., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Summit LLC and the co-issuer of the Senior Notes;

“Issuers” refers to Summit LLC and Finance Corp. as co‑issuers of the Senior Notes;

“LP Units” refers to the Class A limited partnership units of Summit Holdings;

“Mainland” refers to Mainland Construction Materials ULC, which is the surviving entity from the acquisition of Rock Head Holdings Ltd., B.I.M. Holdings Ltd., Carlson Ventures Ltd., Mainland Sand and Gravel Ltd. and Jamieson Quarries Ltd.;

"APAC Assets" refers to two quarries, one landfill and two asphalt plants located in northeast Kansas; and

“TRA” refers to tax receivable agreement between Summit Inc. and holders of LP Units.

See “Business—Acquisition History” for a table of acquisitions we have completed since January 2017.


4


Corporate Structure
The following chart summarizes our organizational structure, equity ownership and our principal indebtedness as of December 28, 2019. This chart is provided for illustrative purposes only and does not show all of our legal entities or all obligations of such entities.
 corpstructurea15.jpg
______________________
(1)
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) registrant.
(2)
The shares of Class B Common Stock are currently held by pre-IPO investors, including certain members of management or their family trusts that directly hold LP Units.  A holder of Class B Common Stock is entitled, without regard to the number of shares of Class B Common Stock held by such holder, to a number of votes that is equal to the aggregate number of LP Units held by such holder.
(3)
Guarantor under the senior secured credit facilities, but not the Senior Notes.
(4)
Summit LLC and Finance Corp are the issuers of the Senior Notes and Summit LLC is the borrower under our senior secured credit facilities. Finance Corp. was formed solely for the purpose of serving as co-issuer or guarantor of certain indebtedness, including the Senior Notes. Finance Corp. does not and will not have operations of any kind and does not and will not have revenue or assets other than as may be incidental to its activities as a co-issuer or guarantor of certain indebtedness.

5


PART I 

ITEM 1.    BUSINESS.
 
Overview
 
We are one of the fastest growing construction materials companies in the United States, with a 55% increase in revenue between the year ended January 2, 2016 (the year of our initial public offering) and the year ended December 28, 2019. Within our markets, we offer customers a single‑source provider for construction materials and related downstream products through our vertical integration. Our materials include aggregates, which we supply across the United States, and in British Columbia, Canada, and cement, which we supply to surrounding states along the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana. In addition to supplying aggregates to customers, we use a portion of our materials internally to produce ready‑mix concrete and asphalt paving mix, which may be sold externally or used in our paving and related services businesses. Our vertical integration creates opportunities to increase aggregates volumes, optimize margin at each stage of production and provide customers with efficiency gains, convenience and reliability, which we believe gives us a competitive advantage.
 
Since our inception in 2009, we have become a major participant in the U.S. construction materials industry. We believe that, by volume, we are a top 10 aggregates supplier, a top 15 cement producer and a major producer of ready‑mix concrete and asphalt paving mix. Our proven and probable aggregates reserves were 3.9 billion tons as of December 28, 2019. In the year ended December 28, 2019 we sold 54.0 million tons of aggregates, 2.4 million tons of cement, 5.5 million cubic yards of ready-mix concrete and 5.6 million tons of asphalt paving mix across our more than 400 sites and plants.
 
The rapid growth we have achieved over the last 10 years has been due in large part to our acquisitions, which we funded through equity issuances, debt financings and cash from operations. Over the past decade, the U.S. economy witnessed a cyclical decline followed by a gradual recovery in the private construction market and modest growth in public infrastructure spending. The U.S. private construction market has grown in recent years both nationally and in our markets. We believe we are well positioned to capitalize on this growth to continue to expand our business.

Our revenue in 2019 was $2.2 billion with net income of $61.1 million. As of December 28, 2019, our total indebtedness outstanding was approximately $1.9 billion.
 
We anticipate continued growth in our primary end markets, public infrastructure and the private construction market. Public infrastructure, which includes spending by federal, state and local governments for roads, highways, bridges, airports and other public infrastructure projects, has been a relatively stable portion of government budgets providing consistent demand to our industry and is projected by the Portland Cement Association (“PCA”) to grow approximately 7% in the U.S. from 2020 to 2024. We believe states will continue to institute state and local level funding initiatives dedicated towards increased infrastructure spending. We believe that growth in infrastructure spending will not be consistent across the United States, but will vary across different geographies. The public infrastructure market represented 38% of our revenue in 2019.
 
The private construction market includes residential and nonresidential new construction and the repair and remodel market. According to the PCA, the number of total housing starts in the United States, a leading indicator for our residential business, is expected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2024. In addition, the PCA projects that spending in private nonresidential construction will grow 6% over the same period. Growth in private construction spending is influenced by changes in population, employment and general economic activity, among other factors which vary by geography across the United States. The private construction market represented 62% of our revenue in 2019.
 
In addition to anticipated demand growth in our end markets, we expect continued improvement in pricing, especially in our materials businesses. The United States Geological Survey ("USGS") reports that aggregates pricing has increased in 70 of the last 75 years. Accordingly, we believe that this trend will continue in the future. The PCA estimates that cement consumption will increase approximately 8% in the U.S. from 2020 to 2024, reflecting rising demand in the major end markets. We believe that the increased demand will drive higher cement pricing as production capacity in the United States tightens.

Historically, we have supplemented organic growth with acquisitions by strategically targeting attractive, new markets and expanding in existing markets. We consider population trends, employment rates, competitive landscape, private and public construction outlook, public funding and various other factors prior to entering a new market. In addition to considering macroeconomic data, we seek to establish, and believe that we have, a top three position in our local markets, which we believe supports improving profit margins and sustainable organic growth. This positioning provides local economies of scale and synergies, which benefits our profitability. In addition, we also focus on developing greenfield and brownfield sites in our existing markets.

6


 
We believe that significant opportunities remain for growth through acquisitions. We estimate that approximately 65% of the U.S. construction materials market is privately owned. Our management team maintains contact with hundreds of private companies. These long‑standing relationships, cultivated over decades, have been the primary source for our past acquisitions and, we believe, will continue to be an important source for future acquisitions. We believe we offer a compelling value proposition for private company sellers, including secure ongoing stewardship of their legacy businesses.

 
Our Business Segments
 
We operate in 23 U.S. states and in British Columbia, Canada and have assets in 22 U.S. states and in British Columbia, Canada through our platforms that make up our operating segments: West; East; and Cement. The 10 platform businesses in the West and East segments have their own management teams. The platform management teams are responsible for overseeing the operating platforms, implementing best practices, developing growth opportunities and integrating acquired businesses. We seek to enhance value through increased scale, efficiencies and cost savings within local markets.
 
West Segment:  Our West segment includes operations in Texas, Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, Oklahoma, Nevada and British Columbia, Canada. We supply aggregates, ready‑mix concrete, asphalt paving mix and paving and related services in the West segment. As of December 28, 2019, the West segment controlled approximately 1.1 billion tons of proven and probable aggregates reserves and $610.8 million of net property, plant and equipment and inventories (“hard assets”). During the year ended December 28, 2019, approximately 51% of our revenue was generated in the West segment.

East Segment:  Our East segment serves markets extending across the Midwestern and Eastern United States, most notably in Kansas, Missouri, Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Arkansas and Nebraska where we supply aggregates, ready‑mix concrete, asphalt paving mix and paving and related services. As of December 28, 2019, the East segment controlled approximately 2.3 billion tons of proven and probable aggregates reserves and $729.0 million of hard assets. During the year ended December 28, 2019, approximately 36% of our revenue was generated in the East segment.

Cement Segment:  Our Cement segment consists of our Hannibal, Missouri and Davenport, Iowa cement plants and nine distribution terminals along the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana. Our highly efficient plants are complemented by our integrated distribution system that spans the Mississippi River. We process solid and liquid waste into fuel for the plants, which can reduce the plants’ fuel costs by up to 50%. The Hannibal, Missouri plant is one of very few cement facilities in the United States that can process both hazardous and non-hazardous solid and liquid waste into fuel. As of December 28, 2019, the Cement segment controlled approximately 0.5 billion tons of proven and probable aggregates reserves, which serve its cement business, and $600.8 million of hard assets. During the year ended December 28, 2019, approximately 13% of our revenue was generated in the Cement segment.

7



Acquisition History
 
The following table lists acquisitions we have completed in the last three years:
 
Company
    
Date of Acquisition
    
Segment
Everist Materials, LLC.
 
January 30, 2017
 
West
Razorback Concrete Company
 
February 24, 2017
 
East
Sandidge Manufacturing, Inc.
 
March 17, 2017
 
East
Hanna’s Bend Aggregate Ltd
 
April 3, 2017
 
West
Carolina Sand, LLC
 
April 3, 2017
 
East
Winvan Paving Ltd.
 
May 1, 2017
 
West
Glasscock Company, Inc. and affiliate
 
May 12, 2017
 
East
Ready Mix Concrete of Somerset and affiliate
 
July 28, 2017
 
East
Great Southern Ready Mix LLC and affiliates
 
July 31, 2017
 
West
Northwest Ready Mix, Inc. and affiliate
 
August 1, 2017
 
West
Georgia Stone Products, LLC
 
August 3, 2017
 
East
Alan Ritchey Materials Company LC
 
August 20, 2017
 
West
Columbia Silica Sand, Inc. and affiliates
 
September 8, 2017
 
East
Stockman Quarry LLC and affiliate
 
October 6, 2017
 
East
Metro Ready Mix, LLC
 
January 5, 2018
 
West
Price Construction, Ltd and affiliates
 
January 12, 2018
 
West
Mertens Construction Company, Inc. and affiliates
 
January 26, 2018
 
East
Stoner Sand, LLC
 
February 16, 2018
 
East
Day Concrete Block Company, Inc. and affiliate
 
April 2, 2018
 
West
Midwest Minerals, LLC
 
April 27, 2018
 
East
Superior Ready Mix, Inc.
 
April 27, 2018
 
East
Buckingham Slate Company, LLC
 
June 1, 2018
 
East
Buildex, LLC
 
July 1, 2018
 
East
APAC Assets
 
July 2, 2018
 
East
XIT Sand and Gravel, LLC and affiliate
 
July 16, 2018
 
West
Walker Sand and Gravel Ltd. Co.
 
October 1, 2018
 
West
Jefferson Quarry, LLC and affiliate
 
October 10, 2018
 
East
Pete Lien & Sons, Inc.
 
January 4, 2019
 
West
Tomball Ready Mix, LLC and affiliate
 
November 8, 2019
 
West
 
Our End Markets
 
Public Infrastructure.  Public infrastructure construction includes spending by federal, state and local governments for highways, bridges, airports, schools, public buildings and other public infrastructure projects. Public infrastructure spending has historically been more stable than private sector construction. We believe that public infrastructure spending is less sensitive to interest rate changes and economic cycles and often is supported by multi-year federal and state legislation and programs. A significant portion of our revenue is derived from public infrastructure projects. As a result, the supply of federal and state funding for public infrastructure highway construction significantly affects our public infrastructure end-use business.
 
In the past, public infrastructure sector funding was underpinned by a series of six‑year federal highway authorization bills. Federal funds are allocated to the states, which are required to match a portion of the federal funds they receive. Federal highway spending uses funds predominantly from the Federal Highway Trust Fund, which derives its revenue from taxes on diesel fuel, gasoline and other user fees. The dependability of federal funding allows the state departments of transportation to plan for their long-term highway construction and maintenance needs. The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (“FAST”) Act was signed into law on December 4, 2015 and authorizes $305 billion of funding from 2016 through 2020. It provides funding for surface transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, transit systems, and the rail transportation network.
 

8


Residential Construction.  Residential construction includes single family homes and multi‑family units such as apartments and condominiums. Demand for residential construction is influenced primarily by employment prospects, new household formation and mortgage interest rates. In recent years, residential construction demand has been growing, although the rate of growth has varied across the U.S.
 
Nonresidential Construction.  Nonresidential construction encompasses all privately financed construction other than residential structures. Demand for nonresidential construction is driven primarily by population and economic growth. Population growth spurs demand for stores, shopping centers and restaurants. Economic growth creates demand for projects such as hotels, office buildings, warehouses and factories, although growth rates vary across the U.S. The supply of nonresidential construction projects is also affected by interest rates and the availability of credit to finance these projects.
 
Our Competitive Strengths
 
Leading market positions.  We believe each of our operating companies has a top three market share position in its local market area achieved through their respective, extensive operating histories, averaging over 30 years. We believe we are a top 10 supplier of aggregates, a top 15 producer of cement and a major producer of ready‑mix concrete and asphalt paving mix in the United States by volume. We focus on acquiring aggregate-based companies that have leading local market positions, which we seek to enhance by building scale through additional bolt-on acquisitions. The construction materials industry is highly local in nature due to transportation costs from the high weight‑to‑value ratio of the products. Given this dynamic, we believe achieving local market scale provides a competitive advantage that drives growth and profitability for our business. We believe that our ability to prudently acquire, rapidly integrate and improve multiple businesses has enabled, and will continue to enable, us to become market leaders.
 
Operations positioned to benefit from attractive industry fundamentals.  We believe the construction materials industry has attractive fundamentals, characterized by high barriers to entry and a stable competitive environment in the majority of markets. Barriers to entry are created by scarcity of raw material resources, limited efficient distribution range, asset intensity of equipment, land required for quarry operations and a time‑consuming and complex regulatory and permitting process. According to a February 2019 U.S. Geological Survey, aggregates pricing in the United States had increased in 70 of the previous 75 years, with growth accelerating since 2002 as continuing resource scarcity in the industry has led companies to focus increasingly on improved pricing strategies.
 
One contributing factor that supports pricing growth through the economic cycles is that aggregates and asphalt paving mix have significant exposure to public road construction, which has demonstrated growth over the past 30 years, even during times of broader economic weakness. The majority of public road construction spending is funded at the state level through the states’ respective departments of transportation. Texas, Utah and Missouri, three of the states in which we have had our highest revenues, have funds with certain constitutional protections for revenue sources dedicated for transportation projects. These dedicated, earmarked funding sources limit the negative effect state deficits may have on public spending. As a result, we believe our business’ profitability is significantly more stable than most other building product subsectors.
 
Vertically‑integrated business model.  We generate revenue across a spectrum of related products and services. Approximately 21% of the aggregates used in our products and services are internally supplied. Our vertically‑integrated business model enables us to operate as a single source provider of materials and paving and related services, creating cost, convenience and reliability advantages for our customers, while at the same time creating significant cross‑marketing opportunities among our interrelated businesses. We believe this creates opportunities to increase aggregates volumes, optimize margin at each stage of production, foster more stable demand for aggregates through a captive demand outlet, create a competitive advantage through the efficiency gains, convenience and reliability provided to customers and enhance our acquisition strategy by providing a greater population of target companies.
 
Attractive diversity, scale and product portfolio.  We operate in dozens of metropolitan statistical areas across 23 U.S. states and in British Columbia, Canada. Between the year ended January 2, 2016 (the year of our initial public offering) and the year ended December 28, 2019, we grew our revenue by 55% and brought substantial additional scale and geographic diversity to our operations. In the year ended December 28, 2019, 40% of our operating income increase came from the West segment, 37% from East segment and 23% from the Cement segment, excluding corporate charges. As of December 28, 2019, we had approximately 3.9 billion tons of proven and probable aggregates reserves serving our aggregates and cement business. We estimate that the useful life of our proven and probable reserves serving our aggregates and cement businesses are approximately 96 years and 274 years, respectively, based on the average production rates in 2019 and 2018.
 
Our dry process cement plants in Hannibal, Missouri and Davenport, Iowa were commissioned in 2008 and 1981, respectively. These low-cost cement plants have efficient manufacturing capabilities and are strategically located on the

9


Mississippi River and complemented by an extensive network of river and rail fed distribution terminals. Our terminal network can accept imported cement to supplement our internal production capacity as demand and market conditions dictate. Due to the location of our Hannibal and Davenport plants on the Mississippi River, in 2019, approximately 63% of cement distributed to our terminals and customers was shipped by barge, which is generally more cost-effective than truck transport.
 
Proven ability to incorporate new acquisitions and grow businesses.  Since our inception, we have acquired dozens of businesses, successfully integrating them into three segments through the implementation of operational improvements, industry‑proven information technology systems, a comprehensive safety program and best in class management programs. A typical acquisition and subsequent integration generally involves implementing common safety and financial back office systems, driving best practices in pricing and productivity. In addition, we seek to leverage scale while maintaining local branding and management decision-making and providing management support, strategic direction and financial capital for investment under a leadership team directed by Tom Hill, our President and Chief Executive Officer, who has over 35 years of industry experience. These acquisitions have helped us achieve significant revenue growth, from $0.4 billion in 2010 to $2.2 billion in 2019.
 
Experienced and proven leadership driving organic growth and acquisition strategy. In addition to Mr. Hill, our management team, including corporate and segment managers, corporate development, finance executives and other heavy side industry operators, has extensive experience in the industry. Our management team has successfully enhanced the operations of acquired companies, focusing on scale advantages, cost efficiencies and price optimization to improve profitability and cash flow.

Our Business Strategy
 
Utilize vertically‑integrated and strategically located operations for growth.  We believe that our vertical integration of construction materials, products and services is a significant competitive advantage that we will utilize to grow share in our existing markets and enter into new markets. A significant portion of materials used to produce our products and provide services to our customers is internally supplied, which enables us to operate as a single source provider of materials, products and paving and related services. This creates cost, convenience and reliability advantages for our customers and enables us to capture additional value throughout the supply chain, while at the same time creating significant cross‑marketing opportunities among our interrelated businesses.
 
Enhance margins and free cash flow generation through implementation of operational improvements.  Our management team includes individuals with decades of experience in our industry and proven success in integrating acquired businesses and organically growing operations. We have enhanced margins through proven profit optimization plans, managed working capital and achieved scale‑driven purchasing synergies and fixed overhead control and reduction. Our platform management teams, supported by our operations, development, risk management, information technology and finance teams, drive the implementation of detailed and thorough profit optimization plans for each acquisition post close. These integration and improvement plans typically include, among other things, implementation of a common pricing strategy, safety and financial systems, systematic commercial strategies, operational benefits, efficiency improvement plans and business-wide cost reduction techniques.
 
Expand local positions in the most attractive markets through targeted capital investments and bolt‑on acquisitions.  We seek to expand our business through organic growth and bolt‑on acquisitions in each of our local markets. In addition to our greenfield and brownfield project initiatives, our acquisition strategy involves acquiring platforms that serve as the foundation for continued incremental and complementary growth via locally situated bolt‑on acquisitions to these platforms. We believe that increased local market scale drives profitable growth through efficiencies. Our existing platform of operations is expected to enable us to continue our growth as we expand in our existing markets. In pursuing our growth strategy, we may also pursue larger acquisition transactions that may require us to raise additional equity capital and or debt from time to time. Consistent with this strategy, we regularly evaluate potential acquisition opportunities, including ones that would be significant to us.
 
Drive profitable growth through strategic acquisitions.  Based on aggregates sales, by volume, we believe that we are currently one of the ten largest producers in the United States. Our growth has been a result of the successful execution of our acquisition strategy and implementation of best practices to drive organic growth. We believe that the relative fragmentation of our industry creates an environment in which we can continue to acquire companies at attractive valuations and increase scale and diversity over time. We believe we have opportunity for further growth through strategic acquisitions in markets adjacent to our existing markets within the states where we currently operate, as well as into additional states as market and competitive conditions permit.
 

10


Capitalize on growth in the U.S. economy and construction markets.  Given the nation’s aging infrastructure and considering longstanding historical spending trends, we expect U.S. infrastructure investment to grow over time. We believe we are well positioned to capitalize on any such increase in investment.  The PCA forecasts total housing starts to accelerate to 1.36 million in the United States by 2024. The American Institute of Architects’ Consensus Construction Forecast projects nonresidential construction to grow 2.4% in 2020. We believe that exposure to the public infrastructure, residential and nonresidential end markets across our markets will benefit us as the U.S. economy moves through economic cycles.
 
Our Industry
 
The U.S. construction materials industry is composed of four primary sectors: aggregates; cement; ready‑mix concrete; and asphalt paving mix. Each of these materials is widely used in most forms of construction activity. Participants in these sectors typically range from small, privately‑held companies focused on a single material, product or market to publicly traded multinational corporations that offer a wide array of construction materials and services. Competition is constrained in part by the distance materials can be transported efficiently, resulting in predominantly local or regional operations. Due to the lack of product differentiation, competition for all of our products is predominantly based on price and, to a lesser extent, quality of products and service. As a result, the prices we charge our customers are not likely to be materially different from the prices charged by other producers in the same markets. Accordingly, our profitability is generally dependent on the level of demand for our products and materials and our ability to control operating costs.
 
Transportation infrastructure projects, driven by both federal and state funding programs, represent a significant share of the U.S. construction materials market. Federal funds are allocated to the states, which are required to match a portion of the federal funds they receive. Federal highway spending uses funds predominantly from the Federal Highway Trust Fund, which derives its revenue from taxes on diesel fuel, gasoline and other user fees. The dependability of federal funding allows the state departments of transportation to plan for their long-term highway construction and maintenance needs. Funding for the existing federal transportation funding program extends through 2020. With the nation’s infrastructure aging, there is increased demand by states and municipalities for long-term federal funding to support the construction of new roads, highways and bridges in addition to the maintenance of existing infrastructure.
 
In addition to federal funding, state, county and local agencies provide highway construction and maintenance funding. Our four largest states by revenue, Texas, Kansas, Utah and Missouri, represented approximately 22%, 13%, 12% and 10%, respectively, of our total revenue in 2019.
 
Our Industry and Operations
 
Demand for our materials and products is observed to have low elasticity in relation to prices. We believe this is partially explained by the absence of competitive replacement products. We do not believe that increases in our prices of materials or products are likely to affect the decision to undertake a construction project since these costs usually represent a small portion of total construction costs.
 
We operate our construction materials, products and paving and related services businesses through local management teams, which work closely with our end customers to deliver the materials, products and services that meet each customer’s specific needs for a project. We believe that this strong local presence gives us a competitive advantage by allowing us to obtain a unique understanding for the evolving needs of our customers.
 
We have operations in 23 U.S. states and in British Columbia, Canada. Our business in each region is vertically‑integrated. We supply aggregates internally for the production of cement, ready‑mix concrete and asphalt paving mix and a significant portion of our asphalt paving mix is used internally by our paving and related services businesses. In the year ended December 28, 2019, approximately 79% of our aggregates production was sold directly to outside customers with the remaining amount being further processed by us and sold as a downstream product. In addition, we operate a municipal waste landfill in our East segment, and have construction and demolition debris landfills and liquid asphalt terminal operations in our West and East segments.

Approximately 68% of our asphalt paving mix was installed by our paving and related services businesses in the year ended December 28, 2019. We charge a market price and competitive margin at each stage of the production process in order to optimize profitability across our operations. Our production value chain is illustrated as follows:
 

11


productionvaluechaina01.jpg

Aggregates
 
Aggregates are key material components used in the production of cement, ready‑mix concrete and asphalt paving mixes for the public infrastructure, residential and nonresidential end markets and are also widely used for various applications and products, such as road and building foundations, railroad ballast, erosion control, filtration, roofing granules and in solutions for snow and ice control. Generally extracted from the earth using surface or underground mining methods, aggregates are produced from natural deposits of various materials such as limestone, sand and gravel, granite and trap rock. Aggregates are produced mainly from blasting hard rock from quarries and then crushing and screening it to various sizes to meet our customers’ needs. The production of aggregates also involves the extraction of sand and gravel, which requires less crushing, but still requires screening for different sizes. Aggregate production utilizes capital intensive heavy equipment which includes the use of loaders, large haul trucks, crushers, screens and other heavy equipment at quarries and sand and gravel pits. Once extracted, processed and/or crushed and graded on-site into crushed stone, concrete and masonry sand, specialized sand, pulverized lime or agricultural lime, they are supplied directly to their end use or incorporated for further processing into construction materials and products, such as cement, ready‑mix concrete and asphalt paving mix. The minerals are processed to meet customer specifications or to meet industry standard sizes. Crushed stone is used primarily in ready‑mix concrete, asphalt paving mix, and the construction of road base for highways.
 
We believe that the long‑term growth of the market for aggregates is predominantly driven by growth in population, employment and households, which in turn affects demand for transportation infrastructure, residential and nonresidential construction, including stores, shopping centers and restaurants. While short‑term demand for aggregates fluctuates with economic cycles, the declines have historically been followed by strong recovery, with each peak establishing a new historical high. We believe we are experiencing an extended economic recovery.
 
We mine limestone, gravel, and other natural resources from 132 crushed stone quarries and 104 sand and gravel deposits throughout the United States and in British Columbia, Canada. Our extensive network of quarries, plants and facilities, located throughout the regions in which we operate, enables us to have a nearby operation to meet the needs of customers in each of our markets. As of December 28, 2019, we had approximately 3.9 billion tons of proven and probable reserves of recoverable stone, and sand and gravel of suitable quality for economic extraction. Our estimate is based on drilling and studies by geologists and engineers, recognizing reasonable economic and operating restraints as to maximum depth of extraction and permit or other restrictions. Reported proven and probable reserves include only quantities that are owned or under lease, and for which all required zoning and permitting have been obtained. Of the 3.9 billion tons of proven and probable aggregates reserves, 2.3 billion, or 60%, are located on owned land and 1.6 billion are located on leased land.

According to the September 2019 U.S. Geological Survey, approximately 1.5 billion tons of crushed stone with a value of approximately $16.7 billion was produced in the United States in 2018, which was consistent with the 1.5 billion tons produced in 2017. Sand and gravel production was approximately 1.1 billion tons in 2018 and 1.0 billion tons in 2017, valued at approximately $8.6 billion in 2018. The U.S. aggregate industry is highly fragmented relative to other building product markets, with numerous participants operating in localized markets and the top ten players controlling approximately 35% of the national market in 2019. In February 2019, the U.S. Geological Survey reported that a total of 1,465 companies operating

12


3,710 quarries and 176 sales/distribution yards produced or sold crushed stone in 2018 in the United States. This fragmentation is a result of the cost of transporting aggregates, which typically limits producers to a market area within approximately 40 miles of their production facilities.
 
Transportation costs are a major variable in determining the marketing radius for our products. The cost of transporting aggregate products from the plant to the market often equates to or exceeds the sale price of the product at the plant. As a result of the high transportation costs and the large quantities of bulk material that have to be shipped, finished products are typically marketed locally. High transportation costs are responsible for the wide dispersion of production sites. Where possible, construction material producers maintain operations adjacent to highly populated areas to reduce transportation costs and enhance margins. However, more recently, rising land values combined with local environmental concerns have been forcing production sites to move further away from the end‑use locations.
 
Each quarry location is unique with regards to demand for each product, proximity to competition and distribution network. Each of our aggregates operations is responsible for the sale and marketing of its aggregates products. Approximately 79% of our aggregates production is sold directly to outside customers and the remaining amount is further processed by us and sold as a downstream product. Even though aggregates are a commodity product, we work to optimize pricing depending on the site location, availability of a particular product, customer type, project type and haul cost. We sell aggregates to internal downstream operations at market prices.
 
A significant portion of annual demand for aggregates is derived from large public infrastructure and highway construction projects. According to the Montana Contractors’ Association, approximately 38,000 tons of aggregate are required to construct a one mile stretch of a typical four‑lane interstate highway. Highways located in markets with significant seasonal temperature variances are particularly vulnerable to freeze‑thaw conditions that exert excessive stress on pavement and lead to more rapid surface degradation. Surface maintenance repairs, as well as general highway construction, occur in the warmer months, resulting in a majority of aggregates production and sales in the period from April through November in most states.
 
Our competitors in aggregates supply include large vertically‑integrated companies, that have a combined estimated market share of approximately 30%, in addition to various local suppliers.
 
We believe we have a strong competitive advantage in aggregates through our well located reserves and assets in key markets, high quality reserves and our logistic networks. We further share and implement best practices relating to safety, strategy, sales and marketing, production, and environmental and land management. Our vertical integration and local market knowledge enable us to maintain a strong understanding of the needs of our aggregates customers. In addition, our companies have a reputation for responsible environmental stewardship and land restoration, which assists us in obtaining new permits and new reserves.
 
Cement
 
Portland cement, an industry term for the common cement in general use around the world, is made from a combination of limestone, shale, clay, silica and iron ore. It is a fundamental building material consumed in several stages throughout the construction cycle of public infrastructure, residential and nonresidential projects. It is a binding agent that, when mixed with sand or aggregates and water, produces either ready‑mix concrete or mortar and is an important component of other essential construction materials. Cement is sold either in bulk or as branded products in bags, depending on its final user. Few construction projects can take place without utilizing cement somewhere in the design, making it a key ingredient used in the construction industry. The majority of all cement shipments are sent to ready‑mix concrete operators. The remaining shipments are directed to concrete paving projects or manufacturers of concrete-related products such as block and precast. Sales are made on the basis of competitive terms and prices in each market. Nearly two‑thirds of U.S. consumption occurs between May and November, coinciding with end‑market construction activity.
  
Cement production in the United States is distributed among 91 production facilities located across a majority of the states and is a capital‑intensive business with variable costs dominated by raw materials and energy required to fuel the kiln. Most U.S. cement producers are owned by large foreign companies operating in multiple international markets. Our largest competitors include large vertically integrated companies. Construction of cement production facilities is highly capital intensive and requires long lead times to complete engineering design, obtain regulatory permits, acquire equipment and construct a plant.
 
As reported by the PCA in the 2019 United States Cement Industry Annual Yearbook, consumption is up from the industry trough of approximately 77.6 million tons in 2010 to approximately 108.8 million tons in 2018 consistent with an increase in U.S. construction activity. Cement sales are still below their peak, but we believe there will be additional growth in

13


the cement industry. U.S. cement consumption has at times outpaced domestic production capacity with the shortfall being supplied with imports, primarily from Canada, Turkey, China, Greece, and Mexico. The PCA reports that cement imports are above their trough of approximately 7.2 million tons in 2011 versus approximately 16.7 million tons in 2018.
 
We operate a highly‑efficient, low-cost integrated cement manufacturing and distribution network through our cement plants in Hannibal, Missouri, and Davenport, Iowa and our nine terminals along the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana. The combined potential capacity at our Hannibal and Davenport cement plants is approximately 2.4 million short tons per annum. We also operate on‑site waste fuel processing facilities at the plants, which can reduce plant fuel costs by up to 50%. Our Hannibal plant is one of very few with hazardous waste fuel facilities permitted and operating out of 91 total cement plants in the United States. Competitive factors include price, reliability of deliveries, location, quality of cement and support services. With two cement plants, on‑site raw material supply, a network of cement terminals, and longstanding customer relationships, we believe we are well positioned to serve our customers.
 
Cement is a product that is costly to transport. Consequently, the radius within which a typical cement plant is competitive with truck transportation is typically limited to 150 miles from any shipping/distribution point. However, access to rail and barge can extend the distribution radius significantly. With both of our plants located on the Mississippi River, we are able to cost effectively distribute cement from both of our plants by truck, rail and barge directly to customers or to our nine storage and distribution terminals along the Mississippi River. Our Hannibal and Davenport plants are located on the Mississippi River and, consequently, in 2019, approximately 63% of cement distributed to our terminals and customers was shipped by barge, which is significantly more cost‑effective than truck transport.
 
Cement plants are subject to the Portland Cement – Maximum Achievable Control Technology (“PC‑MACT”). Our Hannibal and Davenport cement plants utilize alternative fuels, hazardous and non‑hazardous at Hannibal and non‑hazardous at Davenport, as well as coal, natural gas and petroleum coke and, as a result, are subject to the Hazardous Waste Combustor of the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (“HWC‑NESHAP”) and Commercial/Industrial Solid Waste Incinerators (“CISWI”) standards, respectively, rather than PC‑MACT standards.

Ready‑mix Concrete
 
Ready‑mix concrete is one of the most versatile and widely used materials in construction today. Its flexible recipe characteristics allow for an end product that can assume almost any color, shape, texture and strength to meet the many requirements of end users that range from bridges, foundations, skyscrapers, pavements, dams, houses, parking garages, water treatment facilities, airports, tunnels, power plants, hospitals and schools. The versatility of ready‑mix concrete gives engineers significant flexibility when designing these projects.
 
Cement, coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, water and admixtures are the primary ingredients in ready‑mix concrete. The cement and water are combined and a chemical reaction process called hydration occurs whereby a paste is produced. This paste or binder represents between 15% to 20% of the volume of the mix that coats each particle of aggregate and serves as the agent that binds the aggregates together, according to the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (“NRMCA”). The aggregates represent approximately 60% to 75% of the mix by volume, with a small portion of volume (5% to 8%) consisting of entrapped air that is generated by using air entraining admixtures. Once fully hydrated, the workable concrete will then harden and take on the shape of the form in which it was placed.
 
The quality of a concrete mix is generally determined by the weight ratio of water to cement. Higher quality concrete is produced by lowering the water‑cement ratio as much as possible without sacrificing the workability of the fresh concrete. Specialty admixtures such as high range water reducers can aid in achieving this condition without sacrificing quality. Competition among ready‑mix concrete suppliers is generally based on product characteristics, delivery times, customer service and price. Product characteristics such as tensile strength, resistance to pressure, durability, set times, ease of placing, aesthetics, workability under various weather and construction conditions as well as environmental effect are the main criteria that our customers consider for selecting their product. Our quality assurance program produces results in excess of design strengths while optimizing material costs. Additionally, we believe our strategic network of locations and superior customer service gives us a competitive advantage relative to other producers. Our ready‑mix concrete operations compete with CEMEX in Texas and Nevada and CRH plc in Utah and Colorado and various other privately owned competitors in other parts of the West and East segments.
 
Other materials commonly used in the production of ready‑mix concrete include fly‑ash, a waste by‑product from coal burning power plants, silica fume, a waste by‑product generated from the manufacture of silicon and ferro‑silicon metals, and ground granulated blast furnace slag, a by‑product of the iron and steel manufacturing process. All of these products have cementitious properties that enhance the strength, durability and permeability of the concrete. These materials are available

14


directly from the producer or via specialist distributors who intermediate between the ready‑mix concrete producers and the users.
 
Given the high weight‑to‑value ratio, delivery of ready‑mix concrete is typically limited to a one‑hour haul from a production plant and is further limited by a 90 minute window in which newly‑mixed concrete must be poured to maintain quality and performance. As a result of the transportation constraints, the ready‑mix concrete market is highly localized, with an estimated 5,500 ready‑mix concrete plants in the United States according to the NRMCA. According to the NRMCA, 358.2 million cubic yards of ready‑mix concrete were produced in 2018, which is a 2% increase from the 350.8 million cubic yards produced in 2017 but a 22% decrease from the industry peak of 458.3 million cubic yards in 2005.
 
We believe our West and East segments are leaders in the supply of ready‑mix concrete in their respective markets. The West segment has ready‑mix concrete operations in the Texas, Utah, Nevada, Idaho and Colorado markets. Our East segment supplies ready‑mix concrete in the Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky and Virginia markets and surrounding areas. We operated 69 ready-mix concrete plants and over 700 concrete delivery trucks in the West segment and 55 ready-mix concrete plants and almost 400 concrete delivery trucks in the East segment as of December 28, 2019. Our aggregates business serves as the primary source of the raw materials for our concrete production, functioning essentially as a supplier to our ready‑mix concrete operations. Different types of concrete include lightweight concrete, high performance concrete, self‑compacting/consolidating concrete and architectural concrete and are used in a variety of activities ranging from building construction to highway paving.

Asphalt Paving Mix
 
Asphalt paving mix is the most common roadway material used today. It is a versatile and essential building material that has been used to surface 94% of the more than 2.7 million miles of paved roadways in the United States, according to the National Asphalt Pavement Association (“NAPA”).
 
Typically, asphalt paving mix is placed in three distinct layers to create a flexible pavement structure. These layers consist of a base course, an intermediate or binder course, and a surface or wearing course. These layers vary in thicknesses of three to six inches for base mix, two to four inches for intermediate mix and one to two inches for surface mix.
  
Asphalt pavement is generally 100% recyclable and reusable and is the most reused and recycled pavement material in the United States. Reclaimed asphalt pavement can be incorporated into new pavement at replacement rates in excess of 30% depending upon the mix and the application of the product. We actively engage in the recycling of previously used asphalt pavement and concrete. This material is crushed and repurposed in the construction cycle. Approximately 82.2 million tons of used asphalt is recycled annually by the industry according to a September 2019 NAPA survey. As of December 28, 2019, we operated 27 and 23 asphalt paving mix plants in the West and East segments, respectively. Approximately 91% of our plants can utilize recycled asphalt pavement.
 
The use of warm mix asphalt (“WMA”) or “green” asphalt is gaining popularity. The immediate benefit to producing WMA is the reduction in energy consumption required by burning fuels to heat traditional hot mix asphalt (“HMA”) to temperatures in excess of 300°F at the production plant. These high production temperatures are needed to allow the asphalt binder to become viscous enough to completely coat the aggregate in the HMA, have good workability during laying and compaction, and durability during traffic exposure. According to the Federal Highway Administration, WMA can reduce the mixing temperature by 50°F to 70°F, resulting in lower emissions, fumes and odors generated at the plant and the paving site.
 
Approximately 68% of the asphalt paving mix we produce is installed by our own paving crews. The rest is sold on a per ton basis to road contractors, state departments of transportation and local agencies. Asphalt paving mix is used by our paving crews and by our customers primarily for the construction of roads, driveways and parking lots.
 
According to NAPA, there were approximately 3,500 asphalt paving mix plants in the United States in 2018 and an estimated 389.3 million tons of asphalt paving mix was produced in 2018 compared to 379.4 million tons produced in 2017. Our asphalt paving mix operations compete with CRH plc and other local suppliers. Based on availability of internal aggregate supply, quality, operating efficiencies, and location advantages, we believe we are well positioned vis‑à‑vis our competitors.
 
Asphalt paving mix is generally applied at high temperatures. Prolonged exposure to air causes the mix to lose temperature and harden. Therefore, delivery is typically within close proximity to the asphalt paving mix plant. Local market demand, proximity to competition, transportation costs and supply of aggregates and liquid asphalt vary widely from market to market. Most of our asphalt operations use a combination of company‑owned and hired haulers to deliver materials to job sites.
 

15


As part of our vertical integration strategy, we provide asphalt paving and related services to both the private and public infrastructure sectors as either a prime or sub‑contractor. These services complement our construction materials and products businesses by providing a reliable downstream outlet, in addition to our external distribution channels.

Our asphalt paving and related services businesses bid on both private construction and public infrastructure projects in their respective local markets. We only provide paving and related services operations as a complement to our aggregates operations, which we believe is a major competitive strength. Factors affecting competitiveness in this business segment include price, estimating abilities, knowledge of local markets and conditions, project management, financial strength, reputation for quality and the availability of machinery and equipment.
 
Contracts with our customers are primarily fixed price or fixed unit price. Under fixed unit price contracts, we provide materials or services at fixed unit prices (for example, dollars per ton of asphalt placed). While the fixed unit price contract shifts the risk of estimating the quantity of units required for a particular project to the customer, any increase in our unit cost over the bid amount, whether due to inflation, inefficiency, errors in our estimates or other factors, is borne by us unless otherwise provided in the contract. Most of our contracts contain adjustment provisions to account for changes in liquid asphalt prices.
 
Customers
 
Our business is not dependent on any single customer or a few customers. Therefore, the loss of any single or particular small number of customers would not have a material adverse effect on any individual respective market in which we operate or on us as a whole. No individual customer accounted for more than 10% of our 2019 revenue.
 
Seasonality
 
Use and consumption of our products fluctuate due to seasonality. Nearly all of the products used by us, and by our customers, in the private construction or public infrastructure industries are used outdoors. Our highway operations and production and distribution facilities are also located outdoors. Therefore, seasonal changes and other weather‑related conditions, in particular extended rainy and cold weather in the spring and fall and major weather events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, tropical storms, heavy snows and flooding, can adversely affect our business and operations through a decline in both the use of our products and demand for our services. In addition, construction materials production and shipment levels follow activity in the construction industry, which typically occurs in the spring, summer and fall. Warmer and drier weather during the second and third quarters of our fiscal year typically result in higher activity and revenue levels during those quarters. The first quarter of our fiscal year typically has lower levels of activity due to weather conditions.
 
Backlog
 
Our products are generally delivered upon receipt of orders or requests from customers, or shortly thereafter. Accordingly, the backlog associated with product sales is converted into revenue within a relatively short period of time. Inventory for products is generally maintained in sufficient quantities to meet rapid delivery requirements of customers. Therefore, a period over period increase or decrease of backlog does not necessarily result in an improvement or a deterioration of our business. Our backlog includes only those products and projects for which we have obtained a purchase order or a signed contract with the customer and does not include products purchased and sold or services awarded and provided within the period.
 
Subject to applicable contract terms, substantially all contracts in our backlog may be canceled or modified by our customers. Historically, we have not been materially adversely affected by significant contract cancellations or modifications.
 
Intellectual Property
 
We do not own or have a license or other rights under any patents that are material to our business.

Corporate Information
 
Summit Materials, Inc. and Summit Materials, LLC were formed under the laws of the State of Delaware on September 23, 2014 and September 24, 2008, respectively. Our principal executive office is located at 1550 Wynkoop Street, 3rd Floor, Denver, Colorado 80202. Through its predecessor, Summit Inc. commenced operations in 2009 when Summit Holdings was formed. Our telephone number is (303) 893-0012.
 

16


Employees
 
As of December 28, 2019, we had approximately 6,000 employees, of whom approximately 80% were hourly workers and the remainder were salaried employees. Because of the seasonal nature of our industry, many of our hourly and certain of our salaried employees are subject to seasonal layoffs. The scope of layoffs varies greatly from season to season as they are predominantly a function of the type of projects in process and the weather during the late fall through early spring.
 
Approximately 7% of our employees are union members, with whom we believe we enjoy a satisfactory working relationship.
 
Legal Proceedings
 
We are party to certain legal actions arising from the ordinary course of business activities. While the ultimate results of claims and litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, management expects that the ultimate resolution of all current pending or threatened claims and litigation will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

In March 2018, we were notified of an investigation by the Canadian Competition Bureau (the “CCB”) into pricing practices by certain asphalt paving contractors in British Columbia, including Winvan Paving, Ltd. (“Winvan”). We believe the investigation is focused on time periods prior to our April 2017 acquisition of Winvan and we are cooperating with the CCB. Although we currently do not believe this matter will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations, we are not able to predict the ultimate outcome or cost of the investigation at this time.
 
Pursuant to an Administrative Order on Consent with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and later amendment to that Order, Continental Cement paid penalties totaling $100,000 relating to alleged past violations of air pollution control requirements at its Hannibal, Missouri facility.
 
Environmental and Government Regulation
 
We are subject to federal, state, provincial and local laws and regulations relating to the environment and to health and safety, including noise, discharges to air and water, waste management including the management of hazardous waste used as a fuel substitute in our cement plants, remediation of contaminated sites, mine reclamation, operation and closure of landfills and dust control and zoning, land use and permitting. Our failure to comply with such laws and regulations can result in sanctions such as fines or the cessation of part or all of our operations. From time to time, we may also be required to conduct investigation or remediation activities. There also can be no assurance that our compliance costs or liabilities associated with such laws and regulations or activities will not be significant.
 
In addition, our operations require numerous governmental approvals and permits. Environmental operating permits are subject to modification, renewal and revocation and can require us to make capital, maintenance and operational expenditures to comply with the applicable requirements. Stricter laws and regulations, or more stringent interpretations of existing laws or regulations, may impose new liabilities on us, reduce operating hours, require additional investment by us in pollution control equipment or impede our opening new, expanding or maintaining existing plants or facilities. We regularly monitor and review our operations, procedures and policies for compliance with environmental laws and regulations, changes in interpretations of existing laws and enforcement policies, new laws that are adopted, and new requirements that we anticipate will be adopted that could affect our operations.
 
Multiple permits are required for our operations, including those required to operate our cement plants. Applicable permits may include conditional use permits to allow us to operate in certain areas absent zoning approval and operational permits governing, among other matters, air and water emissions, dust, particulate matter and storm water management and control. In addition, we are often required to obtain bonding for future reclamation costs, most commonly specific to restorative grading and seeding of disturbed surface areas.

Like others in our industry, we expend substantial amounts to comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations and permit limitations, which include amounts for pollution control equipment required to monitor and regulate emissions into the environment. The Hannibal and Davenport cement plants are subject to HWC-MACT and CISWI standards, respectively, for which we do not expect any material incremental costs to maintain compliance. Since many environmental requirements are likely to be affected by future legislation or rule making by government agencies, and are therefore not quantifiable, it is not possible to accurately predict the aggregate future costs of compliance and their effect on our future financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

17


 
At most of our quarries, we incur reclamation obligations as part of our mining activities. Reclamation methods and requirements can vary depending on the individual site and state regulations. Generally, we are required to grade the mined properties to a certain slope and seed the property to prevent erosion. We record a mining reclamation liability in our consolidated financial statements to reflect the estimated fair value of the cost to reclaim each property including active and closed sites.
 
Our operations in Kansas include one municipal waste landfill and four construction and demolition debris landfills, one of which has been closed and in Colorado, we have a construction and demolition debris landfill. In Vancouver, British Columbia, we operate a landfill site that accepts environmentally clean soil deposits. Among other environmental, health and safety requirements, we are subject to obligations to appropriately close those landfills at the end of their useful lives and provide for appropriate post‑closure care. Asset retirement obligations relating to these landfills are recorded in our consolidated financial statements.
 
Health and Safety
 
Our facilities and operations are subject to a variety of worker health and safety requirements, particularly those administered by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) and Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”). Throughout our organization, we strive for a zero‑incident safety culture and full compliance with safety regulations. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in sanctions such as fines and penalties and claims for personal injury and property damage. These requirements may also result in increased operating and capital costs in the future.
 
Worker safety and health matters are overseen by our corporate risk management and safety department as well as operating company level safety managers. We provide our operating company level safety managers leadership and support, comprehensive training, and other tools designed to accomplish health and safety goals, reduce risk, eliminate hazards, and ultimately make our work places safer.
 
Where You Can Find More Information
 
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the internet at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Our SEC filings are also available on our website, free of charge, at http://www.summit-materials.com as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed with or furnished to the SEC.
 
We maintain an internet site at http://www.summit-materials.com. Our website and the information contained on or connected to that site are not incorporated into this report.


18


ITEM  1A.    RISK FACTORS  
 
Risks Related to Our Industry and Our Business
 
Industry Risks
 
Our business depends on activity within the construction industry and the strength of the local economies in which we operate.
 
We sell most of our construction materials and products and provide all of our paving and related services to the construction industry, so our results are significantly affected by the strength of the construction industry. Federal and state budget issues may negatively affect the amount of funding available for infrastructure spending, particularly highway construction, which constitutes a significant portion of our business. Demand for our products, particularly in the residential and nonresidential construction markets, could decline if companies and consumers cannot obtain funding for construction projects. In addition, a slow pace of economic activity typically results in delays or cancellations of capital projects.
 
Our earnings depend on the strength of the local economies in which we operate because of the high cost to transport our products relative to their price. Although some states in recent years, such as Texas, have increased their budgets for road construction, maintenance, rehabilitation and acquiring right of way for public roads, certain other states have reduced their construction spending due to budget shortfalls from lower tax revenue and other factors. As a result, there has been a reduction in certain states’ investment in infrastructure spending. If economic and construction activity diminishes in one or more areas, particularly in our top revenue‑generating markets of Texas, Kansas, Utah and Missouri, our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity could be materially adversely affected.
 
Our business is cyclical and requires significant working capital to fund operations.
 
Our business is cyclical and requires that we maintain significant working capital to fund our operations. Our ability to generate sufficient cash flow depends on future performance, which will be subject to general economic conditions, industry cycles and financial, business and other factors affecting our operations, many of which are beyond our control. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash to operate our business and service our outstanding debt and other obligations, we may be required, among other things, to further reduce or delay planned capital or operating expenditures, sell assets or take other measures, including the restructuring of all or a portion of our debt, which may only be available, if at all, on unsatisfactory terms.
 
Weather can materially affect our business and we are subject to seasonality.
 
Nearly all of the products we sell and the services we provide are used or performed outdoors. Therefore, seasonal changes and other weather‑related conditions can adversely affect our business and operations through a decline in both the use and production of our products and demand for our services. Adverse weather conditions such as heavy or sustained rainy and cold weather in the spring and fall can reduce demand for our products and reduce sales, render our contracting operations less efficient or restrict our ability to ship our products. For example, unusually severe flooding conditions on the Mississippi River during the first half of 2019, negatively impacted our operations which affected our financial results. Major weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, tropical storms and heavy snows have adversely affected and could adversely affect sales in the near term. In particular, our operations in the southeastern and Gulf Coast regions of the United States are at risk for hurricane activity, most notably in August, September and October. For example, in 2017, Hurricane Harvey adversely affected our operations not only during the days immediately before and after the storm, but also in the weeks and months after the storm as our customers recovered and reallocated resources in response to damage caused by the storm.
 
Construction materials production and shipment levels follow activity in the construction industry, which typically occurs in the spring, summer and fall. Warmer and drier weather during the second and third quarters of our fiscal year typically result in higher activity and revenue levels during those quarters. The first quarter of our fiscal year has typically lower levels of activity due to the weather conditions. Our second quarter varies greatly with spring rains and wide temperature variations. A cool wet spring increases drying time on projects, which can delay sales in the second quarter, while a warm dry spring may enable earlier project startup. Such adverse weather conditions can adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations if they occur with unusual intensity, during abnormal periods or last longer than usual in our major markets, especially during peak construction periods.



19


Our industry is capital intensive and we have significant fixed and semi‑fixed costs. Therefore, our profitability is sensitive to changes in volume.
 
The property and machinery needed to produce our materials and products can be very expensive. Therefore, we need to spend a substantial amount of capital to purchase and maintain the equipment necessary to operate our business. Although we believe that our current cash balance, along with our projected internal cash flows and our available financing resources, will provide sufficient cash to support our currently anticipated operating and capital needs, if we are unable to generate sufficient cash to purchase and maintain the property and machinery necessary to operate our business, we may be required to reduce or delay planned capital expenditures or incur additional debt. In addition, given the level of fixed and semi‑fixed costs within our business, particularly at our cement production facilities, decreases in volumes could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
 
Within our local markets, we operate in a highly competitive industry.
 
The U.S. construction aggregates industry is highly fragmented with a large number of independent local producers in a number of our markets. Additionally, in most markets, we compete against large private and public infrastructure companies, some of which are also vertically‑integrated. Therefore, there is intense competition in a number of the markets in which we operate. This significant competition could lead to lower prices, lower sales volumes and higher costs in some markets, negatively affecting our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
 
Growth Risks
 
The success of our business depends in part on our ability to execute on our acquisition strategy.
 
A significant portion of our historical growth has occurred through acquisitions, and we will likely execute acquisition transactions in the future. We are presently evaluating, and we expect to continue to evaluate on an ongoing basis, possible acquisition transactions. We are presently engaged, and at any time in the future we may be engaged, in discussions or negotiations with respect to possible acquisitions, including larger transactions that would be significant to us. We regularly make, and we expect to continue to make, non‑binding acquisition proposals, and we may enter into letters of intent, in each case allowing us to conduct due diligence on a confidential basis. In addition, from time to time we may enter into dispositions or other transactions involving certain of our assets or businesses. We cannot predict the timing of any contemplated transactions. To successfully acquire a significant target, we may need to raise additional capital through additional equity issuances, additional indebtedness, or a combination of equity and debt issuances. There can be no assurance that we will enter into definitive agreements with respect to any contemplated transactions or that they will be completed. Our growth has placed, and will continue to place, significant demands on our management and operational and financial resources. Acquisitions involve risks that, among other things, the businesses acquired will not perform as expected.
 
Our results of operations from these acquisitions could, in the future, result in impairment charges for any of our intangible assets, including goodwill, or other long‑lived assets, particularly if economic conditions worsen unexpectedly. As a result of these changes, our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity could be materially adversely affected. In addition, many of the businesses that we have acquired and will acquire have unaudited financial statements that have been prepared by the management of such companies and have not been independently reviewed or audited. We cannot assure you that the financial statements of companies we have acquired or will acquire would not be materially different if such statements were independently reviewed or audited. If such statements were to be materially different, the tangible and intangible assets we acquire may be more susceptible to impairment charges, which could have a material adverse effect on us.
 
The success of our business depends on our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions.
 
Acquisitions may require integration of the acquired companies’ sales and marketing, distribution, production, purchasing, finance and administrative organizations. We may not be able to integrate successfully any business we may acquire or have acquired into our existing business and any acquired businesses may not be profitable or as profitable as we had expected. Our inability to complete the integration of new businesses in a timely and orderly manner could increase costs and lower profits. Factors affecting the successful integration of acquired businesses include, but are not limited to, the following:
 
We may become liable for certain liabilities of any acquired business, whether or not known to us. These risks could include, among others, tax liabilities, product liabilities, environmental liabilities and liabilities for employment practices. These liabilities may be significant.


20


Substantial attention from our senior management and the management of the acquired business may be required, which could decrease the time that they have to service and attract customers.

Capital equipment at acquired businesses may require additional maintenance or need to be replaced sooner than we expected.

The complete integration of acquired companies depends, to a certain extent, on the full implementation of our financial systems and policies.

We may actively pursue a number of opportunities simultaneously and we may encounter unforeseen expenses, complications and delays, including difficulties in employing sufficient staff and maintaining operational and management oversight.

The success of our business depends on our ability to retain key employees of our acquired businesses.
 
We cannot assure you we will be able to retain local managers and employees who are important to the operations of our acquired businesses. The loss of key employees may have an adverse effect on the acquired business and on our business as a whole.
 
Our long‑term success is dependent upon securing and permitting aggregate reserves in strategically located areas. The inability to secure and permit such reserves could negatively affect our earnings in the future.
 
Aggregates are bulky and heavy and therefore difficult to transport efficiently. Because of the nature of the products, the freight costs can quickly surpass production costs. Therefore, except for geographic regions that do not possess commercially viable deposits of aggregates and are served by rail, barge or ship, the markets for our products tend to be localized around our quarry sites and are served by truck. New quarry sites often take a number of years to develop. Our strategic planning and new site development must stay ahead of actual growth. Additionally, in a number of urban and suburban areas in which we operate, it is increasingly difficult to permit new sites or expand existing sites due to community resistance. Therefore, our future success is dependent, in part, on our ability to accurately forecast future areas of high growth in order to locate optimal facility sites and on our ability to either acquire existing quarries or secure operating and environmental permits to open new quarries. If we are unable to accurately forecast areas of future growth, acquire existing quarries or secure the necessary permits to open new quarries, our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity could be materially adversely affected.
 
Economic Risks
 
A decline in public infrastructure construction and reductions in governmental funding could adversely affect our earnings in the future.
 
A significant portion of our revenue is generated from publicly‑funded construction projects. As a result, if publicly‑funded construction decreases due to reduced federal or state funding or otherwise, our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity could be materially adversely affected.
 
Under U.S. law, annual funding levels for highways is subject to yearly appropriation reviews. This annual review of funding increases the uncertainty of many state departments of transportation regarding funds for highway projects. This uncertainty could result in states being reluctant to undertake large multi‑year highway projects which could, in turn, negatively affect our sales. We cannot be assured of the existence, amount and timing of appropriations for spending on federal, state or local projects. Federal support for the cost of highway maintenance and construction is dependent on congressional action. In addition, each state funds its infrastructure spending from specially allocated amounts collected from various taxes, typically gasoline taxes and vehicle fees, along with voter‑approved bond programs. Shortages in state tax revenues can reduce the amounts spent on state infrastructure projects, even below amounts awarded under legislative bills. In recent years, certain states have experienced state‑level funding pressures caused by lower tax revenues and an inability to finance approved projects. Delays or cancellations of state infrastructure spending could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
 
Our business relies on private investment in infrastructure, and periods of economic stagnation or recession may adversely affect our earnings in the future.
 

21


A significant portion of our sales are for projects with non‑public owners whose construction spending is affected by developers’ ability to finance projects. Residential and nonresidential construction could decline if companies and consumers are unable to finance construction projects or in periods of economic stagnation or recession, which could result in delays or cancellations of capital projects. If housing starts and nonresidential projects stagnate or decline, sale of our construction materials, downstream products and paving and related services may decline and our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity could be materially adversely affected.
 
Environmental, health and safety laws and regulations and any changes to, or liabilities or litigation arising under, such laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
 
We are subject to a variety of federal, state, provincial and local laws and regulations relating to, among other things: (i) the release or discharge of materials into the environment; (ii) the management, use, generation, treatment, processing, handling, storage, transport or disposal of hazardous materials, including the management of hazardous and non-hazardous waste used as a fuel substitute in our cement kiln in Hannibal, Missouri; (iii) the management, use, generation, treatment, processing, handling, storage, transport or disposal of non‑hazardous solid waste used as a fuel substitute in our cement kiln in Davenport, Iowa; and (iv) the protection of public and employee health and safety and the environment. These laws and regulations impose strict liability in some cases without regard to negligence or fault and expose us to liability for the environmental condition of our currently or formerly owned, leased or operated facilities or third‑party waste disposal sites, and may expose us to liability for the conduct of others or for our actions, even if such actions complied with all applicable laws at the time these actions were taken. In particular, we may incur remediation costs and other related expenses because our facilities were constructed and operated before the adoption of current environmental laws and the institution of compliance practices or because certain of our processes are regulated. These laws and regulations may also expose us to liability for claims of personal injury or property or natural resource damage related to alleged exposure to, or releases of, regulated or hazardous materials. The existence of contamination at properties we own, lease or operate could also result in increased operational costs or restrictions on our ability to use those properties as intended.
 
There is an inherent risk of liability in the operation of our business, and despite our compliance efforts, we may be in noncompliance with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations from time to time. These potential liabilities or events of noncompliance could have a material adverse effect on our operations and profitability. In many instances, we must have government approvals, certificates, permits or licenses in order to conduct our business, which could require us to make significant capital, operating and maintenance expenditures to comply with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations. Our failure to obtain and maintain required approvals, certificates, permits or licenses or to comply with applicable governmental requirements could result in sanctions, including substantial fines or possible revocation of our authority to conduct some or all of our operations. Governmental requirements that affect our operations also include those relating to air and water quality, waste management, asset reclamation, the operation and closure of municipal waste and construction and demolition debris landfills, remediation of contaminated sites and worker health and safety. These requirements are complex and subject to frequent change. Stricter laws and regulations, more stringent interpretations of existing laws or regulations or the future discovery of environmental conditions may impose new liabilities on us, reduce operating hours, require additional investment by us in pollution control equipment or impede our opening new or expanding existing plants or facilities.
 
We have incurred, and may in the future incur, significant capital and operating expenditures to comply with such laws and regulations, and in some cases we have been or could be named as a defendant in litigation brought by governmental agencies or private parties. In addition, we have recorded liabilities in connection with our reclamation and landfill closure obligations, but there can be no assurances that the costs of our obligations will not exceed our estimates. The cost of complying with such laws and defending against any litigation could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

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

We have seen increases in litigation as the scope of our business and operations has grown. We are, or may become, party to various lawsuits, claims, investigations, and proceedings, including but not limited to personal injury, environmental, property entitlements and land use, commercial, contract, product liability, health and safety, and employment matters. The outcome of pending or future lawsuits, claims, investigations, or proceedings is often difficult to predict and could be adverse and material in amount. Development in these proceedings can lead to changes in management’s estimates of liabilities associated with these proceedings including the judge’s rulings or judgments, jury verdicts, settlements, or changes in applicable law. Future adverse rulings, settlements, or unfavorable developments could result in charges that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows in a particular period. In addition, the defense of these

22


lawsuits, claims, investigations, and proceedings may divert our management’s attention, and we may incur significant costs in defending these matters.

Shortages of, or increases in prices for, commodities, labor and other production and delivery inputs could restrict our ability to operate our business and could have significant impacts on our operating costs.

Shortages of, or increases in prices for, production and delivery inputs, including commodities and labor, and other inputs related to the production and delivery of our products, could adversely affect our business. Our cost of revenue consists of production and delivery inputs, which primarily include labor, utilities, raw materials, fuel, transportation, royalties and other direct costs incurred in the production and delivery of our products and services. Increases in these costs, as a result of general economic conditions, inflationary pressures or otherwise, may reduce our operating margin and adversely affect our financial position if we are unable to hedge or otherwise offset such increases. Specifically, significant increases or fluctuations in the prices of certain energy commodities, including diesel fuel, liquid asphalt and other petroleum-based resources, which we consume significant amounts of in our production and distribution processes, could negatively affect the results of our business operations or cause our results to suffer. Additionally, labor is a meaningful component in our ability to operate our business and can have a significant impact on the cost of operating our business. Labor shortages could restrict our ability to operate our business or result in increased labor costs as a result of wage increases due to competition for qualified workers. Increased labor costs, whether due to labor shortages, changing demographics of the overall work force or otherwise may reduce our operating margin and adversely affect our financial position.

Availability of and pricing for raw materials and labor can be affected by various national, regional, local, economic and political factors. For example, recent government-imposed tariffs and trade regulations on imported raw materials could have significant impacts on our costs to operate our business.
 
Financial Risks
 
Difficult and volatile conditions in the credit markets could affect our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
 
Demand for our products is primarily dependent on the overall health of the economy, and federal, state and local public infrastructure funding levels. A stagnant or declining economy tends to produce less tax revenue for public infrastructure agencies, thereby decreasing a source of funds available for spending on public infrastructure improvements, which constitute a significant part of our business.
 
There is a likelihood that we will not be able to collect on certain of our accounts receivable from our customers. If our customers are unable to obtain credit or unable to obtain credit in a timely manner, they may be unable to pay us, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
 
If we are unable to accurately estimate the overall risks, requirements or costs when we bid on or negotiate contracts that are ultimately awarded to us, we may achieve lower than anticipated profits or incur contract losses.
 
Even though the majority of our government contracts contain raw material escalators to protect us from certain input material price increases, a portion or all of the contracts are often on a fixed cost basis. Pricing on a contract with a fixed unit price is based on approved quantities irrespective of our actual costs and contracts with a fixed total price require that the total amount of work be performed for a single price irrespective of our actual costs. We realize profit on our contracts only if our revenue exceeds actual costs, which requires that we successfully estimate our costs and then successfully control actual costs and avoid cost overruns. If our cost estimates for a contract are inadequate, or if we do not execute the contract within our cost estimates, then cost overruns may cause us to incur a loss or cause the contract not to be as profitable as we expected. The costs incurred and profit realized, if any, on our contracts can vary, sometimes substantially, from our original projections due to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to:
 
failure to include materials or work in a bid, or the failure to estimate properly the quantities or costs needed to complete a lump sum contract;

delays caused by weather conditions or otherwise failing to meet scheduled acceptance dates;

contract or project modifications or conditions creating unanticipated costs that are not covered by change orders;


23


changes in availability, proximity and costs of materials, including liquid asphalt, cement, aggregates and other construction materials (such as stone, gravel, sand and oil for asphalt paving), as well as fuel and lubricants for our equipment;

to the extent not covered by contractual cost escalators, variability and inability to predict the costs of purchasing diesel, liquid asphalt and cement;

availability and skill level of workers;

failure by our suppliers, subcontractors, designers, engineers or customers to perform their obligations;

fraud, theft or other improper activities by our suppliers, subcontractors, designers, engineers, customers or our own personnel;

mechanical problems with our machinery or equipment;

citations issued by any governmental authority, including OSHA and MSHA;

difficulties in obtaining required governmental permits or approvals;

changes in applicable laws and regulations;

uninsured claims or demands from third parties for alleged damages arising from the design, construction or use and operation of a project of which our work is part; and

public infrastructure customers may seek to impose contractual risk‑shifting provisions more aggressively which may result in us facing increased risks.

These factors, as well as others, may cause us to incur losses, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
 
We could incur material costs and losses as a result of claims that our products do not meet regulatory requirements or contractual specifications.
 
We provide our customers with products designed to meet building code or other regulatory requirements and contractual specifications for measurements such as durability, compressive strength, weight‑bearing capacity and other characteristics. If we fail or are unable to provide products meeting these requirements and specifications, material claims may arise against us and our reputation could be damaged. Additionally, if a significant uninsured, non‑indemnified or product‑related claim is resolved against us in the future, that resolution could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
 
The cancellation of a significant number of contracts or our disqualification from bidding for new contracts could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
 
We could be prohibited from bidding on certain government contracts if we fail to maintain qualifications required by the relevant government entities. In addition, contracts with governmental entities can usually be canceled at any time by them with payment only for the work completed. A cancellation of an unfinished contract or our disqualification from the bidding process could result in lost revenue and cause our equipment to be idled for a significant period of time until other comparable work becomes available, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
 
Our operations are subject to special hazards that may cause personal injury or property damage, subjecting us to liabilities and possible losses which may not be covered by insurance.
 
Operating hazards inherent in our business, some of which may be outside our control, can cause personal injury and loss of life, damage to or destruction of property, plant and equipment and environmental damage. We maintain insurance coverage in amounts and against the risks we believe are consistent with industry practice, but this insurance may not be adequate or available to cover all losses or liabilities we may incur in our operations. Our insurance policies are subject to varying levels of deductibles. However, liabilities subject to insurance are difficult to estimate due to unknown factors,

24


including the severity of an injury, the determination of our liability in proportion to other parties, the number of incidents not reported and the effectiveness of our safety programs. If we were to experience insurance claims or costs above our estimates, our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity could be materially adversely affected.
 
Unexpected factors affecting self‑insurance claims and reserve estimates could adversely affect our business.
 
We use a combination of third‑party insurance and self‑insurance to provide for potential liabilities for workers’ compensation, general liability, vehicle accident, property and medical benefit claims. Although we seek to minimize our exposure on individual claims, for the benefit of costs savings we have accepted the risk of multiple independent material claims arising. We estimate the projected losses and liabilities associated with the risks retained by us, in part, by considering historical claims experience, demographic and severity factors and other actuarial assumptions which, by their nature, are subject to a high degree of variability. Among the causes of this variability are unpredictable external factors affecting future inflation rates, discount rates, litigation trends, legal interpretations, benefit level changes and claim settlement patterns. Any such matters could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

Our substantial leverage could adversely affect our financial condition, our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, our ability to operate our business, our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry and our ability to pay our debts, which could divert our cash flow from operations to debt payments.
 
We are highly leveraged. As of December 28, 2019, our total debt was approximately $1.9 billion, which includes $1.3 billion of Senior Notes and $624.3 million of senior secured indebtedness under our senior secured credit facilities and we had an additional $329.8 million of unutilized capacity under our senior secured revolving credit facility (after giving effect to approximately $15.2 million of letters of credit outstanding).
 
Our high degree of leverage could have important consequences, including:
 
increasing our vulnerability to general economic and industry conditions;

requiring a substantial portion of cash flow from operations to be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness, thereby reducing our ability to use our cash flow to fund our operations, capital expenditures and future business opportunities;

the deductibility of our interest expense is currently limited under existing law and would be further limited if proposed regulations are finalized in their current form;

subject us to the risk of increased interest rates as a portion of our borrowings under our senior secured credit facilities are exposed to variable rates of interest;

restricting us from making strategic acquisitions or causing us to make non-strategic divestitures;

limiting our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, acquisitions and general corporate or other purposes;

limiting our ability to adjust to changing market conditions and placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors who are less highly leveraged; and

making it more difficult for us to make payments on our debt.

Borrowings under our senior secured credit facilities are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on the variable rate indebtedness will increase even though the amount borrowed remained the same, and our net income and cash flows, including cash available for servicing our indebtedness, will correspondingly decrease. We have and may in the future enter into interest rate swaps that involve the exchange of floating for fixed rate interest payments in order to reduce interest rate volatility. However, we may not maintain interest rate swaps with respect to all of our variable rate indebtedness, and any interest rate swaps we enter into may not fully mitigate our interest rate risk. In addition, certain of our variable rate indebtedness uses London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) as a benchmark for establishing the rate of interest. LIBOR is the subject of recent national, international and other regulatory guidance and proposals for reform. On July 27, 2017, the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced that it intends to phase out LIBOR by the end of 2021. It is unclear if at that time LIBOR will cease to exist or if new methods of calculating LIBOR will be established such that it continues to exist after 2021. The

25


consequences of these developments cannot be entirely predicted, but could include an increase in the cost of our variable rate indebtedness. We may also need to renegotiate our variable rate indebtedness that utilizes LIBOR as a factor in determining the interest rate to replace LIBOR with the new standard that is established. In addition, the indentures that govern the Senior Notes and the amended and restated credit agreement governing our senior secured credit facilities (“Credit Agreement”) contain restrictive covenants that limit our ability to engage in activities that may be in our long-term best interest. Our failure to comply with those covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of all our debt.
 
Despite our current level of indebtedness, we and our subsidiaries may still incur substantially more debt. This could reduce our ability to satisfy our current obligations and further exacerbate the risks to our financial condition described above.
 
We and our subsidiaries may incur significant additional indebtedness in the future to fund acquisitions as part of our growth strategy. Although the indentures governing the Senior Notes and the Credit Agreement contain restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, these restrictions are subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions, and we could incur substantial additional indebtedness in compliance with these restrictions.
 
Our senior secured credit facilities include an uncommitted incremental facility that allows us the option to increase the amount available under the term loan facility and/or the senior secured revolving credit facility by (i) $225.0 million plus (ii) an additional amount so long as we are in pro forma compliance with a consolidated first lien net leverage ratio. Availability of such incremental facilities will be subject to, among other conditions, the absence of an event of default and the receipt of commitments by existing or additional financial institutions.

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful.
 
Our ability to make scheduled payments on our debt obligations, refinance our debt obligations and fund planned capital expenditures and other corporate expenses depends on our financial condition and operating performance, which is subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions. We are also subject to certain financial, business, legislative, regulatory and legal restrictions on the payment of distributions and dividends. Many of these factors are beyond our control. We may not be able to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness, which would constitute an event of default if not cured. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources.” If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations or our other needs, we may be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures, seek additional capital, restructure or refinance our indebtedness or sell assets. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations or fund planned capital expenditures. Significant delays in our planned capital expenditures may materially and adversely affect our future revenue prospects. In addition, our ability to restructure or refinance our debt will depend on the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. The Credit Agreement and the indentures governing the Senior Notes restrict our ability to use the proceeds from asset sales. We may not be able to consummate those asset sales to raise capital or sell assets at prices that we believe are fair and proceeds that we do receive may not be adequate to meet any debt service obligations then due. In addition, any failure to make payments of interest and principal on our outstanding indebtedness on a timely basis would likely result in a reduction of our credit rating, which could harm our ability to incur additional indebtedness.
 
The indentures governing the Senior Notes and the Credit Agreement contain covenants and provisions that are restrictive.
 
The indentures governing the Senior Notes and Credit Agreement contain restrictive covenants that, among other things, limit our ability, and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries, to:
 
incur additional indebtedness, issue certain preferred shares or issue guarantees;

pay dividends, redeem our membership interests or make other restricted payments, including purchasing our Class A common stock;

make investments, loans or advances;

incur additional liens;

26



transfer or sell assets;

merge or engage in consolidations;

enter into certain transactions with our affiliates;

designate subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries;

repay subordinated indebtedness; and

change our lines of business.

The senior secured credit facilities also require us to maintain a maximum first lien net leverage ratio. The Credit Agreement also contains certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants and events of default (including, among others, an event of default upon a change of control). If an event of default occurs, the lenders under our senior secured credit facilities will be entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of amounts due under our senior secured credit facilities and all actions permitted to be taken by a secured creditor. Our failure to comply with obligations under the indentures governing the Senior Notes and the Credit Agreement may result in an event of default under the indenture or the amended and restated Credit Agreement. A default, if not cured or waived, may permit acceleration of our indebtedness. If our indebtedness is accelerated, we may not have sufficient funds available to pay the accelerated indebtedness or the ability to refinance the accelerated indebtedness on terms favorable to us or at all.
 
Other Risks
 
Our success is dependent on our Chief Executive Officer and other key personnel and our ability to retain and attract qualified personnel.
 
Our success depends on the continuing services of our Chief Executive Officer, Tom Hill, and other key personnel led by Mr. Hill. We believe that Mr. Hill in particular possesses valuable knowledge and skills that are crucial to our success and would be difficult to replicate or replace. Not all of our senior management team resides near or works at our headquarters. The geographic distance between the members of our senior management team may impede the team’s ability to work together effectively, and we cannot assure they will be able to do so.
 
Competition for senior management is intense, and we may not be able to retain our management team or attract additional qualified personnel. The unexpected loss of a member of senior management has in the past and could in the future require certain of our remaining senior officers to divert immediate attention, which can be substantial or require costly external resources in the short term. While we are developing plans for key management succession and have long-term compensation plans designed to retain our senior employees, if our retention and succession plans do not operate effectively, our business could be adversely affected. The inability to adequately fill vacancies in our senior executive positions on a timely basis could negatively affect our ability to implement our business strategy, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
 
We use large amounts of electricity, diesel fuel, liquid asphalt and other petroleum‑based resources that are subject to potential reliability issues, supply constraints and significant price fluctuation, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
 
In our production and distribution processes, we consume significant amounts of electricity, diesel fuel, liquid asphalt and other petroleum‑based resources. The availability and pricing of these resources are subject to market forces that are beyond our control. Furthermore, we are vulnerable to any reliability issues experienced by our suppliers, which also are beyond our control. Our suppliers contract separately for the purchase of such resources and our sources of supply could be interrupted should our suppliers not be able to obtain these materials due to higher demand or other factors that interrupt their availability. Variability in the supply and prices of these resources could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
 
Climate change and climate change legislation or regulations may adversely affect our business.
 
A number of governmental bodies have finalized, proposed or are contemplating legislative and regulatory changes in response to the potential effects of climate change, and Canada has agreed to the Paris Agreement, the successor to the Kyoto

27


Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which could lead to additional legislative and regulatory changes in Canada. Such legislation or regulation has and potentially could include provisions for a “cap and trade” system of allowances and credits, among other provisions. The EPA promulgated a mandatory reporting rule covering greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions from sources considered to be large emitters. The EPA has also promulgated a GHG emissions permitting rule, referred to as the “Tailoring Rule” which sets forth criteria for determining which facilities are required to obtain permits for GHG emissions pursuant to the U.S. Clean Air Act’s Prevention of Significant Deterioration (“PSD”) and Title V operating permit programs. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in June 2014 that the EPA exceeded its statutory authority in issuing the Tailoring Rule but upheld the Best Available Control Technology (“BACT”) requirements for GHGs emitted by sources already subject to PSD requirements for other pollutants. Our cement plants and one of our landfills hold Title V Permits. If future modifications to our facilities require PSD review for other pollutants, GHG BACT requirements may also be triggered, which could require significant additional costs.
 
Other potential effects of climate change include physical effects such as disruption in production and product distribution as a result of major storm events and shifts in regional weather patterns and intensities. There is also a potential for climate change legislation and regulation to adversely affect the cost of purchased energy and electricity.
 
The effects of climate change on our operations are highly uncertain and difficult to estimate. However, because a chemical reaction inherent to the manufacture of Portland cement releases carbon dioxide, a GHG, cement kiln operations may be disproportionately affected by future regulation of GHGs. Climate change and legislation and regulation concerning GHGs could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
 
Unexpected operational difficulties at our facilities could disrupt operations, raise costs, and reduce revenue and earnings in the affected locations.
 
The reliability and efficiency of certain of our facilities is dependent upon vital pieces of equipment, such as our cement manufacturing kilns in Hannibal, Missouri and Davenport, Iowa. Although we have scheduled outages to perform maintenance on certain of our facilities, vital equipment may periodically experience unanticipated disruptions due to accidents, mechanical failures or other unanticipated events such as fires, explosions, violent weather conditions or other unexpected operational difficulties. A substantial interruption of one of our facilities could require us to make significant capital expenditures to restore operations and could disrupt our operations, raise costs, and reduce revenue and earnings in the affected locations.
 
We are dependent on information technology. Our systems and infrastructure face certain risks, including cyber security risks and data leakage risks.
 
We are dependent on information technology systems and infrastructure to carry out important operational activities and to maintain our business records. In addition, we rely on the systems of third parties, such as third-party vendors. As part of our normal business activities, we collect and store certain personal identifying and confidential information relating to our customers, employees, vendors and suppliers, and maintain operational and financial information related to our business. We may share some of this confidential information with our vendors. We rely on our vendors and third-party service providers to maintain effective cybersecurity measures to keep our information secure. Any significant breakdown, invasion, destruction or interruption of our existing or future systems by employees, third parties, vendors, others with authorized access to our systems, or unauthorized persons could negatively affect operations. In addition, future systems upgrades or changes could be time consuming, costly and result in unexpected interruptions or other adverse effects on our business. There is also a risk that we could experience a business interruption, theft of information or reputational damage as a result of a cyber-attack, such as an infiltration of a data center, or data leakage of confidential information either internally or at our third‑party providers.

While we have invested in the protection of our data and information technology to reduce these risks and periodically test the security of our information systems network, there can be no assurance that our efforts will prevent breakdowns or breaches in our systems that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. Our or our vendors’ and third-party service providers’ failure to maintain the security of the data we are required to protect could result in damage to our reputation, financial obligations to third parties, fines, penalties, regulatory proceedings and private litigation with potentially large costs, and also in deterioration in customers’ confidence in us and other competitive disadvantages. While, to date, we have not had a significant cybersecurity breach or attack that has a material impact on our business or results of operations, there can be no assurance that our efforts to maintain the security and integrity of our information technology networks and related systems will be effective or that attempted security breaches or disruptions would not be successful or damaging.
 

28


Labor disputes, strikes, other forms of work stoppage or slowdown or other union activities could disrupt operations of our businesses.
 
As of December 28, 2019, labor unions represented approximately 7% of our total employees, substantially all in our cement division and at our Canadian operations. Our collective bargaining agreements for employees generally expire between 2020 and 2024. Although we believe we have good relations with our employees and unions, disputes with our trade unions, union organizing activity, or the inability to renew our labor agreements or adverse labor relations at any of our locations, could lead to strikes, other forms of work stoppage, slowdowns or other actions that could disrupt our operations and, consequently, have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
 
Organizational Structure Risks
 
Summit Inc.’s only material asset is its interest in Summit Holdings, and it is accordingly dependent upon distributions from Summit Holdings to pay taxes, make payments under the TRA and pay dividends.
 
Summit Inc. is a holding company and has no material assets other than its ownership of LP Units and has no independent means of generating revenue. Summit Inc. intends to cause Summit Holdings to make distributions to holders and former holders of LP Units in an amount sufficient to cover all applicable taxes at assumed tax rates, payments under the TRA and cash distributions, if any, declared by it. Deterioration in the financial condition, earnings or cash flow of Summit Holdings and its subsidiaries for any reason, or restrictions on payments by subsidiaries to their parent companies under applicable laws, including laws that require companies to maintain minimum amounts of capital and to make payments to stockholders only from profits, could limit or impair their ability to pay such distributions. Additionally, to the extent that Summit Inc. needs funds, and Summit Holdings is restricted from making such distributions under applicable law or regulation or under the terms of our financing arrangements, or is otherwise unable to provide such funds, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
 
Payments of dividends, if any, are at the discretion of our board of directors after taking into account various factors, including our business, operating results and financial condition, current and anticipated cash needs, plans for expansion and any legal or contractual limitations on our ability to pay dividends. Any financing arrangement that we enter into in the future may include restrictive covenants that limit our ability to pay dividends. In addition, Summit Holdings is generally prohibited under Delaware law from making a distribution to a limited partner to the extent that, at the time of the distribution, after giving effect to the distribution, liabilities of Summit Holdings (with certain exceptions) exceed the fair value of its assets. Subsidiaries of Summit Holdings are generally subject to similar legal limitations on their ability to make distributions to Summit Holdings.
 
Summit Inc. anticipates using certain distributions from Summit Holdings to acquire additional LP Units.
 
The limited partnership agreement of Summit Holdings provides for cash distributions, which we refer to as “tax distributions,” to be made to the holders of the LP Units if it is determined that the income of Summit Inc. will give rise to net taxable income allocable to holders of LP Units. To the extent that future tax distributions Summit Inc. receives exceed the amounts it actually requires to pay taxes and make payments under the TRA, we expect that our board of directors will cause Summit Inc. to use such excess cash to acquire additional newly-issued LP Units at a per unit price determined by reference to the volume weighted average price per share of the Class A common stock during the five trading days immediately preceding the date of the relevant board action. See “Part II, Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities–Dividends.” Although we anticipate that any such decision by our board of directors would be approved by a majority of our independent directors, any cash used by Summit Inc. to acquire additional LP Units would not then be available to fund cash dividends on the Class A common stock.
 
Summit Inc. is required to pay exchanging holders of LP Units for most of the benefits relating to any additional tax depreciation or amortization deductions that we may claim as a result of the tax basis step-up we receive in connection with sales or exchanges of LP Units and related transactions.
 
Holders of LP Units (other than Summit Inc.) may, subject to the vesting and minimum retained ownership requirements and transfer restrictions applicable to such holders as set forth in the limited partnership agreement of Summit Holdings, from and after March 17, 2016 (subject to the terms of the exchange agreement), exchange their LP Units for Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. The exchanges are expected to result in increases in the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of Summit Holdings. These increases in tax basis may increase (for tax purposes) depreciation and amortization deductions and therefore reduce the amount of tax that Summit Inc. would otherwise be required to pay in the

29


future, although the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) may challenge all or part of the tax basis increase, and a court could sustain such a challenge.
 
In connection with the IPO, we entered into a TRA with the holders of LP Units that provides for the payment by Summit Inc. to exchanging holders of LP Units of 85% of the benefits, if any, that Summit Inc. is deemed to realize as a result of the increases in tax basis described above and certain other tax benefits related to entering into the TRA, including tax benefits attributable to payments under the TRA. This payment obligation is an obligation of Summit Inc. and not of Summit Holdings. While the actual increase in tax basis and the actual amount and utilization of net operating losses, as well as the amount and timing of any payments under the TRA, will vary depending upon a number of factors, including the timing of exchanges, the price of shares of our Class A common stock at the time of the exchange, the extent to which such exchanges are taxable and the amount and timing of our income, we expect that as a result of the size of the transfers and increases in the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of Summit Holdings and our possible utilization of net operating losses, the payments that Summit Inc. may make under the TRA will be substantial.
 
In certain cases, payments under the TRA may be accelerated or significantly exceed the actual benefits Summit Inc. realizes in respect of the tax attributes subject to the TRA.
 
The TRA provides that upon certain changes of control, or if, at any time, Summit Inc. elects an early termination of the TRA, Summit Inc.’s obligations under the TRA may be accelerated. Summit Inc.’s ability to achieve benefits from any tax basis increase or net operating losses, and the payments to be made under the TRA, will depend upon a number of factors, including the timing and amount of our future income. As a result, even in the absence of a change of control or an election to terminate the TRA, payments under the TRA could be in excess of 85% of Summit Inc.’s actual cash tax savings.
 
The actual cash tax savings realized by Summit Inc. under the TRA may be less than the corresponding TRA payments. Further, payments under the TRA may be made years in advance of when the benefits, if any, are realized on our federal and state income tax returns. Accordingly, there may be a material negative effect on our liquidity if the payments under the TRA exceed the actual cash tax savings that Summit Inc. realizes in respect of the tax attributes subject to the TRA and/or distributions to Summit Inc. by Summit Holdings are not sufficient to permit Summit Inc. to make payments under the TRA. Based upon a $23.84 share price of our Class A common stock, which was the closing price on December 27, 2019, and a contractually defined discount rate of 3.0%, we estimate that if Summit Inc. were to exercise its termination right, the aggregate amount of these termination payments would be approximately $289 million. The foregoing number is merely an estimate and the actual payments could differ materially. We may need to incur debt to finance payments under the TRA to the extent our cash resources are insufficient to meet our obligations under the TRA as a result of timing discrepancies or otherwise.
 
Ownership of Our Class A Common Stock Risks
 
The market price of shares of our Class A common stock may be volatile, which could cause the value of your investment to decline.
 
The market price of our Class A common stock may be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations. Securities markets worldwide experience significant price and volume fluctuations. This market volatility, as well as general economic, market or political conditions, could reduce the market price of shares of our Class A common stock regardless of our operating performance. In addition, our operating results could be below the expectations of public market analysts and investors due to a number of potential factors, including variations in our quarterly operating results or dividends, if any, to stockholders, additions or departures of key management personnel, failure to meet analysts’ earnings estimates, publication of research reports about our industry, litigation and government investigations, changes or proposed changes in laws or regulations or differing interpretations or enforcement thereof affecting our business, adverse market reaction to any indebtedness we may incur or securities we may issue in the future, changes in market valuations of similar companies or speculation in the press or investment community, announcements by our competitors of significant contracts, acquisitions, dispositions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments, adverse publicity about the industries we participate in or individual scandals, and in response the market price of shares of our Class A common stock could decrease significantly. You may be unable to resell your shares of Class A common stock for a profit.
 
In recent years, stock markets have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations. In the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against these companies. Such litigation, if instituted against us, could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management’s attention and resources.
 

30


Because we have no current plans to pay cash dividends on our Class A common stock, you may not receive any return on investment unless you sell your Class A common stock for a price greater than that which you paid for it.
 
We have no current plans to pay any cash dividends. The declaration, amount and payment of any future dividends on shares of Class A common stock will be at the sole discretion of our board of directors. Our board of directors may take into account general and economic conditions, our financial condition and results of operations, our available cash and current and anticipated cash needs, capital requirements, contractual, legal, tax and regulatory restrictions and implications on the payment of dividends by us to our stockholders or by our subsidiaries to us and such other factors as our board of directors may deem relevant. In addition, our ability to pay dividends is limited by our senior secured credit facilities and our Senior Notes and may be limited by covenants of other indebtedness we or our subsidiaries incur in the future. As a result, you may not receive any return on an investment in our Class A common stock unless you sell our Class A common stock for a price greater than that which you paid for it.
 
Future issuance of additional Class A common stock, or securities convertible or exchangeable for Class A common stock, may adversely affect the market price of the shares of our Class A common stock.
 
As of December 28, 2019, we had 113,309,385 shares of Class A common stock issued and outstanding, and 886,690,615 shares authorized but unissued. The number of unissued shares includes 3,249,657 shares available for issuance upon exchange of LP Units held by limited partners of Summit Holdings. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes us to issue shares of Class A common stock and options, rights, warrants and appreciation rights relating to Class A common stock for the consideration and on the terms and conditions established by our board of directors in its sole discretion. We may need to raise significant additional equity capital in connection with acquisitions or otherwise. Similarly, the limited partnership agreement of Summit Holdings permits Summit Holdings to issue an unlimited number of additional limited partnership interests of Summit Holdings with designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties that are different from, and may be senior to, those applicable to the LP Units, and which may be exchangeable for shares of our Class A common stock. Sales of substantial amounts of Class A common stock, or securities convertible or exchangeable for Class A common stock, or the perception that such sales could occur may adversely affect the prevailing market price for the shares of our Class A common stock. Thus holders of our Class A common stock will bear the risk of our future issuances reducing the market price of our Class A common stock and diluting the value of their stock holdings in us.
 
An aggregate of 13,500,000 shares of Class A common stock may be granted under the Summit Materials, Inc. 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Incentive Plan”) of which 8,625,745 have been granted as of December 28, 2019. In addition, as of December 28, 2019 we had outstanding warrants to purchase an aggregate of 100,037 shares of Class A common stock. Any Class A common stock that we issue, including under our Omnibus Incentive Plan or other equity incentive plans that we may adopt in the future, or upon exercise of outstanding options or warrants, or other securities convertible or exchangeable for Class A common stock would dilute the percentage ownership held by the investors of our Class A common stock and may adversely affect the market price of the shares of our Class A common stock.
 
Anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents and Delaware law might discourage or delay acquisition attempts for us that you might consider favorable.
 
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws contain provisions that may make the merger or acquisition of our company more difficult without the approval of our board of directors. Among other things, these provisions:
 
would allow us to authorize the issuance of undesignated preferred stock in connection with a stockholder rights plan or otherwise, the terms of which may be established and the shares of which may be issued without stockholder approval, and which may include super voting, special approval, dividend, or other rights or preferences superior to the rights of the holders of Class A common stock;

prohibit stockholder action by written consent unless such action is recommended by all directors then in office; 

provide that the board of directors is expressly authorized to make, alter, or repeal our bylaws and that our stockholders may only amend our bylaws with the approval of 66 2/3% or more in voting power of all outstanding shares of our capital stock.

establish advance notice requirements for nominations for elections to our board or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at stockholder meetings.


31


Further, as a Delaware corporation, we are also subject to provisions of Delaware law, which may impede or discourage a takeover attempt that our stockholders may find beneficial. These anti-takeover provisions and other provisions under Delaware law could discourage, delay or prevent a transaction involving a change in control of our company, including actions that our stockholders may deem advantageous, or negatively affect the trading price of our Class A common stock. These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for you and other stockholders to elect directors of your choosing and to cause us to take other corporate actions you desire.
 
ITEM  1B.    UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS  
 
None.


32


ITEM 2.     PROPERTIES.
 
Properties
 
Our headquarters are located in a 21,615 square foot office space, which we lease in Denver, Colorado, under a lease expiring on January 31, 2024.
 
As of December 28, 2019, we had 3.9 billion tons of proven and probable aggregates reserves serving our aggregates and cement businesses and operated over 400 sites and plants, to which we believe we have adequate road, barge and/or railroad access. By segment, our estimate of proven and probable reserves as of December 28, 2019 for which we have permits for extraction and that we consider to be recoverable aggregates of suitable quality for economic extraction are shown in the table below along with average annual production.
 
 
 
 
 
Tonnage of reserves for
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
each general type of
 
 
 
Average years
 
Percent of
 
 
Number of
 
aggregate
 
 
 
until depletion
 
reserves owned and
 
 
producing
 
 
 
Sand and
 
Annual
 
at current
 
percent leased
Segment
 
quarries
 
Hard rock(1)
 
gravel(1)
 
production(1)
 
production(2)
 
Owned
 
Leased(3)
West
 
80

 
341,242

 
775,405

 
24,275

 
46

 
33
%
 
67
%
East
 
157

 
1,965,312

 
312,129

 
18,822

 
121

 
64
%
 
36
%
Cement
 
3

 
503,273

 

 
1,837

 
274

 
100
%
 

Total
 
240

 
2,809,827

 
1,087,534

 
44,934

 
 
 
 
 
 
______________________
(1)
Hard rock, sand and gravel and annual production tons are shown in thousands.    
(2)
Calculated based on total reserves divided by our average of 2019 and 2018 annual production    
(3)
Lease terms range from monthly to on-going with an average lease expiry of 2025.    

As of December 28, 2019, we operated the following production and distribution facilities:
 
 
 
Quarries and Sand Deposits
 
Cement Plants
 
Cement Distribution Terminals
 
Fixed and portable ready-mix concrete plants
 
Asphalt paving mix plants
Owned
 
95
 
2
 
6
 
97
 
27
Leased
 
127
 
 
4
 
27
 
19
Partially owned and leased
 
18
 
 
 
 
4
Total
 
240
 
2
 
10
 
124
 
50

    

33


The following chart summarizes our production and distribution facilities by state as of December 28, 2019:
 
State
 
Sand & Gravel
 
Limestone
 
Cement
  
Ready-mix Concrete
 
Asphalt
Plant
 
Landfill
 
Other*
Arkansas
 
5
 
 
 
17
 
2
 
 
2
Colorado
 
30
 
1
 
 
9
 
7
 
 
2
Georgia
 
4
 
 
 
 
 
 
Idaho
 
4
 
 
 
3
 
 
 
2
Illinois
 
 
 
1
 
 
 
 
1
Iowa
 
 
1
 
2
 
 
 
 
1
Kansas
 
9
 
44
 
 
17
 
6
 
8
 
16
Kentucky
 
1
 
18
 
 
10
 
13
 
 
9
Louisiana
 
 
 
2
 
 
 
 
1
Minnesota
 
 
 
2
 
 
 
 
Missouri
 
1
 
48
 
3
 
6
 
 
 
7
Nebraska
 
 
1
 
 
 
 
 
Nevada
 
1
 
 
 
2
 
 
 
New Mexico
 
1
 
 
 
 
 
 
North Carolina
 
5
 
 
 
 
 
 
2
Oklahoma
 
5
 
1
 
 
12
 
 
 
2
South Carolina
 
11
 
1
 
 
1
 
 
 
Tennessee
 
 
1
 
1
 
 
 
 
Texas
 
10
 
3
 
 
22
 
13
 
 
20
Utah
 
19
 
2
 
 
20
 
4
 
 
3
Virginia
 
1
 
9
 
 
4
 
4
 
 
5
Wisconsin
 
 
 
1
 
 
 
 
Wyoming
 
1
 
 
 
1
 
 
 
2
     Total US
 
108
 
130
 
12
 
124
 
49
 
8
 
75
British Columbia, Canada
 
 
2
 
 
 
1
 
 
6
     Total
 
108
 
132
 
12
 
124
 
50
 
8
 
81
______________________
*Other primarily consists of office space.

ITEM  3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.  
 
The information set forth under “—Legal Proceedings” in Item 1, “Business,” is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM  4.    MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES. 
 
The information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.104) is included in Exhibit 95.1 to this report.

INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
Pursuant to General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K, certain of the information regarding our executive officers required by Items 401(b) and (e) of Regulation S-K is hereby included in Part I of this report.
 
Thomas W. Hill, 64, President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Hill is the founder of Summit Materials and has been President and Chief Executive Officer since its inception. He has been a member of our Board of Directors since August 2009. From 2006 to 2008, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Oldcastle, Inc. (“Oldcastle”), the North American arm of CRH plc,

34


one of the world's leading construction materials companies. Mr. Hill served on the CRH plc Board of Directors from 2002 to 2008 and, from 1992 to 2006, ran the Materials division of Oldcastle. Mr. Hill served as Chairman of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (“ARTBA”) from 2002 to 2004, during congressional consideration of the multi-year transportation bill “SAFETEA-LU.” Mr. Hill has been Treasurer of both the National Asphalt Pavement Association and the National Stone Association, and he remains active with ARTBA’s Executive Committee. Mr. Hill received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and History from Duke University and a Masters of Business Administration from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland.
 
Thomas A. Beck, 62, Executive Vice President and Cement Division President. Mr. Beck joined the Company in May 2010 when the Company purchased a controlling interest in Continental Cement. Mr. Beck is Executive Vice President and Cement Division President, a position he has held since January 2013. He was a Senior Vice President with Continental Cement from 2005 to 2013 and its VP, Sales & Marketing, from l996 to 2005. Mr. Beck also held various positions with Holnam (predecessor to Holcim (US) Inc.) from 1987 to 1996. Mr. Beck currently serves on the Executive Committee and is Vice Chairman of the Portland Cement Association and is active on several cement and concrete industry boards. Mr. Beck received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois.
 
Anne Lee Benedict, 47, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary. Ms. Benedict joined the Company in October 2013. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Benedict was a corporate partner in the Washington, D.C. office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, where she had practiced since 2000. Ms. Benedict's practice involved a wide range of corporate law matters, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and other strategic transactions, securities offerings, securities regulation and corporate governance matters. Ms. Benedict received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Psychology from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.
 
Michael J. Brady, 52, Executive Vice President and Chief Business Development Officer. Mr. Brady joined the Company in April 2009 after having been a Senior Vice President at CRH Plc’s U.S. subsidiary, Oldcastle, with overall responsibility for acquisitions and business development, having joined Oldcastle in 2000. Prior to that, Mr. Brady worked in several operational and general management positions in the paper and packaging industry in Ireland, the United Kingdom and Asia Pacific with the Jefferson Smurfit Group, plc (now Smurfit Kappa Group plc). Mr. Brady received a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) and a Master of Engineering Science (Microelectronics) from University College, Cork in Ireland and a Master of Business Administration degree from INSEAD in France.
 
Brian J. Harris, 63, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Harris joined the Company as Chief Financial Officer in October 2013 after having been Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Bausch & Lomb Holdings Incorporated, a leading global eye health company, from 2009 to 2013. From 1990 to 2009, Mr. Harris held positions of increasing responsibility with industrial, automotive, building products and engineering manufacturing conglomerate Tomkins plc, including President of the $2 billion worldwide power transmission business for Gates Corporation, and Senior Vice President for Strategic Business Development and Business Administration, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of Gates Corporation. Mr. Harris received a Bachelor of Accountancy from Glasgow University and is qualified as a Scottish Chartered Accountant.
 


35


PART II 
 

ITEM  5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
 
Market Information
 
Summit Inc.’s Class A common stock began publicly trading on the NYSE under the symbol “SUM” on March 11, 2015. Prior to that time, there was no public market for our Class A common stock. Our Class B common stock is not publicly traded. As of February 3, 2019, there were five holders of record of our Class A common stock and 30 holders of record of our Class B common stock.
 
These stockholder figures do not include a substantially greater number of holders whose shares are held of record by banks, brokers and other financial institutions.
 
All of the outstanding limited liability company interests of Summit LLC are held by Summit Materials Intermediate Holdings, LLC, an indirect subsidiary of Summit Inc. There is no established public trading market for limited liability company interests of Summit LLC.
 
Dividends
  
If Summit Inc. uses future excess tax distributions to purchase additional LP Units, we anticipate that in order to maintain the relationship between the shares of Class A common stock and the LP Units, our board of directors may continue to declare stock dividends on the Class A common stock.
 
Summit Inc. has no current plans to pay cash dividends on its Class A common stock. The declaration, amount and payment of any future dividends on shares of Class A common stock is at the sole discretion of our board of directors and we may reduce or discontinue entirely the payment of any such dividends at any time. Our board of directors may take into account general and economic conditions, our financial condition and operating results, our available cash and current and anticipated cash needs, capital requirements, contractual, legal, tax and regulatory restrictions and implications on the payment of dividends by us to our stockholders or by our subsidiaries to us, and such other factors as our board of directors may deem relevant.

Summit Inc. is a holding company and has no material assets other than its ownership of LP Units. Should we decide to pay a cash dividend on our Class A common stock in the future, we anticipate funding this cash dividend by causing Summit Holdings to make distributions to Summit Inc. in an amount sufficient to cover such dividend, whereupon the other holders of LP Units will also be entitled to receive distributions pro rata in accordance with the percentages of their respective limited partnership interests. Because Summit Inc. must pay taxes and make payments under the TRA, any amounts ultimately distributed as dividends to holders of our Class A common stock are expected to be less on a per share basis than the amounts distributed by Summit Holdings to its partners on a per LP Unit basis.
 
The agreements governing our senior secured credit facilities and the Senior Notes contain a number of covenants that restrict, subject to certain exceptions, Summit LLC’s ability to pay distributions to its parent company and ultimately to Summit Inc. See Note 8, Debt, to our consolidated financial statements.
 
Any financing arrangements that we enter into in the future may include restrictive covenants that limit our ability to pay dividends. In addition, Summit Holdings is generally prohibited under Delaware law from making a distribution to a limited partner to the extent that, at the time of the distribution, after giving effect to the distribution, liabilities of Summit Holdings (with certain exceptions) exceed the fair value of its assets.
 
Subsidiaries of Summit Holdings are generally subject to similar legal limitations on their ability to make distributions to Summit Holdings.
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
During the quarter and year ended December 28, 2019, we did not purchase any of our equity securities that are registered under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).
 

36


Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
 
There were no unregistered sales of equity securities which have not been previously disclosed in a quarterly report on Form 10-Q or a current report on Form 8-K during the year ended December 28, 2019.

ITEM  6.     SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

The following selected financial data should be read together with the more detailed information contained in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this report. Summit Holdings, which commenced operations on August 26, 2009, is considered Summit Inc.’s predecessor for accounting purposes, and its consolidated financial statements are Summit Inc.’s historical financial statements. Under U.S. GAAP, Summit Holdings meets the definition of a variable interest entity.

The following tables set forth consolidated financial data for the five most recent years, derived from Summit Inc.’s and Summit LLC’s audited consolidated financial statements. The selected statements of operations data for the years ended December 28, 2019, December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 and the selected balance sheet data as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 are derived from audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report. The selected statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016 and the selected balance sheet data as of December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016 are derived from audited consolidated financial statements not included in this report.
 
Our fiscal year is based on a 52-53 week year with each quarter consisting of 13 weeks ending on a Saturday. The 53-week year last occurred in 2015 and will occur in 2020. The additional week in the 53-week year was included in the fourth quarter. Historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected in the future.
Summit Materials, Inc.
 
 
Year Ended
 
 
December 28, 2019
 
December 29, 2018
 
December 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
January 2, 2016
($ in thousands, except for per share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of Operations Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenue
 
$
2,222,140

 
$
2,101,002

 
$
1,932,575

 
$
1,626,063

 
$
1,432,297

Income (loss) from continuing operations
 
$
61,123

 
$
36,330

 
$
125,777

 
$
46,126

 
$
(931
)
Net income per share of Class A common stock:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.53

 
$
0.30

 
$
1.12

 
$
0.52

 
$
0.68

Diluted
 
$
0.52

 
$
0.30

 
$
1.11

 
$
0.52

 
$
0.50

Balance Sheet Data (as of period end):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
4,067,556

 
3,857,641

 
3,787,333

 
2,781,466

 
2,396,179

Total debt, including current portion of long-term debt, excluding original issuance premium or discount and deferred financing costs
 
1,874,255

 
1,830,611

 
1,835,375

 
1,540,250

 
1,296,750

Finance lease liabilities
 
56,417

 
49,119

 
35,723

 
39,314

 
44,822

Summit Materials, LLC
 
 
Year Ended
 
 
December 28, 2019
 
December 29, 2018
 
December 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
January 2, 2016
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of Operations Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenue
 
$
2,222,140

 
$
2,101,002

 
$
1,932,575

 
$
1,626,063

 
$
1,432,297

Income (loss) from continuing operations
 
$
88,597

 
$
63,837

 
$
134,041

 
$
62,087

 
$
(59
)
Balance Sheet Data (as of period end):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
3,856,223

 
3,633,244

 
3,504,241

 
2,776,420

 
2,395,162

Total debt, including current portion of long-term debt, excluding original issuance premium or discount and deferred financing costs
 
1,874,255

 
1,830,611

 
1,835,375

 
1,540,250

 
1,296,750

Finance lease liabilities
 
56,417

 
49,119

 
35,723

 
39,314

 
44,822


37


ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is intended to assist in understanding and assessing the trends and significant changes in our results of operations and financial condition. Historical results may not be indicative of future performance. Forward-looking statements reflect our current views about future events, are based on assumptions and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Factors that may cause differences between actual results and those contemplated by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and any factors discussed in the sections entitled “Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” of this report. This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the “Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data,” our audited consolidated annual financial statements and the related notes thereto and other information included in this report. A discussion and analysis of our results of operations and changes in financial condition for fiscal 2018 compared to 2017 may be found in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2018, filed with the SEC on February 6, 2019, which discussion is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Overview
 
We are one of the fastest growing construction materials companies in the United States, with a 55% increase in revenue between the year ended January 2, 2016 (the year of our initial public offering) and the year ended December 28, 2019. Within our markets, we offer customers a single-source provider for construction materials and related downstream products through our vertical integration. Our materials include aggregates, which we supply across the United States, and in British Columbia, Canada, and cement, which we supply to surrounding states along the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana. In addition to supplying aggregates to customers, we use a portion of our materials internally to produce ready-mix concrete and asphalt paving mix, which may be sold externally or used in our paving and related services businesses. Our vertical integration creates opportunities to increase aggregates volumes, optimize margin at each stage of production and provide customers with efficiency gains, convenience and reliability, which we believe gives us a competitive advantage. 
 
Since our inception in 2009, we have completed dozens of acquisitions, which are organized into 11 operating companies that make up our three distinct operating segments—West, East and Cement. We operate in 23 U.S. states and in British Columbia, Canada and currently have assets in 22 U.S. states and British Columbia, Canada. The map below illustrates our geographic footprint:


38


corpassetmap2018a02.jpg 

Business Trends and Conditions
 
The U.S. construction materials industry is composed of four primary sectors: aggregates; cement; ready-mix concrete; and asphalt paving mix. Each of these materials is widely used in most forms of construction activity. Participants in these sectors typically range from small, privately-held companies focused on a single material, product or market to publicly traded multinational corporations that offer a wide array of construction materials and services. Competition is constrained in part by the distance materials can be transported efficiently, resulting in predominantly local or regional operations. Due to the lack of product differentiation, competition for all of our products is predominantly based on price and, to a lesser extent, quality of products and service. As a result, the prices we charge our customers are not likely to be materially different from the prices charged by other producers in the same markets. Accordingly, our profitability is generally dependent on the level of demand for our materials and products and our ability to control operating costs.
 
Our revenue is derived from multiple end-use markets including public infrastructure construction and private residential and nonresidential construction. Public infrastructure includes spending by federal, state, provincial and local governments for roads, highways, bridges, airports and other infrastructure projects. Public infrastructure projects have
historically been a relatively stable portion of state and federal budgets. Residential and nonresidential construction consists of new construction and repair and remodel markets. Any economic stagnation or decline, which could vary by local region and market, could affect our results of operations. Our sales and earnings are sensitive to national, regional and local economic conditions and particularly to cyclical changes in construction spending, especially in the private sector. From a macroeconomic view, we see positive indicators for the construction sector, including positive trends in highway obligations, housing starts and construction employment.
 

39


Transportation infrastructure projects, driven by both federal and state funding programs, represent a significant share of the U.S. construction materials market. Federal funds are allocated to the states, which are required to match a portion of the federal funds they receive. Federal highway spending uses funds predominantly from the Federal Highway Trust Fund, which derives its revenue from taxes on diesel fuel, gasoline and other user fees. The dependability of federal funding allows the state departments of transportation to plan for their long term highway construction and maintenance needs. Funding for the existing federal transportation funding program extends through 2020. With the nation’s infrastructure aging, there is increased demand by states and municipalities for long-term federal funding to support the construction of new roads, highways and bridges in addition to the maintenance of the existing infrastructure.
 
In addition to federal funding, state, county and local agencies provide highway construction and maintenance funding. Our four largest states by revenue, Texas, Kansas, Utah and Missouri, represented approximately 22%, 13%, 12% and 10%, respectively, of our total revenue in 2019. The following is a summary of key funding initiatives in those states:
 
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (“TXDOT”), annual funding available for transportation infrastructure, including state and federal funding, is estimated to average $16.2 billion in total for fiscal year 2020 (which commenced September 1, 2019) and fiscal year 2021 combined. Further, the 2020 Unified Transportation Program (“UTP”) was approved by the Texas Transportation Commission in September 2019 at $77 billion to fund transportation projects from 2020 through 2029; this is an increase from $75 billion in 2019 and more than double the fiscal year 2016 level, which was prior to the Proposition 1 and Proposition 7 funding initiatives discussed in further detail below. The funding available in any given year is separate and distinct from lettings, or the process of providing notice, issuing proposals, receiving proposals, and awarding contracts. In December 2019, TXDOT updated its fiscal year 2020 lettings estimate to $7.3 billion from $8.9 billion and updated its fiscal year 2021 estimate to $14.2 billion. Longer-term, TXDOT has indicated a target of $8 billion per year in total state and local lettings.

In February 2018, the federal government approved approximately $89 billion in relief funding related to a series of natural disasters, including Hurricane Harvey, which impacted the Houston market in the second half of 2017.  Furthermore, in June 2019, Congress passed an additional $19.1 billion disaster aid package and released more than $4 billion to Texas that Congress originally allocated in early 2018. At the state-level, between December 2018 and January 2019, the Texas Land Commission and the City of Houston announced two federally funded programs, totaling $2.27 billion, to assist homeowners affected by Hurricane Harvey; and in July 2019, the Governor signed four bills aimed at improving the state’s emergency preparedness and disaster relief programs, including a framework that provides more than $1.6 billion for flood control projects and repairs across the state.  We believe that the federal and state-level funding stemming from these legislative actions will drive significant new water and transportation infrastructure construction in the Houston market over the coming years.
In November 2015, Texas voters approved the ballot measure known as Proposition 7, authorizing a constitutional amendment for transportation funding. The amendment dedicates a portion of the state’s general sales and use taxes and motor vehicle sales and rental taxes to the State Highway Fund (“SHF”) for use on non-tolled projects. Beginning in September 2017 (fiscal year 2018), if general state sales and use tax revenue exceeds $28 billion in a fiscal year, the next $2.5 billion will be directed to the SHF. Additionally, beginning in September 2019 (fiscal year 2020), if state motor vehicle sales and rental tax revenue exceeds $5 billion in a fiscal year, 35% of the amount above $5 billion will be directed to the SHF. In fiscal year 2018 sales tax revenue exceeded $30.5 billion, and as such, fiscal year 2019 was the first year in which the full Proposition 7 funding potential, $2.5 billion, was transferred to the SHF. As of November 2019, the Texas Office of the Comptroller expects over $2.5 billion per annum to be transferred to the SHF in both fiscal year 2020 and 2021.
In November 2014, Texas voters approved a ballot measure known as Proposition 1, which authorized a portion of the severance taxes on oil and natural gas to be redirected to the SHF each year. Fiscal year 2019 funding from Proposition 1 was $1.4 billion, up from $734 million in fiscal year 2018 and as of November 2019, the Texas Office of the Comptroller estimated its fiscal year 2020 Proposition 1 transfer to be $1.7 billion. Furthermore, in June 2019, the Texas State Legislature extended the sunset period on Proposition 1 to 2034 from 2024.

Utah’s transportation investment fund has $2.3 billion programmed for 2017 through 2022. In early 2017, Utah’s governor signed into law a measure to allow the state to issue up to $1 billion in highway general obligation bonds to accelerate funding for several projects that the Utah Transportation Commission already approved.  Furthermore, in January 2019, Utah’s Transportation Governance and Funding Task Force, appointed by the state legislature in 2017, released draft legislation that would increase fees on electric and hybrid vehicles and create a hotel room tax and local option sales tax to aid in transit development. The proposal would also authorize the Utah Department of Transportation to begin a study on a road usage charge pilot program.  In December 2019, Utah’s Governor signed a

40


measure that beginning in April 2020 will impose a 4.85% state sales tax to gasoline purchases and increase the state diesel tax by 6 cents-per-gallon, with an additional 4 cents-per-gallon diesel tax increase in 2022. The tax is estimated to generate an additional $170 million for transportation investment in 2021.
In May 2010, Kansas passed a 10-year $8.2 billion highway bill. In May 2018, a legislative task force was convened to evaluate the current transportation system’s condition and funding of the state’s transportation system. The task force released its formal report in January 2019, concluding that it is imperative that the State of Kansas provides consistent, stable funding in order to maintain a quality transportation system; highlighting the negative impacts of $2.1 billion in transfers out of the SHF since 2011; and recommending that the state legislature review new potential sources of additional funding, including increasing registration fees, motor fuels taxes and fees for oversize vehicles and implementing new fees specific to alternative-fuel vehicles.  Based on the task force’s recommendations, in March 2019, the Kansas State Legislature approved the Governor’s fiscal year 2020 budget with $1.5 billion in transportation funding, a 32% increase from the $1.1 billion in fiscal year 2019, with the further plan to eliminate all transfers out of the SHF by 2023, starting with a $108 million reduction in fiscal year 2020 transfers. The elimination of transfers out of the SHF is expected to help pave the way for the issuance of new bonds for transportation projects. Furthermore, within the Kansas Department of Transportation (“KDOT”) budget, the highway program was allocated $546 million, an increase of 138% or $317 million from fiscal year 2017. Most recently, the Governor authorized an additional $216 million in sales tax revenue to remain in the SHF in fiscal year 2020 to help restore the bridge replacement program and KDOT pledged to complete $435 million worth of transportation projects promised under the Transportation Works program by fiscal year 2023. KDOT has scheduled the following projects for the Transportation Works program over the next three fiscal years: five projects in fiscal year 2021 for approximately $135 million, ten projects in fiscal year 2022 for approximately $221 million and four projects in fiscal year 2023 for approximately $47 million.
In July 2019, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission approved the 2020 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (“STIP”), which increased funding to $4.6 billion for highway and bridge construction through 2024 from $4.5 billion in the 2019 STIP and $4.2 billion in the 2018 STIP. Most recently, Missouri lawmakers proposed four new bills aimed at increasing the motor fuel tax, although three of which would require statewide votes. The fourth bill (House Bill 1433), which does not require a statewide vote, includes a $450 million bond directed toward repairing road infrastructure and would increase the motor fuel tax from 17 cents-per-gallon to 19 cents-per-gallon from January 2021 until December 2030 and then decrease back to 18 cents-per-gallon thereafter. The increased motor fuel tax is expected to generate around $60 million per year to pay off the bond over a 10-year period.

The table below sets forth additional details regarding our four key states, including growth rates as compared to the U.S. as a whole: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Projected Industry Growth by End Market
 
 
 
 
Revenue by End Market(1)
 
2020 to 2022(2)
 
 
Percentage of
 
Residential and
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our Total
 
Nonresidential
 
Residential
 
Nonresidential
State
 
Revenue 
 
Construction 
 
Construction 
 
Construction 
Texas
 
23
%
 
60
%
 
1.2
%
 
0.7
%
Kansas
 
13
%
 
54
%
 
6.4
%
 
3.9
%
Utah
 
12
%
 
75
%
 
0.2
%
 
8.1
%
Missouri
 
10
%
 
68
%
 
1.4
%
 
0.9
%
Weighted average(3)
 
 
 
 
 
2.2
%
 
3.0
%
United States(2)
 
 
 
 
 
1.5
%
 
1.8
%
______________________
(1)
Percentages based on our revenue by state for the year ended December 28, 2019 and management’s estimates as to end markets.
(2)
Source: PCA
(3)
Calculated using a weighted average based on each state’s percentage contribution to our total revenue.

Use and consumption of our products fluctuate due to seasonality. Nearly all of the products used by us, and by our customers, in the private construction or public infrastructure industries are used outdoors. Our highway operations and production and distribution facilities are also located outdoors. Therefore, seasonal changes and other weather-related conditions, in particular extended rainy and cold weather in the spring and fall and major weather events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, tropical storms, heavy snows and flooding, can adversely affect our business and operations through a decline in

41


both the use of our products and demand for our services. In addition, construction materials production and shipment levels follow activity in the construction industry, which typically occurs in the spring, summer and fall. Warmer and drier weather during the second and third quarters of our fiscal year typically result in higher activity and revenue levels during those quarters. The first quarter of our fiscal year typically has lower levels of activity due to weather conditions.

We are subject to commodity price risk with respect to price changes in liquid asphalt and energy, including fossil fuels and electricity for aggregates, cement, ready-mix concrete and asphalt paving mix production, natural gas for hot mix asphalt production and diesel fuel for distribution vehicles and production related mobile equipment. Liquid asphalt escalator provisions in most of our private and commercial contracts limit our exposure to price fluctuations in this commodity. We often obtain similar escalators on public infrastructure contracts. In addition, we enter into various firm purchase commitments, with terms generally less than one year, for certain raw materials.    

Financial Highlights— Year ended December 28, 2019
 
The principal factors in evaluating our financial condition and operating results for the year ended December 28, 2019 are:

Net revenue increased 6.4% or $121.4 million in 2019 as compared to 2018, primarily resulting from organic growth and to a lesser extent, contributions from our acquisitions.
Our operating income increased 31.4% or $51.1 million in 2019 as compared to 2018, as pricing and volume increases exceeded the increases in cost of revenue.
In March 2019, we issued $300 million of 6.5% senior notes due 2027 (the "2027 Notes"), resulting in net proceeds of $296.3 million, after related fees and expenses. The proceeds from the 2027 Notes were used to redeem the $250 million of 8.5% senior notes due 2022 (the "2022 Notes").
In February 2019, we entered into Incremental Amendment No. 4 to the Credit Agreement (as defined below) increasing the size of our revolving credit facility to $345 million and extending the maturity date with respect to the revolving credit commitments to February 25, 2024.

Components of Operating Results
 
Total Revenue
 
We derive our revenue predominantly by selling construction materials and products and providing paving and related services. Construction materials consist of aggregates and cement. Products consist of related downstream products, including ready-mix concrete, asphalt paving mix and concrete products. Paving and related services that we provide are primarily asphalt paving services.
 
Revenue derived from the sale of construction materials are recognized when risks associated with ownership have passed to unaffiliated customers. Typically this occurs when products are shipped. Product revenue generally includes sales of aggregates, cement and related downstream products and other materials to customers, net of discounts or allowances and taxes, if any.
 
Revenue derived from paving and related services are recognized on the percentage-of-completion basis, measured by the cost incurred to date compared to estimated total cost of each project. This method is used because management considers cost incurred to be the best available measure of progress on these contracts. Due to the inherent uncertainties in estimating costs, it is at least reasonably possible that the estimates used will change over the life of the contract.
 
Operating Costs and Expenses
 
The key components of our operating costs and expenses consist of the following:
 
Cost of Revenue (excluding items shown separately)
 
Cost of revenue consists of all production and delivery costs and primarily includes labor, repair and maintenance, utilities, raw materials, fuel, transportation, subcontractor costs, royalties and other direct costs incurred in the production and delivery of our products and services. Our cost of revenue is directly affected by fluctuations in commodity energy prices, primarily diesel fuel, liquid asphalt and other petroleum-based resources. As a result, our operating profit margins can be significantly affected by changes in the underlying cost of certain raw materials if they are not recovered through corresponding changes in revenue. We attempt to limit our exposure to changes in commodity energy prices by entering into forward purchase

42


commitments when appropriate. In addition, we have sales price adjustment provisions that provide for adjustments based on fluctuations outside a limited range in certain energy-related production costs. These provisions are in place for most of our public infrastructure contracts, and we seek to include similar price adjustment provisions in our private contracts.

General and Administrative Expenses
 
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and personnel costs, including stock-based compensation charges, for our sales and marketing, administration, finance and accounting, legal, information systems, human resources and certain managerial employees. Additional expenses include audit, consulting and professional fees, travel, insurance, rental costs, property taxes and other corporate and overhead expenses.
 
Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Accretion
 
Our business is capital intensive. We carry property, plant and equipment on our balance sheet at cost, net of applicable depreciation, depletion and amortization. Depreciation on property, plant and equipment is computed on a straight-line basis or based on the economic usage over the estimated useful life of the asset. The general range of depreciable lives by category, excluding mineral reserves, which are depleted based on the units of production method on a site-by-site basis, is as follows:
 
Buildings and improvements
 
10 - 30
years
Plant, machinery and equipment
 
15 - 20
years
Office equipment
 
3 - 7
years
Truck and auto fleet
 
5 - 8
years
Mobile equipment and barges
 
6 - 8
years
Landfill airspace and improvements
 
10 - 30
years
Other
 
4 - 20
years
 
Amortization expense is the periodic expense related to leasehold improvements and intangible assets. The intangible assets were recognized with certain acquisitions and are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the life of the underlying asset or the remaining lease term.
 
Accretion expense is the periodic expense recorded for the accrued mining reclamation liabilities and landfill closure and post-closure liabilities using the effective interest method.
 
Transaction Costs
 
Transaction costs consist primarily of third party accounting, legal, valuation and financial advisory fees incurred in connection with potential acquisitions.
 
Results of Operations
 
The following discussion of our results of operations is focused on the key financial measures we use to evaluate the performance of our business from both a consolidated and operating segment perspective. Operating income and margins are discussed in terms of changes in volume, pricing and mix of revenue source (i.e., type of product sales or service revenue). We focus on operating margin, which we define as operating income as a percentage of net revenue, as a key metric when assessing the performance of the business, as we believe that analyzing changes in costs in relation to changes in revenue provides more meaningful insight into the results of operations than examining costs in isolation.
 
Operating income (loss) reflects our profit from continuing operations after taking into consideration cost of revenue, general and administrative expenses, depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion and transaction costs. Cost of revenue generally increases ratably with revenue, as labor, transportation costs and subcontractor costs are recorded in cost of revenue. In periods where our revenue growth occurs primarily through acquisitions, general and administrative expenses and depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion have historically grown ratably with revenue. However, as organic volumes increase, we expect these costs, as a percentage of revenue, to decrease. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue vary throughout the year due to the seasonality of our business. Our transaction costs fluctuate with the level acquisition activity each year.

43



The table below includes revenue and operating income (loss) by segment for the periods indicated. Operating income (loss) by segment is computed as earnings before interest, taxes and other income / expense.
 
 
 
Year ended
 
 
December 28, 2019
 
December 29, 2018
 
December 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
Operating
 
 
 
Operating
 
 
 
Operating
(in thousands)
 
Revenue
 
income (loss)
 
Revenue
 
income (loss)
 
Revenue
 
income (loss)
West
 
$
1,122,338

 
$
109,182

 
$
1,117,066

 
$
92,068

 
$
998,843

 
$
130,334

East
 
809,098

 
101,775

 
703,147

 
59,554

 
629,919

 
67,739

Cement
 
290,704

 
64,697

 
280,789

 
75,843

 
303,813

 
89,360

Corporate (1)
 

 
(62,096
)
 

 
(64,999
)
 

 
(66,556
)
Total
 
$
2,222,140

 
$
213,558

 
$
2,101,002

 
$
162,466

 
$
1,932,575

 
$
220,877

______________________
(1)
Corporate results primarily consist of compensation and office expenses for employees included in the Company's headquarters.  
 
Consolidated Results of Operations
 
The table below sets forth our consolidated results of operations for the periods indicated:
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net revenue
 
$
2,030,647

 
$
1,909,258

 
$
1,752,409

Delivery and subcontract revenue
 
191,493

 
191,744

 
180,166

Total revenue
 
2,222,140

 
2,101,002

 
1,932,575

Cost of revenue (excluding items shown separately below)
 
1,526,332

 
1,475,779

 
1,281,777

General and administrative expenses
 
262,926

 
253,609

 
242,670

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion
 
217,102

 
204,910

 
179,518

Transaction costs
 
2,222

 
4,238

 
7,733

Operating income
 
213,558

 
162,466

 
220,877

Interest expense (1)
 
116,509

 
116,548

 
108,549

Loss on debt financings
 
14,565

 
149

 
4,815

Tax receivable agreement expense (benefit) (1)
 
16,237

 
(22,684
)
 
271,016

Gain on sale of business
 

 
(12,108
)
 

Other income, net
 
(11,977
)
 
(15,516
)
 
(5,303
)
Income (loss) from operations before taxes
 
78,224

 
96,077

 
(158,200
)
Income tax expense (benefit) (1)
 
17,101

 
59,747

 
(283,977
)
Net income
 
$
61,123

 
$
36,330

 
$
125,777

______________________
(1)
The statement of operations above is based on the financial results of Summit Inc. and its subsidiaries, which was $27.5 million, $27.5 million and $8.3 million less than Summit LLC and its subsidiaries in the years ended December 28, 2019, December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, respectively, due to interest expense associated with a deferred consideration obligation, TRA expense and income tax benefit are obligations of Summit Holdings and Summit Inc., respectively and are thus excluded from Summit LLC’s consolidated net income.


44


Fiscal Year 2019 Compared to 2018
 
($ in thousands)
 
2019
 
2018
 
Variance
Net revenue
 
$
2,030,647

 
$
1,909,258

 
$
121,389

    
6.4
%
Operating income
 
213,558

 
162,466

 
51,092

 
31.4
%
Operating margin percentage
 
10.5
%
 
8.5
%
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
 
$
461,462

 
$
406,261

 
$
55,201

 
13.6
%
______________________
(1)
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that we find helpful in monitoring the performance of our business. See the definition of and the reconciliation below of Adjusted EBITDA to net income, which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

Net revenue increased $121.4 million for the year ended December 28, 2019, primarily resulting from organic growth in our aggregates and asphalt operations, and to a lesser extent, our acquisition program. Of the increase in net revenue, $103.2 million was from increased sales of materials and $21.1 million from increased sales of products, offset by a $2.9 million decrease in service revenue. We generated organic volume growth of 9.5%2.8%, 0.1% and 2.6% in aggregates, cement, ready-mix and asphalt, respectively, during 2019 over the prior year period. We had organic price growth in our aggregate, cement, ready-mix and asphalt lines of business of 6.5%1.7%3.3% and 6.2%, respectively, during 2019.
 
For the year ended December 28, 2019, our net revenue growth was $27.0 million and $94.4 million from acquisitions and organic revenue, respectively. In addition, operating income increased by $51.1 million in 2019 as compared to 2018 primarily as our volume and pricing gains exceeded the increases of our costs of revenue, including increases in our general and administrative expenses and depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion expense resulting from our acquisition program. Our depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion increased $12.2 million largely due to acquisitions completed in 2019 and 2018.
 
For the year ended December 28, 2019, our operating margin percentage increased from 8.5% to 10.5% as compared to the year ended December 29, 2018, due to the items noted above. Adjusted EBITDA, as defined below, increased by $55.2 million in the year ended December 28, 2019 as compared to the year ended December 29, 2018.
 
As a vertically-integrated company, we include intercompany sales from materials to products and from products to services when assessing the operating results of our business. We refer to revenue inclusive of intercompany sales as gross revenue. These intercompany transactions are eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. Gross revenue by line of business was as follows:
 
($ in thousands)
 
2019
 
2018
 
Variance
Revenue by product*:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Aggregates
 
$
593,027

 
$
489,200

 
$
103,827

 
21.2
 %
Cement
 
275,530

 
263,526

 
12,004

 
4.6
 %
Ready-mix concrete
 
608,168

 
584,630

 
23,538

 
4.0
 %
Asphalt
 
369,650

 
321,144

 
48,506

 
15.1
 %
Paving and related services
 
603,271

 
616,892

 
(13,621
)
 
(2.2
)%
Other
 
(227,506
)
 
(174,390
)
 
(53,116
)
 
(30.5
)%
Total revenue
 
$
2,222,140

 
$
2,101,002

 
$
121,138

 
5.8
 %
______________________
*        Revenue by product includes intercompany and intracompany sales transferred at market value. The elimination of intracompany transactions is included in Other. Revenue from the liquid asphalt terminals is included in asphalt revenue.
 
Detail of our volumes and average selling prices by product for the years ended December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 were as follows:  
 

45


 
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volume(1)
 
 
 
Volume(1)
 
 
 
Percentage Change in
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Pricing(2)
 
(in thousands)
 
Pricing(2)
 
Volume
 
Pricing
Aggregates
 
53,954

 
$
10.99

 
47,624

 
$
10.27

 
13.3
%
 
7.0
%
Cement
 
2,395

 
115.03

 
2,329

 
113.14

 
2.8
%
 
1.7
%
Ready-mix concrete
 
5,466

 
111.27

 
5,433

 
107.61

 
0.6
%
 
3.4
%
Asphalt
 
5,568

 
58.93

 
5,404

 
55.57

 
3.0
%
 
6.0
%
______________________
(1)
Volumes are shown in tons for aggregates, cement and asphalt and in cubic yards for ready-mix concrete.
(2)
Pricing is shown on a per ton basis for aggregates, cement and asphalt and on a per cubic yard basis for ready-mix concrete.

Gross revenue from aggregates increased $103.8 million for the year ended December 28, 2019 as compared to the year ended December 29, 2018, due to increased volumes and improved average sales prices. Aggregate volumes growth was attributable primarily to organic growth in both the West and East segments, and to a lesser extent, our acquisition program. Organic aggregate volumes increased 9.5% as compared to 2018, primarily due to increases in Missouri, Kansas and Texas markets. Aggregate pricing of $10.99 per ton increased 7.0% as compared to 2018, supported by strong increases in Missouri.
 
Gross revenue from cement increased $12.0 million in the year ended December 28, 2019 as compared to the year ended December 29, 2018. The increase was primarily due to a 2.8% increase in organic volumes and a 1.7% increase in organic average sales prices.

Gross revenue from ready-mix concrete increased $23.5 million for the year ended December 28, 2019 as compared to December 29, 2018, primarily from organic growth. Ready-mix concrete pricing of $111.27 per cubic yard in 2019 increased 3.4% as compared to 2018 levels.
 
Gross revenue from asphalt increased $48.5 million for the year ended December 28, 2019 as compared to the prior year. Our organic asphalt volumes increased 2.6% with the balance of the increased revenue coming from our acquisition program.
 
Other Financial Information
 
Loss on Debt Financings

In March 2019, we used the net proceeds from the offering of the 2027 Notes to redeem all of the outstanding 2022 Notes. In connection with this transaction, charges of $14.6 million were recognized in fiscal 2019. The fees included $11.7 million for the applicable prepayment premium and $2.9 million for the write-off of unamortized deferred financing fees.    
 
Tax Receivable Agreement (Benefit) Expense
 
Our TRA expense for the year ended December 28, 2019 was $16.2 million as compared to TRA benefit of $22.7 million in the year ended December 29, 2018.  Each year, we update our estimate as to when TRA payments will be made. When payments are made under the TRA, a portion of the payment made will be characterized as imputed interest under IRS regulations. The TCJA enacted in late 2017 contained provisions whereby interest expense deductions may be limited, and the IRS issued proposed regulations in late 2018 around the deductibility of interest expense. Under our forecast prepared at the end of 2018, we expected the amount of imputed interest based on future TRA payments would be limited under the proposed IRS regulations, and therefore we would not benefit from that deduction. Based on our forecast model updated at the end of 2019, which updated our forecast of the timing of TRA payments, we believe our interest expense deductions will not be limited under the proposed regulations. We also updated our estimate of the state income tax rate that will be in effect at the date the TRA payments are made. As a result of updated state income tax rate, and the imputed interest limitation noted above, we increased our TRA liability by $16.2 million as of December 28, 2019 and reduced our TRA liability by $22.7 million as of December 29, 2018.
 
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
Our income tax expense was $17.1 million for the year ended December 28, 2019 as compared to income tax expense of $59.7 million for the year ended December 29, 2018. Our effective tax rate for Summit Inc. differs from the federal statutory

46


tax rate primarily due to (1) unrecognized tax benefits, (2) changes in the valuation allowance, (3) state taxes, (4) tax depletion expense in excess of the expense recorded under U.S. GAAP, (5) the minority interest in the Summit Holdings partnership that is allocated outside of the Company and (6) various other items such as limitations on meals and entertainment, certain stock compensation and other costs. The Company's income tax provision is calculated under the provisions of the proposed regulations related to tax reform legislation, which may limit our ability to deduct interest expense in calculating our taxable income. Once the final regulations are issued, the Company will adjust its calculations, if necessary.
 
As of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, Summit Inc. had a valuation allowance of $1.7 million and $19.4 million against our deferred tax assets, respectively.

Segment Results of Operations
 
West Segment
($ in thousands)
 
2019
 
2018
 
Variance
Net revenue
 
$
1,022,730

 
$
1,011,155

 
$
11,575

    
1.1
%
Operating income
 
109,182

 
92,068

 
17,114

 
18.6
%
Operating margin percentage
 
10.7
%
 
9.1
%
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
 
$
204,964

 
$
188,999

 
$
15,965

 
8.4
%
______________________
(1)
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that we find helpful in monitoring the performance of our business. See the reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure below.

Net revenue in the West segment increased $11.6 million for the year ended December 28, 2019 as compared to December 29, 2018, primarily due to increases in net revenues from aggregates and asphalt, offset by a decrease in paving and related services as well as a decrease in other revenues due to the sale of a non-core business in the third quarter of 2018. Organic aggregate volumes increased 5.8% in 2019 as compared to 2018, and organic aggregates average sales prices increased 2.7%. Organic ready-mix concrete volumes were down 1.5%, while we achieved a 3.6% increase in organic ready-mix concrete average sales prices.
 
The West segment’s operating income increased $17.1 million in 2019 as compared to 2018 as our revenue gains as described above outpaced increases in labor costs and hydrocarbon costs included in cost of revenue and increases in general and administrative expenses, as well as higher levels of depreciation and amortization from acquisitions made in 2018. Further, wetter weather conditions in our Texas markets had a negative effect on our operational efficiencies during 2018. Adjusted EBITDA increased $16.0 million in 2019 as compared to 2018 due to the items noted above, offset by tighter construction margins in our Texas and Utah markets. The operating margin percentage in the West segment increased in 2019 to 10.7% as compared to 9.1% in 2018 due to higher pricing and volume gains which exceeded increased labor costs, depreciation and amortization, as well as increases in general and administrative expenses resulting from acquisitions that occurred in 2018 and 2019.
 
Gross revenue by product/ service was as follows:   
($ in thousands)
 
2019
 
2018
 
Variance
Revenue by product*:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aggregates
 
$
244,138

 
$
219,149

 
$
24,989

 
11.4
 %
Ready-mix concrete
 
460,137

 
447,136

 
13,001

 
2.9
 %
Asphalt
 
246,301

 
214,800

 
31,501

 
14.7
 %
Paving and related services
 
359,577

 
381,323

 
(21,746
)
 
(5.7
)%
Other
 
(187,815
)
 
(145,342
)
 
(42,473
)
 
(29.2
)%
Total revenue
 
$
1,122,338

 
$
1,117,066

 
$
5,272

 
0.5
 %
______________________
*        Revenue by product includes intercompany and intracompany sales transferred at market value. The elimination of intracompany transactions is included in Other. Revenue from the liquid asphalt terminals is included in asphalt revenue.

The West segment’s percent changes in sales volumes and pricing comparing 2019 to 2018 were as follows: 

47


 
 
Percentage Change in
 
 
Volume
 
Pricing
Aggregates
 
8.1
 %
 
3.0
%
Ready-mix concrete
 
(0.9
)%
 
3.8
%
Asphalt
 
2.8
 %
 
5.7
%
 
Gross revenue from aggregates in the West segment increased $25.0 million in 2019 over 2018, primarily due to increase in organic volumes and average selling prices. Aggregates volume increased in 2019 mainly due to organic growth in our Texas markets. Aggregates pricing in 2019 increased 3.0% when compared to 2018, due primarily to pricing gains in our Utah, Colorado and Vancouver markets.
 
Gross revenue from ready-mix concrete in the West segment increased $13.0 million in 2019 over 2018, as weather conditions in the last half of 2019 improved over the challenges experienced in 2018 in Texas and the Intermountain geographies.
 
Gross revenue from asphalt in the West segment increased $31.5 million in 2019, primarily due to organic volume and price increases. Gross revenue for paving and related services in the West segment decreased by $21.7 million in 2019 primarily due to a shift towards more private sector projects and more competitive bidding in the Utah market. Additionally, our liquid asphalt terminal which was damaged by Hurricane Harvey in 2017, was in operation in 2019, but only for the last few months of 2018. For the year ended December 28, 2019, we received $1.9 million related to our business interruption claim, which is included in other income, net.
 
Prior to eliminations of intercompany transactions, the net effect of volume and pricing changes on gross revenue for the year ended December 28, 2019 was approximately $25.0 million and $44.5 million, respectively.
 
 
East Segment 
($ in thousands)
 
2019
 
2018
 
Variance
Net revenue
 
$
717,213

 
$
617,314

 
$
99,899

 
16.2
%
Operating income
 
101,775

 
59,554

 
42,221

 
70.9
%
Operating margin percentage
 
14.2
%
 
9.6
%
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
 
$
187,625

 
$
138,032

 
$
49,593

 
35.9
%
______________________
(1)
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that we find helpful in monitoring the performance of our business. See the reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, net income, below.

Net revenue in the East segment increased $99.9 million in 2019 over 2018, as we recorded increases in all lines of business. Specifically, we had solid growth in our aggregates business, where our organic volumes increased 12.9% and organic average sales prices increased 9.1% over prior year levels. Organic ready-mix volumes increased 5.4% coupled with a 2.2% increase in organic average sales prices.
 
Operating income in the East segment increased $42.2 million and Adjusted EBITDA increased $49.6 million in 2019 over 2018, as our revenue gains described above exceeded increases in labor and hydrocarbon costs included in cost of revenue as well as increases in general and administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization expense increases from acquisitions made in 2018. Operating margin percentage in 2019 increased to 14.2% from 9.6% in 2018, as average sales prices increased more than our cost of revenues.

    









48


Gross revenue by product/ service was as follows:   
($ in thousands)
 
2019
 
2018
 
Variance
Revenue by product*:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aggregates
 
$
348,889

 
$
270,051

 
$
78,838

 
29.2
 %
Ready-mix concrete
 
148,031

 
137,494

 
10,537

 
7.7
 %
Asphalt
 
123,349

 
106,344

 
17,005

 
16.0
 %
Paving and related services
 
243,694

 
235,569

 
8,125

 
3.4
 %
Other
 
(54,865
)
 
(46,311
)
 
(8,554
)
 
(18.5
)%
Total revenue
 
$
809,098

 
$
703,147

 
$
105,951

 
15.1
 %
______________________
*        Revenue by product includes intercompany and intracompany sales transferred at market value. The elimination of intracompany transactions is included in Other. Revenue from the liquid asphalt terminals is included in asphalt revenue.
 
The East segment’s percent changes in sales volumes and pricing in 2019 as compared to 2018 were as follows:
 
 
Percentage Change in
 
 
Volume
 
Pricing
Aggregates
 
18.0
%
 
9.6
%
Ready-mix concrete
 
5.4
%
 
2.2
%
Asphalt
 
3.6
%
 
7.1
%
 
Gross revenue from aggregates in the East segment increased $78.8 million in 2019 over 2018, primarily due to growth in organic aggregates volumes and prices and to a lesser extent, acquisitions in 2018. Aggregate volumes in 2019 increased 18.0% over 2018, primarily due to organic growth in our Missouri market where significant flood repair work is occurring, as well as in Kansas and Kentucky. Aggregates pricing increased in 2019 due to the impact of our organic price growth initiatives as well as due to the mix of aggregates sold in the Missouri market.
 
Gross revenue from ready-mix concrete in the East segment increased $10.5 million in 2019, as volumes increased 5.4%, primarily due to increases in organic volumes in Kansas and Arkansas, partially offset by organic declines in Missouri and Kentucky.
 
Gross revenue from asphalt increased $17.0 million in 2019, primarily due to increased organic pricing in all segment geographies. The $8.1 million increase in paving and related service gross revenue in 2019 was primarily due to increased construction activity in Kentucky, partially offset by a decrease in activity in Virginia.
 
Prior to eliminations of intercompany transactions, the net effect of volume and pricing changes on gross revenue for the year ended December 28, 2019 was approximately $66.7 million and $39.6 million, respectively.
 
Cement Segment 
($ in thousands)
 
2019
 
2018
 
Variance
Net revenue
 
$
290,704

 
$
280,789

 
$
9,915

 
3.5
 %
Operating income
 
64,697

 
75,843

 
(11,146
)
 
(14.7
)%
Operating margin percentage
 
22.3
%
 
27.0
%
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
 
$
103,438

 
$
111,394

 
$
(7,956
)
 
(7.1
)%
______________________
(1)
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that we find helpful in monitoring the performance of our business. See the reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, net income, below.

Net revenue in the Cement segment increased $9.9 million in 2019 over 2018, as our organic volumes increased 2.8% and organic average sales prices increased 1.7%.
 
The Cement segment’s operating income declined $11.1 million and Adjusted EBITDA declined $8.0 million in 2019. Operating margin percentage for the year ended December 28, 2019 decreased to 22.3% from 27.0% in the prior year. The decrease in operating income and operating margin in 2019 was due to higher distribution costs as we sought alternative

49


distribution means with challenging barge traffic conditions on the Mississippi River primarily in the first half of 2019, as well as incremental plant downtime.
 
Gross revenue by product was as follows:   
($ in thousands)
 
2019
 
2018
 
Variance
Revenue by product*:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cement
 
$
275,530

 
$
263,526

 
$
12,004

 
4.6
 %
Other
 
15,174

 
17,263

 
(2,089
)
 
(12.1
)%
Total revenue
 
$
290,704

 
$
280,789

 
$
9,915

 
3.5
 %
______________________
*        Revenue from waste processing and the elimination of intracompany transactions are included in Other.
 
The Cement segment’s percent changes in sales volumes and pricing in 2019 from 2018 were as follows:
 
 
Percentage Change in
 
 
Volume
 
Pricing
Cement
 
2.8
%
 
1.7
%
 
Revenue from cement increased $12.0 million in 2019, due to the 2.8% increase in organic cement volumes and organic pricing gains.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Our primary sources of liquidity include cash on-hand, cash provided by our operations and amounts available for borrowing under our credit facilities and capital-raising activities in the debt capital markets. In addition to our current sources of liquidity, we have access to liquidity through public offerings of shares of our Class A common stock. To facilitate such offerings, in January 2020, we filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC that is effective for a term of three years and will expire in January 2023. The amount of Class A common stock to be issued pursuant to this shelf registration statement was not specified when it was filed and there is no specific limit on the amount we may issue. The specifics of any future offerings, along with the use of the proceeds thereof, will be described in detail in a prospectus supplement, or other offering materials, at the time of any offering.
 
As of December 28, 2019, we had $311.3 million in cash and cash equivalents and $497.0 million of working capital as compared to $128.5 million and $330.9 million, respectively, at December 29, 2018. Working capital is calculated as current assets less current liabilities. There were no restricted cash balances as of December 28, 2019 or December 29, 2018.
 
Our remaining borrowing capacity on our $345.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility as of December 28, 2019 was $329.8 million, which is net of $15.2 million of outstanding letters of credit, and is fully available to us within the terms and covenant requirements of our credit agreement.
 
Given the seasonality of our business, we typically experience significant fluctuations in working capital needs and balances throughout the year. Our working capital requirements generally increase during the first half of the year as we build up inventory and focus on repair and maintenance and other set-up costs for the upcoming season. Working capital levels then decrease as the construction season winds down and we enter the winter months, which is when we see significant inflows of cash from the collection of receivables.

Our acquisition strategy has historically required us to raise capital through equity issuances or debt financings. As of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, our long-term borrowings totaled $1.9 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively, for which we incurred $102.0 million and $102.7 million of interest expense, respectively. Our senior secured revolving facility has been adequate to fund our seasonal working capital needs and certain acquisitions. We had no outstanding borrowings on the revolving credit facility as of December 28, 2019.

We believe we have access to sufficient financial resources from our liquidity sources to fund our business and operations, including contractual obligations, capital expenditures and debt service obligations, for at least the next twelve months. Our growth strategy contemplates future acquisitions for which we believe we have sufficient access to capital.

As market conditions warrant we may, from time to time, seek to purchase our outstanding debt securities or loans, including Senior Notes and borrowings under our senior secured credit facilities. Such transactions could be privately

50


negotiated, open market transactions, tender offers or otherwise. Subject to any applicable limitations contained in the agreements governing our indebtedness, any purchases made by us may be funded by the use of cash on our balance sheet or the incurrence of new secured or unsecured debt. The amounts involved in any such purchase transactions, individually or in the aggregate, may be material. Any such purchases may equate to a substantial amount of a particular class or series of debt, which may reduce the trading liquidity of such class or series.
 
Our Long-Term Debt
 
Please refer to the notes to the consolidated financial statements found elsewhere in this report for detailed information regarding our long-term debt and senior secured revolving credit facility, scheduled maturities of long-term debt and affirmative and negative covenants. Among other things, we are required to maintain a Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio that is no greater than 4.75 to 1.00. Our first lien net leverage ratio, for purposes of this maintenance requirement, is calculated following each quarter based on information for the most recently ended four fiscal quarters for which internal financial information is available by dividing our Consolidated First Lien Net Debt as of the end of such period by our Consolidated EBITDA for such period. Consolidated EBITDA for purposes of our senior secured credit facility is calculated in accordance with our presentation of Further Adjusted EBITDA below. We define Further Adjusted EBITDA as Adjusted EBITDA plus the EBITDA contribution of certain recent acquisitions.
 
For the years ended December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, our Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio was 0.80 to 1.00 and 1.35 to 1.00, respectively, based on consolidated first lien net debt of $369.4 million and $551.2 million as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, respectively, divided by Further Adjusted EBITDA of $461.5 million and $408.4 million for the years ended December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, respectively. As of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, we were in compliance with all debt covenants.
 
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA and Further Adjusted EBITDA for the periods indicated. Adjusted EBITDA and Further Adjusted EBITDA are not U.S. GAAP measures and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for our results as reported under U.S. GAAP.
($ in thousands)
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Net income
 
$
61,123

 
$
36,330

 
$
125,777

Interest expense
 
116,509

 
116,548

 
108,549

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
17,101

 
59,747

 
(283,977
)
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
 
214,886

 
203,305

 
177,643

EBITDA
 
$
409,619

 
$
415,930

 
$
127,992

Accretion
 
2,216

 
1,605

 
1,875

Loss on debt financings
 
14,565

 
149

 
4,815

Tax receivable agreement expense (benefit)
 
16,237

 
(22,684
)
 
271,016

Gain on sale of business
 

 
(12,108
)
 

Transaction costs(a)
 
2,222

 
4,238

 
7,733

Non-cash compensation(b)
 
20,403

 
25,378

 
21,140

Other(c)
 
(3,800
)
 
(6,247
)
 
1,206

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
461,462

 
$
406,261

 
$
435,777

EBITDA for certain acquisitions(d)
 

 
2,119

 
16,919

Further Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
461,462

 
$
408,380

 
$
452,696

______________________
(a)
Represents the transaction expenses associated with closed and probable acquisitions, consisting primarily of accounting, legal, valuation and financial advisory fees for the acquisitions. 
(b)
Represents non-cash equity-based compensation granted to employees.
(c)
Represents the net (gain) loss recognized on assets identified for disposal. Includes non-recurring or one time income and expense items that were incurred outside normal operating activities such as integration costs, unrealized currency gains and losses and interest, tax, depreciation on unconsolidated joint ventures and fair value adjustments to contingent consideration obligations that originated with various acquisitions.
(d)
Under the terms of our credit facilities, we include EBITDA from our acquisitions, net of dispositions, in each fiscal year for periods prior to acquisition. We believe this provides our lenders with a more meaningful view of our EBITDA across all periods by making the information more comparable.


51


At December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, $1.9 billion and $1.8 billion of total debt was outstanding under our respective debt agreements, respectively. Summit LLC’s senior secured credit facilities provide for term loans in an aggregate amount of $650.0 million and revolving credit commitments in an aggregate amount of $345.0 million (the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”). Summit LLC’s domestic wholly-owned subsidiary companies are named as guarantors of the Senior Notes and the Senior Secured Credit Facilities. Certain other partially-owned subsidiaries, and the wholly-owned Canadian subsidiary, Mainland, do not guarantee the Senior Notes or Senior Secured Credit Facilities. Summit LLC has pledged substantially all of its assets as collateral for the Senior Secured Credit Facilities. 

On February 28, 2019, Summit LLC entered into Incremental Amendment No. 4 to the Credit Agreement which, among other things, increased the total amount available under the revolving credit facility to $345.0 million and extended the maturity date of the Credit Agreement to February 2024.

Senior Notes

On March 15, 2019, Summit LLC and Summit Finance (together, the “Issuers”) issued $300 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.5% senior notes due March 15, 2027 (the "2027 Notes"). The 2027 Notes were issued at 100.0% of their par value with proceeds of $296.3 million, net of related fees and expenses. Interest on the 2027 Notes is payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year commencing on September 15, 2019.

In March 2019, using the proceeds from the 2027 Notes, all of the 2022 Notes were redeemed at a price equal to par plus an applicable premium and the indenture under which the 2022 Notes were issued was satisfied and discharged. As a result of the extinguishment, charges of $14.6 million were recognized in the quarter ended March 30, 2019, which included charges of $11.7 million for the applicable redemption premium and $2.9 million for the write-off of deferred financing fees.

On June 1, 2017, the Issuers issued $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 5 1/8% senior notes due June 1, 2025. The 2025 Notes were issued at par value, resulting in proceeds of $295.4 million, net of related fees and expenses. Interest on the 2025 Notes is payable semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year commencing on December 1, 2017.
 
On March 8, 2016, the Issuers issued $250.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 2022 Notes. The 2022 Notes were redeemed in full in March 2019 as noted above.
 
In 2015, the Issuers issued $650.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2023 Notes due July 15, 2023 under an indenture dated July 8, 2015: $350.0 million on July 8, 2015 and $300.0 million on November 19, 2015. The July 2015 issuance of the 2023 notes was issued at par and the November 2015 add-on was issued at a discount. Interest on the 2023 notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year commencing on January 15, 2016.

Senior Secured Credit Facilities
    
Summit LLC has credit facilities that provide for term loans in an aggregate amount of $650 million and revolving credit commitments in an aggregate amount of $345 million (the "Senior Secured Credit Facilities"). Under the terms of Senior Secured Credit Facilities, as amended through February 2019, required principal payments of 0.25% of the aggregate amount of term debt are due on the last business day of each March, June, September and December. The unpaid principal balance is due in full on the maturity date of November 21, 2024.

The revolving credit facility bears interest per annum equal to, at Summit LLC's option, either (i) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (b) the prime rate of Bank of America, N.A. and (c) LIBOR plus 1.00% plus an applicable margin of 2.00% for base rate loans or (ii) a LIBOR rate determined by reference to Reuters prior to the interest period relevant to such borrowing adjusted for certain additional costs plus an applicable margin of 3.00% for LIBOR rate loans.

There were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility as of December 28, 2019 or December 29, 2018. As of December 28, 2019, we had remaining borrowing capacity of $329.8 million under the revolving credit facility, which is net of $15.2 million of outstanding letters of credit. The outstanding letters of credit are renewed annually and support required bonding on construction projects and the Company’s insurance liabilities.

Summit LLC’s Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio, as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement, should be no greater than 4.75:1.0 as of each quarter-end. As of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, Summit LLC was in compliance with all financial covenants under the Credit Agreement.

52


 
Summit LLC’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiary companies, subject to certain exclusions and exceptions, are named as subsidiary guarantors of the Senior Notes and the Senior Secured Credit Facilities. In addition, Summit LLC has pledged substantially all of its assets as collateral, subject to certain exclusions and exceptions, for the Senior Secured Credit Facilities.
Cash Flows
 
The following table summarizes our net cash provided by and used for operating, investing and financing activities and our capital expenditures for the periods indicated: 
 
 
Summit Inc.
 
Summit LLC
(in thousands)
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Net cash provided by:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating activities
 
$
337,184

 
$
209,368

 
$
292,183

 
$
337,184

 
$
209,368

 
$
295,132

Investing activities
 
(162,809
)
 
(419,699
)
 
(552,475
)
 
(162,809
)
 
(419,699
)
 
(552,475
)
Financing activities
 
8,150

 
(43,993
)
 
499,755

 
8,150

 
(43,993
)
 
497,526

 
Operating Activities

During the year ended December 28, 2019, cash provided by operating activities was $337.2 million primarily as a result of:
 
Net income of $61.1 million, adjusted for $249.7 million of non-cash expenses, including $222.9 million of depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion, $20.4 million of share-based compensation and $16.0 million of change in deferred tax asset, net.

Billed and unbilled accounts receivable increased by $31.5 million in fiscal 2019 as a result of increased revenue from our acquisitions as compared to fiscal 2018.

The timing of payments associated with accounts payable and accrued expenses of cash, which is consistent with the seasonality of our business whereby we build-up inventory levels and incur repairs and maintenance costs to ready the business for increased sales volumes in the summer and fall. These costs are typically incurred in the first half of the year and paid by year-end. In addition, we made $104.6 million of interest payments in 2019.  

During the year ended December 29, 2018, cash provided by operating activities was $209.4 million primarily as a result of:
 
Net income of $36.3 million, adjusted for $263.6 million of non-cash expenses, including $208.8 million of depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion, $25.4 million of share-based compensation and $57.5 million of change in deferred tax asset, net.

Billed and unbilled accounts receivable increased by $14.5 million in fiscal 2018 as a result of increased revenue from our acquisitions as compared to fiscal 2017.

The timing of payments associated with accounts payable and accrued expenses of cash, which is consistent with the seasonality of our business whereby we build-up inventory levels and incur repairs and maintenance costs to ready the business for increased sales volumes in the summer and fall. These costs are typically incurred in the first half of the year and paid by year-end. In addition, we made $103.3 million of interest payments in 2018.
    
Investing Activities
 
During the year ended December 28, 2019, cash used for investing activities was $162.8 million, of which $5.4 million related to acquisitions completed in the period and $177.5 million was invested in capital expenditures, which was partially offset by $21.2 million of proceeds from asset sales.
 
During the year ended December 29, 2018, cash used for investing activities was $419.7 million, of which $246.0 million related to the 12 acquisitions completed in the period and $220.7 million was invested in capital expenditures, which

53


was partially offset by $21.6 million of proceeds from asset sales. Additionally, in September 2018 we received $21.6 million of proceeds from the sale of a non-core business in the West segment.

Financing Activities
 
During the year ended December 28, 2019, cash provided by financing activities was $8.2 million. We received $19.1 million of proceeds from stock option exercises and $300.0 million from proceeds of debt issuance, which was offset by $33.9 million of payments on acquisition related liabilities and $270.2 million in debt payments.
 
During the year ended December 29, 2018, cash used in financing activities was $44.0 million. We received $15.6 million of proceeds from stock option exercises and $64.5 million from proceeds of debt issuance, which was offset by $36.5 million of payments on acquisition related liabilities, and $85.0 million in debt payments.
    
Cash Paid for Capital Expenditures
 
We expended approximately $177.5 million in capital expenditures for the year ended December 28, 2019 compared to $220.7 million and $194.1 million in the years ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, respectively.
 
We estimate that we will invest between $185 million and $205 million in capital expenditures in 2020, which includes $65 - $80 million for our greenfield development projects. The timing of our greenfield expenditures is dependent upon the timing of when permits may be issued. We expect to fund our capital expenditure program through cash on hand, cash from operations, outside financing arrangements and available borrowings under our revolving credit facility.
 
Tax Receivable Agreement
 
Exchanges of LP Units for shares of Class A common stock are expected to result in increases in the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of Summit Holdings. These increases in tax basis may increase (for tax purposes) depreciation and amortization deductions and therefore reduce the amount of tax that Summit Inc. would otherwise be required to pay in the future. In connection with the IPO, we entered into a TRA with the holders of LP Units that provides for the payment by Summit Inc. to exchanging holders of LP Units of 85% of the benefits, if any, that Summit Inc. is deemed to realize as a result of these increases in tax basis and certain other tax benefits related to entering into the TRA, including tax benefits attributable to payments under the TRA. The increases in tax basis as a result of an exchange of LP Units for shares of Class A common stock, as well as the amount and timing of any payments under the TRA, are difficult to accurately estimate as they will vary depending upon a number of factors, including:
 
the timing of exchanges—for instance, the increase in any tax deductions will vary depending on the fair market value, which may fluctuate over time, of the depreciable or amortizable assets of Summit Holdings at the time of each exchange;

the price of shares of our Class  A common stock at the time of the exchange—the increase in any tax deductions, as well as the tax basis increase in other assets, of Summit Holdings, is directly proportional to the price of shares of our Class A common stock at the time of the exchange;

the extent to which such exchanges are taxable—if an exchange is not taxable for any reason, increased deductions will not be available;

the amount and timing of our income—Summit Inc. is required to pay 85% of the cash tax savings as and when realized, if any. If Summit Inc. does not have taxable income, Summit Inc. is not required (absent a change of control or circumstances requiring an early termination payment) to make payments under the TRA for that taxable year because no cash tax savings will have been realized. However, any tax attributes that do not result in realized benefits in a given tax year will likely generate tax attributes that may be utilized to generate benefits in previous or future tax years. The utilization of such tax attributes will result in cash tax savings that will result in payments under the tax receivable agreement; and

the effective tax rate – The benefit that Summit Inc. realizes is dependent on the tax rate in effect at the time taxable income is generated.


54


We anticipate funding payments under the TRA from cash flows from operations, available cash and available borrowings under our Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facilities. As of December 28, 2019, we had accrued $327.0 million as TRA liability. The entire TRA liability is a long term liability as no additional payments are expected in the next twelve months.
 
In addition, the TRA provides that upon certain changes of control, Summit Inc.’s (or its successor’s) obligations would be based on certain assumptions, including that Summit Inc. would have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize the deductions arising from tax basis and other tax attributes subject to the TRA. With respect to our obligations under the TRA relating to previously exchanged or acquired LP Units and certain net operating losses, we would be required to make a payment equal to the present value (at a discount rate equal to one year LIBOR plus 100 basis points) of the anticipated future tax benefits determined using assumptions (ii) through (v) of the following paragraph.
 
Furthermore, Summit Inc. may elect to terminate the TRA early by making an immediate payment equal to the present value of the anticipated future cash tax savings. In determining such anticipated future cash tax savings, the TRA includes several assumptions, including that (i) any LP Units that have not been exchanged are deemed exchanged for the market value of the shares of Class A common stock at the time of termination, (ii) Summit Inc. will have sufficient taxable income in each future taxable year to fully realize all potential tax savings, (iii) Summit Inc. will have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize any remaining net operating losses subject to the TRA on a straight line basis over the shorter of the statutory expiration period for such net operating losses or the five-year period after the early termination or change of control, (iv) the tax rates for future years will be those specified in the law as in effect at the time of termination and (v) certain non-amortizable assets are deemed disposed of within specified time periods. In addition, the present value of such anticipated future cash tax savings are discounted at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 100 basis points.
 
As a result of the change in control provisions and the early termination right, Summit Inc. could be required to make payments under the TRA that are greater than or less than the specified percentage of the actual cash tax savings that Summit Inc. realizes in respect of the tax attributes subject to the TRA (although any such overpayment would be taken into account in calculating future payments, if any, under the TRA) or that are prior to the actual realization, if any, of such future tax benefits. Also, the obligations of Summit Inc. would be automatically accelerated and be immediately due and payable in the event that Summit Inc. breaches any of its material obligations under the agreement and in certain events of bankruptcy or liquidation. In these situations, our obligations under the TRA could have a substantial negative impact on our liquidity.
 
Under the terms of the TRA, we can terminate the TRA at any time, which would trigger a cash payment to the pre-IPO owners. Based upon a $23.84 per share price of our Class A common stock, the closing price of our stock on December 28, 2019 and a contractually defined discount rate of 3.00%, we estimate that if we were to exercise our right to terminate the TRA, the aggregate amount required to settle the TRA would be approximately $289 million.
 
Contractual Obligations
 
The following table presents, as of December 28, 2019, our obligations and commitments to make future payments under contracts and contingent commitments (in thousands).
 
 
 
Payments Due by Period
 
 
Total
 
2020
 
2021
 
2022
 
2023
 
2024
 
Thereafter
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short term borrowings and long-term debt, including current portion
 
$
1,874,255

 
$
7,942

 
$
6,354

 
$
6,354

 
$
656,354

 
$
597,251

 
$
600,000

Finance lease obligations
 
62,285

 
18,646

 
21,886

 
14,940

 
1,732

 
2,252

 
2,829

Operating lease obligations
 
43,150

 
9,958

 
7,960

 
4,852

 
3,842

 
2,246

 
14,292

Interest payments (1)
 
503,815

 
100,085

 
97,728

 
97,427

 
97,190

 
54,947

 
56,438

Acquisition-related liabilities
 
65,213

 
33,676

 
9,705

 
3,522

 
2,774

 
2,742

 
12,794

Royalty payments
 
113,413

 
7,555

 
7,212

 
7,214

 
7,216

 
6,613

 
77,603

Defined benefit plans (2)
 
16,927

 
1,136

 
1,863

 
1,359

 
1,379

 
1,187

 
10,003

Asset retirement obligation payments
 
97,413

 
7,963

 
4,983

 
2,129

 
1,978

 
2,926

 
77,434

Purchase commitments (3)
 
36,814

 
31,503

 
5,311

 

 

 

 

Payments pursuant to tax receivable agreement (4)
 
326,965

 

 

 

 
1,547

 
2,333

 
323,085

Other
 
25,082

 
15,753

 
3,538

 
3,309

 
2,482

 

 

Total contractual obligations
 
$
3,165,332

 
$
234,217

 
$
166,540

 
$
141,106

 
$
776,494

 
$
672,497

 
$
1,174,478

______________________

55


(1)
Future interest payments were calculated using the applicable fixed and floating rates charged by our lenders in effect as of December 28, 2019 and may differ from actual results.
(2)
Future payments to fund our defined benefit plans are estimated based on multiple assumptions which are enumerated in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.
(3)
Amounts represent purchase commitments entered into in the normal course of business, primarily for fuel purchases, the terms of which are generally one year.
(4)
The total amount payable under our TRA is estimated at $327.0 million as of December 28, 2019. Under the terms of the TRA, payment of amounts benefiting us is due to the pre-IPO owners within four months of the tax returns being submitted to the respective regulatory agencies when the benefits are realized.  We are currently estimating benefits next being realized in the 2021 tax year, and paid to TRA holders in early 2023. The estimated timing of TRA payments is subject to a number of factors, primarily around the timing of the generation of future taxable income in future years, which will be impacted by business activity in those periods.
Commitments and Contingencies
 
We are party to certain legal actions arising from the ordinary course of business activities. Accruals are recorded when the outcome is probable and can be reasonably estimated. While the ultimate results of claims and litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, management expects that the ultimate resolution of all current pending or threatened claims and litigation will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity. We record legal fees as incurred.

In March 2018, we were notified of an investigation by the CCB into pricing practices by certain asphalt paving contractors in British Columbia, including Winvan. We believe the investigation is focused on time periods prior to our April 2017 acquisition of Winvan and we are cooperating with the CCB. Although we currently do not believe this matter will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations, we are not able to predict the ultimate outcome or cost of the investigation at this time.
 
Environmental Remediation and Site Restoration—Our operations are subject to and affected by federal, state, provincial and local laws and regulations relating to the environment, health and safety and other regulatory matters. These operations require environmental operating permits, which are subject to modification, renewal and revocation. We regularly monitor and review its operations, procedures and policies for compliance with these laws and regulations. Despite these compliance efforts, risk of environmental liability is inherent in the operation of our business, as it is with other companies engaged in similar businesses and there can be no assurance that environmental liabilities and noncompliance will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
 
Other—We are obligated under various firm purchase commitments for certain raw materials and services that are in the ordinary course of business. Management does not expect any significant changes in the market value of these goods and services during the commitment period that would have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company. The terms of the purchase commitments generally approximate one year.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
As of December 28, 2019, we had no material off-balance sheet arrangements.

Non-GAAP Performance Measures
 
We evaluate our operating performance using metrics that we refer to as “Adjusted EBITDA,” “Adjusted Cash Gross Profit” and “Adjusted Cash Gross Margin” which are not defined by U.S. GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to earnings measures defined by U.S. GAAP. We define Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA, adjusted to exclude accretion, loss on debt financings, loss from discontinued operations and certain non-cash and non-operating items. We define Adjusted Cash Gross Profit as operating income before general and administrative expenses, depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion and transaction costs and Adjusted Cash Gross Margin as Adjusted Cash Gross Profit as a percentage of net revenue.

We present Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Cash Gross Profit and Adjusted Cash Gross Margin for the convenience of investment professionals who use such metrics in their analyses. The investment community often uses these metrics to assess the operating performance of a company’s business and to provide a consistent comparison of performance from period to period. We use these metrics, among others, to assess the operating performance of our individual segments and the consolidated company.
 

56


Non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized; therefore, it may not be possible to compare such financial measures with other companies’ non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names. We strongly encourage investors to review our consolidated financial statements in their entirety and not rely on any single financial measure.
 
The tables below reconcile our net income (loss) to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA and present Adjusted EBITDA by segment and reconcile operating income to Adjusted Cash Gross Profit for the periods indicated:
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA
 
Year ended December 28, 2019
by Segment
 
West
 
East
 
Cement
 
Corporate
 
Consolidated
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) (1)
 
$
108,751

 
$
106,307

 
$
75,480

 
$
(229,415
)
 
$
61,123

Interest expense (income) (1)
 
1,734

 
1,774

 
(10,489
)
 
123,490

 
116,509

Income tax expense (benefit) (1)
 
1,918

 
(267
)
 

 
15,450

 
17,101

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
 
92,737

 
80,262

 
37,891

 
3,996

 
214,886

EBITDA
 
$
205,140

 
$
188,076

 
$
102,882

 
$
(86,479
)
 
$
409,619

Accretion
 
519

 
1,141

 
556

 

 
2,216

Loss on debt financings
 

 

 

 
14,565

 
14,565

Tax receivable agreement expense (1)
 

 

 

 
16,237

 
16,237

Transaction costs
 
96

 

 

 
2,126

 
2,222

Non-cash compensation
 

 

 

 
20,403

 
20,403

Other (2)
 
(791
)
 
(1,592
)
 

 
(1,417
)
 
(3,800
)
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
 
$
204,964

 
$
187,625

 
$
103,438

 
$
(34,565
)
 
$
461,462

 
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA
 
Year ended December 29, 2018
by Segment
 
West
 
East
 
Cement
 
Corporate
 
Consolidated
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) (1)
 
$
109,363

 
$
58,579

 
$
83,148

 
$
(214,760
)
 
$
36,330

Interest expense (benefit) (1)
 
5,064

 
3,491

 
(6,815
)
 
114,808

 
116,548

Income tax expense
 
535

 
32

 

 
59,180

 
59,747

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
 
91,224

 
74,463

 
34,996

 
2,622

 
203,305

EBITDA
 
$
206,186

 
$
136,565

 
$
111,329

 
$
(38,150
)
 
$
415,930

Accretion
 
570

 
970

 
65

 

 
1,605

Loss on debt financings
 

 

 

 
149

 
149

Tax receivable agreement benefit
 

 

 

 
(22,684
)
 
(22,684
)
Gain on sale of business
 
(12,108
)
 

 

 

 
(12,108
)
Transaction costs
 
(3
)
 

 

 
4,241

 
4,238

Non-cash compensation
 

 

 

 
25,378

 
25,378

Other (2)
 
(5,646
)
 
497

 

 
(1,098
)
 
(6,247
)
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
 
$
188,999

 
$
138,032

 
$
111,394

 
$
(32,164
)
 
$
406,261


57


Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA
 
Year ended December 30, 2017
by Segment
 
West
 
East
 
Cement
 
Corporate
 
Consolidated
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) (1)
 
$
121,390

 
$
68,361

 
$
92,956

 
$
(156,930
)
 
$
125,777

Interest expense (1)
 
6,924

 
3,082

 
(3,760
)
 
102,303

 
108,549

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
1,910

 
(864
)
 

 
(285,023
)
 
(283,977
)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
 
70,499

 
66,436

 
38,107

 
2,601

 
177,643

EBITDA
 
$
200,723

 
$
137,015

 
$
127,303

 
$
(337,049
)
 
$
127,992

Accretion
 
815

 
816

 
244

 

 
1,875

Loss on debt financings
 

 

 

 
4,815

 
4,815

Tax receivable agreement expense (1)
 

 

 

 
271,016

 
271,016

Transaction costs
 
(76
)
 

 

 
7,809

 
7,733

Non-cash compensation
 

 

 

 
21,140

 
21,140

Other
 
2,128

 
1,277

 

 
(2,199
)
 
1,206

Adjusted EBITDA (1)
 
$
203,590

 
$
139,108

 
$
127,547

 
$
(34,468
)
 
$
435,777

______________________
(1)
The reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA is based on the financial results of Summit Inc. and its subsidiaries, which was $27.5 million, $27.5 million and $8.3 million less than Summit LLC and its subsidiaries in the years ended December 28, 2019, December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, respectively, due to interest expense associated with a deferred consideration obligation, TRA expense and income tax benefit are obligations of Summit Holdings and Summit Inc., respectively, and are thus excluded from Summit LLC’s consolidated net income.
(2)
For the year ended December 28, 2019, we negotiated a $2.0 million reduction in the amount of a contingent liability from one of our acquisitions. For the year ended December 29, 2018, we negotiated a $6.9 million reduction in the amount of a contingent liability from one of our acquisitions. As we had passed the period to revise the opening balance sheet for this acquisition, the adjustment was recorded as other income.
Reconciliation of Working Capital
 
2019
 
2018
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Total current assets
 
$
796,281

 
$
591,540

Less total current liabilities
 
(299,297
)
 
(260,657
)
Working capital
 
$
496,984

 
$
330,883

 
Reconciliation of Operating Income to Adjusted Cash Gross Profit
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
 
$
213,558

 
$
162,466

 
$
220,877

General and administrative expenses
 
262,926

 
253,609

 
242,670

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion
 
217,102

 
204,910

 
179,518

Transaction costs
 
2,222

 
4,238

 
7,733

Adjusted Cash Gross Profit (exclusive of items shown separately)
 
$
695,808

 
$
625,223

 
$
650,798

Adjusted Cash Gross Profit Margin (exclusive of items shown separately) (1)
 
34.3
%
 
32.7
%
 
37.1
%
_____________________
(1)
Adjusted Cash Gross Margin is defined as Adjusted Cash Gross Profit as a percentage of net revenue.

Critical Accounting Policies
 
Our management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reported period.
 

58


On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates, including those related to the valuation of accounts receivable, inventories, goodwill, intangibles and other long-lived assets, pension and other postretirement obligations and asset retirement obligations. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Acquisitions—Purchase Price Allocation
 
We regularly review strategic long-term plans, including potential investments in value-added acquisitions of related or similar businesses, which would increase our market share and/or are related to our existing markets. When an acquisition is completed, our consolidated statement of operations includes the operating results of the acquired business starting from the date of acquisition, which is the date that control is obtained. The purchase price is determined based on the fair value of assets given to and liabilities assumed from the seller as of the date of acquisition. We allocate the purchase price to the fair values of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as valued at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is recorded for the excess of the purchase price over the net of the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. The estimation of fair values of acquired assets and assumed liabilities is judgmental and requires various assumptions and the amounts and useful lives assigned to depreciable and amortizable assets compared to amounts assigned to goodwill, which is not amortized, can significantly affect the results of operations in the period of and periods subsequent to a business combination.
 
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction, and therefore represents an exit price. A fair value measurement assumes the highest and best use of the asset by market participants, considering the use of the asset that is physically possible, legally permissible, and financially feasible at the measurement date. We assign the highest level of fair value available to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on the following options:
 
Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

Level 2—Observable inputs, other than quoted prices, for similar assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 3—Unobservable inputs, which includes the use of valuation models.

Level 2 inputs are typically used to estimate the fair value of acquired machinery, equipment and land and assumed liabilities for asset retirement obligations, environmental remediation and compliance obligations and contingencies.
 
Level 3 inputs are used to estimate the fair value of acquired mineral reserves, mineral interests and separately-identifiable intangible assets.
 
There is a measurement period after the acquisition date during which we may adjust the amounts recognized for a business combination. Any such adjustments are based on us obtaining additional information that existed at the acquisition date regarding the assets acquired or the liabilities assumed. Measurement period adjustments are generally recorded as increases or decreases to the goodwill recognized in the transaction. The measurement period ends once we have obtained all necessary information that existed as of the acquisition date, but does not extend beyond one year from the date of acquisition. Any adjustments to assets acquired or liabilities assumed beyond the measurement period are recorded in earnings.
 
We paid cash of $5.4 million and $246.0 million, net of cash acquired, in business combinations and allocated this amount to assets acquired and liabilities assumed during the years ended December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, respectively.
 
Goodwill
 
Goodwill is tested annually for impairment and in interim periods if events occur indicating that the carrying amounts may be impaired. The evaluation involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions and considerable management judgment. Our judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators and future cash flows are based on operational performance of our businesses, market conditions and other factors. Although there are inherent uncertainties in this assessment process, the estimates and assumptions we use, including estimates of future cash flows, volumes, market penetration and discount rates, are consistent with our internal planning. The estimated future cash flows are derived from internal operating budgets and forecasts for long-term demand and pricing in our industry and markets. If these estimates or their related

59


assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record an impairment charge on all or a portion of our goodwill. Furthermore, we cannot predict the occurrence of future impairment-triggering events nor the affect such events might have on our reported values. Future events could cause us to conclude that impairment indicators exist and that goodwill associated with our acquired businesses are impaired. Any resulting impairment loss could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
The annual goodwill test is performed by first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not (more than 50%) that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, as a result of the qualitative assessment, it is determined that an impairment is more likely than not, we are then required to perform the two-step quantitative impairment test, otherwise further analysis is not required. We also may elect not to perform the qualitative assessment and, instead, proceed directly to the two-step quantitative impairment test. The ultimate outcome of the goodwill impairment review for a reporting unit should be the same whether we choose to perform the qualitative assessment or proceed directly to the two-step quantitative impairment test.
 
Under the two-step quantitative impairment test, step one of the evaluation of impairment involves comparing the current fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. We use a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model to estimate the current fair value of our reporting units when testing for impairment, as management believes forecasted cash flows are the best indicator of fair value. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the DCF model to forecast operating cash flows, including macroeconomic trends in the reporting unit’s geographic area impacting private construction and public infrastructure industries, the timing of work embedded in our backlog, our performance and profitability under our contracts, our success in securing future sales and the appropriate interest rate used to discount the projected cash flows. We also perform a market assessment of our enterprise value. We believe the estimates and assumptions used in the valuations are reasonable.
 
In conjunction with our annual review of goodwill on the first day of the fourth quarter, we performed the qualitative assessment for our reporting units. In 2019, we performed a two-step quantitative analysis on all of our reporting units. Step 1 of that analysis compares the estimated the fair value of the reporting units using an income approach (i.e., a discounted cash flow technique) and a market approach to the carrying value of the reporting unit. If the estimated fair value exceeds its carrying value, the goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered impaired. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we proceed to the second step to measure the amount of potential impairment loss.
 
As of December 28, 2019, we determined that no events or circumstances from October 1, 2019 through December 28, 2019 indicated that a further assessment was necessary.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
We earn revenue from the sale of products, which primarily include aggregates, cement, ready-mix concrete and asphalt, but also include concrete products and plastics components, and from the provision of services, which are primarily paving and related services, but also include landfill operations, the receipt and disposal of waste that is converted to fuel for use in our cement plants.

Products 

We earn revenue from the sale of products, which primarily include aggregates, cement, ready-mix concrete and asphalt, but also include concrete products, net of discounts or allowances, if any, and freight and delivery charges billed to customers. Freight and delivery charges associated with cement sales are recorded on a net basis together with freight costs within cost of sales. Revenue for product sales is recognized when evidence of an arrangement exists and when control passes, which generally is when the product is shipped. 

Aggregates and cement products are sold point-of-sale through purchase orders. When the product is sold on account, collectability typically occurs 30 to 60 days after the sale.  Revenue is recognized when cash is received from the customer at the point of sale or when the products are delivered or collected on site. There are no other timing implications that will create a contract asset or liability, and contract modifications are unlikely given the timing and nature of the transaction. Material sales are likely to have multiple performance obligations if the product is sold with delivery. In these instances, delivery most often occurs on the same day as the control of the product transfers to the customer. As a result, even in the case of multiple performance obligations, the performance obligations are satisfied concurrently and revenue is recognized simultaneously. 




60


Services 

We earn revenue from the provision of services, which are primarily paving and related services, but also include landfill operations and the receipt and disposal of waste that is converted to fuel for use in our cement plants. Revenue from the receipt of waste fuels is recognized when the waste is accepted and a corresponding liability is recognized for the costs to process the waste into fuel for the manufacturing of cement or to ship the waste offsite for disposal in accordance with applicable regulations.

Collectability of service contracts is due reasonably after certain milestones in the contract are performed. Milestones vary by project, but are typically calculated using monthly progress based on the percentage of completion or a customer’s engineer review of progress. The majority of the time, collection occurs within 90 days of billing and cash is received within the same fiscal year as services performed. On most projects, the customer will withhold a portion of the invoice for retainage, which may last longer than a year depending on the job. 

Revenue derived from paving and related services is recognized using the percentage of completion method, which approximates progress towards completion. Under the percentage of completion method, we recognize paving and related services revenue as services are rendered. The majority of our construction service contracts are completed within one year, but may occasionally extend beyond this time frame. The majority of our construction service contracts, and therefore, revenue, are opened and completed within one year, with most activity during the spring, summer and fall. We estimate profit as the difference between total estimated revenue and total estimated cost of a contract and recognize that profit over the life of the contract based on input measures. We generally measure progress toward completion on long-term paving and related services contracts based on the proportion of costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion. We include revisions of estimated profits on contracts in earnings under the cumulative catch-up method, under which the effect of revisions in estimates is recognized immediately. If a revised estimate of contract profitability reveals an anticipated loss on the contract, we recognize the loss in the period it is identified. 

The percentage of completion method of accounting involves the use of various estimating techniques to project costs at completion, and in some cases includes estimates of recoveries asserted against the customer for changes in specifications or other disputes. Contract estimates involve various assumptions and projections relative to the outcome of future events over multiple periods, including future labor productivity and availability, the nature and complexity of the work to be performed, the cost and availability of materials, the effect of delayed performance, and the availability and timing of funding from the customer. These estimates are based on our best judgment. A significant change in one or more of these estimates could affect the profitability of one or more of our contracts. We review our contract estimates regularly to assess revisions in contract values and estimated costs at completion. Inherent uncertainties in estimating costs make it at least reasonably possible that the estimates used will change within the near term and over the life of the contracts. No material adjustments to a contract were recognized in the year ended December 28, 2019.

We recognize claims when the amount of the claim can be estimated reliably and its realization is probable. In evaluating these criteria, we consider the contractual basis for the claim, the cause of any additional costs incurred, the reasonableness of those costs and the objective evidence available to support the claim.

When the contract includes variable consideration, we estimate the amount of consideration to which we will be entitled in exchange for transferring the promised goods or services to a customer. The amount of estimated variable consideration included in the transaction price is the amount for which it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. Types of variable consideration include, but are not limited to, liquidated damages and other performance penalties and production and placement bonuses. 

The majority of contract modifications relate to the original contract and are often an extension of the original performance obligation. Predominately, modifications are not distinct from the terms in the original contract; therefore, they are considered part of a single performance obligation. We account for the modification using a cumulative catch-up adjustment. However, there are instances where goods or services in a modification are distinct from those transferred prior to the modification. In these situations, we account for the modifications as either a separate contract or prospectively depending on the facts and circumstances of the modification. 

Generally, construction contracts contain mobilization costs which are categorized as costs to fulfill a contract. These costs are excluded from any measure of progress toward contract fulfillment. These costs do not result in the transfer of control of a good or service to the customer and are amortized over the life of the contract. 


61


Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings are composed principally of revenue recognized on contracts on the percentage of completion method for which billings had not been presented to customers because the amounts were not billable under the contract terms at the balance sheet date. In accordance with the contract terms, the unbilled receivables at the balance sheet date are expected to be billed in following periods. Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings represent billings in excess of revenue recognized. Contract assets and liabilities are netted on a contract-by-contract basis.

Income Taxes
 
Summit Inc. is a corporation subject to income taxes in the United States. Certain subsidiaries, including Summit Holdings, or subsidiary groups of the Company are taxable separate from Summit Inc. The provisions for income taxes, or Summit Inc.’s proportional share of the provision, are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
The Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed for differences between the tax basis and financial statement amounts that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible, as well as consideration of tax-planning strategies to determine whether we may seek to utilize any net operating loss carryforwards scheduled to expire in the near future. The computed deferred balances are based on enacted tax laws and applicable rates for the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. A valuation allowance is recognized for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax assets will not be realized. In making such a determination, all available positive and negative evidence is considered, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. If the Company determines it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets for which a valuation allowance had been recorded, then an adjustment would be made to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.
 
The Company evaluates the tax positions taken on income tax returns that remain open and positions expected to be taken on the current year tax returns to identify uncertain tax positions. Unrecognized tax benefits on uncertain tax positions are recorded on the basis of a two-step process in which (1) the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized is recognized. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recorded in income tax benefit.
 
Tax Receivable Agreement
 
Tax Receivable Agreement— When Summit Inc. purchases LP Units for cash or LP Units are exchanged for shares of Class A common stock, this results in increases in Summit Inc.’s share of the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of Summit Holdings, which increases the tax depreciation and amortization deductions that otherwise would not have been available to Summit Inc.  These increases in tax basis and tax depreciation and amortization deductions are expected to reduce the amount of cash taxes that we would otherwise be required to pay in the future. In connection with our IPO, we entered into a TRA with the holders of the LP Units and the pre-IPO owners that provides for the payment by Summit Inc. to exchanging holders of LP Units of 85% of the benefits, if any, that Summit Inc. actually realizes (or, under certain circumstances such as an early termination of the TRA is deemed to realize) as a result of (i) these increases in tax basis and (ii) our utilization of certain net operating losses of the pre-IPO owners and certain other tax benefits related to entering into the TRA, including tax benefits attributable to payments under the TRA.

We periodically evaluate the realizability of the deferred tax assets resulting from the exchange of LP Units for Class A common stock. Our evaluation considers all sources of taxable income; all evidence, both positive and negative, is considered to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is needed for some portion or all of the deferred tax assets. If the deferred tax assets are determined to be realizable, we then assess whether payment of amounts under the TRA have become probable. If so, we record a TRA liability of 85% of such deferred tax assets. In subsequent periods, we assess the realizability of all of our deferred tax assets subject to the TRA. Should we determine a deferred tax asset with a valuation allowance is realizable in a subsequent period, the related valuation allowance will be released and consideration of a corresponding TRA liability will be assessed. The realizability of deferred tax assets, including those subject to the TRA, is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those deferred tax assets become deductible and consideration of prudent and feasible tax-planning strategies.
 
The measurement of the TRA liability is accounted for as a contingent liability. Therefore, once we determine that a payment to a pre-IPO owner has become probable and can be estimated, the estimate of payment will be accrued.
 

62


New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2018-15, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract, which reduces the accounting complexity for implementing a cloud computing arrangement. The ASU aligns with the capitalization of implementation costs among hosting arrangements and costs incurred to develop internal-use software. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We are compiling a list of contracts and are beginning to assess the impact of adopting this ASU.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework Changes to The Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefits Plans, which modifies the disclosure requirements of employer-sponsored defined benefit and other postretirement benefits plans. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the additional disclosure requirements and beginning to assess the impact of adopting this ASU.

ITEM 7A.     QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
 
We are exposed to certain market risks arising from transactions that are entered into in the normal course of business. Our operations are highly dependent upon the interest rate‑sensitive construction industry as well as the general economic environment. Consequently, these marketplaces could experience lower levels of economic activity in an environment of rising interest rates or escalating costs. Management has considered the current economic environment and its potential effect to our business. Demand for materials‑based products, particularly in the residential and nonresidential construction markets, could decline if companies and consumers are unable to obtain financing for construction projects or if an economic recession causes delays or cancellations to capital projects. Additionally, in preceding years, declining tax revenue, state budget deficits and unpredictable or inconsistent federal funding have negatively affected states’ abilities to finance infrastructure construction projects.
 
Commodity and Energy Price Risk

We are subject to commodity price risk with respect to price changes in liquid asphalt and energy, including fossil fuels and electricity for aggregates, cement, ready‑mix concrete and asphalt paving mix production, natural gas for hot mix asphalt production and diesel fuel for distribution vehicles and production related mobile equipment. Liquid asphalt escalators in most of our public infrastructure contracts limit our exposure to price fluctuations in this commodity, and we seek to obtain escalators on private and commercial contracts. Similarly, in periods of decreasing oil prices, a portion of the cost savings will be recouped by our end customers. Changes in oil prices also could affect demand in certain of our markets, particularly in Midland/Odessa, Texas and indirectly in Houston, Texas, which collectively represented approximately 12.7% of our consolidated revenue in 2019. In addition, we enter into various firm purchase commitments, with terms generally less than one year, for certain raw materials.
 
For the year ended December 28, 2019, our costs associated with liquid asphalt and energy amounted to approximately $275.0 million. Accordingly, a 10% increase or decrease in the total cost of liquid asphalt and energy would have decreased or increased, respectively, our operating results for the year by approximately $27.5 million. However, this does not take into consideration liquid asphalt escalators in certain contracts or forward purchase commitments put into place before December 28, 2019.
 
Inflation Risk
 
Inflation rates in recent years have not been a significant factor in our revenue or earnings due to relatively low inflation and our ability to recover increasing costs by obtaining higher prices for our products, including sale price escalators in place for most public infrastructure sector contracts. Inflation risk varies with the level of activity in the construction industry, the number, size and strength of competitors and the availability of products to supply a local market.
 
Foreign Currency Risk
 
In 2014, we expanded our operations into Canada with the acquisition of Mainland. With this expansion, we became subject to foreign currency risk related to changes in the U.S. dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rates. A 10% adverse change in foreign currency rates from December 2018 levels would not have had a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

63


 
Interest Rate Risk
 
As of December 28, 2019, we had $624.3 million in term loans outstanding which bear interest at a variable rate. As of December 28, 2019, the rate in effect was the one‑month LIBOR of 1.70%, plus the Applicable Rate of 200 basis points. Therefore, a 100 basis point increase in the interest rate at December 28, 2019 would only have increased the all-in rate from 3.70% to 4.70%, the effect of which would have been an increase of $6.2 million on annual interest expense.
 
On January 19, 2017, we amended the Credit Agreement and, as a result, the floor decreased from 1.00% to 0.75% and the applicable margin was reduced. On November 21, 2017, Summit LLC entered into Amendment No. 2 to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, which, among other things, extended the maturity date from 2022 to 2024, brought the floor to zero and reduced the applicable margin in respect of the $635.4 million outstanding principal amount of term loans thereunder. On May 22, 2018, Summit LLC entered into Amendment No. 3 to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, which further reduced the applicable margin in respect of the $633.8 million outstanding principal amount of term loans thereunder.

The Company has entered into interest rate derivatives on $200.0 million of its term loan borrowings to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. The derivative expired in September 2019.
 
At our cement plants, we sponsored two non‑contributory defined benefit pension plans for certain hourly and salaried employees and two healthcare and life insurance benefits plans for certain eligible retired employees. As of January 2014, the two pension plans had been frozen to new participants and future benefit accruals and the healthcare and life insurance benefit plan has been amended to eliminate all future retiree health and life coverage for current employees. As a result of the acquisition of a cement and quarry in Davenport, Iowa and cement distribution terminals along the Mississippi River in 2015, the hourly defined benefit pension plan was amended to permit a new group of participants into the plan to accrue benefits in accordance with the terms of the collective bargaining agreement covering such Davenport employees. As a result of the collective bargaining unit negotiations in 2017, the hourly defined benefit pension plan was amended to stop future benefit accruals for the Davenport employees effective December 31, 2017. In 2015, the company adopted one new retiree healthcare plan to provide benefits prior to Medicare eligibility for certain hourly Davenport employees. As a result of the collective bargaining unit negotiations in 2017, hourly Davenport employees hired on or after January 1, 2018 are no longer eligible for retiree medical benefits. Our results of operations are affected by our net periodic benefit cost from these plans, which was $0.2 million in 2019. Assumptions that affect this expense include the discount rate and, for the pension plans only, the expected long‑term rate of return on assets. Therefore, we have interest rate risk associated with these factors.
 
The healthcare and life insurance benefit plans are exposed to changes in the cost of healthcare services. A one percentage‑point increase or decrease in assumed health care cost trend rates would have affected the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by approximately $0.8 million or $(0.7) million, respectively, at December 28, 2019.


64


ITEM 8.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Summit Materials, Inc.:

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Summit Materials, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, changes in redeemable noncontrolling interest and stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the fiscal years ended December 28, 2019, December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the fiscal years ended December 28, 2019, December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 5, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for leases as of December 30, 2018 due to the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 842, Leases.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements; and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgment. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Assessing revenue recognized over time on open paving and related service contracts
As discussed in Note 1 and Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company earns revenue from providing paving and related services, which are recognized over time as performance obligations are satisfied. The Company recognizes paving and related services revenue as services are rendered based on the proportion of costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion. For the year ended December 28, 2019, the Company had recognized paving and related service revenue related to service revenue of $306 million.

65


We identified the assessment of revenue recognized over time on paving and related services related contracts in progress as a critical audit matter.  Paving and related service related contracts in-progress require challenging auditor judgment to evaluate the forecast of remaining costs to complete, which had a significant impact on the amount of revenue recognized during the period. 

The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included the following. We performed procedures to analyze financial information over paving and related services revenue to determine the nature and extent of audit procedures. We tested certain internal controls over the Company’s over time revenue recognition process, including controls over the forecasting of estimated costs. We selected a sample of in-progress paving and related service costs incurred and compared the amount and dates incurred to underlying supporting documentation. We analyzed prior year end in-progress contracts that were completed in the current year to evaluate the Company’s ability to accurately estimate paving and service related contract forecasted costs to complete. For certain contracts selected for testing, we evaluated the competence, capabilities, and objectivity of the project managers who determined the forecasted costs to complete for the contracts. For these contracts, we also evaluated the estimated costs at completion by performing project manager interviews to obtain an understanding of the facts and circumstances of each selected contract, including changes in scope to the contract, additional estimated costs to complete, and expected completion date.

 /s/ KPMG LLP
 
We have served as the Company’s auditor since  2012.
Denver, Colorado  
February 5, 2020


66


SUMMIT MATERIALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts) 
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
Assets
 
 

 
 

Current assets:
 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
311,319

 
$
128,508

Accounts receivable, net
 
253,256

 
214,518

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings
 
13,088

 
18,602

Inventories
 
204,787

 
213,851

Other current assets
 
13,831

 
16,061

Total current assets
 
796,281

 
591,540

Property, plant and equipment
 
1,747,449

 
1,780,132

Goodwill
 
1,199,699

 
1,192,028

Intangible assets
 
23,498

 
18,460

Deferred tax assets
 
212,333

 
225,397

Operating lease right-of-use assets
 
32,777

 

Other assets
 
55,519

 
50,084

Total assets
 
$
4,067,556

 
$
3,857,641

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
 

 
 

Current liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Current portion of debt
 
$
7,942

 
$
6,354

Current portion of acquisition-related liabilities
 
32,700

 
34,270

Accounts payable
 
116,359

 
107,702

Accrued expenses
 
120,005

 
100,491

Current operating lease liabilities
 
8,427

 

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings
 
13,864

 
11,840

Total current liabilities
 
299,297

 
260,657

Long-term debt
 
1,851,057

 
1,807,502

Acquisition-related liabilities
 
19,801

 
49,468

Tax receivable agreement liability
 
326,965

 
309,674

Noncurrent operating lease liabilities
 
25,381

 

Other noncurrent liabilities
 
100,282

 
88,195

Total liabilities
 
2,622,783

 
2,515,496

Commitments and contingencies (see note 16)
 


 


Stockholders’ equity:
 
 

 
 

Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 113,309,385 and 111,658,927 shares issued and outstanding as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, respectively
 
$
1,134

 
$
1,117

Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 250,000,000 shares authorized, 99 shares issued and outstanding as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018
 

 

Additional paid-in capital
 
1,234,020

 
1,194,204

Accumulated earnings
 
188,805

 
129,739

Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
3,448

 
2,681

Stockholders’ equity
 
1,427,407

 
1,327,741

Noncontrolling interest in Summit Holdings
 
17,366

 
14,404

Total stockholders’ equity
 
1,444,773

 
1,342,145

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
4,067,556

 
$
3,857,641

 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

67


SUMMIT MATERIALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Years ended December 28, 2019, December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product
 
$
1,724,462

 
$
1,600,159

 
$
1,449,936

Service
 
306,185

 
309,099

 
302,473

Net revenue
 
2,030,647

 
1,909,258

 
1,752,409

Delivery and subcontract revenue
 
191,493

 
191,744

 
180,166

Total revenue
 
2,222,140

 
2,101,002

 
1,932,575

Cost of revenue (excluding items shown separately below):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product
 
1,116,662

 
1,058,544

 
898,281

Service
 
218,177

 
225,491

 
203,330

Net cost of revenue
 
1,334,839

 
1,284,035

 
1,101,611

Delivery and subcontract cost
 
191,493

 
191,744

 
180,166

Total cost of revenue
 
1,526,332

 
1,475,779

 
1,281,777

General and administrative expenses
 
262,926

 
253,609

 
242,670

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion
 
217,102

 
204,910

 
179,518

Transaction costs
 
2,222

 
4,238

 
7,733

Operating income
 
213,558

 
162,466

 
220,877

Interest expense
 
116,509

 
116,548

 
108,549

Loss on debt financings
 
14,565

 
149

 
4,815

Tax receivable agreement expense (benefit)
 
16,237

 
(22,684
)
 
271,016

Gain on sale of business
 

 
(12,108
)
 

Other income, net
 
(11,977
)
 
(15,516
)
 
(5,303
)
Income (loss) from operations before taxes
 
78,224

 
96,077

 
(158,200
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
17,101

 
59,747

 
(283,977
)
Net income
 
61,123

 
36,330

 
125,777

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries
 

 

 
(27
)
Net income attributable to Summit Holdings
 
2,057

 
2,424

 
3,974

Net income attributable to Summit Inc.
 
$
59,066

 
$
33,906

 
$
121,830

Earnings per share of Class A common stock:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.53

 
$
0.30

 
$
1.12

Diluted
 
$
0.52

 
$
0.30

 
$
1.11

Weighted average shares of Class A common stock:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
112,204,067

 
111,380,175

 
108,696,438

Diluted
 
112,684,718

 
112,316,646

 
109,490,898

 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


68


SUMMIT MATERIALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Years ended December 28, 2019, December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017
(In thousands)
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Net income
 
$
61,123

 
$
36,330

 
$
125,777

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Postretirement curtailment adjustment
 

 

 
429

Postretirement liability adjustment
 
(1,925
)
 
1,661

 
699

Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
4,716

 
(9,348
)
 
7,768

Income (loss) on cash flow hedges
 
(146
)
 
1,206

 
1,413

Less tax effect of other comprehensive income items
 

 
1,578

 
(288
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
2,645

 
(4,903
)
 
10,021

Comprehensive income
 
63,768

 
31,427

 
135,798

Less comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries
 

 

 
(27
)
Less comprehensive income attributable to Summit Holdings
 
3,935

 
2,226

 
4,360

Comprehensive income attributable to Summit Inc.
 
$
59,833

 
$
29,201

 
$
131,465

 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


69


SUMMIT MATERIALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 28, 2019, December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017
(In thousands)
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Cash flow from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
61,123

 
$
36,330

 
$
125,777

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion
 
222,862

 
208,772

 
193,107

Share-based compensation expense
 
20,403

 
25,378

 
21,140

Net gain on asset disposals
 
(10,294
)
 
(30,093
)
 
(7,638
)
Non-cash loss on debt financings
 
2,850

 

 
3,856

Change in deferred tax asset, net
 
16,012

 
57,490

 
(289,219
)
Other
 
(2,135
)
 
2,018

 
(2,359
)
(Increase) decrease in operating assets, net of acquisitions and dispositions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable, net
 
(37,049
)
 
(5,796
)
 
(3,720
)
Inventories
 
8,582

 
(11,598
)
 
(18,609
)
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings
 
5,558

 
(8,702
)
 
(1,825
)
Other current assets
 
5,465

 
(7,159
)
 
8,703

Other assets
 
5,085

 
(106
)
 
(3,103
)
(Decrease) increase in operating liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
18,903

 
(13,403
)
 
6,192

Accrued expenses
 
7,640

 
(16,544
)
 
(7,006
)
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings
 
1,988

 
(5,052
)
 
109

Tax receivable agreement liability
 
17,291

 
(21,666
)
 
273,194

Other liabilities
 
(7,100
)
 
(501
)
 
(6,416
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
337,184

 
209,368

 
292,183

Cash flow from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
 
(5,392
)
 
(246,017
)
 
(374,930
)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
 
(177,495
)
 
(220,685
)
 
(194,146
)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment
 
21,173

 
21,635

 
17,072

Proceeds from sale of business
 

 
21,564

 

Other
 
(1,095
)
 
3,804

 
(471
)
Net cash used for investing activities
 
(162,809
)
 
(419,699
)
 
(552,475
)
Cash flow from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from equity offerings
 

 

 
237,600

Capital issuance costs
 

 

 
(627
)
Proceeds from debt issuances
 
300,000

 
64,500

 
302,000

Debt issuance costs
 
(6,312
)
 
(550
)
 
(6,416
)
Payments on debt
 
(270,229
)
 
(85,042
)
 
(16,438
)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
(532
)
Payments on acquisition-related liabilities
 
(33,883
)
 
(36,504
)
 
(34,650
)
Distributions from partnership
 

 
(69
)
 
(1,974
)
Proceeds from stock option exercises
 
19,076

 
15,615

 
21,661

Other
 
(502
)
 
(1,943
)
 
(869
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
8,150

 
(43,993
)
 
499,755

Impact of foreign currency on cash
 
286

 
(724
)
 
701

Net increase (decrease) in cash
 
182,811

 
(255,048
)
 
240,164

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period
 
128,508

 
383,556

 
143,392

Cash and cash equivalents—end of period
 
$
311,319

 
$
128,508

 
$
383,556

 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

70


SUMMIT MATERIALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest and Stockholders’ Equity
Years ended December 28, 2019, December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017
(In thousands, except share amounts)
 
 
 
 
Summit Materials, Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncontrolling
 
 
 
Other
 
Class A
 
Class B
 
Additional
 
Noncontrolling
 
Total
 
 
Interest in
 
Accumulated
 
Comprehensive
 
Common Stock
 
Common Stock
 
Paid-in
 
Interest in
 
Stockholders’
 
 
Subsidiaries
 
Earnings
 
income
 
Shares
 
Dollars
 
Shares
 
Dollars
 
Capital
 
Summit Holdings
 
Equity
Balance — December 31, 2016
 
$
1,378

 
$
19,028

 
$
(2,249
)
 
96,033,222

 
$
961

 
100

 
$

 
$
824,304

 
$
16,617

 
$
860,039

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income
 
(27
)
 
121,830

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
3,974

 
125,777

Issuance of Class A Shares
 

 

 

 
10,000,000

 
100

 

 

 
238,367

 
(1,496
)
 
236,971

LP Unit exchanges
 

 

 

 
1,461,677

 
15

 

 

 
4,159

 
(4,174
)
 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 

 

 
9,635

 

 

 

 

 

 
386

 
10,021

Stock option exercises
 

 

 

 
1,203,121

 
12

 

 

 
21,649

 

 
21,661

Share-based compensation
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
21,140

 

 
21,140

Dividend (0.014/share)
 

 
(45,025
)
 

 
1,521,056

 
15

 

 

 
45,163

 
(155
)
 
(2
)
Distributions from partnership
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1,974
)
 
(1,974
)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest
 
(1,148
)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1,148
)
Shares redeemed to settle taxes and other
 
(203
)
 

 

 
131,518

 
1

 

 

 
(562
)
 

 
(764
)
Balance — December 30, 2017
 
$

 
$
95,833

 
$
7,386

 
110,350,594

 
$
1,104

 
100

 
$

 
$
1,154,220

 
$
13,178

 
$
1,271,721

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 

 
33,906

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
2,424

 
36,330

LP Unit exchanges
 

 

 

 
254,102

 
2

 

 

 
929

 
(931
)
 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 

 

 
(4,705
)
 

 

 

 

 

 
(198
)
 
(4,903
)
Stock option exercises
 

 

 

 
863,898

 
9

 

 

 
15,607

 

 
15,616

Share-based compensation
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
25,378

 

 
25,378

Distributions from partnership
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(69
)
 
(69
)
Shares redeemed to settle taxes and other
 

 

 

 
190,333

 
2

 
(1
)
 

 
(1,930
)
 

 
(1,928
)
Balance — December 29, 2018
 
$

 
$
129,739

 
$
2,681

 
111,658,927

 
$
1,117

 
99

 
$

 
$
1,194,204

 
$
14,404

 
$
1,342,145

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 

 
59,066

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
2,057

 
61,123

LP Unit exchanges
 

 

 

 
185,861

 
2

 

 

 
971

 
(973
)
 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 

 

 
767

 

 

 

 

 

 
1,878

 
2,645

Stock option exercises
 

 

 

 
1,065,446

 
11

 

 

 
19,065

 

 
19,076

Share-based compensation
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
20,403

 

 
20,403

Shares redeemed to settle taxes and other
 

 

 

 
399,151

 
4

 

 

 
(623
)
 

 
(619
)
Balance — December 28, 2019
 
$

 
$
188,805

 
$
3,448

 
113,309,385

 
$
1,134

 
99

 
$

 
$
1,234,020

 
$
17,366

 
$
1,444,773

 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


71


SUMMIT MATERIALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
(Dollars in tables in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

(1) Summary of Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
 
Summit Materials, Inc. (“Summit Inc.” and, together with its subsidiaries, “Summit,” “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company”) is a vertically-integrated construction materials company. The Company is engaged in the production and sale of aggregates, cement, ready-mix concrete, asphalt paving mix and concrete products and owns and operates quarries, sand and gravel pits, two cement plants, cement distribution terminals, ready-mix concrete plants, asphalt plants and landfill sites. It is also engaged in paving and related services. The Company’s three operating and reporting segments are the West, East and Cement segments.
 
Substantially all of the Company’s construction materials, products and services are produced, consumed and performed outdoors, primarily in the spring, summer and fall. Seasonal changes and other weather-related conditions can affect the production and sales volumes of its products and delivery of services. Therefore, the financial results for any interim period are typically not indicative of the results expected for the full year. Furthermore, the Company’s sales and earnings are sensitive to national, regional and local economic conditions, weather conditions and to cyclical changes in construction spending, among other factors.
 
On September 23, 2014, Summit Inc. was formed as a Delaware corporation to be a holding company. Its sole material asset is a controlling equity interest in Summit Materials Holdings L.P. (“Summit Holdings”). Pursuant to a reorganization into a holding company structure (the “Reorganization”) consummated in connection with Summit Inc.’s March 2015 initial public offering ("IPO"), Summit Inc. became a holding corporation operating and controlling all of the business and affairs of Summit Holdings and its subsidiaries. Summit Inc. owns the majority of the partnership interests of Summit Holdings (see note 11, Stockholders’ Equity).  Summit Materials, LLC (“Summit LLC”) an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Summit Holdings, conducts the majority of our operations. Continental Cement Company, L.L.C. (“Continental Cement”) is also a wholly owned subsidiary of Summit LLC. Summit Materials Finance Corp. (“Summit Finance”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Summit LLC, has jointly issued our Senior Notes as described below.
 
Principles of Consolidation—The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Summit Inc. and its majority owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. As a result of the Reorganization, Summit Holdings became a variable interest entity over which Summit Inc. has 100% voting power and control and for which Summit Inc. has the obligation to absorb losses and the right to receive benefits.
 
The Company’s fiscal year is based on a 52-53 week year with each quarter composed of 13 weeks ending on a Saturday. The 53-week year last occurred in 2015, and will occur in 2020.
 
For a summary of the changes in Summit Inc.’s ownership of Summit Holdings, see Note 11, Stockholders’ Equity.
 
The Company attributes consolidated stockholders’ equity and net income separately to the controlling and noncontrolling interests. The Company accounts for investments in entities for which it has an ownership of 20% to 50% using the equity method of accounting. 
 
Use of Estimates—Preparation of these consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities and reported amounts of revenue and expenses. Such estimates include the valuation of accounts receivable, inventories, valuation of deferred tax assets, goodwill, intangibles and other long-lived assets, the tax receivable agreement (“TRA”) liability, pension and other postretirement obligations, and asset retirement obligations. Estimates also include revenue earned on contracts and costs to complete contracts. Most of the Company’s paving and related services are performed under fixed unit-price contracts with state and local governmental entities. Management regularly evaluates its estimates and assumptions based on historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results can differ significantly from estimates made. Changes in estimates, including those resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment, are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements when the change in estimate occurs.  
 

72


Business and Credit Concentrations—The Company’s operations are conducted primarily across 23 U.S. states and in British Columbia, Canada, with the most significant revenue generated in Texas, Utah, Kansas and Missouri. The Company’s accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due from customers within these areas. Therefore, collection of these accounts is dependent on the economic conditions in the aforementioned states, as well as specific situations affecting individual customers. Credit granted within the Company’s trade areas has been granted to many customers and management does not believe that a significant concentration of credit exists with respect to any individual customer or group of customers. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s total revenue in 2019, 2018 or 2017.
 
Accounts Receivable—Accounts receivable are stated at the amount management expects to collect from outstanding balances. Management provides for probable uncollectible amounts through a charge to earnings and a credit to a valuation allowance based on its assessment of the collectability of individual accounts. In establishing the allowance, management considers historical losses adjusted to take into account current market conditions and its customers’ financial condition, the amount of receivables in dispute, the current receivables aging and current payment terms. Balances that remain outstanding after reasonable collection efforts are exercised are written off through a charge to the valuation allowance.
 
The balances billed but not paid by customers, pursuant to retainage provisions included in contracts, are generally due upon completion of the contracts.
 
Revenue Recognition—We earn revenue from the sale of products, which primarily include aggregates, cement, ready-mix concrete and asphalt, but also include concrete products and plastics components, and from the provision of services, which are primarily paving and related services, but also include landfill operations, the receipt and disposal of waste that is converted to fuel for use in our cement plants.

Products 

We earn revenue from the sale of products, which primarily include aggregates, cement, ready-mix concrete and asphalt, but also include concrete products, net of discounts or allowances, if any, and freight and delivery charges billed to customers. Freight and delivery charges associated with cement sales are recorded on a net basis together with freight costs within cost of sales. Revenue for product sales is recognized when evidence of an arrangement exists and when control passes, which generally is when the product is shipped. 

Aggregates and cement products are sold point-of-sale through purchase orders. When the product is sold on account, collectability typically occurs 30 to 60 days after the sale.  Revenue is recognized when cash is received from the customer at the point of sale or when the products are delivered or collected on site. There are no other timing implications that will create a contract asset or liability, and contract modifications are unlikely given the timing and nature of the transaction. Material sales are likely to have multiple performance obligations if the product is sold with delivery. In these instances, delivery most often occurs on the same day as the control of the product transfers to the customer. As a result, even in the case of multiple performance obligations, the performance obligations are satisfied concurrently and revenue is recognized simultaneously. 

Services 

We earn revenue from the provision of services, which are primarily paving and related services, but also include landfill operations and the receipt and disposal of waste that is converted to fuel for use in our cement plants. Revenue from the receipt of waste fuels is recognized when the waste is accepted and a corresponding liability is recognized for the costs to process the waste into fuel for the manufacturing of cement or to ship the waste offsite for disposal in accordance with applicable regulations.

Collectability of service contracts is due reasonably after certain milestones in the contract are performed. Milestones vary by project, but are typically calculated using monthly progress based on the percentage of completion or a customer’s engineer review of progress. The majority of the time, collection occurs within 90 days of billing and cash is received within the same fiscal year as services performed. On most projects, the customer will withhold a portion of the invoice for retainage, which may last longer than a year depending on the job. 

Revenue derived from paving and related services is recognized using the percentage of completion method, which approximates progress towards completion. Under the percentage of completion method, we recognize paving and related services revenue as services are rendered. The majority of our construction service contracts are completed within one year, but may occasionally extend beyond this time frame. The majority of our construction service contracts, and therefore revenue, are opened and completed within one year, with the most activity during the spring, summer and fall. We estimate profit as the difference between total estimated revenue and total estimated cost of a contract and recognize that profit over the life of the

73


contract based on input measures. We generally measure progress toward completion on long-term paving and related services contracts based on the proportion of costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion. We include revisions of estimated profits on contracts in earnings under the cumulative catch-up method, under which the effect of revisions in estimates is recognized immediately. If a revised estimate of contract profitability reveals an anticipated loss on the contract, we recognize the loss in the period it is identified. 

The percentage of completion method of accounting involves the use of various estimating techniques to project costs at completion, and in some cases includes estimates of recoveries asserted against the customer for changes in specifications or other disputes. Contract estimates involve various assumptions and projections relative to the outcome of future events over multiple periods, including future labor productivity and availability, the nature and complexity of the work to be performed, the cost and availability of materials, the effect of delayed performance, and the availability and timing of funding from the customer. These estimates are based on our best judgment. A significant change in one or more of these estimates could affect the profitability of one or more of our contracts. We review our contract estimates regularly to assess revisions in contract values and estimated costs at completion. Inherent uncertainties in estimating costs make it at least reasonably possible that the estimates used will change within the near term and over the life of the contracts. No material adjustments to a contract were recognized in the year ended December 28, 2019.

We recognize claims when the amount of the claim can be estimated reliably and its realization is probable. In evaluating these criteria, we consider the contractual basis for the claim, the cause of any additional costs incurred, the reasonableness of those costs and the objective evidence available to support the claim.

When the contract includes variable consideration, we estimate the amount of consideration to which we will be entitled in exchange for transferring the promised goods or services to a customer. The amount of estimated variable consideration included in the transaction price is the amount for which it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. Types of variable consideration include, but are not limited to, liquidated damages and other performance penalties and production and placement bonuses. 

The majority of contract modifications relate to the original contract and are often an extension of the original performance obligation. Predominately, modifications are not distinct from the terms in the original contract; therefore, they are considered part of a single performance obligation. We account for the modification using a cumulative catch-up adjustment. However, there are instances where goods or services in a modification are distinct from those transferred prior to the modification. In these situations, we account for the modifications as either a separate contract or prospectively depending on the facts and circumstances of the modification. 

Generally, construction contracts contain mobilization costs which are categorized as costs to fulfill a contract. These costs are excluded from any measure of progress toward contract fulfillment. These costs do not result in the transfer of control of a good or service to the customer and are amortized over the life of the contract. 

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings are composed principally of revenue recognized on contracts on the percentage of completion method for which billings had not been presented to customers because the amounts were not billable under the contract terms at the balance sheet date. In accordance with the contract terms, the unbilled receivables at the balance sheet date are expected to be billed in following periods. Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings represent billings in excess of revenue recognized. Contract assets and liabilities are netted on a contract-by-contract basis.
 
Inventories—Inventories consist of stone that has been removed from quarries and processed for future sale, cement, raw materials and finished concrete blocks. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market and are accounted for on a first-in first-out basis or an average cost basis. If items become obsolete or otherwise unusable or if quantities exceed what is projected to be sold within a reasonable period of time, they will be charged to costs of production in the period that the items are designated as obsolete or excess inventory. Stripping costs are costs of removing overburden and waste material to access aggregate materials and are expensed as incurred.
 
Property, Plant and Equipment, net—Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization. Expenditures for additions and improvements that significantly add to the productive capacity or extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized. Repair and maintenance costs that do not substantially expand productive capacity or extend the life of property, plant and equipment are expensed as incurred.
 
Landfill airspace is included in property, plant and equipment at cost and is amortized based on the portion of the airspace used during the period compared to the gross estimated value of available airspace, which is updated periodically as

74


circumstances dictate. Management reassesses the landfill airspace capacity with any changes in value recorded in cost of revenue. Capitalized landfill costs include expenditures for the acquisition of land and related airspace, engineering and permitting costs, cell construction costs and direct site improvement costs.
 
Upon disposal of an asset, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the Company’s accounts and any gain or loss is included in general and administrative expenses.
 
The Company reviews the carrying value of property, plant and equipment for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable from the estimated future cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. Such indicators may include, among others, deterioration in general economic conditions, adverse changes in the markets in which an entity operates, increases in input costs that have a negative effect on earnings and cash flows or a trend of negative or declining cash flows over multiple periods.
 
Property, plant and equipment is tested for impairment at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets. As a result, the property, plant and equipment impairment test is at a significantly lower level than the level at which goodwill is tested for impairment. In markets where the Company does not produce downstream products, such as ready-mix concrete, asphalt paving mix and paving and related services, the lowest level of largely independent identifiable cash flows is at the individual aggregates operation or a group of aggregates operations collectively serving a local market or the cement operations. Conversely, in vertically-integrated markets, the cash flows of the downstream and upstream businesses are not largely independently identifiable and the vertically-integrated operations are considered the lowest level of largely independent identifiable cash flows.
 
Accrued Mining and Landfill Reclamation—The mining reclamation reserve and financial commitments for landfill closure and post-closure activities are based on management’s estimate of future cost requirements to reclaim property at both currently operating and closed sites. Estimates of these obligations have been developed based on management’s interpretation of current requirements and proposed regulatory changes and are intended to approximate fair value. Costs are estimated in current dollars, inflated until the expected time of payment, and then discounted back to present value using a credit-adjusted, risk-free rate on obligations of similar maturity, adjusted to reflect the Company’s credit rating. Changes in the credit-adjusted, risk-free rate do not change recorded liabilities. However, subsequent increases in the recognized obligations are measured using a current credit-adjusted, risk-free rate. Decreases in the recognized obligations are measured at the initial credit-adjusted, risk-free rate.
 
Significant changes in inflation rates or the amount or timing of future cost estimates typically result in both (1) a current adjustment to the recorded liability (and corresponding adjustment to the asset) and (2) a change in accretion of the liability and depreciation of the asset to be recorded prospectively over the remaining capacity of the unmined quarry or landfill.
 
Goodwill—Goodwill represents the purchase price paid in excess of the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill recorded in connection with the Company’s acquisitions is primarily attributable to the expected profitability, assembled workforces of the acquired businesses and the synergies expected to arise after the Company’s acquisition of those businesses. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested annually for impairment as of the first day of the fourth quarter and at any time that events or circumstances indicate that goodwill may be impaired. A qualitative approach may first be applied to determine whether it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, as a result of the qualitative assessment, it is determined that an impairment is more likely than not, the two-step quantitative impairment test is then performed, otherwise further analysis is not required. The two-step impairment test first identifies potential goodwill impairment for each reporting unit and then, if necessary, measures the amount of the impairment loss.
 
Income Taxes—Summit Inc. is a corporation subject to income taxes in the United States. Certain subsidiaries, including Summit Holdings, or subsidiary groups of the Company are taxable separate from Summit Inc. The provision for income taxes, or Summit Inc.’s proportional share of the provision, are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
The Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed for differences between the tax basis and financial statement amounts that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future. The computed deferred balances are based on enacted tax laws and applicable rates for the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. A valuation allowance is recognized for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax assets will not be realized. In making such a determination, all available positive and negative evidence is considered, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies,

75


and results of recent operations. If the Company determines it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets for which a valuation allowance had been recorded then an adjustment would be made to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.
 
The Company evaluates the tax positions taken on income tax returns that remain open and positions expected to be taken on the current year tax returns to identify uncertain tax positions. Unrecognized tax benefits on uncertain tax positions are recorded on the basis of a two-step process in which (1) the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized is recognized. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recorded in income tax expense (benefit).
 
Tax Receivable Agreement— When Class A limited partnership units of Summit Holdings (“LP Units”) are exchanged for shares of Class A common stock of Summit Inc. or Summit Inc. purchases LP Units for cash, this results in increases in Summit Inc.’s share of the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets, which increases the tax depreciation and amortization deductions that otherwise would not have been available to Summit Inc.  These increases in tax basis and tax depreciation and amortization deductions are expected to reduce the amount of cash taxes that we would otherwise be required to pay in the future. Prior to our IPO, we entered into a TRA with the pre-IPO owners that requires us to pay the pre-IPO owners or their permitted assignees 85% of the amount of cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state, and local income tax that we actually realize as a result of these exchanges.  These benefits include (1) increases in the tax basis of tangible and intangible assets of Summit Holdings and certain other tax benefits related to entering into the TRA, (2) tax benefits attributable to payments under the TRA, or (3) under certain circumstances such as an early termination of the TRA, we are deemed to realize, as a result of the increases in tax basis in connection with exchanges by the pre-IPO owners described above and certain other tax benefits attributable to payments under the TRA.

As noted above, we periodically evaluate the realizability of the deferred tax assets resulting from the exchange of LP Units for Class A common stock. If the deferred tax assets are determined to be realizable, we then assess whether payment of amounts under the TRA have become probable. If so, we record a TRA liability equal to 85% of such deferred tax assets. In subsequent periods, we assess the realizability of all of our deferred tax assets subject to the TRA. Should we determine a deferred tax asset with a valuation allowance is realizable in a subsequent period, the related valuation allowance will be released and consideration of a corresponding TRA liability will be assessed. The realizability of deferred tax assets, including those subject to the TRA, is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those deferred tax assets become deductible and consideration of prudent and feasible tax-planning strategies.
 
The measurement of the TRA liability is accounted for as a contingent liability. Therefore, once we determine that a payment to a pre-IPO owner has become probable and can be estimated, the estimate of payment will be accrued.
 
Earnings per Share—The Company computes basic earnings per share attributable to stockholders by dividing income attributable to Summit Inc. by the weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution beyond shares for basic earnings per share that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised, converted into common stock, or resulted in the issuance of common stock that would have shared in the Company’s earnings. Since the Class B common stock has no economic value, those shares are not included in the weighted-average common share amount for basic or diluted earnings per share. In addition, as the shares of Class A common stock are issued by Summit Inc., the earnings and equity interests of noncontrolling interests are not included in basic earnings per share.
 
New Accounting Standards — In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board FASB ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires lessees to recognize most leases on the balance sheet. Lessees are required to disclose more quantitative and qualitative information about the leases than current U.S. GAAP requires. The ASU and subsequent amendments issued in 2018 are effective for public entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. We adopted the standard effective December 30, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach. The modified retrospective approach provides a method for recording existing leases at adoption. In addition, we elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allowed us to carry forward the historical lease classification. In addition, we elected the hindsight practical expedient to determine the lease term for existing leases. The most significant impact upon adoption was the recognition of $36.8 million of operating lease right-of-use assets and $36.8 million operating lease liabilities. The standard had no material impact on our statements of operations and cash flows.
 
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, allowing more financial and nonfinancial hedging strategies to be eligible for hedge

76


accounting. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this new ASU did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial results.
    
In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting, increasing the scope of Topic 718 to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this new ASU did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial results.

(2) Acquisitions
 
The Company has completed numerous acquisitions since its formation, which have been financed through a combination of debt and equity funding. The operations of each acquisition have been included in the Company’s consolidated results of operations since the respective closing dates of the acquisitions. The Company measures all assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition-date fair value. The following table summarizes the Company’s acquisitions by region and year:
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
West
 
2

 
5

 
6

East (1)
 

 
7

 
8


______________________
(1)    In addition, the Company acquired certain assets of a small ready-mix concrete operation in the second quarter of 2018.
    
The table below summarizes aggregated information regarding the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the respective acquisition dates.
 
 
2019
 
2018
Financial assets
 
$

 
$
14,769

Inventories
 
52

 
18,313

Property, plant and equipment
 
3,542

 
124,957

Intangible assets
 

 
3,175

Other assets
 

 
1,539

Financial liabilities
 
(36
)
 
(13,529
)
Other long-term liabilities
 

 
(8,125
)
Net assets acquired
 
3,558

 
141,099

Goodwill
 
1,834

 
154,120

Purchase price
 
5,392

 
295,219

Acquisition-related liabilities
 

 
(49,202
)
Net cash paid for acquisitions
 
$
5,392

 
$
246,017


Acquisition-Related Liabilities—A number of acquisition-related liabilities have been recorded subject to terms in the relevant purchase agreements, including deferred consideration and noncompete payments. Noncompete payments have been accrued where certain former owners of newly acquired companies have entered into standard noncompete arrangements. Subject to terms and conditions stated in these noncompete agreements, payments are generally made over a five-year period. Deferred consideration is purchase price consideration paid in the future as agreed to in the purchase agreement and is not contingent on future events. Deferred consideration is generally scheduled to be paid in years ranging from 5 to 20 years in annual installments. The remaining payments due under these noncompete and deferred consideration agreements are as follows: 

77


 
 
2020
$
31,708

2021
9,705

2022
3,411

2023
2,657

2024
2,620

Thereafter
7,020

Total scheduled payments
57,121

Present value adjustments
(7,889
)
Total noncompete obligations and deferred consideration
$
49,232


 
Accretion on the deferred consideration and noncompete obligations is recorded in interest expense.

(3) Goodwill
 
As of December 28, 2019, the Company had 11 reporting units with goodwill for which the annual goodwill impairment test was completed. We perform the annual impairment test on the first day of the fourth quarter each year. In 2019, we performed a two-step quantitative analysis on all of our reporting units. Step 1 of that analysis compares the estimated the fair value of the reporting units using an income approach (i.e., a discounted cash flow technique) and a market approach to the carrying value of the reporting unit. If the estimated fair value exceeds its carrying value, the goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered impaired. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we proceed to the second step to measure the amount of potential impairment loss. Based on this analysis, it was determined that the reporting units’ fair values were greater than their carrying values and no impairment charges were recognized in 2019. The accumulated impairment charges recognized in periods prior to 2017 totaled $68.2 million.
 
These estimates of a reporting unit’s fair value involve significant management estimates and assumptions, including but not limited to sales prices of similar assets, assumptions related to future profitability, cash flows, and discount rates. These estimates are based upon historical trends, management’s knowledge and experience and overall economic factors, including projections of future earnings potential. Developing discounted future cash flow estimates in applying the income approach required management to evaluate its intermediate to longer-term strategies, including, but not limited to, estimates about revenue growth, operating margins, capital requirements, inflation and working capital management. The development of appropriate rates to discount the estimated future cash flows required the selection of risk premiums, which can materially affect the present value of estimated future cash flows.

Within the West segment, as a result of management changes in 2019, we integrated our Austin operations with those of our Houston operations, resulting in one reporting unit for goodwill.
 
The following table presents goodwill by reportable segments and in total:
 
 
 
West
 
East
 
Cement
 
Total
Balance—December 30, 2017
 
$
526,290

 
$
305,374

 
$
204,656

 
$
1,036,320

Acquisitions
 
59,148

 
101,431

 

 
160,579

Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
(4,871
)
 

 

 
(4,871
)
Balance, December 29, 2018
 
$
580,567

 
$
406,805

 
$
204,656

 
$
1,192,028

Acquisitions (1)
 
1,657

 
3,621

 

 
5,278

Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
2,393

 

 

 
2,393

Balance, December 28, 2019
 
$
584,617

 
$
410,426

 
$
204,656

 
$
1,199,699

______________________
(1)
Reflects goodwill from 2019 acquisitions and working capital adjustments from prior year acquisitions.

(4) Revenue Recognition

We derive our revenue predominantly by selling construction materials, products and providing paving and related services. Construction materials consist of aggregates and cement. Products consist of related downstream products, including ready-mix concrete, asphalt paving mix and concrete products. Paving and related service revenue is generated primarily from

78


the asphalt paving services that we provide, and is recognized using the percentage of completion method. The majority of our construction service contracts, and therefore revenue, are opened and completed within one year, with the most activity during the spring, summer and fall.

Revenue by product for the years ended December 28, 2019, December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 consisted of the following:

 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Revenue by product*:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aggregates
 
$
469,670

 
$
373,824

 
$
313,383

Cement
 
266,235

 
258,876

 
282,041

Ready-mix concrete
 
607,622

 
584,114

 
492,302

Asphalt
 
330,750

 
301,247

 
285,653

Paving and related services
 
360,234

 
379,540

 
371,763

Other
 
187,629

 
203,401

 
187,433

Total revenue
 
$
2,222,140

 
$
2,101,002

 
$
1,932,575

______________________
 *       Revenue from the liquid asphalt terminals is included in asphalt revenue.

The following table outlines the significant changes in contract assets and contract liability balances from December 29, 2018 to December 28, 2019. Also included in the table is the net change in the estimate as a percentage of aggregate revenue for such contracts: 

 
Costs and estimated
 
Billings in excess
 
earnings in
 
of costs and
 
excess of billings
 
estimated earnings
Balance—December 29, 2018
$
18,602

 
$
11,840

Changes in revenue billed, contract price or cost estimates
(5,558
)
 
1,988

Other
44

 
36

Balance—December 28, 2019
$
13,088

 
$
13,864



Accounts receivable, net consisted of the following as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018:
 
 
2019
 
2018
Trade accounts receivable
 
$
191,672

 
$
157,601

Construction contract receivables
 
47,966

 
47,994

Retention receivables
 
17,808

 
15,010

Receivables from related parties
 
1,596

 
629

Accounts receivable
 
259,042

 
221,234

Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts
 
(5,786
)
 
(6,716
)
Accounts receivable, net
 
$
253,256

 
$
214,518


 
Retention receivables are amounts earned by the Company but held by customers until paving and related service contracts and projects are near completion or fully completed. Amounts are generally billed and collected within one year.
 
(5) Inventories
 
Inventories consisted of the following as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018:

79


 
 
2019
 
2018
Aggregate stockpiles
 
$
140,461

 
$
151,300

Finished goods
 
33,023

 
34,993

Work in process
 
7,664

 
7,478

Raw materials
 
23,639

 
20,080

Total
 
$
204,787

 
$
213,851



(6) Property, Plant and Equipment, net and Intangibles, net
 
Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018
 
 
2019
 
2018
Land (mineral bearing) and asset retirement costs
 
$
333,024

 
$
323,553

Land (non-mineral bearing)
 
182,065

 
184,029

Buildings and improvements
 
178,088

 
173,559

Plants, machinery and equipment
 
1,318,512

 
1,239,793

Mobile equipment and barges
 
501,809

 
468,313

Truck and auto fleet
 
54,838

 
51,938

Landfill airspace and improvements
 
49,766

 
49,754

Office equipment
 
43,155

 
39,794

Construction in progress
 
42,007

 
43,650

Property, plant and equipment
 
2,703,264

 
2,574,383

Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization
 
(955,815
)
 
(794,251
)
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
$
1,747,449

 
$
1,780,132


 
Depreciation on property, plant and equipment, including assets subject to capital leases, is generally computed on a straight-line basis. Depletion of mineral reserves is computed based on the portion of the reserves used during the period compared to the gross estimated value of proven and probable reserves, which is updated periodically as circumstances dictate. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the asset’s useful life or the remaining lease term. The estimated useful lives are generally as follows:
 
 
 
Buildings and improvements
10 - 30
years
Plant, machinery and equipment
15 - 20
years
Office equipment
3 - 7
years
Truck and auto fleet
5 - 8
years
Mobile equipment and barges
6 - 8
years
Landfill airspace and improvements
10 - 30
years
Other
4 - 20
years

 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense of property, plant and equipment was $196.8 million, $199.6 million and $174.4 million in the years ended December 28, 2019, December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, respectively.
 
Property, plant and equipment at December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 included $82.7 million and $67.7 million, respectively, of finance leases for certain equipment and a building with accumulated amortization of $24.9 million and $19.3 million, respectively. The equipment leases generally have terms of less than five years and the building lease had an original term of 30 years. Approximately $16.0 million and $15.6 million of the future obligations associated with the finance leases are included in accrued expenses as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, respectively, and the present value of the remaining finance lease payments, $40.4 million and $33.6 million, respectively, is included in other noncurrent liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Future minimum rental commitments under long-term capital leases are $18.6 million, $21.9 million, $14.9 million, $1.7 million, and $2.3 million for the years ended 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, respectively.
 
Assets are assessed for impairment charges when identified for disposition. The net gain from asset dispositions recognized in general and administrative expenses in fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $10.7 million, $12.6 million and

80


$7.5 million, respectively. No material impairment charges have been recognized on assets held for use in fiscal 2019, 2018 or 2017.
    
Intangible Assets—The Company’s intangible assets are primarily composed of lease agreements and reserve rights. The assets related to lease agreements reflect the submarket royalty rates paid under agreements, primarily, for extracting aggregates. The values were determined as of the respective acquisition dates by a comparison of market-royalty rates to contract-royalty rates. The reserve rights relate to aggregate reserves to which the Company has the rights of ownership, but do not own the reserves. The intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lives of the leases. The following table shows intangible assets by type and in total: 
 
 
December 28, 2019
 
December 29, 2018
 
 
Gross
 
 
 
Net
 
Gross
 
 
 
Net
 
 
Carrying
 
Accumulated
 
Carrying
 
Carrying
 
Accumulated
 
Carrying
 
 
Amount
 
Amortization
 
Amount
 
Amount
 
Amortization
 
Amount
Mineral leases
 
$
19,064

 
$
(6,408
)
 
$
12,656

 
$
19,064

 
$
(5,259
)
 
$
13,805

Reserve rights
 
6,234

 
(2,248
)
 
3,986

 
6,234

 
(1,940
)
 
4,294

Trade names
 
1,000

 
(958
)
 
42

 
1,000

 
(858
)
 
142

Other
 
7,566

 
(752
)
 
6,814

 
409

 
(190
)
 
219

Total intangible assets
 
$
33,864

 
$
(10,366
)
 
$
23,498

 
$
26,707

 
$
(8,247
)
 
$
18,460


 
Amortization expense in fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $2.1 million, $1.5 million and $1.3 million, respectively. The estimated amortization expense for intangible assets for each of the next five years and thereafter is as follows:
 
 
 
2020
$
2,526

2021
2,138

2022
2,142

2023
2,009

2024
1,914

Thereafter
12,769

Total
$
23,498


 
(7) Accrued Expenses
 
Accrued expenses consisted of the following as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018:
 
 
2019
 
2018
Interest
 
$
26,892

 
$
26,223

Payroll and benefits
 
29,356

 
15,952

Finance lease obligations
 
16,007

 
15,557

Insurance
 
14,968

 
13,625

Non-income taxes
 
7,666

 
7,442

Professional fees
 
902

 
1,408

Other (1)
 
24,214

 
20,284

Total
 
$
120,005

 
$
100,491

______________________
(1)
Consists primarily of subcontractor and working capital settlement accruals and deferred revenue.


81


(8) Debt

Debt consisted of the following as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018
 
 
2019
 
2018
Term Loan, due 2024:
 
 
 
 
$624.3 million and $630.6 million, net of $1.1 million and $1.3 million discount at December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, respectively
 
$
623,140

 
$
629,268

8 1/2% Senior Notes, due 2022
 

 
250,000

6 1/8% Senior Notes, due 2023:
 
 
 
 
$650.0 million, net of $0.9 million and $1.1 million discount at December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, respectively
 
649,133

 
648,891

5 1/8% Senior Notes, due 2025
 
300,000

 
300,000

6 1⁄2% Senior Notes, due 2027
 
300,000

 

Total
 
1,872,273

 
1,828,159

Current portion of long-term debt
 
7,942

 
6,354

Long-term debt
 
$
1,864,331

 
$
1,821,805


 
The contractual payments of long-term debt, including current maturities, for the five years subsequent to December 28, 2019, are as follows:
2020
$
7,942

2021
6,354

2022
6,354

2023
656,354

2024
597,251

Thereafter
600,000

Total
1,874,255

Less: Original issue net discount
(1,982
)
Less: Capitalized loan costs
(13,274
)
Total debt
$
1,858,999


 
Senior Notes—On March 15, 2019, Summit LLC and Summit Finance (together, the “Issuers”) issued $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.500% senior notes due March 15, 2027 (the “2027 Notes”). The 2027 Notes were issued at 100.0% of their par value with proceeds of $296.3 million, net of related fees and expenses. The 2027 Notes were issued under an indenture dated March 25, 2019 (the “2019 Indenture”). The 2019 Indenture contains covenants limiting, among other things, Summit LLC and its restricted subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional indebtedness or issue certain preferred shares, pay dividends, redeem stock or make other distributions, make certain investments, sell or transfer certain assets, create liens, consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets, enter into certain transactions with affiliates, and designate subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries. The 2019 Indenture also contains customary events of default. Interest on the 2027 Notes is payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year commencing on September 15, 2019. 

 In March 2019, using the proceeds from the 2027 Notes, all of the outstanding $250.0 million 8.500% senior notes due 2022 (the “2022 Notes”) were redeemed at a price equal to par plus an applicable premium and the indenture under which the 2022 Notes were issued was satisfied and discharged. As a result of the extinguishment, charges of $14.6 million were recognized in the quarter ended March 30, 2019, which included charges of $11.7 million for the applicable redemption premium and $2.9 million for the write-off of deferred financing fees.

In 2017, the Issuers issued $300.0 million of 5.125% senior notes due June 1, 2025 (the “2025 Notes”). The 2025 Notes were issued at 100.0% of their par value with proceeds of $295.4 million, net of related fees and expenses. The 2025 Notes were issued under an indenture dated June 1, 2017, the terms of which are generally consistent with the 2019 Indenture. Interest on the 2025 Notes is payable semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year commencing on December 1, 2017.
 
In 2015, the Issuers issued $650 million of 6.125% senior notes due July 2023 (the “2023 Notes” and collectively with the 2022 Notes and the 2027 Notes, the “Senior Notes”). Of the aggregate $650.0 million of 2023 Notes, $350.0 million were

82


issued at par and $300.0 million were issued at 99.375% of par. The 2023 Notes were issued under an indenture dated July 8, 2015, the terms of which are generally consistent with the 2019 Indenture. Interest on the 2023 Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year.

In April, August and November 2015, $288.2 million, $183.0 million and $153.8 million, respectively, in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding 10 1/2% senior notes due January 31, 2020 (the “2020 Notes”) were redeemed at a price equal to par plus an applicable premium and the indenture under which the 2020 Notes were issued was satisfied and discharged. As a result of the redemptions, net charges of $56.5 million were recognized for the year ended December 31, 2016. The fees included $66.6 million for the applicable prepayment premium and $11.9 million for the write-off of deferred financing fees, partially offset by $22.0 million of net benefit from the write-off of the original issuance net premium.
 
As of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under the applicable indentures.
 
Senior Secured Credit Facilities— Summit LLC has credit facilities that provide for term loans in an aggregate amount of $650.0 million and revolving credit commitments in an aggregate amount of $345.0 million (the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”). Under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, required principal repayments of 0.25% of the refinanced aggregate amount of term debt are due on the last business day of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the March 2018 payment. The unpaid principal balance is due in full on the maturity date, which is November 21, 2024.
 
On February 25, 2019, Summit LLC entered into Incremental Amendment No. 4 to the credit agreement governing the Senior Secured Credit Facilities (the “Credit Agreement”) which, among other things, increased the total amount available under the revolving credit facility to$345.0 million and extended the maturity date of the Credit Agreement with respect to the revolving credit commitments to February 25, 2024. During 2018 and 2017, Summit LLC entered into three different amendments to the Credit Agreement, which among other things, reduced the applicable margin in respect to the outstanding principal amount at the time of the respective amendments.
 
The revolving credit facility bears interest per annum equal to, at Summit LLC’s option, either (i) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (b) the prime rate of Bank of America, N.A. and (c) LIBOR plus 1.00%, plus an applicable margin of 2.00% for base rate loans or (ii) a LIBOR rate determined by reference to Reuters prior to the interest period relevant to such borrowing adjusted for certain additional costs plus an applicable margin of 3.00% for LIBOR rate loans.
 
There were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility as of December 28, 2019 or December 29, 2018. As of December 28, 2019, we had remaining borrowing capacity of $329.8 million under the revolving credit facility, which is net of $15.2 million of outstanding letters of credit. The outstanding letters of credit are renewed annually and support required bonding on construction projects and the Company’s insurance liabilities.
 
Summit LLC’s Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio, as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement, should be no greater than 4.75:1.0 as of each quarter-end. As of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, Summit LLC was in compliance with all financial covenants under the Credit Agreement.
 
Summit LLC’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiary companies, subject to certain exclusions and exceptions, are named as subsidiary guarantors of the Senior Notes and the Senior Secured Credit Facilities. In addition, Summit LLC has pledged substantially all of its assets as collateral, subject to certain exclusions and exceptions, for the Senior Secured Credit Facilities.

The following table presents the activity for the deferred financing fees for the years ended December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018:

83


 
 
 
Deferred financing fees
Balance—December 30, 2017
$
19,033

Loan origination fees
550

Amortization
(4,108
)
Balance—December 29, 2018
$
15,475

Loan origination fees
6,312

Amortization
(3,501
)
Write off of deferred financing fees
(2,850
)
Balance—December 28, 2019
$
15,436


 
Other—On January 15, 2015, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary in British Columbia, Canada entered into an agreement with HSBC for a (i) $6.0 million Canadian dollar (“CAD”) revolving credit commitment to be used for operating activities that bears interest per annum equal to the bank’s prime rate plus 0.20%, (ii) $0.5 million CAD revolving credit commitment to be used for capital equipment that bears interest per annum at the bank’s prime rate plus 0.90% and (iii) $0.4 million CAD revolving credit commitment to provide guarantees on behalf of that subsidiary. There were no amounts outstanding under this agreement as of December 28, 2019 or December 29, 2018.
 
(9) Income Taxes
 
Summit Inc.’s tax provision includes its proportional share of Summit Holdings’ tax attributes. Summit Holdings’ subsidiaries are primarily limited liability companies, but do include certain entities organized as C corporations and a Canadian subsidiary. The tax attributes related to the limited liability companies are passed on to Summit Holdings and then to its partners, including Summit Inc. The tax attributes associated with the C corporation and Canadian subsidiaries are fully reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. For the years ended December 28, 2019, December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, income taxes consisted of the following:
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Provision for income taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current
 
$
69

 
$
463

 
$
2,530

Deferred
 
17,032

 
59,284

 
(286,507
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
$
17,101

 
$
59,747

 
$
(283,977
)

 
The effective tax rate on pre-tax income differs from the U.S. statutory rate of 21%, 21%, and 35% for 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, due to the following:
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Income tax expense (benefit) at federal statutory tax rate
 
$
16,427

 
$
20,177

 
$
(55,365
)
Less: Income tax benefit at federal statutory tax rate for LLC entities
 
(658
)
 
(561
)
 
(2,123
)
State and local income taxes
 
3,792

 
4,894

 
(5,209
)
Permanent differences
 
(6,272
)
 
(5,537
)
 
(4,410
)
Effective tax rate change
 
(2,006
)
 
4,034

 
216,904

Unrecognized tax benefits
 
18,885

 
22,663

 

Tax receivable agreement (benefit) expense
 
2,436

 
(8,282
)
 
104,804

Change in valuation allowance
 
(17,691
)
 
17,592

 
(500,162
)
Impact of LP Unit ownership change
 

 

 
(31,790
)
Other
 
2,188

 
4,767

 
(6,626
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
$
17,101

 
$
59,747

 
$
(283,977
)


The following table summarizes the components of the net deferred income tax asset (liability) as December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018

84


 
 
2019
 
2018
Deferred tax assets (liabilities):
 
 
 
 
Net intangible assets
 
$
240,790

 
$
275,412

Accelerated depreciation
 
(201,126
)
 
(185,020
)
Net operating loss
 
164,335

 
143,234

Investment in limited partnership
 
(31,987
)
 
(29,981
)
Mining reclamation reserve
 
2,018

 
1,600

Working capital (e.g., accrued compensation, prepaid assets)
 
37,287

 
36,932

Interest expense limitation carryforward
 
2,691

 
2,586

Less valuation allowance
 
(1,675
)
 
(19,366
)
Deferred tax assets
 
212,333

 
225,397

Less foreign deferred tax liability (included in other noncurrent liabilities)
 
(8,267
)
 
(5,133
)
Net deferred tax asset
 
$
204,066

 
$
220,264


 
As of December 28, 2019, $384.7 million of our deferred tax assets subject to our TRA are included in the net intangible assets and the net operating loss line items above.
 
Our income tax expense (benefit) was $17.1 million, $59.7 million and $(284.0) million in the fiscal years ended 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Our effective income tax rate in 2019 and 2018 was impacted by the IRS interpretative guidance of TCJA, a change in state tax rates and a reduction in the amount of our TRA liability. We recorded an income tax benefit in fiscal 2017, primarily related to the release of the valuation allowance as discussed below, partially offset by charge related to the decrease in the federal statutory corporate tax rate.
 
The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible, as well as consideration of tax-planning strategies we may seek to utilize net operating loss carryforwards that begin to expire in 2030. Prior to 2017, we concluded that it was not more likely than not that we would fully realize those deferred tax assets, and therefore recorded a partial valuation allowance against those deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2016. However, the amount of cumulative income increased significantly during the year ended December 30, 2017. As a result of this significant positive evidence, in the third quarter of 2017, we determined that the deferred tax assets had become more likely than not of becoming realizable and therefore released the majority of the valuation allowance. The Company updates the analysis, and adjusted the valuation allowance for interest expense carryforwards limited under TCJA based on updated forecast models each year. 
 
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“TCJA”) was enacted. Among other things, the TCJA, beginning January 1, 2018, reduced the federal statutory rate from 35% to 21% and extended bonus depreciation provisions. In addition, the TCJA prescribes the application of net operating loss carryforwards generated in 2018 and beyond will be limited, 100% asset expensing will be allowed through 2022 and begin to phase out in 2023, and the amount of interest expense we are able deduct may also be limited in future years.  As a result of the enactment of TCJA and other state effective rate changes, we reduced the carrying value of our net deferred tax assets in the fourth quarter of 2017 by $216.9 million to reflect the revised federal statutory rate and other state statutory rates which will be in effect at the time those deferred tax assets are expected to be realized. The TCJA contains many provisions which continue to be clarified through new regulations. As permitted by Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 issued by the SEC on December 22, 2017, we completed our accounting of the impacts of the TCJA. We completed our analysis within 2018 consistent with the guidance of SAB 118 and any adjustments during the measurement period have been included in net earnings from continuing operations as an adjustment to income tax expense. As such, in the fourth quarter of 2018, we recorded additional tax expense of $17.6 million resulting from the IRS interpretative guidance of TCJA.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:


85


 
 
Unrealized Tax Benefits
Balance—December 30, 2017
 
$

Additions based on tax position in 2018
 
22,663

Balance—December 29, 2018
 
$
22,663

Additions based on tax position in 2019
 
18,885

Balance—December 28, 2019
 
$
41,548



At December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, there was $41.5 million and $22.7 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits that if recognized would affect the annual effective tax rate. We did not recognize interest or penalties related to this amount as it is offset by other attributes. There were no uncertain tax positions for the year ended December 30, 2017.
 
Our net operating loss carryforward deferred tax assets begin to expire in 2030 and are expected to reverse before expiration. Therefore, we have not given consideration to any potential tax planning strategies as a source of future taxable income to monetize those net operating loss carryforwards. The Company will continue to monitor facts and circumstances, including our analysis of other sources of taxable income, in the reassessment of the likelihood that the tax benefit of our deferred tax assets will be realized.
     
As of December 28, 2019, Summit Inc. had federal net operating loss carryforwards of $822 million, which expire between 2030 and 2038. As of December 29, 2018, $411 million of our federal net operating losses were under the terms of our TRA. In addition, Summit Inc. has alternative minimum tax credits of $0.2 million as of December 28, 2019, which do not expire. As of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, Summit Inc. had a valuation allowance on net deferred tax assets of $1.7 million and $19.4 million, respectively, where realization of our interest tax attributes and net operating losses are not more likely than not.
 
 
2019
 
2018
Valuation Allowance:
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
$
(19,366
)
 
$
(1,675
)
Additional basis from exchanged LP Units
 

 
(99
)
Current year decreases (increases) from operations
 
17,691

 
(17,592
)
Ending balance
 
$
(1,675
)
 
$
(19,366
)

 
Tax Receivable Agreement— During 2015, the Company entered into a TRA with the holders of LP Units and certain other pre-initial public offering owners (“Investor Entities”) that provides for the payment by Summit Inc. to exchanging holders of LP Units of 85% of the benefits, if any, that Summit Inc. actually realizes (or, under certain circumstances such as an early termination of the TRA, is deemed to realize) as a result of increases in the tax basis of tangible and intangible assets of Summit Holdings and certain other tax benefits related to entering into the TRA, including tax benefits attributable to payments under the TRA.
 
When LP Units are exchanged for an equal number of newly-issued shares of Summit Inc.’s Class A common stock, these exchanges result in new deferred tax assets. Using tax rates in effect as of each year end, $1.1 million and $2.0 million of deferred tax assets were created during the years ended December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, respectively, when LP Units were exchanged for shares of Class A common stock.

Each year, we update our estimate as to when TRA payments will be made. As noted above, when payments are made under the TRA, a portion of the payment made will be characterized as imputed interest under IRS regulations. The TCJA enacted in late 2017 contained provisions whereby interest expense deductions may be limited, and the IRS issued proposed regulations in late 2018 around the deductibility of interest expense. Under our forecast prepared at the end of 2018, we expected the amount of imputed interest based on future TRA payments would result in interest expense deductions being limited, and therefore we would not benefit from that deduction. However, based on the updated forecast model at the end of 2019, which updated our forecast of the timing of TRA payments, we believe that our interest expense deductions will not be limited under the proposed regulations. We also updated our estimate of the state income tax rate that will be in effect at the date the TRA payments are made. As a result of our updated state income tax rate, and the imputed interest limitation noted above, we have increased our TRA liability by $16.2 million and reduced it by $22.7 million as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, respectively.


86


In the third quarter of 2017, as a result of the analysis of the realizability of our deferred tax assets as indicated above, we reduced the valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets, including those deferred tax assets subject to the TRA. Further, we determined the TRA liability to be probable of being payable and, as such, we recorded 85% of the deferred tax assets subject to the TRA, or $501.8 million, as TRA liability.

Our TRA liability as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 was $327.0 million and $309.7 million, respectively, of which $0.0 million and $0.7 million was classified as accrued expenses, respectively.
 
Tax Distributions – The holders of Summit Holdings’ LP Units, including Summit Inc., incur U.S. federal, state and local income taxes on their share of any taxable income of Summit Holdings. The limited partnership agreement of
Summit Holdings provides for pro rata cash distributions (“tax distributions”) to the holders of the LP Units in an amount generally calculated to provide each holder of LP Units with sufficient cash to cover its tax liability in respect of the LP Units. In general, these tax distributions are computed based on Summit Holdings’ estimated taxable income allocated to Summit Inc. multiplied by an assumed tax rate equal to the highest effective marginal combined U.S. federal, state and local income tax rate applicable to a corporate resident in New York, New York.

For the years ended December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, Summit Holdings paid tax distributions totaling $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively, to holders of its LP Units, other than Summit Inc.
 
C Corporation Subsidiaries — The effective income tax rate for the C corporations differ from the statutory federal rate primarily due to (1) tax depletion expense (benefit) in excess of the expense recorded under U.S. GAAP, (2) state income taxes and the effect of graduated tax rates, (3) various other items such as limitations on meals and entertainment and other costs and (4) unrecognized tax benefits. The effective income tax rate for the Canadian subsidiary is not significantly different from its historical effective tax rate.
 
No material interest or penalties were recognized in income tax expense during the years ended December 28, 2019, December 29, 2018 or December 30, 2017. Tax years from 2014 to 2018 remain open and subject to audit by federal, Canadian, and state tax authorities.
 
(10) Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average common shares outstanding and diluted net earnings is computed by dividing net earnings, adjusted for changes in the earnings allocated to Summit Inc. as a result of the assumed conversion of LP Units, by the weighted-average common shares outstanding assuming dilution.
 
The following table shows the calculation of basic income per share:  
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Net income attributable to Summit Inc.
 
$
59,066

 
$
33,906

 
$
121,830

Weighted average shares of Class A stock outstanding
 
112,204,067

 
111,380,175

 
108,696,438

Basic earnings per share
 
$
0.53

 
$
0.30

 
$
1.12

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted net income attributable to Summit Inc.
 
$
59,066

 
$
33,906

 
$
121,830

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares of Class A stock outstanding
 
112,204,067

 
111,380,175

 
108,696,438

Add: stock options
 
87,290

 
282,329

 
308,355

Add: warrants
 
4,206

 
25,049

 
42,035

Add: restricted stock units
 
342,620

 
459,280

 
308,221

Add: performance stock units
 
46,535

 
169,813

 
135,849

Weighted average dilutive shares outstanding
 
112,684,718

 
112,316,646

 
109,490,898

Diluted earnings per share
 
$
0.52

 
$
0.30

 
$
1.11


 
Excluded from the above calculations were the shares noted below as they were antidilutive:

87


 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Antidilutive shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
LP Units
 
3,372,706

 
3,512,669

 
4,371,705



(11) Stockholders’ Equity
 
Our capital stock consists of 1.0 billion shares of $0.01 par value Class A common stock authorized, of which 113,309,385 shares were issued and outstanding as of December 28, 2019. We also have authorized 250 million shares of $0.01 par value Class B common stock, of which 99 shares were issued and outstanding as of December 28, 2019. The Class B common stock entitles holders thereof, who are also holders of LP Units, with a number of votes that is equal to the number of LP Units they hold. The Class B common stock does not participate in dividends and does not have any liquidation rights.

Equity Offerings—On January 10, 2017, Summit Inc. raised $237.6 million, net of underwriting discounts, through the issuance of 10,000,000 shares of Class A common stock at a public offering price of $24.05 per share. Summit Inc. used these proceeds to purchase an equal number of LP Units.
 
From time to time, limited partners of Summit Holdings exchange their LP Units for shares of Class A common stock of Summit Inc. The following table summarizes the changes in our ownership of Summit Holdings: 
 
 
Summit Inc. Shares (Class A)
 
LP Units
 
Total
 
Summit Inc. Ownership Percentage
Balance — December 30, 2017
 
110,350,594

 
3,689,620

 
114,040,214

 
96.8
%
Exchanges during period
 
254,102

 
(254,102
)
 

 
 
Stock option exercises
 
863,898

 

 
863,898

 
 
Other equity transactions
 
190,333

 

 
190,333

 
 
Balance — December 29, 2018
 
111,658,927

 
3,435,518

 
115,094,445

 
97.0
%
Exchanges during period
 
185,861

 
(185,861
)
 

 
 
Stock option exercises
 
1,065,446

 

 
1,065,446

 
 
Other equity transactions
 
399,151

 

 
399,151

 
 
Balance — December 28, 2019
 
113,309,385

 
3,249,657

 
116,559,042

 
97.2
%

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) - The changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency
 
 
 
other
 
 
Change in
 
translation
 
Cash flow hedge
 
comprehensive
 
 
retirement plans
 
adjustments
 
adjustments
 
income (loss)
Balance — December 30, 2017
 
$
2,364

 
$
4,637

 
$
385

 
$
7,386

Postretirement liability adjustment, net of tax
 
1,209

 

 

 
1,209

Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax
 

 
(6,784
)
 

 
(6,784
)
Income on cash flow hedges, net of tax
 

 

 
870

 
870

Balance — December 29, 2018
 
$
3,573

 
$
(2,147
)
 
$
1,255

 
$
2,681

Postretirement liability adjustment, net of tax
 
(1,402
)
 

 

 
(1,402
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax
 

 
3,424

 

 
3,424

Loss on cash flow hedges, net of tax
 

 

 
(1,255
)
 
(1,255
)
Balance — December 28, 2019
 
$
2,171

 
$
1,277

 
$

 
$
3,448


 
(12) Supplemental Cash Flow Information
 
Supplemental cash flow information for the years ended December 28, 2019, December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 was as follows:

88


 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Cash payments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest
 
$
104,614

 
$
103,250

 
$
96,320

(Refund) payments for income taxes, net
 
(919
)
 
3,340

 
1,711

Operating cash payments on operating leases
 
10,618

 
N/A

 
N/A

Operating cash payments on finance leases
 
3,051

 
N/A

 
N/A

Finance cash payments on finance leases
 
13,164

 
N/A

 
N/A

Non cash financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchase of noncontrolling interest
 
$

 
$

 
$
(716
)
Stock Dividend
 

 

 
(45,023
)
Right of use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations
 
5,842

 
N/A

 
N/A

Right of use assets obtained in exchange for finance leases obligations
 
23,965

 
N/A

 
N/A

Exchange of LP Units to shares of Class A common stock
 
3,847

 
7,499

 
41,126


 
(13) Stock-Based Compensation
 
Prior to the IPO and related Reorganization, the capital structure of Summit Holdings consisted of six different classes of limited partnership units, each of which was subject to unique distribution rights. In connection with the IPO and the related Reorganization, the limited partnership agreement of Summit Holdings was amended and restated to, among other things, modify its capital structure by creating LP Units. Holders of the LP Units periodically exchange their LP Units for shares of Class A common Stock of Summit Inc.

In the first quarter of 2018, the Board of Directors vested the time-vesting units outstanding and we recognized the remaining $1.0 million of stock based compensation related to these LP units.
  
Omnibus Incentive Plan
 
In 2015, our Board of Directors and stockholders adopted the Summit Materials, Inc. 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "Plan"), which allows for grants of equity-based awards in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units, performance units, and other stock-based awards. The Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 13,500,000 shares of Class A common stock in the form of restricted stock units and stock options, of which 5.6 million shares were available for future grants as of December 28, 2019.
 
Restricted Stock
 
Restricted Stock with Service-Based Vesting—Under the Plan, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”) has granted restricted stock to members of the Board of Directors, executive officers and other key employees. These awards contain service conditions associated with continued employment or service. The terms of the restricted stock provide voting and regular dividend rights to holders of the awards. Upon vesting, the restrictions on the restricted stock lapse and the shares are considered issued and outstanding for accounting purposes.
 
In each of 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Compensation Committee granted restricted stock to executives and key employees under the Plan as part of our annual equity award program, which vest over a two or three year period, subject to continued employment or service.  From time to time, the Compensation Committee grants restricted stock to newly hired or promoted employees or other employees or consultants who have achieved extraordinary personal performance objectives.
 
Further, in each of 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Compensation Committee granted 65,144, 38,232 and 34,928 shares, respectively, to non-employee members of the Board of Directors for their annual service as directors. These restricted stock grants vest over a one year period.
 
In measuring compensation expense associated with the grant of restricted stock, we use the fair value of the award, determined as the closing stock price for our common stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense is recorded monthly over the vesting period of the award.


89


Restricted stock with Service- and Market-Condition-Based Vesting—In 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Compensation Committee granted restricted stock to certain members of our executive team as part of their annual compensation package. The restricted stock vests at the end of a three year performance period, based on our total stock return (“TSR”) ranking relative to companies in the S&P Building & Construction Select Industry Index, subject to continued employment.
 
Compensation expense is recorded monthly over the vesting period of the awards. The following table summarizes information for the equity awards granted in 2019:
 
 
 
Options
 
Restricted Stock Units
 
Performance Stock Units
 
Warrants
 
 

 
Weighted
 

 
Weighted
 

 
Weighted
 

 
Weighted
 
 

 
average grant-
 
Number of
 
average grant-
 
Number of
 
average grant-
 

 
average grant-
 
 
Number of
 
date fair value
 
restricted
 
date fair value
 
performance
 
date fair value
 
Number of
 
date fair value
 
 
options
 
per unit
 
stock units
 
per unit
 
stock units
 
per unit
 
warrants
 
per unit
Beginning balance—December 29, 2018
 
3,267,149

 
$
9.09

 
924,308

 
$
24.57

 
295,252

 
$
29.12

 
100,037

 
$
18.00

Granted
 

 

 
1,238,530

 
17.60

 
242,007

 
26.20

 

 

Forfeited/ Canceled
 
(73,596
)
 
10.62

 
(176,152
)
 
22.21

 
(146,614
)
 
20.17

 

 

Exercised
 
(1,065,446
)
 
8.93

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested
 

 

 
(430,050
)
 
23.71

 

 

 

 

Balance—December 28, 2019
 
2,128,107

 
$
9.08

 
1,556,636

 
$
21.17

 
390,645

 
$
26.17

 
100,037

 
$
18.00


 
The fair value of the time-vesting options granted was estimated as of the grant date using the Black-Scholes-Merton model, which requires the input of subjective assumptions, including the expected volatility and the expected term. The fair value of the performance stock units granted was estimated as of the grant date using Monte Carlo simulations, which requires the input of subjective assumptions, including the expected volatility and the expected term. The following table presents the weighted average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of grants in 2019, 2018 and 2017. No options to purchase common stock were granted in 2019 or 2018:
 
 
Options
 
Performance Stock Units
 
 
2017
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Risk-free interest rate
 
2.06% - 2.31%
 
2.49%
 
2.38%
 
1.45%
Dividend yield
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
Volatility
 
47%
 
36%
 
38%
 
39%
Expected term
 
7 years
 
3 years
 
3 years
 
3 years

 
The risk-free rate is based on the yield at the date of grant of a U.S. Treasury security with a maturity period approximating the expected term. As Summit Holdings has not historically and does not plan to issue regular dividends, a dividend yield of zero was used. The volatility assumption is based on reported data of a peer group of publicly traded companies for which historical information was available adjusted for the Company’s capital structure. The expected term is based on expectations about future exercises and represents the period of time that the units granted are expected to be outstanding.
 
Compensation expense for time-vesting interests granted is based on the grant date fair value. The Company recognizes compensation costs on a straight-line basis over the service period, which is generally the vesting period of the award. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur. Share-based compensation expense, which is recognized in general and administrative expenses, totaled $20.4 million, $25.4 million and $49.9 million in the years ended December 28, 2019, December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, respectively. As of December 28, 2019, unrecognized compensation cost totaled $26.3 million. The weighted average remaining contractual term over which the unrecognized compensation cost is to be recognized is 1.8 years as of year-end 2019.
 
As of December 28, 2019, the intrinsic value of outstanding options, restricted stock units and performance stock units was $10.7 million, $37.1 million and $9.3 million, respectively, and the remaining contractual term was 5.5 years, 1.0 years and 1.5 years, respectively. The weighted average strike price of stock options outstanding as of December 28, 2019 was $18.81 per

90


share. The intrinsic value of 2.0 million exercisable stock options as of December 28, 2019 was $10.7 million with a weighted average strike price of $18.54 and a weighted average remaining vesting period of 5.5 years.
 
(14) Employee Benefit Plans
 
Defined Contribution Plan—The Company sponsors employee 401(k) savings plans for its employees, including certain union employees. The plans provide for various required and discretionary Company matches of employees’ eligible compensation contributed to the plans. The expense for the defined contribution plans was $11.7 million, $11.2 million and $9.3 million for the years ended December 28, 2019, December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, respectively.
 
Defined Benefit and Other Postretirement Benefits Plans—The Company’s subsidiary, Continental Cement, sponsors two noncontributory defined benefit pension plans for hourly and salaried employees. The plans are closed to new participants and benefits are frozen. As a result of the collective bargaining unit negotiations in 2017, the hourly defined benefit pension plan was amended to stop future benefit accruals for the Davenport employees effective December 31, 2017. Pension benefits for eligible hourly employees are based on a monthly pension factor for each year of credited service. Pension benefits for eligible salaried employees are generally based on years of service and average eligible compensation.
 
Continental Cement also sponsors two unfunded healthcare and life insurance benefits plans for certain eligible retired employees. Effective January 1, 2014, the plan covering employees of the Hannibal, Missouri location was amended to eliminate all future retiree health and life coverage for current employees. During 2015, Continental Cement adopted one new unfunded healthcare plan to provide benefits prior to Medicare eligibility for certain hourly employees of the Davenport, Iowa location. As a result of the collective bargaining unit negotiations in 2017, hourly Davenport employees hired on or after January 1, 2018 are no longer eligible for retiree medical benefits.
 
The funded status of the pension and other postretirement benefit plans is recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligations. For defined benefit pension plans, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation (“PBO”) and for the healthcare and life insurance benefits plans, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (“APBO”). The PBO represents the actuarial present value of benefits expected to be paid upon retirement based on estimated future compensation levels. However, since the plans’ participants are not subject to future compensation increases, the plans’ PBO equals the accumulated benefit obligation (“ABO”). The APBO represents the actuarial present value of postretirement benefits attributed to employee services already rendered. The fair value of plan assets represents the current market value of assets held by an irrevocable trust fund for the sole benefit of participants. The measurement of the benefit obligations is based on the Company’s estimates and actuarial valuations. These valuations reflect the terms of the plan and use participant-specific information, such as compensation, age and years of service, as well as certain assumptions that require significant judgment, including estimates of discount rates, expected return on plan assets, rate of compensation increases, interest-crediting rates and mortality rates.
 
The Company uses December 31 as the measurement date for its defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans.

Obligations and Funded Status—The following information is as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 and for the years ended December 28, 2019, December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017:
 

91


 
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
Pension
 
Healthcare
 
Pension
 
Healthcare
 
 
benefits
 
& Life Ins.
 
benefits
 
& Life Ins.
Change in benefit obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of period
 
$
24,203

 
$
9,203

 
$
27,984

 
$
9,793

Service cost
 
60

 
166

 
67

 
170

Interest cost
 
928

 
321

 
898

 
317

Actuarial (gain) loss
 
2,571

 
165

 
(3,136
)
 
(173
)
Benefits paid
 
(1,581
)
 
(765
)
 
(1,610
)
 
(904
)
End of period
 
$
26,181

 
$
9,090

 
$
24,203

 
$
9,203

Change in fair value of plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of period
 
$
17,449

 
$

 
$
19,012

 
$

Actual return on plan assets
 
2,055

 

 
(551
)
 

Employer contributions
 
319

 
765

 
598

 
904

Benefits paid
 
(1,581
)
 
(765
)
 
(1,610
)
 
(904
)
End of period
 
$
18,242

 
$

 
$
17,449

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Funded status of plans
 
$
(7,939
)
 
$
(9,090
)
 
$
(6,754
)
 
$
(9,203
)
Current liabilities
 
$

 
$
(653
)
 
$

 
$
(687
)
Noncurrent liabilities
 
(7,939
)
 
(8,437
)
 
(6,754
)
 
(8,516
)
Liability recognized
 
$
(7,939
)
 
$
(9,090
)
 
$
(6,754
)
 
$
(9,203
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial (gain) loss
 
$
9,286

 
$
2,121

 
$
7,728

 
$
1,995

Prior service cost
 

 
(1,931
)
 

 
(2,172
)
Total amount recognized
 
$
9,286

 
$
190

 
$
7,728

 
$
(177
)


The amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) is the actuarial loss (credit) and prior service cost, which has not yet been recognized in periodic benefit cost.
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
Pension
 
Healthcare
 
Pension
 
Healthcare
 
Pension
 
Healthcare
 
 
benefits 
 
& Life Ins.
 
benefits
 
& Life Ins.
 
benefits
 
& Life Ins.
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial loss (gain)
 
$
1,760

 
$
165

 
$
(1,300
)
 
$
(172
)
 
$
1,068

 
$
(338
)
Prior service cost
 

 

 

 

 

 
(572
)
Amortization of prior year service cost
 

 
241

 

 
241

 

 
168

Curtailment benefit
 

 

 

 

 
(429
)
 

Amortization of gain
 
(202
)
 
(39
)
 
(312
)
 
(118
)
 
(547
)
 
(64
)
Adjustment to plan benefits
 

 

 

 

 

 
(414
)
Total amount recognized
 
$
1,558

 
$
367

 
$
(1,612
)
 
$
(49
)
 
$
92

 
$
(1,220
)

Components of net periodic benefit cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
 
$
60

 
$
166

 
$
67

 
$
170

 
$
285

 
$
184

Interest cost
 
928

 
321

 
898

 
317

 
998

 
365

Amortization of gain
 
202

 
39

 
312

 
118

 
547

 
64

Expected return on plan assets
 
(1,244
)
 

 
(1,284
)
 

 
(1,302
)
 

Amortization of prior service credit
 

 
(241
)
 

 
(241
)
 

 
(168
)
Net periodic (expense) benefit cost
 
$
(54
)
 
$
285

 
$
(7
)
 
$
364

 
$
528

 
$
445



92


 
Assumptions—Weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations as of year-end 2019 and 2018 are:
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
    
 
    
Healthcare
    
 
    
Healthcare
 
 
Pension benefits 
 
& Life Ins. 
 
Pension benefits 
 
& Life Ins. 
Discount rate
    
2.78% - 2.96%
 
2.73% - 2.79%
 
3.90% - 4.02%
 
3.87% - 3.91%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
 
7.00%
 
N/A
 
7.00%
 
N/A

 
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended December 28, 2019, December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017:
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
    
 
    
Healthcare
    
 
    
Healthcare
 
 
 
Healthcare
 
 
Pension benefits 
 
& Life Ins.
 
Pension benefits 
 
& Life Ins. 
 
Pension benefits 
 
& Life Ins. 
Discount rate
    
3.90% - 4.02%
 
3.87% - 3.91%
 
3.23% - 3.37%
 
3.20% - 3.25%
 
3.61% - 3.81%
 
3.54% - 3.65%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
 
7.00%
 
N/A
 
7.00%
 
N/A
 
7.00%
 
N/A

 
The expected long-term return on plan assets is based upon the Plans’ consideration of historical and forward-looking returns and the Company’s estimation of what a portfolio, with the target allocation described below, will earn over a long-term horizon. The discount rate is derived using the FTSE Pension Discount Curve.

Assumed health care cost trend rates were 8.0% grading to 8.0% as of year-end 2019 and 2018. Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the Company’s healthcare and life insurance benefits plans. A one percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects as of year-end 2019 and 2018:
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
Increase
 
Decrease
 
Increase
 
Decrease
Total service cost and interest cost components
 
$
30

 
$
(26
)
 
$
31

 
$
(27
)
APBO
 
773

 
(678
)
 
765

 
(690
)

 
Plan Assets—The defined benefit pension plans’ (the “Plans”) investment strategy is to minimize investment risk while generating acceptable returns. The Plans currently invest a relatively high proportion of the plan assets in fixed income securities, while the remainder is invested in equity securities, cash reserves and precious metals. The equity securities are diversified into funds with growth and value investment strategies. The target allocation for plan assets is as follows: equity securities—30%; fixed income securities—63%; cash reserves—5%; and precious metals—2%. The Plans’ current investment allocations are within the tolerance of the target allocation. The Company had no Level 3 investments as of or for the years ended December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018.
 
At year-end 2019 and 2018, the Plans’ assets were invested predominantly in fixed-income securities and publicly traded equities, but may invest in other asset classes in the future subject to the parameters of the investment policy. The Plans’ investments in fixed-income assets include U.S. Treasury and U.S. agency securities and corporate bonds. The Plans’ investments in equity assets include U.S. and international securities and equity funds. The Company estimates the fair value of the Plans’ assets using various valuation techniques and, to the extent available, quoted market prices in active markets or observable market inputs. The descriptions and fair value methodologies for the Plans’ assets are as follows:
 
Fixed Income Securities—Corporate and government bonds are classified as Level 2 assets, as they are either valued at quoted market prices from observable pricing sources at the reporting date or valued based upon comparable securities with similar yields and credit ratings.
 
Equity Securities—Equity securities are valued at the closing market price reported on a U.S. exchange where the security is actively traded and are therefore classified as Level 1 assets.
 

93


Cash—The carrying amounts of cash approximate fair value due to the short-term maturity.
 
Precious Metals—Precious metals are valued at the closing market price reported on a U.S. exchange where the security is actively traded and are therefore classified as Level 1 assets.

The fair value of the Plans’ assets by asset class and fair value hierarchy level as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 are as follows:
 
 
 
2019
 
 
 
 
Quoted prices in active
 
 
 
 
Total fair
 
markets for identical
 
Observable
 
 
value
 
assets (Level 1)
 
inputs (Level 2)
Fixed income securities:
 
    
 
    
 
    
Intermediate—government
 
$
2,482

 
$
2,482

 
$

Intermediate—corporate
 
1,066

 

 
1,066

Short-term—government
 
1,387

 
1,387

 

Short-term—corporate
 
3,173

 

 
3,173

International
 
1,387

 

 
1,387

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Large cap value
 
1,225

 
1,225

 

U.S. Large cap growth
 
1,167

 
1,167

 

U.S. Mid cap value
 
581

 
581

 

U.S. Mid cap growth
 
578

 
578

 

U.S. Small cap value
 
583

 
583

 

U.S. Small cap growth
 
593

 
593

 

Managed Futures
 
340

 

 
340

International
 
1,174

 
386

 
788

Emerging Markets
 
394

 
394

 

Commodities Broad Basket
 
1,118

 
362

 
756

Cash
 
994

 
994

 

Total
 
$
18,242

 
$
10,732

 
$
7,510

 

94


 
 
2018
 
 
 
 
Quoted prices in active
 
 
 
 
Total fair
 
markets for identical
 
Observable
 
 
value
 
assets (Level 1)
 
inputs (Level 2)
Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intermediate—government
 
$
3,547

 
$
3,547

 
$

Intermediate—corporate
 
3,437

 

 
3,437

Short-term—government
 
756

 
756

 

Short-term—corporate
 
957

 

 
957

International
 
1,143

 

 
1,143

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Large cap value
 
978

 
978

 

U.S. Large cap growth
 
976

 
976

 

U.S. Mid cap value
 
471

 
471

 

U.S. Mid cap growth
 
496

 
496

 

U.S. Small cap value
 
463

 
463

 

U.S. Small cap growth
 
474

 
474

 

Managed Futures
 
355

 

 
355

International
 
1,004

 
329

 
675

Emerging Markets
 
362

 
362

 

Commodities Broad Basket
 
1,048

 
388

 
660

Cash
 
982

 
982

 

Total
 
$
17,449

 
$
10,222

 
$
7,227


 
Cash Flows—The Company expects to contribute approximately $1.1 million in 2020 to both its pension plans and to its healthcare and life insurance benefits plans.

The estimated benefit payments for each of the next five years and the five-year period thereafter are as follows:
 
 
 
Pension
 
Healthcare and Life
 
 
benefits
 
Insurance Benefits
2020
 
$
1,718

 
$
653

2021
 
1,681

 
638

2022
 
1,680

 
628

2023
 
1,679

 
618

2024
 
1,635

 
630

2025 - 2029
 
7,671

 
3,211


 
Multiemployer Pension Plans— In 2018, The Company acquired Buildex, LLC and assumed its obligation to contribute to a number of multiemployer defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements that cover its union-represented employees. The risks of participating in multiemployer pension plans are different from single-employer plans. Assets contributed to a multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers. If a participating employer ceases contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan are the responsibility of the remaining participating employers.

The Company's participation in these plans for the annual period ended December 31, 2019, is outlined in the table below. The ''EIN/Pension Plan Number" column provides the Employer Identification Number (EIN) and the three-digit plan number, if applicable. Unless otherwise noted, the most recent Pension Protection Act (PPA) zone status available in 2019 and 2018 is for the plan 's year end at December 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively. The zone status is based on information the Company received from the plan and is certified by the plan's actuary. Among other factors, plans in the red zone are generally less than 65% funded, plans in the yellow zone are less than 80% funded and plans in the green zone are at least 80% funded. The "FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented" column indicates plans for which a financial improvement plan (FIP) or a rehabilitation plan (RP) is either pending or has been implemented. The "Surcharge Imposed" column indicates

95


whether a surcharge has been imposed on contributions to the plan. The last column lists the expiration date(s) of the collective-bargaining agreement(s) to which the plans are subject. There have been no significant changes that affect the comparability of 2018 and 2017 contributions.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expiration Date of
 
 
Pension Protection Act
FIP/RP Status
Contributions of Company
 
Collective-
Pension
EIN/ Pension
Zone Status
Pending/
($ in thousands)
Surcharge
Bargaining
Trust Fund
Plan Number
2019
2018
Implemented
2019
2018
Imposed
Agreement
Construction Industry Laborers Pension Fund
43-6060737/001
Green - as of December 31, 2018
Green - as of December 31, 2017
None
$
112

$
115

No
3/31/2021
Operating Engineers Local 101 Pension Plan
43-6059213/001
Green - as of December 31, 2018
Green - as of December 31, 2017
None
23

26

No
3/31/2021
Total Contributions
 
 
 
$
135

$
141

 
 

The Company was not listed as providing more than 5% of the total contributions for the Operating Engineers Local 101 Pension Plan for the plan years 2018 and 2017 per the plan's Form 5500. The Company did not provide over 5% of total contributions in 2018 or 2017 for the Construction Industry Laborers Pension Fund per the plan's Form 5500. As of the date of the filing of this annual report on Form 10-K, Forms 5500 were not available for the plan year ending December 31, 2019.

(15) Accrued Mining and Landfill Reclamation
 
The Company has asset retirement obligations arising from regulatory or contractual requirements to perform certain reclamation activities at the time that certain quarries and landfills are closed, which are primarily included in other noncurrent liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The current portion of the liabilities, $7.9 million and $4.1 million as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, respectively, is included in accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets. The total undiscounted anticipated costs for site reclamation as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 were $97.4 million and $92.5 million, respectively. The liabilities were initially measured at fair value and are subsequently adjusted for accretion expense, payments and changes in the amount or timing of the estimated cash flows. The corresponding asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset and depreciated over the asset’s remaining useful life. The following table presents the activity for the asset retirement obligations for the years ended December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018
 
 
2019
 
2018
Beginning balance
 
$
30,999

 
$
24,329

Acquired obligations
 
805

 
3,937

Change in cost estimate
 
4,468

 
2,808

Settlement of reclamation obligations
 
(1,812
)
 
(1,680
)
Accretion expense
 
2,216

 
1,605

Ending balance
 
$
36,676

 
$
30,999


 
(16) Commitments and Contingencies
 
The Company is party to certain legal actions arising from the ordinary course of business activities. Accruals are recorded when the outcome is probable and can be reasonably estimated. While the ultimate results of claims and litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, management expects that the ultimate resolution of all current pending or threatened claims and litigation will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity. The Company records legal fees as incurred.

In March 2018, we were notified of an investigation by the Canadian Competition Bureau (the “CCB”) into pricing practices by certain asphalt paving contractors in British Columbia, including Winvan Paving, Ltd. (“Winvan”). We believe the investigation is focused on time periods prior to our April 2017 acquisition of Winvan and we are cooperating with the CCB. Although we currently do not believe this matter will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations, we are not able to predict the ultimate outcome or cost of the investigation at this time.

96


 
Environmental Remediation and Site Restoration—The Company’s operations are subject to and affected by federal, state, provincial and local laws and regulations relating to the environment, health and safety and other regulatory matters. These operations require environmental operating permits, which are subject to modification, renewal and revocation. The Company regularly monitors and reviews its operations, procedures and policies for compliance with these laws and regulations. Despite these compliance efforts, risk of environmental liability is inherent in the operation of the Company’s business, as it is with other companies engaged in similar businesses and there can be no assurance that environmental liabilities or noncompliance will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Other—The Company is obligated under various firm purchase commitments for certain raw materials and services that are in the ordinary course of business. Management does not expect any significant changes in the market value of these goods and services during the commitment period that would have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company. The terms of the purchase commitments generally approximate one year.
 
(17) Leases

We lease construction and office equipment, distribution facilities and office space. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less, including month to month leases, are not recorded on the balance sheet. Lease expense for short-term leases is recognized on a straight line basis over the lease term. For lease agreements entered into or reassessed after the adoption of Topic 842, we combine lease and nonlease components. While we also own mineral leases for mining operations, those leases are outside the scope of Topic 842. Assets acquired under finance leases are included in property, plant and equipment.

Many of our leases include options to purchase the leased equipment. The depreciable life of assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term, unless there is a transfer of title or purchase option reasonably certain of exercise. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. The components of lease expense were as follows:


97


 
2019
Operating lease cost
$
10,451

Variable lease cost
423

Short-term lease cost
38,417

Financing lease cost:
 
Amortization of right-of-use assets
11,062

Interest on lease liabilities
3,171

Total lease cost
$
63,524

 
 
 
2019
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases:
 
Operating leases:
 
Operating lease right-of-use assets
$
32,777

 
 
Current operating lease liabilities
$
8,427

Noncurrent operating lease liabilities
25,381

Total operating lease liabilities
$
33,808

Finance leases:
 
Property and equipment, gross
$
82,660

Less accumulated depreciation
(24,907
)
Property and equipment, net
$
57,753

 
 
Current finance lease liabilities
$
16,007

Long-term finance lease liabilities
40,410

Total finance lease liabilities
$
56,417

 
 
 
2019
 
Lease Term
Discount Rate
 
(years)
(%)
Weighted average:
 
 
Operating leases
8.6

5.5
%
Finance lease
2.6

5.5
%
 
 
 
Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:
 
 
 
Operating Leases
Finance Leases
2020
$
9,958

$
18,646

2021
7,960

21,886

2022
4,852

14,940

2023
3,842

1,732

2024
2,246

2,252

Thereafter
14,292

2,829

Total lease payments
43,150

62,285

Less imputed interest
(9,342
)
(5,868
)
Present value of lease payments
$
33,808

$
56,417





 

98


The Company has lease agreements associated with quarry facilities under which royalty payments are made. The payments are generally based on tons sold in a particular period; however, certain agreements have minimum annual payments. Royalty expense recorded in cost of revenue during the years ended December 28, 2019, December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 was $24.3 million, $20.1 million and $18.7 million, respectively. Minimum contractual commitments for the subsequent five years under royalty agreements are as follows:
 
 
Royalty
 
Agreements
2020
$
7,555

2021
7,212

2022
7,214

2023
7,216

2024
6,613


 
(18) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
Fair Value Measurements—Certain acquisitions made by the Company require the payment of contingent amounts of purchase consideration. These payments are contingent on specified operating results being achieved in periods subsequent to the acquisition and will only be made if earn-out thresholds are achieved. Contingent consideration obligations are measured at fair value each reporting period. Any adjustments to fair value are recognized in earnings in the period identified.
 
The Company had entered into interest rate derivatives on $200.0 million of its term loan borrowings to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. The interest rate derivative expired in September 2019. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and will be subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The fair value of contingent consideration and derivatives as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 was: 
 
 
2019
 
2018
Current portion of acquisition-related liabilities and Accrued expenses:
 
 
 
 
Contingent consideration
 
$
1,967

 
$
1,394

Cash flow hedges
 

 

Acquisition-related liabilities and Other noncurrent liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Contingent consideration
 
$
1,302

 
$
5,175

Cash flow hedges
 

 


 
The fair value accounting guidance establishes the following fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value:
 
Level  1 —  Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 —   Inputs other than Level 1 that are based on observable market data, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets, inputs that are observable that are not prices and inputs that are derived from or corroborated by observable markets.
Level 3 —  Valuations developed from unobservable data, reflecting the Company’s own assumptions, which market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
 
The fair value of contingent consideration was based on unobservable, or Level 3, inputs, including projected probability-weighted cash payments and a 10.0% discount rate, which reflects a market discount rate. Changes in fair value may occur as a result of a change in actual or projected cash payments, the probability weightings applied by the Company to projected payments or a change in the discount rate. Significant increases or decreases in any of these inputs in isolation could result in a lower, or higher, fair value measurement. The fair value of the cash flow hedges are based on observable, or Level 2, inputs such as interest rates, bond yields and prices in inactive markets. There were no material adjustments to the fair value of contingent consideration in 2019 or 2018, or to cash flow hedges in 2019 or 2018.
 

99


Financial Instruments—The Company’s financial instruments include debt and certain acquisition-related liabilities (deferred consideration and noncompete obligations). The carrying value and fair value of these financial instruments as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 were: 
 
 
December 28, 2019
 
December 29, 2018
 
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
Level 2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt(1)
 
$
1,918,720

 
$
1,872,273

 
$
1,777,722

 
$
1,828,159

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current portion of deferred consideration and noncompete obligations(2)
 
30,733

 
30,733

 
32,876

 
32,876

Long term portion of deferred consideration and noncompete obligations(3)
 
18,499

 
18,499

 
44,293

 
44,293

_____________________
(1)
$7.9 million and $6.4 million were included in current portion of debt as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, respectively.
(2)
Included in current portion of acquisition-related liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
(3)
Included in acquisition-related liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

The fair value of debt was determined based on observable, or Level 2 inputs, such as interest rates, bond yields and quoted prices in inactive markets. The fair values of the deferred consideration and noncompete obligations were determined based on unobservable, or Level 3, inputs, including the cash payment terms in the purchase agreements and a discount rate reflecting the Company’s credit risk. The discount rate used is generally consistent with that used when the obligations were initially recorded.
 
Securities with a maturity of three months or less are considered cash equivalents and the fair value of these assets approximates their carrying value.
 

100


(19) Segment Information
 
The Company has three operating segments: West; East; and Cement, which are its reporting segments. These segments are consistent with the Company’s management reporting structure. The operating results of each segment are regularly reviewed and evaluated by the Chief Executive Officer, the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”). The CODM primarily evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based on a segment profit metric that we call Adjusted EBITDA, which is computed as earnings from continuing operations before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion, amortization, accretion, share-based compensation, and transaction costs, as well as various other non-recurring, non-cash amounts.
 
The West and East segments have several acquired subsidiaries that are engaged in various activities including quarry mining, aggregate production and contracting. The Cement segment is engaged in the production of Portland cement. Assets employed by each segment include assets directly identified with those operations. Corporate assets consist primarily of cash, property, plant and equipment for corporate operations and other assets not directly identifiable with a reportable business segment. The accounting policies applicable to each segment are consistent with those used in the consolidated financial statements.
 
The following tables display selected financial data for the Company’s reportable business segments as of and for the years ended December 28, 2019, December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Revenue*:
 
 
 
 
 
 
West
 
$
1,122,338

 
$
1,117,066

 
$
998,843

East
 
809,098

 
703,147

 
629,919

Cement
 
290,704

 
280,789

 
303,813

Total revenue
 
$
2,222,140

 
$
2,101,002

 
$
1,932,575

______________________
*       Intercompany sales are immaterial and the presentation above only reflects sales to external customers.

 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Income (loss) from operations before taxes
 
$
78,224

 
$
96,077

 
$
(158,200
)
Interest expense
 
116,509

 
116,548

 
108,549

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
 
214,886

 
203,305

 
177,643

Accretion
 
2,216

 
1,605

 
1,875

Loss on debt financings
 
14,565

 
149

 
4,815

Tax receivable agreement expense (benefit)
 
16,237

 
(22,684
)
 
271,016

Gain on sale of business
 

 
(12,108
)
 

Transaction costs
 
2,222

 
4,238

 
7,733

Non-cash compensation
 
20,403

 
25,378

 
21,140

Other
 
(3,800
)
 
(6,247
)
 
1,206

Total Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
461,462

 
$
406,261

 
$
435,777

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Adjusted EBITDA by Segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
West
 
$
204,964

 
$
188,999

 
$
203,590

East
 
187,625

 
138,032

 
139,108

Cement
 
103,438

 
111,394

 
127,547

Corporate and other
 
(34,565
)
 
(32,164
)
 
(34,468
)
Total Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
461,462

 
$
406,261

 
$
435,777

 

101


 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
 
 
 
 
 
 
West
 
$
71,397

 
$
120,657

 
$
83,591

East
 
77,894

 
64,384

 
68,556

Cement
 
25,691

 
28,036

 
35,803

Total reportable segments
 
174,982

 
213,077

 
187,950

Corporate and other
 
2,513

 
7,608

 
6,196

Total purchases of property, plant and equipment
 
$
177,495

 
$
220,685

 
$
194,146

 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion:
 
 
 
 
 
 
West
 
$
93,256

 
$
91,794

 
$
71,314

East
 
81,403

 
75,433

 
67,252

Cement
 
38,447

 
35,061

 
38,351

Total reportable segments
 
213,106

 
202,288

 
176,917

Corporate and other
 
3,996

 
2,622

 
2,601

Total depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion
 
$
217,102

 
$
204,910

 
$
179,518

 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Total assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
West
 
$
1,379,684

 
$
1,370,501

 
$
1,225,463

East
 
1,288,835

 
1,253,640

 
1,035,609

Cement
 
868,528

 
877,586

 
870,652

Total reportable segments
 
3,537,047

 
3,501,727

 
3,131,724

Corporate and other
 
530,509

 
355,914

 
655,609

Total
 
$
4,067,556

 
$
3,857,641

 
$
3,787,333


 
(20) Supplementary Data (Unaudited)
 
Supplemental financial information (unaudited) by quarter is shown below for the years ended December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018.

 
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
4Q
 
3Q
 
2Q
 
1Q
 
4Q
 
3Q
 
2Q
 
1Q
Net revenue
 
$
506,259

 
$
665,847

 
$
552,591

 
$
305,950

 
$
445,090

 
$
625,017

 
$
549,235

 
$
289,916

Operating income (loss)
 
59,926

 
130,881

 
80,422

 
(57,671
)
 
28,545

 
108,167

 
77,279

 
(51,525
)
Net income (loss)
 
36,397

 
58,237

 
37,990

 
(71,501
)
 
(18,627
)
 
73,992

 
36,913

 
(55,948
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Summit Inc.
 
35,671

 
55,757

 
36,410

 
(68,772
)
 
(19,163
)
 
71,289

 
35,509

 
(53,729
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Summit Inc.
 
$
0.32

 
$
0.50

 
$
0.32

 
$
(0.62
)
 
$
(0.17
)
 
$
0.64

 
$
0.32

 
$
(0.49
)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Summit Inc.
 
0.31

 
0.48

 
0.32

 
(0.62
)
 
(0.17
)
 
0.64

 
0.32

 
(0.49
)



102


SUMMIT MATERIALS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
The consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for Summit Materials, LLC and subsidiaries are included as Exhibit 99.1 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and are incorporated by reference herein.

ITEM 9.    CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
 
None.

ITEM  9A.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Summit Inc. and Summit LLC maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Summit Inc.’s reports under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to Summit Inc.’s and Summit LLC’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Summit Inc.’s and Summit LLC’s management, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of Summit Inc.’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 28, 2019. Based upon that evaluation, Summit Inc.’s and Summit LLC’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 28, 2019, Summit Inc.’s and Summit LLC’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to accomplish their objectives at the reasonable assurance level.


103


Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
The Stockholders of Summit Materials, Inc.:
 
The management of Summit Materials, Inc. and Summit Materials, LLC is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
Our management evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2019. In making this evaluation, we used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013). Based on our evaluation we believe that, as of December 28, 2019 our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.
 
KPMG LLP has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of Summit Materials, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting. The KPMG report immediately follows this report. This annual report does not include an attestation report of Summit Materials, LLC’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by Summit Materials, LLC’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission applicable to “non-accelerated filers.”  
 
 
/s/ Thomas W. Hill
/s/ Brian J. Harris
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer


104


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Summit Materials, Inc.:

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Summit Materials, Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, changes in redeemable noncontrolling interest and stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the fiscal years ended December 28, 2019, December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated February 5, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

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

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

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

 
/s/ KPMG LLP
 
 
Denver, Colorado
 
February 5, 2020
 


105


Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
There was no change in Summit Materials, Inc.’s or Summit Materials, LLC’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during their last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, their internal control over financial reporting.
 
ITEM  9B.    OTHER INFORMATION.
 
None.

PART III  

 
ITEM 10.     DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement with respect to the 2020 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 (the “2020 Proxy Statement”), except that certain information regarding our executive officers called for by Item 401(b) and (e) of Regulation S-K has been included in Part 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
ITEM 11.     EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
The information set forth under the heading “Our Pay” in our 2020 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 
ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
 
The information required to be set forth herein pursuant to Item 403 of Regulation S–K is included in the section entitled “Our Stockholders—Holdings of Major Stockholders” in our 2020 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference. The information regarding certain Company equity compensation plans called for by Item 201(d) of Regulation S–K is set forth below.
 
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
 
 
 
As of December 29, 2018
 
 
Number of securities
 
 
 
Number of securities
 
 
to be issued upon
 
Weighted-average
 
remaining available
 
 
exercise of
 
exercise price of
 
for future issuance
 
 
outstanding options
 
outstanding options
 
under equity
 
 
and rights
 
and rights
 
compensation plans
Equity compensation plan approved by stockholders(1)
 
13,500,000

 
$
18.81

 
5,567,602

_______________________
(1)
Relates only to the Omnibus Incentive Plan detailed below.

In connection with our IPO, the board of directors and our then sole voting stockholder adopted the Omnibus Incentive Plan under which 13,500,000 shares of common stock were reserved. The Omnibus Incentive Plan provides for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other stock-based and performance compensation awards to eligible employees, officers, directors, consultants and advisors of the Company. If an award under the Omnibus Incentive Plan terminates, lapses or is settled without the payment of the full number of shares subject to the award, the undelivered shares may be granted again under the Omnibus Incentive Plan. As of December 28, 2019, there were no equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders of Summit Inc.
 


106


ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
 
The information required to be set forth herein is included in the sections entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions” in our 2020 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM  14.    PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.
 
The information provided under the heading “Item 3—Ratification of Appointment of KPMG” included in our 2020 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV  

 
ITEM  15.    EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
 
1.    Financial statements:
 
Financial statements for Summit Inc. and Summit LLC are included under Item 8 of this report, which incorporates Exhibit 99.1 with respect to Summit LLC.
 
2.    Financial statement schedules:
 
Financial statement schedules are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the required information is provided in the financial statements or notes thereto.
 
3.    Exhibits:
 

107


2.1
    
 
 
 
2.2
 
 
 
 
3.1
 
 
 
 
3.2
 
 
 
 
3.3
 
 
 
 
3.4
 
 
 
 
4.1*
 
 
 
 
4.2
 
 
 
 
4.3
 
 
 
 
4.4
 
 
 
 

108


4.5
 
 
 
 
4.6
 
 
 
 
4.7
 
 
 
 
4.8
 
 
 
 
4.9
 
 
 
 
4.10
 
 
 
 
4.11
 
 
 
 
4.12
 
 
 
 
4.13
 
 
 
 
4.14
 
 
 
 
4.15
 
 
 
 
4.16
 
 
 
 

109


 
 
 
4.17
 
 
 
 
4.18
 
 
 
 
4.19
 
 
 
 
4.20
 
 
 
 
4.21
 
 
 
 
4.22
 
 
 
 
4.23
 
 
 
 
4.24
 

 
 
 
4.25
 

 
 
 

110


10.1
 
 
 
 
10.2
 
 
 
 
10.3
 
 
 
 
10.4
 
 
 
 
10.5+
 
 
 
 
10.6+
 
 
 
 
10.7+
 
 
 
 
10.8+
 
 
 
 
10.9+
 
 
 
 
10.10+
 
 
 
 
10.11+
 
 
 
 
10.12+
 
 
 
 

111


10.13
 
 
 
 
10.14
 
 
 
 
10.15
 
 
 
 
10.16
 
 
 
 
 
10.17
 
 
 
 
10.18
 
 
 
 
10.19
 
 
 
 
10.20
 
 
 
 
10.21
 
 
 
 

112


10.22
 
 
 
 
10.23
 

 
 
 
10.24
 
 
 
 
10.25
 
 
 
 
10.26+
 
 
 
 
10.27+
 
 
 
 
10.28+
 
 
 
 
10.29+
 
 
 
 
10.30
 
 
 
 
10.31+
 
 
 
 
10.32+
 
 
 
 

113


10.33+
 
 
 
 
10.34+
 
 
 
 
10.35+
 

114


 
 
 
21*
 
 
 
 
23.1*
 
 
 
 
31.1*
 
 
 
 
31.2*
 
 
 
 
31.3*
 
 
 
 
31.4*
 
 
 
 
32.1**
 
 
 
 
32.2**
 
 
 
 
32.3**
 
 
 
 
32.4**
 
 
 
 
95.1*
 
 
 
 
99.1*
 
 
 
 
101.1NS*
 
Inline XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
101.SCH*
 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
 
 
 
101.CAL*
 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
101.DEF*
 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
101.LAB*
 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
101.PRE*
 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
104.1*
 
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded with the Inline XBRL document).


*        Filed herewith

115


**      Furnished herewith
+        Indicates management or compensating plan or arrangement
 
The agreements and other documents filed as exhibits to this report are not intended to provide factual information or other disclosure other than with respect to the terms of the agreements or other documents themselves, and you should not rely on them for that purpose. In particular, any representations and warranties made by us in these agreements or other documents were made solely within the specific context of the relevant agreement or document and may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time.

ITEM  16.    FORM 10-K SUMMARY
 
None.

116


SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. 
 
 
SUMMIT MATERIALS, INC.
 
 
SUMMIT MATERIALS, LLC
 
 
 
Date: 
February 5, 2020
By:
/s/ Thomas W. Hill
 
 
 
Thomas W. Hill
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 5th day of February 2020.
 
Signature
    
Title
 
 
 
/s/     Thomas W. Hill 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer; Director of
Summit Materials, Inc.
(Principal Executive Officer)
Thomas W. Hill
 
 
 
 
/s/    Brian J. Harris        
 
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
Brian J. Harris
 
 
 
 
/s/     Joseph S. Cantie      
 
Director of Summit Materials, Inc.
Joseph S. Cantie      
 
 
 
/s/     Anne M. Cooney
 
Director of Summit Materials, Inc.
Anne M. Cooney
 
 
 
/s/     Susan A. Ellerbusch
 
Director of Summit Materials, Inc.
Susan A. Ellerbusch
 
 
 
 
/s/ Ted A. Gardner
 
Director of Summit Materials, Inc.
Ted A. Gardner
 
 
 
 
/s/     Howard L. Lance        
 
Director of Summit Materials, Inc.
Howard L. Lance
 
 
 
 
/s/    John R. Murphy        
 
Director of Summit Materials, Inc.
John R. Murphy
 
 
 
 
/s/    Anne K. Wade      
 
Director of Summit Materials, Inc.
Anne K. Wade
 
 
 
/s/    Steven H. Wunning      
 
Director of Summit Materials, Inc.
Steven H. Wunning


117