TREX CO INC - Quarter Report: 2017 March (Form 10-Q)

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2017

OR

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission File Number: 001-14649

Trex Company, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (540) 542-6300

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding at April 21, 2017 was 29,401,727 shares.

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TREX COMPANY, INC.

INDEX

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PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

TREX COMPANY, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

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TREX COMPANY, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

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TREX COMPANY, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

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TREX COMPANY, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

(Unaudited)

Trex Company, Inc. (Company) is the world’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking and railing products, which are marketed under the brand name Trex^®. The Company manufactures and distributes high-performance, low-maintenance wood/plastic composite outdoor living products and related accessories. A majority of its products are manufactured in a proprietary process that combines reclaimed wood fibers and scrap polyethylene. The Company is incorporated in Delaware. The principal executive offices are located at 160 Exeter Drive, Winchester, Virginia 22603, and the telephone number at that address is (540) 542-6300. The Company operates in a single reportable segment.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal and recurring adjustments except as otherwise described herein) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. The consolidated results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016 included in the Annual Report of Trex Company, Inc. on Form 10-K, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Company’s critical accounting policies are included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” The standard amends certain aspects of accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes related to those transactions and forfeitures. The standard requires recognizing excess tax benefits and deficiencies on share-based awards in the tax provision instead of in equity. Also, the standard requires these amounts to be classified as an operating activity, and shares withheld to satisfy employee taxes to be classified as a financing activity in the statement of cash flows, rather than as currently classified as financing and operating activities, respectively. The standard was effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. The Company elected to early adopt the standard in fiscal year 2016. The impact of the early adoption resulted in the following:

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The Company excluded the excess tax benefits from the assumed proceeds available to repurchase shares in the computation of diluted earnings per share for 2016, which did not materially increase the diluted weighted average common shares outstanding.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test and eliminates the need to determine the fair value of individual assets and liabilities to measure goodwill impairment. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. Entities will continue to have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary. The guidance is to be applied prospectively, and is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for any impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company intends to adopt the guidance on the effective date and does not believe adoption will have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.” The guidance is intended to reduce diversity in practice across all industries in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance requires application using a retrospective translation method. The Company intends to adopt the guidance on the effective date and does not believe adoption will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” The standard requires lessees to recognize leases on the balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, other than leases that meet the definition of a short-term lease. The liability will be equal to the present value of the lease payments. The asset will be based on the liability, subject to adjustment. For income statement purposes, the leases will continue to be classified as either operating or finance. Operating leases will result in straight-line expense (similar to current operating leases) and finance leases will result in a front-loaded expense pattern (similar to current capital leases). The standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The standard must be adopted using the modified retrospective transition method and provides for the option to elect a package of practical expedients upon adoption. The Company intends to adopt the standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, and is currently assessing the impact of adoption of the standard on its consolidated financial statements and related note disclosures. The Company has not made any decision on the option to elect adoption of the practical expedients.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” and issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance in August 2015 within ASU No. 2015-14, in March 2016 within ASU No. 2016-08, in April 2016 within ASU No. 2016-10, in May 2016 within ASU No. 2016-12, and in December 2016 within ASU No. 2016-20 (collectively, the new standard). The new standard provides a single, comprehensive model for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance. The new standard requires an entity to

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recognize revenue at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer. The Company intends to adopt the new standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Currently, the Company intends to use the retrospective application to each reporting period presented, with the option to elect certain practical expedients as defined in the new standard. The Company does not believe adoption of the new standard will have a material impact on its Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, but expects expanded financial statement footnote disclosure. The Company is continuing to evaluate the impacts of the pending adoption. As such, the Company’s preliminary assessments are subject to change.

Inventories, at LIFO (last-in, first-out) value, consist of the following (in thousands):

The Company utilizes the LIFO method of accounting for inventory, which generally provides for the matching of current costs with current revenues. However, under the LIFO method, reductions in annual inventory balances cause a portion of the Company’s cost of sales to be based on historical costs rather than current year costs (LIFO liquidation). Reductions in interim inventory balances expected to be replenished by year-end do not result in a LIFO liquidation. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations are based, in part, on management’s estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs which may differ from actual results. Since inventory levels and costs are subject to factors beyond management’s control, interim results are subject to the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation. There were no LIFO inventory liquidations or related impact on cost of sales in the three months ended March 31, 2017 or 2016.

Prepaid expenses and other assets consist of the following (in thousands):

Accrued expenses and other liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

The Company’s outstanding debt consists of a revolving credit facility.

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Revolving Credit Facility

Through January 11, 2016, the Company’s Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement provided the Company with one or more revolving loans in a collective maximum principal amount of $150 million from January 1 through June 30 of each year, and a maximum principal amount of $100 million from July 1 through December 31 of each year.

On January 12, 2016, the Company entered into a Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, as amended, with Bank of America, N.A. as Lender, Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and Letter of Credit Issuer, and certain other lenders including Citibank, N.A., Capital One, N.A., and SunTrust. The Third Amended Credit Agreement, as amended, provides the Company with one or more revolving loans in a collective maximum principal amount of $250 million from January 1 through June 30 of each year, and a maximum principal amount of $200 million from July 1 through December 31 of each year throughout the term, which ends January 12, 2021.

The Company had $77 million in outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility and remaining available borrowing capacity of $173 million at March 31, 2017.

Compliance with Debt Covenants and Restrictions

The Company’s ability to make scheduled principal and interest payments, borrow and repay amounts under any outstanding revolving credit facility and continue to comply with any loan covenants depends primarily on the Company’s ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations.

As of March 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all of the covenants contained in its debt agreements. Failure to comply with the loan covenants might cause lenders to accelerate the repayment obligations under the credit facility, which may be declared payable immediately based on a default.

The Company considers the recorded value of its financial assets and liabilities, consisting primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities to approximate the fair value of the respective assets and liabilities at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except share and per share data):

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Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares determined for the basic earnings per share computation plus the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents using the treasury stock method. The computation of diluted earnings per share excludes the following potentially dilutive securities because the effect would be anti-dilutive:

Stock Repurchase Programs

On October 22, 2015, the Board of Directors adopted a stock repurchase program of up to 3,150,000 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock (October 2015 Stock Repurchase Program). This authorization terminated on December 31, 2016. The Company had repurchased 1,578,952 shares for $53.3 million under the October 2015 Stock Repurchase Program.

On February 16, 2017, the Board of Directors authorized a common stock repurchase program of up to 2,960,000 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock (February 2017 Stock Repurchase Program). As of the date of this report, the Company has made no repurchases under the February 2017 Stock Repurchase Program.

The Company has one stock-based compensation plan, the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan (Plan), approved by the Company’s stockholders in April 2014. The Plan amended and restated in its entirety the Trex Company, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan. The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. Stock-based compensation is granted to officers, directors and certain key employees in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The Plan provides for grants of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights (SARs), and unrestricted stock. As of March 31, 2017, the total aggregate number of shares of the Company’s common stock that may be issued under the Plan is 6,420,000.

In 2014, the Company began granting performance-based restricted stock in addition to the time-based restricted stock it previously granted. The performance-based restricted shares have a three-year vesting period, vesting one-third each year based on target earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization for 1 year, cumulative 2 years and cumulative 3 years, respectively. The number of shares that vest, with respect to each vesting, will be between 0% and 200% of the target number of shares.

In 2015, the Company began issuing restricted stock units in lieu of restricted stock. Accordingly, time-based restricted stock units replaced time-based restricted stock and performance-based restricted stock units replaced performance-based restricted stock. The vesting terms of the restricted stock units are identical to the vesting provisions of the restricted stock.

The fair value of each SAR is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing formula. There were no SARs issued during the three months ended March 31, 2016. For SARs issued in the three months ended March 31, 2017 the data and assumptions shown in the following table were used:

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The following table summarizes the Company’s stock-based compensation grants for the three months ended March 31, 2017:

The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense ratably over the period from the grant date to the earlier of: (1) the vesting date of the award, or (2) the date the grantee is eligible to retire without forfeiting the award. For performance-based restricted stock and performance-based restricted stock units, expense is recognized ratably over the performance and vesting period of each tranche based on management’s judgment of the ultimate award that is likely to be paid out based on the achievement of the predetermined performance measures. The following table summarizes the Company’s stock-based compensation expense (in thousands):

Total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards as of March 31, 2017 was $5.1 million. The cost of these unvested awards is being recognized over the requisite vesting period of each award.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 was 33.0% and 35.0%, respectively, which resulted in expense of $13.7 million and $12.7 million, respectively. The difference of 2.0% in the effective tax rate was primarily due to higher excess tax benefits recognized in income tax expense during the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. In fiscal year 2016, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” The new standard requires excess tax benefits on share-based awards be recognized in the tax provision instead of in equity.

During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, the Company realized $1.0 million and $0.4 million, respectively, of excess tax benefits from stock-based awards and recorded a corresponding benefit to income tax expense.

The Company analyzes its deferred tax assets each reporting period, considering all available positive and negative evidence in determining the expected realization of those deferred tax assets. As of March 31, 2017, the Company maintains a valuation allowance of $4.1 million against deferred tax assets primarily related to state tax credits it estimates will expire before they are realized.

The Company operates in multiple tax jurisdictions and, in the normal course of business, its tax returns are subject to examination by various taxing authorities. Such examinations may result in future assessments by these taxing authorities, and the Company accrues a liability when it believes that it is more likely than not that benefits of tax positions will not be realized. The Company believes that adequate provisions have been made for all tax returns subject to examination. As of March 31, 2017, Federal tax years 2013 through 2016 remain subject to examination. Sales made to foreign distributors are not taxable in any foreign jurisdictions as the Company does not have a taxable presence in any foreign jurisdiction.

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The Company’s operating results have historically varied from quarter to quarter. Seasonal, erratic or prolonged adverse weather conditions in certain geographic regions during the first and fourth quarters reduce the level of home improvement and construction activity and can shift demand for Trex products to a later period. As part of its normal business practice and consistent with industry practice, the Company has historically offered incentive programs to its distributors and dealers to build inventory levels before the start of the prime deck-building season in order to ensure adequate availability of the Company’s product to meet anticipated seasonal consumer demand. The seasonal effects experienced during the first and fourth quarters are often offset by the positive effect of the incentive programs.

Contract Termination Costs

The Company leases 55,047 square feet of office and storage space that it does not occupy, but has sublet all of the office space for the remainder of the term of its lease obligation, which ends June 30, 2019. The Company estimates that the future sublease receipts will be less than the remaining minimum lease payment obligations under its lease and has recorded a liability for the present value of the expected shortfall.

As of March 31, 2017, minimum payments remaining under the Company’s lease relating to its reconsidered corporate relocation over the years ending December 31, 2017, 2018, and 2019 are $1.4 million, $2.0 million and $1.1 million, respectively. Net minimum receipts remaining under the Company’s existing subleases over the years ending December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019 are $1.0 million, $1.3 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

The following table provides information about the Company’s liability related to the lease (in thousands):

Product Warranty

The Company warrants that its products will be free from material defects in workmanship and materials. This warranty generally extends for a period of 25 years for residential use and 10 years for commercial use, excluding TrexTrim™ and Trex Reveal^® Railing, which have a warranty period of 25 years for both residential and commercial use. The Company further warrants that Trex Transcend^®, Trex Enhance^®, Trex Select^® and Universal Fascia products will not fade in color more than a certain amount and will be resistant to permanent staining from food substances or mold, provided the stain is cleaned within seven days of appearance. This warranty extends for a period of 25 years for residential use and 10 years for commercial use. If there is a breach of such warranties, the Company has an obligation either to replace the defective product or refund the purchase price.

The Company continues to receive and settle claims for products manufactured at its Nevada facility prior to 2007 that exhibit surface flaking and maintains a warranty reserve to provide for the settlement of these claims. Estimating the warranty reserve for surface flaking claims requires management to estimate (1) the number of claims to be settled with payment and (2) the average cost to settle each claim.

To estimate the number of claims to be settled with payment, the Company utilizes actuarial techniques to quantify both the expected number of claims to be received and the percentage of those claims that will ultimately require payment (collectively, elements). Estimates for these elements are quantified using a range of assumptions derived from claim count history and the identification of factors influencing the claim counts. The number of claims received has declined each year since peaking in 2009, although the rate of decline has decelerated in recent years. Additionally, events, such as the 2009 settlement of a class action lawsuit covering the surface defect and communications by the Company in 2013 informing homeowners of potential hazards associated with products exhibiting surface flaking that are not timely replaced, have obscured observable trends in historical claims activity. The cost per claim varies due to a number of factors, including the size of affected decks, the availability and type of replacement material used, the cost of production of replacement material and the method of claim settlement.

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The Company monitors surface flaking claims activity each quarter for indications that its estimates require revision. Typically, a majority of surface flaking claims received in a year are received during the summer outdoor season, which spans the second and third quarters. It has been the Company’s practice to utilize the actuarial techniques discussed above during the third quarter, after a significant portion of all claims has been received for the fiscal year and variances to annual claims expectations are more meaningful. The number of claims received in the three months ended March 31, 2017 was lower than claims received in the three months ended March 31, 2016, continuing the historical year-over-year decline in incoming claims, but slightly higher than the Company’s expectations. The average settlement cost per claim experienced in the three months ended March 31, 2017 was higher than the average settlement cost per claim experienced during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and higher than the Company’s expectations for 2017. Continued settlement of claims at this elevated cost may require additional increases in the Company’s surface flaking reserve. However, the Company believes its reserve at March 31, 2017 is sufficient to cover future surface flaking obligations.

The Company’s analysis is based on currently known facts and a number of assumptions, as discussed above, and current expectations. Projecting future events such as the number of claims to be received, the number of claims that will require payment and the average cost of claims could cause the actual warranty liabilities to be higher or lower than those projected, which could materially affect the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The Company estimates that the annual number of claims received will continue to decline over time and that the average cost per claim will increase slightly, primarily due to inflation. If the level of claims received or average cost per claim differs materially from expectations, it could result in additional increases or decreases to the warranty reserve and a decrease or increase in earnings and cash flows in future periods. The Company estimates that a 10% change in the expected number of remaining claims to be settled with payment or the expected cost to settle claims may result in approximately a $3.3 million change in the surface flaking warranty reserve.

The following is a reconciliation of the Company’s warranty reserve that represents amounts accrued for surface flaking claims (in thousands):

The remainder of the Company’s warranty reserve represents amounts accrued for non-surface flaking claims.

Legal Matters

The Company has lawsuits, as well as other claims, pending against it which are ordinary routine litigation and claims incidental to the business. Management has evaluated the merits of these lawsuits and claims, and believes that their ultimate resolution will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or competitive position.

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The following management discussion should be read in conjunction with the Trex Company, Inc. (Company, we or our) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Part I, Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this quarterly report.

NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This management’s discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements regarding our expected financial position and operating results, our business strategy, our financing plans, forecasted demographic and economic trends relating to our industry and similar matters are forward-looking statements. These statements can sometimes be identified by our use of forward-looking words such as “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend” or similar expressions. We cannot promise you that our expectations in such forward-looking statements will turn out to be correct. Our actual results could be materially different from our expectations because of various factors, including the factors discussed under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 filed with the SEC. These statements are also subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company’s actual operating results to differ materially. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the extent of market acceptance of the Company’s current and newly developed products; the costs associated with the development and launch of new products and the market acceptance of such new products; the sensitivity of the Company’s business to general economic conditions; the impact of seasonal and weather-related demand fluctuations on inventory levels in the distribution channel and sales of the Company’s products; the availability and cost of third-party transportation services for the Company’s products; the Company’s ability to obtain raw materials at acceptable prices; the Company’s ability to maintain product quality and product performance at an acceptable cost; the level of expenses associated with product replacement and consumer relations expenses related to product quality; and the highly competitive markets in which the Company operates.

OVERVIEW

General. Trex Company, Inc. is the world’s largest manufacturer of high-performance composite decking and railing products, which are marketed under the brand name Trex^® and manufactured in the United States. We offer a comprehensive set of aesthetically durable, low-maintenance product offerings in the decking, railing, porch, fencing, trim, steel deck framing, and outdoor lighting categories. We believe that the range and variety of our product offerings allow consumers to design much of their outdoor living space using Trex brand products. A majority of our products are made in a proprietary process that combines reclaimed wood fibers and scrap polyethylene. Our products are provided in a wide selection of sizes and lengths and are available with several finishes and numerous colors. Trex products offer a number of significant aesthetic advantages over wood while providing a better alternative for many of wood’s major functional disadvantages, which include warping, splitting and other damage from moisture. Our products require no staining, are resistant to moisture damage, provide a splinter-free surface and do not require chemical treatment against rot or insect infestation. These qualities result in low-maintenance products when compared to the on-going maintenance requirements for a wood deck and make Trex products less costly than wood over the life of the deck. Trex products are stain resistant and color fast. Special characteristics (including resistance to splitting, the ability to bend, and ease and consistency of machining and finishing) facilitate deck, railing, porch, fencing and trim installation, reduce contractor call-backs and afford consumers a wide range of design options.

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We offer the following products:

Highlights for the three months ended March 31, 2017:

Net Sales. Net sales consist of sales and freight, net of returns and discounts. The level of net sales is principally affected by sales volume and the prices paid for Trex products. Our branding and product differentiation strategy enables us to command premium prices over wood products. Our operating results have historically varied from quarter to quarter, often due to seasonal trends in the demand for outdoor living products. We have historically experienced lower net sales during the fourth quarter due to the holiday season. Also, seasonal, erratic or prolonged adverse weather conditions in certain geographic regions reduce the level of home improvement and construction activity and can shift net sales to a later period.

As part of our normal business practice and consistent with industry practices, we have historically provided our distributors and dealers incentives to build inventory levels before the start of the prime deck-building season to ensure adequate availability of our product to meet anticipated seasonal consumer demand and to enable production planning. These incentives include payment discounts and favorable payment terms. In addition, we offer price discounts or volume rebates on specified products and other incentives based on increases in purchases as part of specific promotional programs. The timing of sales incentive programs can significantly impact sales, receivables and inventory levels during the offering period. However, the timing and terms of the majority of our programs are generally consistent from year to year.

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Gross Profit. Gross profit represents the difference between net sales and cost of sales. Cost of sales consists of raw materials costs, direct labor costs, manufacturing costs and freight. Raw materials costs generally include the costs to purchase and transport reclaimed wood fiber, reclaimed polyethylene and pigmentation for coloring our products. Direct labor costs include wages and benefits of personnel engaged in the manufacturing process. Manufacturing costs consist of costs of depreciation, utilities, maintenance supplies and repairs, indirect labor, including wages and benefits, and warehouse and equipment rental activities.

Product Warranty. We warrant that our products will be free from material defects in workmanship and materials for warranty periods ranging from 10 years to 25 years, depending on the product and its use. If there is a breach of such warranties, we have an obligation either to replace the defective product or refund the purchase price. We continue to receive and settle claims for products manufactured at our Nevada facility prior to 2007 that exhibit surface flaking and maintain a warranty reserve to provide for the settlement of these claims. The number of claims received has declined each year since peaking in 2009, although the rate of decline has decelerated in recent years. Additionally, events, such as the 2009 settlement of a class action lawsuit covering the surface defect and 2013 communications made by the Company informing homeowners of potential hazards associated with products exhibiting surface flaking that are not timely replaced, have obscured any observable trends in historical claims activity.

We monitor surface flaking claims activity each quarter for indications that our estimates require revision. Typically, a majority of surface flaking claims received in a fiscal year are received during the summer outdoor season, which spans the second and third fiscal quarters. It has been our practice to utilize actuarial techniques during the third quarter, after a significant portion of all claims has been received for the fiscal year and variances to annual claims expectations are more meaningful. Our actuarial analysis is based on currently known facts and a number of assumptions. Projecting future events such as the number of claims to be received, the number of claims that will require payment and the average cost of claims could cause the actual warranty liabilities to be higher or lower than those projected, which could materially affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The number of claims received in the three months ended March 31, 2017 was lower than the claims received in the three months ended March 31, 2016, continuing the historical year-over-year decline in incoming claims, but slightly higher than our expectations. The average settlement cost per claim experienced in the three months ended March 21, 2017 was higher than the average settlement cost per claim experienced during the three months ended March 31, 2016, and higher than expectations for 2017. However, we believe that our reserve at March 31, 2017 is sufficient to cover future surface flaking obligations.

The following table details surface flaking claims activity related to our warranty:

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. The largest component of selling, general and administrative expenses is personnel related costs, which include salaries, commissions, incentive compensation, and benefits of personnel engaged in sales and marketing, accounting, information technology, corporate operations, research and development, and other business functions. Another component of selling, general and administrative expenses is branding and other sales and marketing costs, which are used to build brand awareness. These costs consist primarily of advertising, merchandising, and other promotional costs. Other general and administrative expenses include professional fees, office occupancy costs attributable to the business functions previously referenced, and consumer relations expenses. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses may vary from quarter to quarter due, in part, to the seasonality of our business.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Below is our discussion and analysis of our operating results and material changes in our operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2017 (2017 quarter) compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016 (2016 quarter).

Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Compared To The Three Months Ended March 31, 2016

Net Sales

The 10.0% increase in net sales in the 2017 quarter compared to the 2016 quarter was due to volume growth of our core Trex branded decking and railing products, which was positively impacted by continued strength in the remodeling sector and execution of our market growth strategies. Sales volume was also positively impacted by customers taking advantage of the 2017 sales programs that provide incentives for our distributors and dealers to build inventory levels before the start of the prime deck-building season, and from favorable weather and economic conditions.

Gross Profit

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales, gross margin, increased to 45.0% in the 2017 quarter from 43.8% in the 2016 quarter, an improvement of 120 basis points, and was achieved primarily through improved capacity utilization, cost improvement initiatives, and lower cost raw materials.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

The $2.7 million increase in selling, general and administrative expenses in the 2017 quarter compared to the 2016 quarter resulted primarily from an increase of $1.2 million related to branding and advertising spend in support of our market growth strategies and $0.8 million related to research and development. As a percentage of net sales, total selling, general and administrative expenses increased by 40 basis points in the 2017 quarter compared to the 2016 quarter.

Interest Expense

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The decrease in interest expense was due to a $50.5 million decrease in the average outstanding borrowings during the 2017 quarter compared to the 2016 quarter, partially offset by a slight increase in the effective interest rate. The decrease in borrowings was due to a higher year-end cash balance at December 31, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015, which resulted in lower outstanding borrowings during the 2017 quarter.

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the 2017 quarter decreased by 200 basis points compared to the effective tax rate for the 2016 quarter primarily due to higher excess tax benefits related to the settlement or vesting of restricted stock or restricted stock units recognized in income tax expense during the 2017 quarter compared to the 2016 quarter. In 2016, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” The standard requires that excess tax benefits of the settlement or vesting of time-based restricted stock or time-based restricted stock units and performance-based restricted stock or performance-based restricted stock units be recorded within income tax expense. Prior to adoption this amount would have been recorded as an increase in additional paid-in capital. As a result of adoption of the standard, the provision for income taxes for the 2016 quarter was adjusted to $12,737 from the $13,041 previously reported.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We finance operations and growth primarily with cash flows from operations, borrowings under our revolving credit facility, operating leases and normal trade credit terms from operating activities.

At March 31, 2017, we had $1.8 million of cash and cash equivalents.

Sources and Uses of Cash. The following table summarizes our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities (in thousands):

Operating Activities

Net cash used in operating activities was $86.4 million in the 2017 quarter compared to net cash used in operating activities of $84.1 million in the 2016 quarter. The net increase in cash used in operating activities in the 2017 quarter compared to the 2016 quarter was primarily due to the effects of a 10.0% increase in net sales during the 2017 quarter driving an increase in accounts receivable balances. This increase was offset by favorable net income and a reduction in working capital, excluding accounts receivable.

Investing Activities

Capital expenditures in the 2017 quarter were $4.3 million, consisting primarily of $2.6 million for general plant cost reduction initiatives, and expenditures related to equipment and new product development. In January 2016, the Company sold a portion of the Olive Branch facility that contained the buildings for $4.2 million and, as of March 31, 2017, the Company continues to own approximately 62 acres of undeveloped land adjacent to the sold properties. Capital expenditures in the 2016 quarter were $2.4 million primarily consisting of $0.6 million for general cost reduction initiatives, $0.5 million related to our state-of-the-art training facility, Trex University, located near our Winchester, Virginia headquarters, and $1.3 million for all other spending.

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Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities was $73.8 million in the 2017 quarter compared to $80.1 million in the 2016 quarter. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in net outstanding borrowings under our line of credit, offset by $53.3 million in stock repurchase activity in the 2016 quarter.

Stock Repurchase Programs.

On October 22, 2015, the Board of Directors adopted a new stock repurchase program of up to 3.15 million shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock (October 2015 Stock Repurchase Program). This authorization terminated on December 31, 2016. The Company repurchased 1,578,952 shares for $53.3 million under the October 2015 Stock Repurchase Program.

On February 16, 2017, the Board of Directors authorized a common stock repurchase program of up to 2.96 million shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock (February 2017 Stock Repurchase Program). As of the date of this report, the Company has made no repurchases under the February 2017 Stock Repurchase Program.

Indebtedness. Our Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, as amended, provides us with revolving loan capacity in a collective maximum principal amount of $250 million from January 1 through June 30 of each year, and a maximum principal amount of $200 million from July 1 through December 31 of each year throughout the term, which ends January 12, 2021. At March 31, 2017, we had $77 million of outstanding indebtedness under the revolving credit facility and borrowing capacity under the facility of $173 million.

Debt Covenants. To remain in compliance with covenants contained within our debt agreements, we must maintain specified financial ratios based on levels of debt, fixed charges, and earnings (excluding extraordinary gains and extraordinary non-cash losses) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. At March 31, 2017, we were in compliance with these covenants. Failure to comply with our loan covenants might cause our lenders to accelerate our repayment obligations under our credit facility, which may be declared payable immediately based on a default.

We believe that cash on hand, cash from operations and borrowings expected to be available under our revolving credit facility will provide sufficient funds to fund planned capital expenditures, make scheduled principal and interest payments, fund warranty payments, and meet other cash requirements. We currently expect to fund future capital expenditures from operations and financing activities. The actual amount and timing of future capital requirements may differ materially from our estimate depending on the demand for Trex products and new market developments and opportunities.

Capital Requirements. We currently estimate that our capital expenditures in 2017 will be in the $15 to $20 million range. Our capital allocation priorities include expenditures for internal growth opportunities, acquisitions which fit out long-term outdoor products growth strategy as we continue to evaluate opportunities that would be a good strategic fit for Trex, and return of capital to shareholders.

Inventory in Distribution Channels. We sell our products through a tiered distribution system. We have over 50 distributors worldwide and two national retail merchandisers to which we sell our products. The distributors in turn sell the products to dealers and retail locations who in turn sell the products to end users. While we do not typically receive any information regarding inventory in the distribution channel from any dealers, we occasionally receive limited information from some but not all of our distributors regarding their inventory. Because few distributors provide us with any information regarding their inventory, we cannot definitively determine the level of inventory in the distribution channels at any time. We are not aware of significant changes in the levels of inventory in the distribution channels at March 31, 2017 compared to inventory levels at March 31, 2016. Significant increases in inventory levels in the distribution channel without a corresponding change in end-use demand could have an adverse effect on future sales.

Product Warranty. We continue to receive and settle claims related to products manufactured at our Nevada facility prior to 2007 that exhibit surface flaking, which has had a material adverse effect on cash flow from operations, and regularly monitor the adequacy of the warranty reserve.

In the 2017 quarter and in the 2016 quarter we paid $1.1 million each quarter to settle surface flaking claims. We estimate that the number of claims received will continue to decline over time and that the average settlement cost per claim will increase slightly, primarily due to inflation. If the level of claims received or average settlement cost per claim differs materially from our expectations, it could result in additional increases or decreases to the warranty reserve and a decrease or increase in earnings and cash flow in future periods.

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Seasonality. Our operating results have historically varied from quarter to quarter. Seasonal, erratic or prolonged adverse weather conditions in certain geographic regions during the first and fourth quarters reduce the level of home improvement and construction activity and can shift demand for our products to a later period. As part of our normal business practice and consistent with industry practice, we have historically offered incentive programs to our distributors and dealers to build inventory levels before the start of the prime deck-building season in order to ensure adequate availability of our product to meet anticipated seasonal consumer demand. The seasonal effects experienced during the first and fourth quarters are often offset by the positive effect of the incentive programs.

For information regarding our exposure to certain market risks, see “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk,” in Part II, Item 7A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. There were no material changes to the Company’s market risk exposure during the three months ended March 31, 2017.

The Company’s management, with the participation of its President and Chief Executive Officer, who is the Company’s principal executive officer, and its Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, who is the Company’s principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2017. Based on this evaluation, the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective. In addition, there have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarterly period ended March 31, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

The Company has lawsuits, as well as other claims, pending against it which are ordinary routine litigation and claims incidental to the business. Management has evaluated the merits of these lawsuits and claims, and believes that their ultimate resolution will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or competitive position.

(c) The following table provides information relating to the purchases of our common stock during the quarter ended March 31, 2017 in accordance with Item 703 of Regulation S-K:

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

The Company held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 3, 2017. Only holders of the Company’s common stock at the close of business on March 6, 2017 (Record Date) were entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. As of the Record Date, there were 29,404,718 shares of common stock entitled to vote. A total of 27,296,123 shares of common stock (92.83%), constituting a quorum, were represented in person or by valid proxies at the Annual Meeting.

The stockholders voted on three proposals at the Annual Meeting. The proposals are described in detail in the Company’s definitive proxy statement dated March 23, 2017 and amendment to the proxy statement filed on April 3, 2017. The final results for the votes regarding each proposal are set forth below.

Proposal 1: The Company’s stockholders elected three directors to the Board to serve for a three year term until the 2020 annual meeting of stockholders. The votes regarding this proposal were as follows:

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Proposal 2: The Company’s stockholders approved, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s executive officers named in the Company’s definitive proxy statement dated March 23, 2017. The votes regarding this proposal were as follows:

Proposal 3: The Company’s stockholders ratified the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017. The votes regarding this proposal were as follows:

Proposal 4: The Company’s stockholders indicated their preference, on an advisory basis, that the advisory vote on executive compensation be held annually. The votes regarding this proposal were as follows:

As a result of the stockholders’ vote on this matter, the Board of Directors approved the frequency of shareholder voting on the compensation of its executive officers as once every year, until the Board of Directors approves otherwise.

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Item 6. Exhibits

The number and description of the following exhibits coincide with Item 601 of Regulation S-K:

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

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EXHIBIT INDEX