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Vulcan Materials CO - Quarter Report: 2014 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

 

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the quarterly period ended March  31, 2014


OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

For the transition period from                 to

 

Commission File Number 001-33841

 

VULCAN MATERIALS COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

 

 


New Jersey
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)


20-8579133
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)


1200 Urban Center Drive, Birmingham, Alabama
(Address of principal executive offices)  


35242
(zip code)


(205) 298-3000    (Registrant's telephone number including area code)

 

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 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. (Check one):


Large accelerated filer


Accelerated filer 


Non-accelerated filer  
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)


Smaller reporting company


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


Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:


                  Class                  
Common Stock, $1 Par Value

 

Shares outstanding
      at March 31, 2014      
130,801,745

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VULCAN MATERIALS COMPANY

 

FORM 10-Q

QUARTER ENDED MARCH  31, 2014

 

Contents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 2

 3

 4

 5

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial

   Condition and Results of Operations

 

 

22

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About

   Market Risk

 

 

35

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

35

 

 

 

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

36

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

36

 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

36

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

37

 

 

 

Signatures

 

 

38

 

Unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires, references in this report to “Vulcan,” the “company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” refer to Vulcan Materials Company and its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

 

 

1

 


 

 

 

 

part I   financial information

ITEM 1

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

VULCAN MATERIALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unaudited, except for December 31

March 31

 

 

December 31

 

 

March 31

 

in thousands, except per share data

2014 

 

 

2013 

 

 

2013 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$       268,773 

 

 

$       193,738 

 

 

$       188,081 

 

Restricted cash

63,024 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts and notes receivable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Accounts and notes receivable, gross

353,601 

 

 

344,475 

 

 

328,202 

 

  Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts

(5,264)

 

 

(4,854)

 

 

(6,030)

 

   Accounts and notes receivable, net

348,337 

 

 

339,621 

 

 

322,172 

 

Inventories

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Finished products

258,007 

 

 

270,603 

 

 

267,783 

 

  Raw materials

19,431 

 

 

29,996 

 

 

27,148 

 

  Products in process

875 

 

 

6,613 

 

 

6,168 

 

  Operating supplies and other

27,520 

 

 

37,394 

 

 

39,475 

 

   Inventories

305,833 

 

 

344,606 

 

 

340,574 

 

Current deferred income taxes

39,591 

 

 

40,423 

 

 

38,844 

 

Prepaid expenses

28,184 

 

 

22,549 

 

 

24,762 

 

Assets held for sale

 

 

10,559 

 

 

12,929 

 

Total current assets

1,053,742 

 

 

951,496 

 

 

927,362 

 

Investments and long-term receivables

42,137 

 

 

42,387 

 

 

41,707 

 

Property, plant & equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Property, plant & equipment, cost

6,340,034 

 

 

6,933,602 

 

 

6,675,569 

 

  Reserve for depreciation, depletion & amortization

(3,446,744)

 

 

(3,621,585)

 

 

(3,507,394)

 

   Property, plant & equipment, net

2,893,290 

 

 

3,312,017 

 

 

3,168,175 

 

Goodwill

3,081,521 

 

 

3,081,521 

 

 

3,086,043 

 

Other intangible assets, net

633,870 

 

 

697,578 

 

 

694,659 

 

Other noncurrent assets

167,675 

 

 

174,144 

 

 

160,529 

 

Total assets

$    7,872,235 

 

 

$    8,259,143 

 

 

$    8,078,475 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

$              171 

 

 

$              170 

 

 

$       140,604 

 

Trade payables and accruals

150,628 

 

 

139,345 

 

 

116,677 

 

Other current liabilities

190,069 

 

 

159,620 

 

 

212,572 

 

Total current liabilities

340,868 

 

 

299,135 

 

 

469,853 

 

Long-term debt

2,006,782 

 

 

2,522,243 

 

 

2,525,420 

 

Noncurrent deferred income taxes

693,234 

 

 

701,075 

 

 

614,405 

 

Deferred revenue

218,946 

 

 

219,743 

 

 

73,392 

 

Other noncurrent liabilities

581,286 

 

 

578,841 

 

 

680,476 

 

Total liabilities

3,841,116 

 

 

4,321,037 

 

 

4,363,546 

 

Other commitments and contingencies (Note 8)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $1 par value, Authorized 480,000 shares,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Issued 130,802, 130,200 and 129,952 shares, respectively

130,802 

 

 

130,200 

 

 

129,952 

 

Capital in excess of par value

2,651,949 

 

 

2,611,703 

 

 

2,585,696 

 

Retained earnings

1,343,294 

 

 

1,295,834 

 

 

1,220,512 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(94,926)

 

 

(99,631)

 

 

(221,231)

 

Total equity

4,031,119 

 

 

3,938,106 

 

 

3,714,929 

 

Total liabilities and equity

$    7,872,235 

 

 

$    8,259,143 

 

 

$    8,078,475 

 

The accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

 

2

 


 

VULCAN MATERIALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Unaudited

 

 

 

March 31

 

in thousands, except per share data

2014 

 

 

2013 

 

Net sales

$       548,496 

 

 

$       504,554 

 

Delivery revenues

25,924 

 

 

33,608 

 

  Total revenues

574,420 

 

 

538,162 

 

Cost of goods sold

514,404 

 

 

486,899 

 

Delivery costs

25,924 

 

 

33,608 

 

  Cost of revenues

540,328 

 

 

520,507 

 

  Gross profit

34,092 

 

 

17,655 

 

Selling, administrative and general expenses

66,119 

 

 

64,655 

 

Gain on sale of property, plant & equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 and businesses, net

236,364 

 

 

4,110 

 

Restructuring charges

 

 

(1,509)

 

Other operating expense, net

(9,668)

 

 

(5,659)

 

  Operating earnings (loss)

194,669 

 

 

(50,058)

 

Other nonoperating income, net

2,825 

 

 

2,373 

 

Interest expense, net

120,089 

 

 

52,752 

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

 

 

 

 

 

 before income taxes

77,405 

 

 

(100,437)

 

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

22,900 

 

 

(38,818)

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

54,505 

 

 

(61,619)

 

Earnings (loss) on discontinued operations, net of tax

(510)

 

 

6,783 

 

Net earnings (loss)

$         53,995 

 

 

$       (54,836)

 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

  Reclassification adjustment for cash flow hedges

2,985 

 

 

854 

 

  Adjustment for remeasurement of postretirement obligation

2,942 

 

 

 

  Amortization of pension and postretirement benefit

 

 

 

 

 

    plans actuarial loss and prior service cost

(1,222)

 

 

3,432 

 

Other comprehensive income

4,705 

 

 

4,286 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

$         58,700 

 

 

$       (50,550)

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share

 

 

 

 

 

  Continuing operations

$             0.42 

 

 

$           (0.47)

 

  Discontinued operations

(0.01)

 

 

0.05 

 

  Net earnings (loss)

$             0.41 

 

 

$           (0.42)

 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

 

 

 

 

 

  Continuing operations

$             0.41 

 

 

$           (0.47)

 

  Discontinued operations

0.00 

 

 

0.05 

 

  Net earnings (loss)

$             0.41 

 

 

$           (0.42)

 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

  Basic

130,810 

 

 

130,186 

 

  Assuming dilution

132,314 

 

 

130,186 

 

Cash dividends per share of common stock

$             0.05 

 

 

$             0.01 

 

Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization

$         69,378 

 

 

$         75,597 

 

Effective tax rate from continuing operations

29.6% 

 

 

38.6% 

 

The accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

3

 


 

VULCAN MATERIALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Unaudited

 

 

 

March 31

 

in thousands

2014 

 

 

2013 

 

Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

$         53,995 

 

 

$       (54,836)

 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

  Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization

69,378 

 

 

75,597 

 

  Net gain on sale of property, plant & equipment and businesses

(236,364)

 

 

(17,141)

 

  Contributions to pension plans

(1,355)

 

 

(1,132)

 

  Share-based compensation

4,319 

 

 

4,933 

 

  Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

(2,997)

 

 

(856)

 

  Deferred tax provision

(7,648)

 

 

(39,918)

 

  Cost of debt purchase

72,949 

 

 

 

  Changes in assets and liabilities before initial effects of business acquisitions

 

 

 

 

 

    and dispositions

40,127 

 

 

22,349 

 

Other, net

2,624 

 

 

(1,863)

 

Net cash used for operating activities

$         (4,972)

 

 

$       (12,867)

 

Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant & equipment

$       (46,006)

 

 

$       (26,851)

 

Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment

17,785 

 

 

1,623 

 

Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of transaction costs

720,056 

 

 

18,164 

 

Payment for businesses acquired, net of acquired cash

 

 

(60,212)

 

Increase in restricted cash

(63,024)

 

 

 

Other, net

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities

$       628,811 

 

 

$       (67,274)

 

Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Payment of current maturities, long-term debt & line of credit

$     (579,676)

 

 

$       (10,016)

 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

22,808 

 

 

 

Dividends paid

(6,531)

 

 

(1,299)

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

11,599 

 

 

3,203 

 

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

2,997 

 

 

856 

 

Other, net

(1)

 

 

 

Net cash used for financing activities

$     (548,804)

 

 

$         (7,256)

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

75,035 

 

 

(87,397)

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

193,738 

 

 

275,478 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$       268,773 

 

 

$       188,081 

 

The accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the statements.

 

 

 

 

 

4

 


 

notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

 

Note 1: summary of significant accounting policies

 

NATURE OF OPERATIONS

 

Vulcan Materials Company (the “Company,” “Vulcan,” “we,” “our”), a New Jersey corporation, is the nation's largest producer of construction aggregates, primarily crushed stone, sand and gravel and a major producer of asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete.

 

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

Our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared in compliance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and thus do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. Our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013 was derived from the audited financial statement at that date. In the opinion of our management, the statements reflect all adjustments, including those of a normal recurring nature, necessary to present fairly the results of the reported interim periods. Operating results for the three month period ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2014. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Due to the 2005 sale of our Chemicals business as presented in Note 2, the operating results of the Chemicals business are presented as discontinued operations in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

 

RECLASSIFICATIONS

 

Certain items previously reported in specific financial statement captions have been reclassified to conform with the 2014 presentation.

 

RESTRICTED CASH

 

Restricted cash consists of cash proceeds from the sale of property held in escrow for the acquisition of replacement property under like-kind exchange agreements. The escrow accounts are administered by an intermediary. Pursuant to the like-kind exchange agreements, the cash remains restricted for a maximum of 180 days from the date of the property sale pending the acquisition of replacement property. Changes in restricted cash balances are reflected as an investment activity in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

 

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

 

In 2012, our Board approved a Profit Enhancement Plan that further leveraged our streamlined management structure and substantially completed ERP and Shared Services platforms to achieve cost reductions and other earnings enhancements. During the first three months of 2013, we incurred $1,509,000 of costs (primarily project design, outside advisory and severance) related to the implementation of this plan. We do not anticipate any future material charges related to this Profit Enhancement Plan.

 

5

 


 

EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

 

We report two earnings per share numbers: basic and diluted. These are computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average common shares outstanding (basic EPS) or weighted-average common shares outstanding assuming dilution (diluted EPS), as set forth below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

March 31

 

in thousands

2014 

 

 

2013 

 

Weighted-average common shares

 

 

 

 

 

 outstanding

130,810 

 

 

130,186 

 

Dilutive effect of

 

 

 

 

 

  Stock options/SOSARs

693 

 

 

 

  Other stock compensation plans

811 

 

 

 

Weighted-average common shares

 

 

 

 

 

 outstanding, assuming dilution

132,314 

 

 

130,186 

 

 

All dilutive common stock equivalents are reflected in our earnings per share calculations. Antidilutive common stock equivalents are not included in our earnings per share calculations. In periods of loss, shares that otherwise would have been included in our diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding computation are excluded. These excluded shares are as follows: three months ended March 31, 20131,144,000.

 

The number of antidilutive common stock equivalents for which the exercise price exceeds the weighted-average market price is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

March 31

 

in thousands

2014 

 

 

2013 

 

Antidilutive common stock equivalents

2,373 

 

 

2,907 

 

 

 

 

Note 2: Discontinued Operations

 

In 2005, we sold substantially all the assets of our Chemicals business to Basic Chemicals, a subsidiary of Occidental Chemical Corporation. In addition to the initial cash proceeds, Basic Chemicals was required to make payments under two earn-out agreements. In March 2013, we received the final earn-out payment in the amount of $13,031,000. During 2012, we received an earn-out payment of $11,369,000. We were liable for a cash transaction bonus payable annually to certain former key Chemicals employees based on the prior years earn-out results. As of March 31, 2013, we had accrued $1,303,000 for the 2013 transaction bonus which was subsequently paid in 2013.

 

The financial results of the Chemicals business are classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for all periods presented. There were no net sales or revenues from discontinued operations for the periods presented. Results from discontinued operations are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

March 31

 

in thousands

2014 

 

 

2013 

 

Discontinued Operations

 

 

 

 

 

Pretax loss

$          (842)

 

 

$          (540)

 

Gain on disposal, net of transaction bonus

 

 

11,728 

 

Income tax (provision) benefit

332 

 

 

(4,405)

 

Earnings (loss) on discontinued operations,

 

 

 

 

 

 net of income taxes

$          (510)

 

 

$        6,783 

 

 

The pretax losses from discontinued operations noted above were due primarily to general and product liability costs, including legal defense costs, and environmental remediation costs associated with our former Chemicals business.

 

 

6

 


 

Note 3: Income Taxes

 

Our estimated annual effective tax rate (EAETR) is based on full year expectations of pretax book earnings, statutory tax rates, permanent differences between book and tax accounting such as percentage depletion and tax planning alternatives available in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. For interim financial reporting, except in circumstances as described in the following paragraph, we calculate our quarterly income tax provision in accordance with the EAETR. Each quarter, we update our EAETR based on our revised full year expectation of pretax book earnings and calculate the income tax provision or benefit so that the year-to-date income tax provision reflects the EAETR. Significant judgment is required in determining our EAETR.

 

When expected pretax book earnings for the full year are at or near breakeven, the EAETR can distort the income tax provision for an interim period due to the size and nature of our permanent differences. In these circumstances, we calculate the interim income tax provision using the year-to-date effective tax rate. This method results in an income tax provision based solely on the year-to-date pretax book earnings as adjusted for permanent differences on a pro rata basis. In the first quarter of 2014, income taxes were calculated based on the EAETR. In the first quarter of 2013, income taxes were calculated based on the year-to-date effective tax rate.

 

We recorded an income tax provision from continuing operations of $22,900,000 in the first quarter of 2014 compared to an income tax benefit from continuing operations of $38,818,000 in the first quarter of 2013.  The change in our income tax provision for the year resulted largely from applying the statutory rate to the increase in our pretax book earnings.

 

We recognize a tax benefit associated with an uncertain tax position when, in our judgment, it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained based upon the technical merits of the position. For a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we initially and subsequently measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that we judge to have a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized. Our liability associated with unrecognized tax benefits is adjusted periodically due to changing circumstances, such as the progress of tax audits, case law developments and new or emerging legislation. Such adjustments are recognized entirely in the period in which they are identified. Our income tax provision includes the net impact of changes in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits.

 

We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement’s carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Deferred tax assets represent items to be used as a tax deduction or credit in future tax returns. Realization of the deferred tax assets ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character in either the carryback or carryforward period.

 

Each quarter we analyze the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be realized. A valuation allowance is recorded if, based on the weight of all available positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that some portion, or all, of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. A summary of our deferred tax assets is included in Note 9 “Income Taxes” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

On an annual basis, we perform a comprehensive analysis of all forms of positive and negative evidence based on year end results. During each interim period, we update our annual analysis for significant changes to the positive and negative evidence.

 

Based on our first quarter 2014 analysis, we believe it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefit of all our deferred tax assets with the exception of the state net operating loss carryforwards for which a valuation allowance has been recorded. For 2014, we project a valuation allowance of $54,919,000 against our state net operating loss deferred tax asset carryforwards; an increase of $8,639,000 from the prior year-end. Of the $54,919,000 valuation allowance, $53,490,000 relates to our Alabama net operating loss carryforward. The remaining valuation allowance of $1,429,000 relates to other state net operating loss carryforwards. This change in the valuation allowance is reflected as a component of our income tax provision.

 

 

7

 


 

Note 4: deferred revenue

 

We have entered into two transactions (September 2013 and December 2012) through which we sold a percentage of the future production from aggregates reserves at eight quarries (seven owned and one leased). These sales were structured as volumetric production payments (VPPs). We received net cash proceeds of $153,282,000 and $73,644,000 for the 2013 and 2012 transactions, respectively. These proceeds were recorded as deferred revenue on the balance sheet and are amortized on a unit-of-sales basis to revenue over the terms of the VPPs. Concurrently, we entered into marketing agreements with the purchaser through which we are designated the exclusive sales agent for the purchaser’s percentage of future production. Acting as the purchaser’s agent, our consolidated total revenues exclude these sales proceeds.

 

The common key terms of both VPP transactions are:

 

§

the purchaser has a nonoperating interest in reserves entitling them to a percentage of future production

§

there is no minimum annual or cumulative production or sales volume, nor any minimum sales price guarantee

§

the purchaser has the right to take its percentage of future production in physical product, or receive the cash proceeds from the sale of its percentage of future production under the terms of a separate marketing agreement

§

the purchaser's percentage of future production is conveyed free and clear of future costs of production and sales

§

we retain full operational and marketing control of the specified quarries

§

we retain fee simple interest in the land as well as any residual values that may be realized upon the conclusion of mining

 

The key terms specific to the 2013 VPP transaction are:

 

§

terminates at the earlier to occur of September 30, 2051 or the sale of 250.8 million tons of aggregates from the specified quarries subject to the VPP; based on historical and projected volumes from the specified quarries, it is expected that 250.8 million tons will be sold prior to September 30, 2051

§

the purchaser's percentage of the maximum 250.8 million tons of future production is estimated, based on current sales volume projection, to be 11.5% (approximately 29 million tons); the actual percentage may vary

 

The key terms specific to the 2012 VPP transaction are:

 

§

terminates at the earlier to occur of December 31, 2052 or the sale of 143.2 million tons of aggregates from the specified quarries subject to the VPP; based on historical and projected volumes from the specified quarries, it is expected that 143.2 million tons will be sold prior to December 31, 2052

§

the purchaser's percentage of the maximum 143.2 million tons of future production is estimated, based on current sales volume projection, to be 10.5% (approximately 15 million tons); the actual percentage may vary

 

The impact to our net sales and gross margin related to the VPPs is outlined as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

March 31

 

in thousands

2014 

 

 

2013 

 

Amortization of deferred revenue

$           984 

 

 

$           253 

 

Purchaser's proceeds from sale of production

(2,944)

 

 

(829)

 

Decrease to net sales and gross margin

$       (1,960)

 

 

$          (576)

 

 

Based on expected aggregates sales from the specified quarries, we anticipate recognizing a range of $4,600,000 to $5,600,000 of deferred revenue during the 12-month period ending March 31, 2015.

 

 

 

8

 


 

Note 5: Fair Value Measurements

 

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels as described below:

 

Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

Level 2: Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data

Level 3: Inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement

 

Our assets subject to fair value measurement on a recurring basis are summarized below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 1

 

March 31

 

 

December 31

 

 

March 31

 

in thousands

2014 

 

 

2013 

 

 

2013 

 

Fair Value Recurring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rabbi Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Mutual funds

$       14,257 

 

 

$       15,255 

 

 

$       13,628 

 

 Equities

15,502 

 

 

12,828 

 

 

11,207 

 

Total

$       29,759 

 

 

$       28,083 

 

 

$       24,835 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 2

 

March 31

 

 

December 31

 

 

March 31

 

in thousands

2014 

 

 

2013 

 

 

2013 

 

Fair Value Recurring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rabbi Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Common/collective trust funds

$        1,274 

 

 

$        1,244 

 

 

$        1,545 

 

Total

$        1,274 

 

 

$        1,244 

 

 

$        1,545 

 

 

We have established two Rabbi Trusts for the purpose of providing a level of security for the employee nonqualified retirement and deferred compensation plans and for the directors' nonqualified deferred compensation plans. The fair values of these investments are estimated using a market approach. The Level 1 investments include mutual funds and equity securities for which quoted prices in active markets are available. Level 2 investments are stated at estimated fair value based on the underlying investments in those funds (short-term, highly liquid assets in commercial paper, short-term bonds and certificates of deposit).

 

Net trading gains of the Rabbi Trust investments were $2,395,000 and $1,848,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The portions of the net trading gains related to investments still held by the Rabbi Trusts at March 31, 2014 and 2013 were $1,995,000 and $1,706,000,  respectively.

 

The carrying values of our cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, current maturities of long-term debt, short-term borrowings, trade payables and accruals, and other current liabilities approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Additional disclosures for derivative instruments and interest-bearing debt are presented in Notes 6 and 7, respectively.

 

There were no assets or liabilities subject to fair value measurement on a nonrecurring basis in 2013. Assets that were subject to fair value measurement on a nonrecurring basis as of March 31, 2014 are summarized below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

Impairment

 

in thousands

Level 2

 

 

Charges

 

Fair Value Nonrecurring

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant & equipment

$        2,280 

 

 

$        2,987 

 

Total

$        2,280 

 

 

$        2,987 

 

 

We recorded a $2,987,000 loss on impairment of long-lived assets in the first quarter of 2014 reducing the carrying value of these assets to their estimated fair value of $2,280,000. Fair value was estimated using a market approach (observed transactions involving comparable assets in similar locations).

 

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Note 6: Derivative Instruments

 

During the normal course of operations, we are exposed to market risks including fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity pricing. From time to time, and consistent with our risk management policies, we use derivative instruments to hedge against these market risks. We do not utilize derivative instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.

 

The accounting for gains and losses that result from changes in the fair value of derivative instruments depends on whether the derivatives have been designated and qualify as hedging instruments and the type of hedging relationship. The interest rate swap agreements described below were designated as either cash flow hedges or fair value hedges. The changes in fair value of our interest rate swap cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) and are reclassified into interest expense in the same period the hedged items affect earnings. The changes in fair value of our interest rate swap fair value hedges are recorded as interest expense consistent with the change in the fair value of the hedged items attributable to the risk being hedged.

 

CASH FLOW HEDGES

 

We have used interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges to minimize the variability in cash flows of liabilities or forecasted transactions caused by fluctuations in interest rates. During 2007, we entered into fifteen forward starting interest rate swap agreements for a total stated amount of $1,500,000,000. Upon the 2007 and 2008 issuances of the related fixed-rate debt, we terminated and settled these forward starting swaps for cash payments of $89,777,000. Amounts in AOCI are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt. This amortization was reflected in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Location on

 

March 31

 

in thousands

Statement

 

2014 

 

 

2013 

 

Cash Flow Hedges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss reclassified from AOCI

Interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 (effective portion)

expense

 

$       (4,934)

 

 

$       (1,415)

 

 

The 2014 loss reclassified from AOCI includes the acceleration of a proportional amount of the deferred loss in the amount of $3,762,000 referable to the debt purchase as disclosed in Note 7.

 

For the 12-month period ending March 31, 2015, we estimate that $3,994,000 of the pretax loss in AOCI will be reclassified to earnings.

 

FAIR VALUE HEDGES

We have used interest rate swap agreements designated as fair value hedges to minimize exposure to changes in the fair value of fixed-rate debt that results from fluctuations in the benchmark interest rates for such debt. In June 2011, we issued $500,000,000 of 6.50% fixed-rate notes due in 2016. Concurrently, we entered into interest rate swap agreements in the stated amount of $500,000,000. Under these agreements, we paid 6-month LIBOR plus a spread of 4.05% and received a fixed interest rate of 6.50%. Additionally, in June 2011, we entered into interest rate swap agreements on our $150,000,000 10.125% fixed-rate notes due in 2015. Under these agreements, we paid 6-month LIBOR plus a spread of 8.03% and received a fixed interest rate of 10.125%. In August 2011, we terminated and settled these interest rate swap agreements for $25,382,000 of cash proceeds. The $23,387,000 forward component of the settlement (cash proceeds less $1,995,000 of accrued interest) was added to the carrying value of the related debt and is being amortized as a reduction to interest expense over the remaining lives of the related debt using the effective interest method. This amortization was reflected in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

March 31

 

in thousands

 

 

2014 

 

 

2013 

 

Deferred Gain on Settlement

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortized to earnings as a reduction

 

 

 

 

 

 

 to interest expense

 

$        9,194 

 

 

$        1,056 

 

 

10

 


 

The 2014 amortized deferred gain includes the acceleration of a proportional amount of the deferred gain in the amount of $8,032,000 referable to the debt purchase as disclosed in Note 7.

 

 

Note 7: Debt

 

Debt is summarized as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31

 

 

December 31

 

 

March 31

 

in thousands

2014 

 

 

2013 

 

 

2013 

 

Long-term Debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.30% notes due 2013 1

$                  0 

 

 

$                0 

 

 

$     140,430 

 

10.125% notes due 2015 2

151,674 

 

 

151,897 

 

 

152,520 

 

6.50% notes due 2016 3

127,678 

 

 

511,627 

 

 

514,221 

 

6.40% notes due 2017 4

218,578 

 

 

349,907 

 

 

349,892 

 

7.00% notes due 2018 5

399,783 

 

 

399,772 

 

 

399,741 

 

10.375% notes due 2018 6

248,888 

 

 

248,843 

 

 

248,716 

 

7.50% notes due 2021 7

600,000 

 

 

600,000 

 

 

600,000 

 

7.15% notes due 2037 8

239,564 

 

 

239,561 

 

 

239,555 

 

Medium-term notes

6,000 

 

 

6,000 

 

 

6,000 

 

Industrial revenue bonds

14,000 

 

 

14,000 

 

 

14,000 

 

Other notes

788 

 

 

806 

 

 

949 

 

Total long-term debt including current maturities

$    2,006,953 

 

 

$  2,522,413 

 

 

$  2,666,024 

 

Less current maturities

171 

 

 

170 

 

 

140,604 

 

Total long-term debt

$    2,006,782 

 

 

$  2,522,243 

 

 

$  2,525,420 

 

Estimated fair value of long-term debt

$    2,313,964 

 

 

$  2,820,399 

 

 

$  2,851,237 

 

 

 

 

 

Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: March 31, 2013 — $14 thousand.

Includes an increase for the unamortized portion of the deferred gain realized upon the August 2011 settlement of interest rate swaps, as follows: March 31, 2014 — $1,837 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $2,082 thousand and March 31, 2013 — $2,766 thousand. Additionally, includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: March 31, 2014 — $163 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $185 thousand and March 31, 2013 — $246 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 9.58%.

Includes an increase for the unamortized portion of the deferred gain realized upon the August 2011 settlement of interest rate swaps, as follows: March 31, 2014 — $2,677 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $11,627 thousand and March 31, 2013 — $14,221 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 6.00%.

Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: March 31, 2014 — $55 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $93 thousand and March 31, 2013 — $108 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.41%.

Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: March 31, 2014 — $217 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $228 thousand and March 31, 2013 — $259 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.87%.

Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: March 31, 2014 — $1,112 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $1,157 thousand and March 31, 2013 — $1,284 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 10.63%.

The effective interest rate for these notes is 7.75%.

Includes decreases for unamortized discounts, as follows: March 31, 2014 — $624 thousand, December 31, 2013 — $627 thousand and March 31, 2013 — $633 thousand. The effective interest rate for these notes is 8.05%.

 

Our long-term debt is presented in the table above net of unamortized discounts from par and unamortized deferred gains realized upon settlement of interest rate swaps. Discounts and deferred gains are being amortized using the effective interest method over the respective terms of the notes.

 

The estimated fair value of long-term debt presented in the table above was determined by averaging the asking price quotes for the notes. The fair value estimates were based on Level 2 information (as defined in Note 5) available to us as of their respective balance sheet dates. Although we are not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the estimated fair value amounts, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued since those dates.

 

There were no material scheduled debt payments during the first quarter of 2014. However, as described below we purchased $506,366,000 principal amount of outstanding debt through a tender offer in the first quarter of 2014. Scheduled debt payments during 2013 included $10,000,000 in January to retire the 8.70% medium-term note and $140,444,000 in June to retire the 6.30% notes.

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In March 2014, we purchased $506,366,000 principal amount of outstanding debt through a tender offer as follows: $374,999,000 of 6.50% notes due in 2016 and $131,367,000 of 6.40% notes due in 2017. This debt purchase was funded by the sale of our cement and concrete businesses in the Florida area as described in Note 16. The March 2014 debt purchases cost $579,659,000, including a $71,829,000 premium above the principal amount of the notes and transaction costs of $1,464,000.  The premium primarily reflects the trading prices of the notes relative to par prior to the tender offer commencement. Additionally, we recognized a net benefit of $344,000 associated with the acceleration of a proportional amount of unamortized discounts, deferred gains, deferred financing costs and amounts accumulated in OCI. The combined expense of $72,949,000 is presented in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income as a component of interest expense for the three month period ended March 31, 2014.

 

Additionally, in  March 2014, we amended our $500,000,000 line of credit to, among other things, extend the term from March 2018 to March 2019, eliminate the borrowing capacity governor of eligible accounts receivable and eligible inventory, and provide for the line of credit to become unsecured upon achievement of certain credit metrics and/or credit ratings. Until such metrics/ratings are achieved, the line of credit is secured by accounts receivable and inventory. As of March 31, 2014, our available borrowing capacity was $425,750,000.

 

Borrowings under the line of credit bear interest at a rate determined at the time of borrowing equal to the lower of LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.50% to 2.25% based on our total debt to EBITDA ratio, or an alternative rate derived from the lender’s prime rate. Borrowings on our line of credit are classified as short-term due to our intent to repay any borrowings within twelve months. As of March 31, 2014, the applicable margin for LIBOR based borrowing was 2.25%.

 

  

Note 8: Commitments and Contingencies

 

LETTERS OF CREDIT

 

We provide, in the normal course of business, certain third party beneficiaries standby letters of credit to support our obligations to pay or perform according to the requirements of an underlying agreement. Such letters of credit typically have an initial term of one year, typically renew automatically, and can only be modified or cancelled with the approval of the beneficiary. All of our letters of credit are issued by banks that participate in our $500,000,000 line of credit, and reduce the borrowing capacity thereunder. We pay a fee for all letters of credit equal to the margin (ranges from 1.50% to 2.25%) applicable to LIBOR based borrowings under the line of credit, plus 0.175%. Our standby letters of credit as of March 31, 2014 are summarized by purpose in the table below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in thousands

 

 

Standby Letters of Credit

 

 

Risk management insurance

$       32,839 

 

Industrial revenue bond

14,230 

 

Reclamation/restoration requirements

6,250 

 

Total

$       53,319 

 

 

LITIGATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

 

We are a defendant in various lawsuits in the ordinary course of business. It is not possible to determine with precision the outcome, or the amount of liability, if any, under these lawsuits, especially where the cases involve possible jury trials with as yet undetermined jury panels.

 

In addition to these lawsuits in which we are involved in the ordinary course of business, certain other material legal proceedings are more specifically described below. At this time, we cannot determine the likelihood or reasonably estimate a range of loss pertaining to these matters.

 

Perchloroethylene cases

 

We are a defendant in cases involving perchloroethylene (perc), which was a product manufactured by our former Chemicals business. Perc is a cleaning solvent used in dry cleaning and other industrial applications. We are vigorously defending these cases:

 

§

Suffolk County Water Authority — On July 29, 2010, we were served in an action styled Suffolk County Water Authority v. The Dow Chemical Company, et al., in the Supreme Court for Suffolk County, State of New York. The complaint alleges that the plaintiff “owns and/or operates drinking water systems and supplies drinking water to thousands of 8residents and businesses, in Suffolk County, New York.” The complaint alleges that perc and its breakdown products

12

 


 

“have been and are contaminating and damaging Plaintiff's drinking water supply wells.” This matter was settled in the first quarter of 2014 for an immaterial amount. We will not report on this case going forward.

 

§

R.R. Street Indemnity — Street, a former distributor of perc manufactured by us, alleges that we owe Street, and its insurer (National Union), a defense and indemnity in several litigation matters in which Street was named as a defendant. National Union alleges that we are obligated to contribute to National Union's share of defense fees, costs and any indemnity payments made on Street's behalf. We have had discussions with Street about the nature and extent of indemnity obligations, if any, and to date there has been no resolution of these issues. Since no suit has been filed with respect to this issue, we will no longer report on this matter.

 

lower passaic river matter

 

§

Lower Passaic River Study Area (Superfund Site) — Vulcan and approximately 70 other companies are parties to a May 2007 Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to perform a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) of the lower 17 miles of the Passaic River (River).  As an interim step related to the 2007 AOC, Vulcan and 69 other companies voluntarily entered into an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent on June 18, 2012 with the EPA for remediation actions focused at River Mile 10.9 of the River. These remedial actions are expected to be completed sometime in 2014. On June 25, 2012, the EPA issued a Unilateral Administrative Order for Removal Response Activities to Occidental Chemical Corporation ordering Occidental to participate and cooperate in this remediation action at River Mile 10.9.  

 

Separately, on April 11, 2014, the EPA issued a proposed Focused Feasibility Study (FFS) that calls for  a  bank-to-bank dredging  remedy for the lower 8 miles of the River. The EPA estimates that the cost of implementing this proposal is approximately $950 million to $1.73 billion. The period for public comment on the proposed FFS remains open and may be further extended. After the comments are received, the EPA will issue its final record of decision, probably sometime in 2015.

 

At this time, our ultimate liability related to this matter is not known because the RI/FS is ongoing and  the FFS is not final. The AOC does not obligate us to fund or perform the remedial action contemplated by either the RI/FS or the FFS. Additionally, the Company has found no evidence that it contributed, through its discontinued Chemicals business, any of the primary contaminants of concern to the Passaic River. Therefore, neither the ultimate remedial approach and associated costs, nor the parties who will participate in funding the remediation and their respective allocations have yet been determined.

 

Based on the facts available at this time, we believe our liability related to any remedial actions is immaterial.

 

OTHER LITIGATION

 

§

TEXAS BRINE MATTER — During the operation of its former Chemicals Division, Vulcan was the lessee under a salt lease from 1976 – 2005 in an underground salt dome formation in Assumption Parish, Louisiana. The Texas Brine Company operated this salt mine for the account of Vulcan. Vulcan sold its Chemicals Division in 2005 and assigned the lease to the purchaser, and Vulcan has had no association with the leased premises or Texas Brine Company since that time. In August 2012, a sinkhole developed near the salt dome and numerous lawsuits were filed in state court in Assumption Parish, Louisiana. Other lawsuits, including class action litigation, were also filed in August 2012 in federal court in the Eastern District of Louisiana in New Orleans. The plaintiffs in the Federal court class action and Texas Brine have recently announced a proposed settlement for $48.1 million. This proposed settlement is still subject to certain court procedures, including notice to the class, before it can be approved and finalized. We understand that Vulcan will be named as a released party in the settlement agreement, although Texas Brine and its insurers are not themselves releasing Vulcan from their claims for contribution and indemnity against Vulcan.

 

There are numerous defendants to the litigation in state and federal court. Vulcan was first brought into the litigation as a third-party defendant in August 2013 by the Texas Brine Company. Vulcan has since been added as a direct and third-party defendant by other parties, including a direct claim by the State of Louisiana. The damages alleged in the litigation range from individual plaintiffs’ claims for property damage, to the State of Louisiana’s claim for response costs, to claims for alleged physical damages to oil pipelines, to various alleged business interruption claims, and to claims for indemnity and contribution from Texas Brine. It is alleged that the sinkhole was caused, in whole or in part, by Vulcan’s negligent actions or failure to act. It is also alleged that Vulcan breached the salt lease, as well as an operating agreement with Texas Brine. Vulcan denies any liability in this matter and will vigorously defend the litigation. We cannot reasonably estimate any liability related to this matter.

 

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It is not possible to predict with certainty the ultimate outcome of these and other legal proceedings in which we are involved, and a number of factors, including developments in ongoing discovery or adverse rulings, or the verdict of a particular jury, could cause actual losses to differ materially from accrued costs. No liability was recorded for claims and litigation for which a loss was determined to be only reasonably possible or for which a loss could not be reasonably estimated. Legal costs incurred in defense of lawsuits are expensed as incurred. In addition, losses on certain claims and litigation described above may be subject to limitations on a per occurrence basis by excess insurance, as described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

Note 9: Asset Retirement Obligations

 

Asset retirement obligations (AROs) are legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets resulting from the acquisition, construction, development and/or normal use of the underlying assets.

 

Recognition of a liability for an ARO is required in the period in which it is incurred at its estimated fair value. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the underlying asset and depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset. The liability is accreted through charges to operating expenses. If the ARO is settled for other than the carrying amount of the liability, we recognize a gain or loss on settlement.

 

We record all AROs for which we have legal obligations for land reclamation at estimated fair value. Essentially all these AROs relate to our underlying land parcels, including both owned properties and mineral leases. For the three month period ended March  31, we recognized ARO operating costs related to accretion of the liabilities and depreciation of the assets as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

March 31

 

in thousands

2014 

 

 

2013 

 

ARO Operating Costs

 

 

 

 

 

Accretion

$        2,940 

 

 

$        2,006 

 

Depreciation

997 

 

 

779 

 

Total

$        3,937 

 

 

$        2,785 

 

 

ARO operating costs are reported in cost of goods sold. AROs are reported within other noncurrent liabilities in our accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

Reconciliations of the carrying amounts of our AROs are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

March 31

 

in thousands

2014 

 

 

2013 

 

Asset Retirement Obligations

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of year

$     228,234 

 

 

$     150,072 

 

  Liabilities incurred

 

 

 

  Liabilities settled

(5,250)

 

 

(1,292)

 

  Accretion expense

2,940 

 

 

2,006 

 

  Revisions up (down), net

(93)

 

 

5,672 

 

Balance at end of period

$     225,831 

 

 

$     156,458 

 

 

The increase in the carrying amounts of our AROs between the ending balance as of March 31, 2013 and the beginning balance as of January 1, 2014 relates primarily to liabilities incurred during the second quarter of 2013 for reclamation activities required under a development agreement and a conditional use permit at an aggregates facility on owned property in Southern California.

 

 

Note 10: Benefit Plans

 

We sponsor three funded, noncontributory defined benefit pension plans. These plans cover substantially all employees hired prior to July 15, 2007, other than those covered by union-administered plans. Normal retirement age is 65, but the plans contain provisions for earlier retirement. Benefits for the Salaried Plan are generally based on salaries or wages and

14

 


 

years of service; the Construction Materials Hourly Plan and the Chemicals Hourly Plan provide benefits equal to a flat dollar amount for each year of service. In addition to these qualified plans, we sponsor three unfunded, nonqualified pension plans.

 

Effective July 15, 2007, we amended our defined benefit pension plans to no longer accept new participants. In December 2013, we amended our defined benefit pension plans so that future service accruals for salaried pension participants will cease effective December 31, 2013. This change included a special transition provision which will allow covered compensation through December 31, 2015 to be considered in the participants’ benefit calculations. The amendment resulted in a curtailment and remeasurement of the salaried and nonqualified pension plans as of May 31, 2013 that reduced our 2013 pension expense by approximately $7,600,000 (net of the one-time curtailment loss) of which $800,000 relates to discontinued operations.

 

The following table sets forth the components of net periodic pension benefit cost:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PENSION BENEFITS

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

March 31

 

in thousands

2014 

 

 

2013 

 

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

$        1,039 

 

 

$        6,070 

 

Interest cost

11,098 

 

 

10,346 

 

Expected return on plan assets

(12,701)

 

 

(11,759)

 

Amortization of prior service cost

47 

 

 

95 

 

Amortization of actuarial loss

2,805 

 

 

6,420 

 

Net periodic pension benefit cost

$        2,288 

 

 

$      11,172 

 

Pretax reclassification from AOCI included in

 

 

 

 

 

 net periodic pension benefit cost

$        2,852 

 

 

$        6,515 

 

 

In addition to pension benefits, we provide certain healthcare and life insurance benefits for retired employees. In the fourth quarter of 2012, we amended our postretirement healthcare plan to cap our portion of the medical coverage cost at the 2015 level. In the third quarter of 2007, we amended our salaried postretirement healthcare coverage to increase the eligibility age for early retirement coverage to age 62, unless certain grandfathering provisions were met. Substantially all our salaried employees and where applicable, hourly employees may become eligible for these benefits if they reach a qualifying age and meet certain service requirements. Generally, company-provided healthcare benefits terminate when covered individuals become eligible for Medicare benefits, become eligible for other group insurance coverage or reach age 65, whichever occurs first.

 

Prior contributions, along with the existing funding credits, are sufficient to cover required contributions to the qualified plans through 2014. However, we anticipate making an approximate $4,000,000 discretionary pension contribution in 2014.

 

The following table sets forth the components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

March 31

 

in thousands

2014 

 

 

2013 

 

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

$           536 

 

 

$           708 

 

Interest cost

824 

 

 

815 

 

Curtailment gain

(3,832)

 

 

 

Amortization of prior service credit

(1,082)

 

 

(1,216)

 

Amortization of actuarial loss

57 

 

 

343 

 

Net periodic postretirement benefit cost

$       (3,497)

 

 

$           650 

 

Pretax reclassification from AOCI included in

 

 

 

 

 

 net periodic postretirement benefit cost

$       (4,857)

 

 

$          (873)

 

 

The reclassifications from AOCI noted in the tables above are related to curtailment gains, amortization of prior service costs or credits and actuarial losses as shown in Note 11.

 

The March 2014 sale of our cement and concrete businesses in the Florida area (see Note 16) significantly reduced total expected future service of our postretirement plans resulting in a one-time curtailment gain of $3,832,000. This gain was

15

 


 

reflected within gain on sale of property, plant & equipment, net in our accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

 

 

Note 11: other Comprehensive Income

 

Comprehensive income comprises two subsets: net earnings and other comprehensive income (OCI). The components of other comprehensive income are presented in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, net of applicable taxes.

 

Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI), net of tax, are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31

 

 

December 31

 

 

March 31

 

in thousands

2014 

 

 

2013 

 

 

2013 

 

AOCI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow hedges

$       (22,193)

 

 

$       (25,178)

 

 

$       (27,316)

 

Pension and postretirement benefit plans

(72,733)

 

 

(74,453)

 

 

(193,915)

 

Total

$       (94,926)

 

 

$       (99,631)

 

 

$     (221,231)

 

 

Changes in AOCI, net of tax, for the three months ended March  31, 2014 are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension and

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flow

 

 

Postretirement

 

 

 

 

in thousands

Hedges

 

 

Benefit Plans

 

 

Total

 

AOCI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2013

$       (25,178)

 

 

$       (74,453)

 

 

$       (99,631)

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 before reclassifications  1

 

 

2,942 

 

 

2,942 

 

Amounts reclassified from AOCI

2,985 

 

 

(1,222)

 

 

1,763 

 

Net current period OCI changes

2,985 

 

 

1,720 

 

 

4,705 

 

Balance as of March 31, 2014

$       (22,193)

 

 

$       (72,733)

 

 

$       (94,926)

 

 

Remeasurement of the postretirement obligation as a result of the March 2014 sale of our cement and concrete businesses in the Florida area (see Note 16).

 

Amounts reclassified from AOCI to earnings, are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31

 

in thousands

2014 

 

 

2013 

 

Reclassification Adjustment for Cash Flow

 

 

 

 

 

 Hedges Losses

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

$          4,934 

 

 

$          1,415 

 

Benefit from income taxes

(1,949)

 

 

(561)

 

Total

$          2,985 

 

 

$             854 

 

Amortization of Pension and Postretirement

 

 

 

 

 

 Plan Actuarial Loss and Prior Service Cost

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of goods sold

$         (1,587)

 

 

$          4,457 

 

Selling, administrative and general expenses

(418)

 

 

1,185 

 

(Benefit from) provision for income taxes

783 

 

 

(2,210)

 

Total

$         (1,222)

 

 

$          3,432 

 

Total reclassifications from AOCI to earnings

$          1,763 

 

 

$          4,286 

 

 

 

 

 

16

 


 

Note 12: Equity

 

Our capital stock consists solely of common stock, par value $1.00 per share. Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share. Our Certificate of Incorporation also authorizes preferred stock of which no shares have been issued. The terms and provisions of such shares will be determined by our Board of Directors upon any issuance of preferred shares in accordance with our Certificate of Incorporation.

 

We occasionally sell shares of common stock to the trustee of our 401(k) retirement plans to satisfy the plan participants’ elections to invest in our common stock. The resulting cash proceeds provide a means of improving cash flow, increasing equity and reducing leverage. Under this arrangement, the stock issuances and resulting cash proceeds were as follows:

 

§

three months ended March 31, 2014 —  issued 357,039 shares for cash proceeds of $22,808,000

§

twelve months ended December 31, 2013 —  issued 71,208 shares for cash proceeds of $3,821,000

§

three months ended March 31, 2013 —  no shares issued

 

Changes in total equity for the three months ended March  31, 2014 are summarized below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

in thousands

 

 

 

Equity

 

Balance at December 31, 2013

 

 

$    3,938,106 

 

Net earnings

 

 

53,995 

 

Common stock issued

 

 

 

 

  401(k) Trustee

 

 

22,808 

 

  Share-based compensation plans

 

 

10,719 

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

4,319 

 

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

 

 

2,997 

 

Cash dividends on common stock ($0.05 per share)

 

 

(6,531)

 

Other comprehensive income

 

 

4,705 

 

Other

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2014

 

 

$    4,031,119 

 

 

There were no shares held in treasury as of March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and March  31, 2013. As of March 31, 2014,  3,411,416 shares may be repurchased under the current purchase authorization of our Board of Directors.

 

 

Note 13: Segment Reporting

 

We have four operating (and reportable) segments organized around our principal product lines: aggregates, concrete, asphalt mix and cement. The vast majority of our activities are domestic. We sell a relatively small amount of construction aggregates outside the United States. Intersegment sales are made at local market prices for the particular grade and quality of product utilized in the production of ready-mixed concrete and asphalt mix. Management reviews earnings from the product line reporting segments principally at the gross profit level.

 

17

 


 

segment financial disclosure

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

March 31

 

in millions

2014 

 

 

2013 

 

Total Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

Aggregates 1

 

 

 

 

 

  Segment revenues

$        404.2 

 

 

$        359.0 

 

  Intersegment sales

(43.4)

 

 

(33.6)

 

Net sales

360.8 

 

 

325.4 

 

Concrete 2

 

 

 

 

 

  Segment revenues

96.0 

 

 

99.9 

 

Net sales

96.0 

 

 

99.9 

 

Asphalt Mix

 

 

 

 

 

  Segment revenues

83.0 

 

 

67.3 

 

Net sales

83.0 

 

 

67.3 

 

Cement 3

 

 

 

 

 

  Segment revenues

17.9 

 

 

22.7 

 

  Intersegment sales

(9.2)

 

 

(10.7)

 

Net sales

8.7 

 

 

12.0 

 

Totals

 

 

 

 

 

   Net sales

548.5 

 

 

504.6 

 

   Delivery revenues

25.9 

 

 

33.6 

 

Total revenues

$        574.4 

 

 

$        538.2 

 

Gross Profit

 

 

 

 

 

Aggregates

$          38.5 

 

 

$          24.8 

 

Concrete 2

(9.2)

 

 

(10.0)

 

Asphalt Mix

4.7 

 

 

1.9 

 

Cement 3

0.1 

 

 

1.0 

 

Total

$          34.1 

 

 

$          17.7 

 

Depreciation, Depletion, Accretion

 

 

 

 

 

 and Amortization (DDA&A)

 

 

 

 

 

Aggregates

$          54.6 

 

 

$          55.9 

 

Concrete 2

6.0 

 

 

8.0 

 

Asphalt Mix

2.4 

 

 

2.0 

 

Cement 3

1.1 

 

 

3.9 

 

Other

5.3 

 

 

5.8 

 

Total

$          69.4 

 

 

$          75.6 

 

Identifiable Assets 4

 

 

 

 

 

Aggregates

$     7,004.2 

 

 

$     6,737.2 

 

Concrete 2

240.4 

 

 

380.4 

 

Asphalt Mix

225.4 

 

 

268.9 

 

Cement 3

14.6 

 

 

412.2 

 

Total identifiable assets

$     7,484.6 

 

 

$     7,798.7 

 

General corporate assets

118.8 

 

 

91.7 

 

Cash items

268.8 

 

 

188.1 

 

Total

$     7,872.2 

 

 

$     8,078.5 

 

 

 

 

 

Includes crushed stone, sand and gravel, sand, other aggregates, as well as transportation and service revenues associated with the aggregates business.

Includes ready-mixed concrete, concrete block, precast concrete, as well as building materials purchased for resale. On March 7, 2014, we sold our concrete business in the Florida area (see Note 16).

Includes cement and calcium products. On March 7, 2014, we sold our cement business in the Florida area (see Note 16).

Certain temporarily idled assets are included within a segment’s Identifiable Assets but the associated DDA&A is shown within Other in the DDA&A section above as the related DDA&A is excluded from segment gross profit.

 

 

 

18

 


 

  

 

Note 14: Supplemental Cash Flow Information

 

Supplemental information referable to our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is summarized below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

March 31

 

in thousands

2014 

 

 

2013 

 

Cash Payments

 

 

 

 

 

Interest (exclusive of amount capitalized)

$       83,801 

 

 

$         1,426 

 

Income taxes

3,209 

 

 

584 

 

Noncash Investing and Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued liabilities for purchases of property, plant

 

 

 

 

 

 & equipment

$       16,035 

 

 

$         5,404 

 

 

 

Note 15: Goodwill

 

Goodwill is recognized when the consideration paid for a business combination (acquisition) exceeds the fair value of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is allocated to reporting units for purposes of testing goodwill for impairment. There were no charges for goodwill impairment in the three month periods ended March  31, 2014 and 2013.

 

We have four reportable segments organized around our principal product lines: aggregates, concrete, asphalt mix and cement. There were no changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment from December 31, 2013 to March  31, 2014 summarized below:

 

GOODWILL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in thousands

Aggregates

 

 

Concrete

 

 

Asphalt Mix

 

 

Cement

 

 

Total

 

Goodwill, Gross Carrying Amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total as of December 31, 2013

$  2,989,888 

 

 

$             0 

 

 

$    91,633 

 

 

$  252,664 

 

 

$    3,334,185 

 

Total as of March 31, 2014

$  2,989,888 

 

 

$             0 

 

 

$    91,633 

 

 

$  252,664 

 

 

$    3,334,185 

 

Goodwill, Accumulated Impairment Losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total as of December 31, 2013

$                0 

 

 

$             0 

 

 

$             0 

 

 

$
(252,664)

 

 

$      (252,664)

 

Total as of March 31, 2014

$                0 

 

 

$             0 

 

 

$             0 

 

 

$
(252,664)

 

 

$      (252,664)

 

Goodwill, net of Accumulated Impairment Losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total as of December 31, 2013

$  2,989,888 

 

 

$             0 

 

 

$    91,633 

 

 

$             0 

 

 

$    3,081,521 

 

Total as of March 31, 2014

$  2,989,888 

 

 

$             0 

 

 

$    91,633 

 

 

$             0 

 

 

$    3,081,521 

 

 

We test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or circumstances change in a manner that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. A decrease in the estimated fair value of one or more of our reporting units could result in the recognition of a material, noncash write-down of goodwill.

 

 

Note 16: Acquisitions and Divestitures

 

In the first quarter of 2014, we sold our cement and concrete businesses in the Florida area for net pretax cash proceeds of $720,056,000 resulting in a pretax gain of $230,061,000. We retained all of our Florida aggregates operations, our Cement segment’s calcium operation in Brooksville, Florida and real estate associated with certain former ready-mixed concrete facilities. Under a separate supply agreement, we will continue to provide aggregates to the divested concrete facilities, at market prices, for a period of 20 years. As a result of the continuing involvement (supply agreement) and the retained operation and assets, the disposition is not reported as discontinued operations.

 

Additionally, in the first quarter of 2014, we sold the following Aggregates segment properties:

§

a previously mined and subsequently reclaimed tract of land for net pretax cash proceeds of $10,727,000 resulting in a pretax gain of $168,000

§

unimproved land previously containing a sales yard for net pretax cash proceeds of $5,820,000 resulting in a pretax gain of $5,790,000

 

19

 


 

In 2013, we acquired:

§

Fourth quarterland containing 136 million tons of aggregates reserves at an existing quarry for $117,000,000. We previously mined these reserves under a lease which was scheduled to expire in 2017

§

Second quarteran aggregates production facility and four ready-mixed concrete facilities for $29,983,000

§

First quartertwo aggregates production facilities for $59,968,000. The initial accounting for the business combination was not finalized until the third quarter as appraisals of amortizable intangible assets (contractual rights in place) and property, plant & equipment were not completed. Provisional amounts for contractual rights in place and property, plant & equipment were subsequently adjusted to the appraised values. These adjustments resulted in an increase in contractual rights in place from $800,000 to $3,620,000, an increase in property, plant & equipment from $45,888,000 to $52,583,000, a decrease in goodwill from $9,759,000 to $0 and other minor adjustments to working capital. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2013 has been retrospectively adjusted. The Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income has not been retrospectively adjusted as the impact was immaterial

 

In 2013, we sold:

§

Fourth quartermitigation credits for net pretax cash proceeds of $1,463,000 resulting in a pretax gain of $1,377,000

§

Third quarter reclaimed land associated with a former site of a ready-mixed concrete facility for net pretax cash proceeds of $11,261,000 resulting in a pretax gain of $9,027,000

§

Third quarter —  a percentage of the future production from aggregates reserves at certain owned quarries. The sale was structured as a volumetric production payment (VPP) for which we received gross cash proceeds of $154,000,000 and incurred transaction costs of $905,000. The net proceeds were recorded as deferred revenue and are amortized on a unit-of-sales basis to revenues over the term of the VPP. See Note 4 for the key terms of the VPP

§

Second quarter —  four aggregates production facilities resulting in net pretax cash proceeds of $34,743,000 and a pretax gain of $21,183,000. We allocated $4,521,000 of goodwill to these dispositions based on the relative fair values of the businesses disposed of and the portion of the reporting unit retained

§

First quarter —  an aggregates production facility and its related replacement reserve land resulting in net pretax cash proceeds of $5,133,000 and a pretax gain of $2,802,000. We allocated $674,000 of goodwill to this disposition based on the relative fair values of the business disposed of and the portion of the reporting unit retained

§

First quarter —  equipment and other personal property from two idled prestress concrete production facilities resulting in net pretax cash proceeds of $622,000 and a pretax gain of $457,000

 

Effective land management is both a business strategy and a social responsibility. We strive to achieve value through our mining activities as well as incremental value through effective post-mining land management. Our land management strategy includes routinely reclaiming and selling our previously mined land. Additionally, this strategy includes developing conservation banks by preserving land as a suitable habitat for endangered or sensitive species. These conservation banks have received approval from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to offer mitigation credits for sale to third parties who may be required to compensate for the loss of habitats of endangered or sensitive species.

 

No assets meet the criteria for held for sale at March 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2013, a previously mined and subsequently reclaimed tract of land within our Aggregates segment is presented in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as assets held for sale. This land tract sold in the first quarter of 2014. In addition, as of March 31, 2013, reclaimed land associated with a former site of a ready-mixed concrete facility within our Concrete segment is presented in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as assets held for sale. This land subsequently sold in the third quarter of 2013. The major classes of assets and liabilities of assets classified as held for sale are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31

 

 

March 31

 

in thousands

 

 

 

2013 

 

 

2013 

 

Held for Sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant & equipment, net

 

 

 

$       10,559 

 

 

$       12,929 

 

Total assets held for sale

 

 

 

$       10,559 

 

 

$       12,929 

 

 

 

 

20

 


 

Note 17: New Accounting Standards

 

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS RECENTLY ADOPTED

 

GUIDANCE ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION OF UNRECOGNIZED TAX BENEFITS  As of and for the interim period ended March 31, 2014, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2013-11, "Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists." Under this ASU, an unrecognized tax benefit, or portion thereof, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward except when specific conditions are met as outlined in the ASU. When these specific conditions are met, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. Our adoption of this standard had no material impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

GUIDANCE FOR OBLIGATIONS RESULTING FROM JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY ARRANGEMENTS  As of and for the interim period ended March 31, 2014, we adopted ASU 2013-04, "Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date."  This ASU provides guidance for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of such obligations that are within the scope of the ASU. Obligations within the scope of this ASU include debt arrangements, other contractual obligations and settled litigation and judicial rulings. Under this ASU, an entity (1) recognizes such obligations at the inception of the arrangement, (2) measures such obligations as the sum of (a) the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and (b) any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors and (3) discloses the nature and amount of such obligations as well as other information about those obligations. Our adoption of this standard had no material impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

TANGIBLE PROPERTY REGULATIONS  As of January 1, 2014, the Internal Revenue Service’s new tangible property regulations became effective. These regulations apply to amounts paid to acquire, produce or improve tangible property, as well as dispose of such property. The effect of this tax law change had no material impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS PENDING ADOPTION

 

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS REPORTING  In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2014-08, “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity” which changes the definition of and expands the disclosure requirements for discontinued operations. Under the new definition, discontinued operations reporting is limited to disposals of components of an entity that represent strategic shifts that have (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. The expanded disclosures for discontinued operations are meant to provide users of financial statements with more information about the assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses of discontinued operations. Additionally, this ASU requires an entity to disclose the pretax profit or loss of an individually significant component of an entity that does not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. This ASU is effective for all disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years. We will adopt this standard as of the interim period ending March 31, 2015.

 

 

21

 


 

ITEM 2

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

 

 

GENERAL COMMENTS

 

Overview

 

Vulcan provides the basic materials for the infrastructure needed to expand the U.S. economy. We are the nation's largest producer of construction aggregates, primarily crushed stone, sand and gravel; a major producer of asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete.

 

Demand for our products is dependent on construction activity. The primary end uses include public construction, such as highways, bridges, airports, schools and prisons, as well as private nonresidential (e.g., manufacturing, retail, offices, industrial and institutional) and private residential construction (e.g., single-family houses, duplexes, apartment buildings and condominiums). Customers for our products include heavy construction and paving contractors; commercial building contractors; concrete products manufacturers; residential building contractors; state, county and municipal governments; railroads and electric utilities.

 

We operate primarily in the United States and our principal product — aggregates — is used in virtually all types of public and private construction projects and in the production of asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete. Aggregates have a high weight-to-value ratio and, in most cases, must be produced near where they are used; if not, transportation can cost more than the materials, rendering them uncompetitive compared to locally produced materials. Exceptions to this typical market structure include areas along the U.S. Gulf Coast and the Eastern Seaboard where there are limited supplies of locally available high quality aggregates. We serve these markets from quarries that have access to long-haul transportation shipping by barge and rail — and from our quarry on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. We transport aggregates from Mexico to the U.S. principally on our three Panamax-class, self-unloading ships.

 

There are practically no substitutes for quality aggregates. Because of barriers to entry created by zoning and permitting regulation and because of high transportation costs relative to the value of the product, the location of reserves is a critical factor to long-term success.

 

While aggregates is our primary business, we believe vertical integration between aggregates and downstream products, such as asphalt mix and concrete, can be managed effectively in certain markets to generate acceptable financial returns. We produce and sell asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete primarily in our mid-Atlantic, Georgia, southwestern and western markets. Aggregates comprise approximately 95% of asphalt mix by weight and 78% of ready-mixed concrete by weight. In all of these downstream businesses, we supply virtually all of the required aggregates from our own operations.

 

Seasonality and cyclical nature of our business

 

Almost all our products are produced and consumed outdoors. Seasonal changes and other weather-related conditions can affect the production and sales volumes of our products. Therefore, the financial results for any quarter do not necessarily indicate the results expected for the year. Normally, the highest sales and earnings are in the third quarter and the lowest are in the first quarter. Furthermore, our sales and earnings are sensitive to national, regional and local economic conditions and particularly to cyclical swings in construction spending, primarily in the private sector. The levels of construction spending are affected by changing interest rates and demographic and population fluctuations.

 

 

22

 


 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

Financial highlights for First Quarter 2014

 

§

Net sales increased $43.9 million, or 9%, from the prior year

§

Gross profit increased $16.4 million, or 93%

§

Gross profit margin as a percentage of net sales increased 2.7 percentage points (270 basis points)

§

Aggregates segment gross profit improved $13.7 million, or 55%

§

Shipments increased 6% or 1.8 million tons

§

Pricing increased 2%

§

Cash gross profit per ton improved 8%

§

Non-aggregates gross profit improved $2.7 million

§

Earnings from continuing operations were $54.5 million, or $.41 per diluted share. Included in the current year’s results are:

§

a net after-tax gain of $137.6 million, or $1.04 per diluted share, related to the sale of our Florida-area cement and concrete businesses in March

§

a net after-tax interest expense charge of $46.1 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, referable to the $506.4 million of debt purchased in March

§

Adjusted for these discrete items, earnings from continuing operations were a loss of $37.0 million, or $0.28 per diluted share versus a loss of $61.6 million, or $0.47 per diluted share in the prior year

§

Adjusted EBITDA was $39.0 million as compared to $25.9 million in the prior year

 

Our aggregates business reported solid growth in the first quarter despite extremely cold weather in most of our markets. We continue to experience strengthening demand in each of our end markets and across most of our footprint. Our operations and sales teams continue to deliver strong incremental margins. On a 6% increase in aggregates volume, our teams delivered a 55% increase in Aggregates segment gross profitdespite the production and shipping challenges that come with a cold, wet winter. Aggregates pricing continues to benefit from improving demand, and we are realizing price improvements across virtually all of our markets.

 

Although construction activity and aggregates consumption remain far below historical levels, our aggregates shipments have now increased year-over-year for four consecutive quarters. With the strength of our aggregates reserve positions, our continuing profit enhancements, the divestiture of non-strategic operations, and significant debt reduction, we remain very well positioned to grow earnings faster than sales during this period of aggregates demand recovery.

 

In February 2012, our Board approved a two-year Planned Asset Sales initiative with targeted net proceeds of at least $500 million through the sale of non-core assets. The initiative concluded in the first quarter of 2014 with the sale of our cement and concrete business in the Florida area to Cementos Argos.  Including the $720.1 million of net proceeds from the Argos transaction, the Planned Asset Sales initiative generated over $1.1 billion of net proceeds. The proceeds from these sales were used to strengthen our balance sheet, unlock capital for more productive uses, improve our operating results and create value for shareholders. Over this two-year period, we retired over $800 million of debt and reinvested over $240 million to strengthen our aggregates position in our strategic markets of California, Georgia, Texas and Virginia.

 

 

23

 


 

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

 

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) does not define free cash flow,” "cash gross profit" and “Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization” (EBITDA). Thus, free cash flow should not be considered as an alternative to net cash provided by operating activities or any other liquidity measure defined by GAAP. Likewise, cash gross profit and EBITDA should not be considered as alternatives to earnings measures defined by GAAP. We present these metrics for the convenience of investment professionals who use such metrics in their analyses and for shareholders who need to understand the metrics we use to assess performance and to monitor our cash and liquidity positions. The investment community often uses these metrics as indicators of a company's ability to incur and service debt and to assess the operating performance of a company’s businesses. We use free cash flow, cash gross profit, EBITDA and other such measures to assess liquidity and the operating performance of our various business units and the consolidated company. Additionally, we adjust EBITDA for certain items to provide a more consistent comparison of performance from period to period.  We do not use these metrics as a measure to allocate resources. Reconciliations of these metrics to their nearest GAAP measures are presented below:

 

 

free cash flow

 

Free cash flow deducts purchases of property, plant & equipment from net cash provided by operating activities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31

 

in millions

2014 

 

 

2013 

 

Net cash used for operating activities

$          (5.0)

 

 

$        (12.9)

 

Purchases of property, plant & equipment

(46.0)

 

 

(26.8)

 

Free cash flow

$        (51.0)

 

 

$        (39.7)

 

 

 

cash gross profit

 

Cash gross profit adds back noncash charges for depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization (DDA&A) to gross profit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31

 

in millions, except per ton data

2014 

 

 

2013 

 

Aggregates segment

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

$          38.5 

 

 

$          24.8 

 

DDA&A

54.6 

 

 

55.9 

 

Aggregates segment cash gross profit

$          93.1 

 

 

$          80.7 

 

Unit shipments - tons

29.6 

 

 

27.9 

 

Aggregates segment cash gross profit per ton

$          3.14 

 

 

$          2.90 

 

Concrete segment

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

$           (9.2)

 

 

$         (10.0)

 

DDA&A

6.0 

 

 

8.0 

 

Concrete segment cash gross profit

$           (3.2)

 

 

$           (2.0)

 

Asphalt Mix segment

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

$            4.7 

 

 

$            1.9 

 

DDA&A

2.4 

 

 

2.0 

 

Asphalt Mix segment cash gross profit

$            7.1 

 

 

$            3.9 

 

Cement segment

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

$            0.1 

 

 

$            1.0 

 

DDA&A

1.1 

 

 

3.9 

 

Cement segment cash gross profit

$            1.2 

 

 

$            4.9 

 

24

 


 

EBITDA and adjusted ebitda

 

EBITDA is an acronym for Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31

 

in millions

2014 

 

 

2013 

 

Net earnings (loss)

$          54.0 

 

 

$         (54.8)

 

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

22.9 

 

 

(38.8)

 

Interest expense, net

120.1 

 

 

52.8 

 

(Earnings) loss on discontinued operations, net of taxes

0.5 

 

 

(6.8)

 

Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization

69.4 

 

 

75.5 

 

EBITDA

$        266.9 

 

 

$          27.9 

 

Gain on sale of real estate and businesses

$       (236.0)

 

 

$           (3.2)

 

Charges associated with divestitures

9.1 

 

 

0.0 

 

Revenue amortized from deferred revenue

(1.0)

 

 

(0.3)

 

Restructuring charges

0.0 

 

 

1.5 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

$          39.0 

 

 

$          25.9 

 

 

 

25

 


 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Net sales and cost of goods sold exclude intersegment sales and delivery revenues and cost. This presentation is consistent with the basis on which we review our consolidated results of operations. We discuss separately our discontinued operations, which consist of our former Chemicals business.

 

The following table shows net earnings in relationship to net sales, cost of goods sold, operating earnings, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA.

 

consolidated operating Results

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31

 

in millions, except per share data

2014 

 

 

2013 

 

Net sales

$        548.5 

 

 

$        504.6 

 

Cost of goods sold

514.4 

 

 

486.9 

 

Gross profit

$          34.1 

 

 

$          17.7 

 

Selling, administrative and general expenses

$          66.1 

 

 

$          64.7 

 

Operating earnings (loss)

$        194.7 

 

 

$         (50.1)

 

Interest expense, net

$        120.1 

 

 

$          52.8 

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

 

 

 

 

 

 before income taxes

$          77.4 

 

 

$       (100.4)

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

$          54.5 

 

 

$         (61.6)

 

Earnings (loss) on discontinued operations,

 

 

 

 

 

 net of taxes

(0.5)

 

 

6.8 

 

Net earnings (loss)

$          54.0 

 

 

$         (54.8)

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share

 

 

 

 

 

  Continuing operations

$          0.42 

 

 

$         (0.47)

 

  Discontinued operations

(0.01)

 

 

0.05 

 

Basic net earnings (loss)

$          0.41 

 

 

$         (0.42)

 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

 

 

 

 

 

  Continuing operations

$          0.41 

 

 

$         (0.47)

 

  Discontinued operations

0.00 

 

 

0.05 

 

Diluted net earnings (loss)

$          0.41 

 

 

$         (0.42)

 

EBITDA

$        266.9 

 

 

$          27.9 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

$          39.0 

 

 

$          25.9 

 

 

 

First quarter 2014 Compared to First Quarter 2013

 

First quarter 2014 net sales were $548.5 million, up 9% from the first quarter of 2013.  Shipments were higher in both aggregates (+6%) and asphalt mix (+17%) and lower in both ready-mixed concrete (-6%) and cement (-31%).  The reduction in ready-mixed concrete and cement shipments resulted primarily from the March 7, 2014 sale of our cement and concrete businesses in the Florida area. Pricing was up in aggregates (+2%) and ready-mixed concrete (+4%) but down slightly (-1%) in asphalt mix.

 

Net earnings for the first quarter of 2014 were $54.0 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $54.8 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2013. Each period’s results were impacted by discrete items, as follows:

 

§

The first quarter of 2014 results include a pretax gain of $226.9 million (net of $9.1 million of disposition related charges) related to the sale of real estate and businesses including our cement and concrete businesses in the Florida area, and a pretax loss on debt purchase of $72.9 million presented as a component of interest expense (see Note 8 to the condensed consolidated financial statements)

§

The first quarter of 2013 results include a pretax gain of $3.2 million related to the sale of real estate and businesses, and $1.5 million of restructuring charges

26

 


 

Continuing Operations — Changes in earnings from continuing operations before income taxes for the first quarter of 2014 versus the first quarter of 2013 are summarized below:

 

earnings from continuing operations before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in millions

 

 

First quarter 2013

$    (100.4)

 

Higher aggregates earnings due to

 

 

  Higher volumes

9.5 

 

  Higher selling prices

6.5 

 

  Higher costs and other items

(2.3)

 

Higher concrete earnings

0.8 

 

Higher asphalt mix earnings

2.8 

 

Lower cement earnings

(0.9)

 

Higher selling, administrative and general expense

(1.5)

 

Higher gain on sale of property, plant & equipment and businesses

232.3 

 

Higher interest expense

(67.3)

 

All other

(2.1)

 

First quarter 2014

$       77.4 

 

 

Aggregates segment gross profit was $38.5 million, a $13.7 million, or 55%, increase from the prior year. The earnings improvement was due to higher volumes and selling prices offset in part by higher costs. Despite the unfavorable weather impact, cash gross profit per ton of aggregates continued to expand, increasing 8% above the prior year. Aggregates shipments increased 6% versus the prior year. Shipments in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois and Texas showed strength, each increasing by more than 15% versus the first quarter of last year. In contrast, first quarter shipments in certain other markets were lower versus the prior year due to unfavorable weather, including key markets in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Overall, pricing increased 2% versus the prior year’s first quarter. Prices improved broadly with virtually all of our markets realizing price increases in the quarter versus the prior year.

 

Concrete segment gross profit was a loss of $9.2 million, an improvement of $0.8 million from the first quarter of 2013. Unit profitability for concrete increased 11% as measured by materials margin.

 

Asphalt Mix segment gross profit of $4.7 million increased $2.8 million from the first quarter of 2013 while unit profitability for asphalt-mix increased 7% as measured by materials margin.

 

Cement segment gross profit of $0.1 million was down from the $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2013 due primarily to the March 7, 2014 sale of our cement business in the Florida area.

 

Selling, administrative and general (SAG) expenses of $66.1 million were up  $1.5 million, or 2%, compared with the prior year.

 

Gain on sale of property, plant & equipment and businesses was $236.4 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to $4.1 million in the first quarter of 2013. As noted previously, the March 2014 sale of our cement and concrete businesses in Florida to Cementos Argos resulted in a pretax gain of $230.1 million. Additionally, the sale of two reclaimed production sites increased the pretax gain by $6.0 million.

 

The current quarter included no restructuring charges as compared to $1.5 million in the first quarter of 2013. See Note 1 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for an explanation of these prior period costs.

 

Net interest expense was $120.1 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to $52.8 million in 2013. The higher interest cost resulted from the aforementioned $72.9 million pretax loss on debt purchase.

 

We recorded an income tax provision from continuing operations of $22.9 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to an income tax benefit from continuing operations of $38.8 million in the first quarter of 2013. In the first quarter of 2014, income taxes were calculated based on the EAETR as discussed in Note 3 to the condensed consolidated financial statements. In the first quarter of 2013, income taxes were calculated based on the year-to-date effective tax rate as discussed in Note 3 to the condensed consolidated financial statements. The change in our income tax provision for the year resulted largely from applying the statutory rate to the increase in our pretax book earnings.

 

27

 


 

Earnings from continuing operations were $0.41 per diluted share compared to a loss of $0.47 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2013.

 

Discontinued OperationsThe $0.8 million pretax loss from discontinued operations in the first quarter of 2014 compared unfavorably with the $11.2 million pretax gain in the first quarter of 2013. Both periods include charges related to general and product liability costs, including legal defense costs, and environmental remediation costs associated with our former Chemicals business. The 2013 gain was the result of an $11.7 million pretax gain related to the final payment from the earn-out. For additional details, see Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES

 

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash provided by our operating activities, a bank line of credit and access to the capital markets. Additional sources of liquidity include the sale of reclaimed and surplus real estate, and dispositions of non-strategic operating assets. We believe these liquidity and financial resources are sufficient to fund our future business requirements, including:

 

§

cash contractual obligations

§

capital expenditures

§

debt service obligations

§

potential future acquisitions

§

dividend payments

 

We actively manage our capital structure and resources in order to minimize the cost of capital while properly managing financial risk. We seek to meet these objectives by adhering to the following principles:

 

§

maintain substantial bank line of credit borrowing capacity

§

use the bank line of credit only for seasonal working capital requirements and other temporary funding requirements

§

proactively manage our long-term debt maturity schedule such that repayment/refinancing risk in any single year is low

§

minimize financial and other covenants that limit our operating and financial flexibility

§

opportunistically access the capital markets when conditions and terms are favorable

 

 

Cash

 

Included in our March 31, 2014 cash and cash equivalents balance of $268.8 million is $77.7 million of cash held at one of our foreign subsidiaries. The majority of this $77.7 million of cash relates to earnings prior to January 1, 2012 that are permanently reinvested offshore. Use of this permanently reinvested cash is currently limited to our foreign operations.

 

cash from operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

March 31

 

in millions

2014 

 

 

2013 

 

Net earnings (loss)

$           54.0 

 

 

$          (54.8)

 

Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization (DDA&A)

69.4 

 

 

75.6 

 

Net earnings before noncash deductions for DDA&A

$         123.4 

 

 

$           20.8 

 

Net gain on sale of property, plant & equipment and businesses

(236.4)

 

 

(17.1)

 

Cost of debt purchase

72.9 

 

 

0.0 

 

Other operating cash flows, net

35.1 

 

 

(16.6)

 

Net cash used for operating activities

$            (5.0)

 

 

$          (12.9)

 

 

28

 


 

As noted in the table above, net earnings before noncash deduction for DDA&A increased $102.6 million during the first quarter of 2014 to $123.4 million. Included in net earnings for the first quarter of 2014 is a pretax gain of $230.1 million (see Note 16 to the condensed consolidated financial statements) for the sale of our cement and concrete businesses in the Florida area.  Cash received associated with the gain on sale of property, plant & equipment and businesses is presented as a component of investing activities. Additionally, we purchased $506.4 million principal amount of outstanding debt through a tender offer for a loss of $72.9 million (see Note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements). Cash paid for the debt purchase is presented as a component of financing activities.

 

cash flows from investing activities

 

Net cash provided by investing activities was $628.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2014, a $696.1 million increase compared to the same period of 2013. This increase resulted from a $718.1 million increase in proceeds from the sale of property, plant & equipment and businesses. During the first three months of 2014, we sold: a previously mined and subsequently reclaimed tract of land for $10.7 million, land previously containing a sales yard for $5.8 million, and our cement and concrete businesses in the Florida area for $720.1 million. Conversely, $63.0 million of the cash proceeds from the sale of property was placed into an escrow account (restricted cash) that is available for the acquisition of replacement property under  like-kind exchange agreements.

 

cash flows from financing activities

 

Net cash used for financing activities of $548.8 million increased $541.5 million in the first three months of 2014 compared with the same period of 2013. This increase in cash used for financing activities is attributable to a $569.7 million increase in debt payments. As previously mentioned, in the first quarter of 2014 we purchased $506.4 million principal amount of outstanding debt through a tender offer, as follows: $375.0 million of 6.50% notes due in 2016 and $131.4 million of 6.40% notes due in 2017. Total tender offer costs were $579.7 million including a $71.8 million premium and $1.5 million of transaction costs. The increase in debt payments is partially offset by a $22.8 million increase in proceeds from the issuance of common stock. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, we issued 0.4 million shares of common stock to the trustee of our 401(k) retirement plans for cash proceeds of $22.8 million.

 

 

debt

 

Certain debt measures are outlined below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31

 

 

December 31

 

 

March 31

 

dollars in millions

2014 

 

 

2013 

 

 

2013 

 

Debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

$            0.2 

 

 

$            0.2 

 

 

$        140.6 

 

Long-term debt

2,006.8 

 

 

2,522.2 

 

 

2,525.4 

 

Total debt

$     2,007.0 

 

 

$     2,522.4 

 

 

$     2,666.0 

 

Capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total debt

$     2,007.0 

 

 

$     2,522.4 

 

 

$     2,666.0 

 

Equity

4,031.1 

 

 

3,938.1 

 

 

3,714.9 

 

Total capital

$     6,038.1 

 

 

$     6,460.5 

 

 

$     6,380.9 

 

Total Debt as a Percentage of Total Capital

33.2% 

 

 

39.0% 

 

 

41.8% 

 

Weighted-average Effective Interest Rates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Bank line of credit 1

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

  Long-term debt

8.10% 

 

 

7.73% 

 

 

7.71% 

 

Fixed versus Floating Interest Rate Debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Fixed-rate debt

99.3% 

 

 

99.4% 

 

 

99.5% 

 

  Floating-rate debt

0.7% 

 

 

0.6% 

 

 

0.5% 

 

 

 

 

There were no borrowings at the periods above. However, we do pay fees for unused borrowing capacity and standby letters of credit.

 

29

 


 

There were no material scheduled debt payments during the first three months of 2014. However, we purchased $506.4 million  principal amount of outstanding debt through a tender offer as described in Note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements. This debt purchase was funded by the aforementioned sale of our cement and concrete businesses in the Florida area.

 

Our $0.2 million of current maturities of long-term debt as of March 31, 2014 is due as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

in millions

Maturities

 

Second quarter 2014

$
0.0 

 

Third quarter 2014

0.1 

 

Fourth quarter 2014

0.0 

 

First quarter 2015

0.1 

 

 

We expect to retire the current maturities using existing cash.

 

In March 2014, we amended our $500.0 million line of credit to, among other things, extend the term from March 2018 to March 2019, eliminate the borrowing capacity governor of eligible accounts receivable and eligible inventory, and provide for the line of credit to become unsecured upon achievement of certain credit metrics and/or credit ratings. Until such metrics/ratings are achieved, the line of credit is secured by accounts receivable and inventory. As of March 31, 2014,  our available borrowing capacity was $425.8 million.

 

Utilization of the borrowing capacity under our line of credit as of March 31, 2014:

 

§

none was drawn

§

$53.3 million was used to provide support for outstanding standby letters of credit

 

Borrowings under the line of credit bear interest at a rate determined at the time of borrowing equal to the lower of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus a margin ranging from 1.50% to 2.25% based on our total debt to EBITDA ratio, or an alternative rate derived from the lender’s prime rate. Letters of credit issued under the line of credit are charged a fee equal to the applicable margin for LIBOR based borrowing. As of March 31, 2014, the applicable margin was 2.25%.

 

debt ratings

 

Our debt ratings and outlooks as of March 31, 2014 are summarized below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rating/Outlook

 

Date

 

 

Description

Senior Secured Line of Credit

 

 

 

Moody's

Ba2/negative

 

7/12/2012

 

2

downgraded from Ba1/new

Senior Unsecured 1

 

 

 

 

 

Moody's

Ba3/negative

 

7/12/2012

 

3

downgraded from Ba2/negative

Standard & Poor's

BB/positive

 

1/23/2014

 

 

outlook changed from stable to positive

 

 

 

Not all of our long-term debt is rated.

On April 22, 2014, the rating/outlook was upgraded to Ba1/stable.

On April 22, 2014, the rating was reaffirmed while the outlook was upgraded to stable.

 

 

 

30

 


 

Equity

 

Our common stock issuances are summarized below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31

 

 

December 31

 

 

March 31

 

in thousands

2014 

 

 

2013 

 

 

2013 

 

Common stock shares at beginning of year,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 issued and outstanding

130,200 

 

 

129,721 

 

 

129,721 

 

Common Stock Issuances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

401(k) retirement plans

357 

 

 

71 

 

 

 

Share-based compensation plans

245 

 

 

408 

 

 

231 

 

Common stock shares at end of period,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 issued and outstanding

130,802 

 

 

130,200 

 

 

129,952 

 

 

We occasionally sell shares of common stock to the trustee of our 401(k)  retirement plans to satisfy the plan participants’ elections to invest in our common stock. The resulting cash proceeds provide a means of improving cash flow, increasing equity and reducing leverage. Under this arrangement, the stock issuances and resulting cash proceeds were as follows:

 

§

three months ended March 31, 2014 —  issued 0.4 million shares for cash proceeds of $22.8 million

§

twelve months ended December 31, 2013 —  issued 0.1 million shares for cash proceeds of $3.8 million

§

three months ended March 31, 2013 —  no shares issued

 

There were no shares held in treasury as of March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2013. There were 3,411,416 shares remaining under the current purchase authorization of the Board of Directors as of March  31, 2014.

 

 

off-balance sheet arrangements

 

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements, such as financing or unconsolidated variable interest entities, that either have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our:

 

§

results of operations and financial position

§

liquidity

§

capital expenditures

§

capital resources

 

 

Standby Letters of Credit

 

For a discussion of our standby letters of credit see Note 8 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

31

 


 

Cash Contractual Obligations

 

Our obligation to make future payments under contracts is presented in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

As a result of our March 2014 debt purchases as described in Note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements, our obligations to make future payments under contracts decreased as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments Due by Year

in millions

2014 

 

2015-2016

 

2017-2018

 

Thereafter

 

Total

 

Cash Contractual Obligations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Long-term debt excluding bank line of credit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Principal payments

$        0.0 

 

$      (375.0)

 

$      (131.4)

 

$            0.0 

 

$      (506.4)

 

   Interest payments

(25.6)

 

(63.6)

 

(8.4)

 

0.0 

 

(97.6)

 

Total

$     (25.6)

 

$      (438.6)

 

$      (139.8)

 

$            0.0 

 

$      (604.0)

 

 

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

We follow certain significant accounting policies when preparing our consolidated financial statements. A summary of these policies is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (Form 10-K).

 

We prepare these financial statements to conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These principles require us to make estimates and judgments that affect our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosures of contingent assets and contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements. We base our estimates on historical experience, current conditions and various other assumptions we believe reasonable under existing circumstances and evaluate these estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis. The results of these estimates form the basis for our judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities as well as identifying and assessing the accounting treatment with respect to commitments and contingencies. Our actual results may materially differ from these estimates.

 

We believe that the accounting policies described in the “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section of our Form 10-K require the most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements, so we consider these to be our critical accounting policies. There have been no changes to our critical accounting policies during the three months ended March 31, 2014.

 

 

new Accounting standards

 

For a discussion of the accounting standards recently adopted or pending adoption and the affect such accounting changes will have on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity, see Note 17 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

32

 


 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Certain matters discussed in this report, including expectations regarding future performance, contain forward-looking statements that are subject to assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

 

§

general economic and business conditions

§

the timing and amount of federal, state and local funding for infrastructure

§

changes in our effective tax rate that can adversely impact results

§

the increasing reliance on information technology infrastructure for our ticketing, procurement, financial statements and other processes can adversely affect operations in the event that the infrastructure does not work as intended or experiences technical difficulties or is subjected to cyber attacks

§

the impact of the state of the global economy on our business and financial condition and access to capital markets

§

changes in the level of spending for residential and private nonresidential construction

§

the highly competitive nature of the construction materials industry

§

the impact of future regulatory or legislative actions

§

the outcome of pending legal proceedings

§

pricing of our products

§

weather and other natural phenomena

§

energy costs

§

costs of hydrocarbon-based raw materials

§

healthcare costs

§

the amount of long-term debt and interest expense we incur

§

changes in interest rates

§

the impact of our below investment grade debt rating on our cost of capital

§

volatility in pension plan asset values and liabilities which may require cash contributions to the pension plans

§

the impact of environmental clean-up costs and other liabilities relating to previously divested businesses

§

our ability to secure and permit aggregates reserves in strategically located areas

§

our ability to manage and successfully integrate acquisitions

§

our ability to implement successfully a management succession plan

§

the potential of goodwill or long-lived asset impairment

§

the potential impact of future legislation or regulations relating to climate change or greenhouse gas emissions or the definition of minerals

§

other assumptions, risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in our periodic reports

 

All forward-looking statements are made as of the date of filing. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Investors are cautioned not to rely unduly on such forward-looking statements when evaluating the information presented in our filings, and are advised to consult any of our future disclosures in filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our press releases with regard to our business and consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

 

33

 


 

INVESTOR information

 

We make available on our website, www.vulcanmaterials.com, free of charge, copies of our:

 

§

Annual Report on Form 10-K

§

Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q

§

Current Reports on Form 8-K

 

We also provide amendments to those reports filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as well as all Forms 3, 4 and 5 filed with the SEC by our executive officers and directors, as soon as the filings are made publicly available by the SEC on its EDGAR database (www.sec.gov).

 

The public may read and copy materials filed with the SEC at the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D. C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-732-0330. In addition to accessing copies of our reports online, you may request a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, including financial statements, by writing to Jerry F. Perkins Jr., Secretary, Vulcan Materials Company, 1200 Urban Center Drive, Birmingham, Alabama 35242.

 

We have a:

 

§

Business Conduct Policy applicable to all employees and directors

§

Code of Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers

 

Copies of the Business Conduct Policy and the Code of Ethics are available on our website under the heading “Corporate Governance.” If we make any amendment to, or waiver of, any provision of the Code of Ethics, we will disclose such information on our website as well as through filings with the SEC.

 

Our Board of Directors has also adopted:

 

§

Corporate Governance Guidelines

§

Charters for its Audit, Compensation, Finance, Governance and Safety, Health & Environment Committees

 

These documents meet all applicable SEC and New York Stock Exchange regulatory requirements.

 

The Audit, Compensation and Governance Charters are available on our website under the heading, “Corporate Governance,” or you may request a copy of any of these documents by writing to Jerry F. Perkins Jr., Secretary, Vulcan Materials Company, 1200 Urban Center Drive, Birmingham, Alabama 35242.

 

 

34

 


 

ITEM 3

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

MARKET RISK

 

We are exposed to certain market risks arising from transactions that are entered into in the normal course of business. In order to manage or reduce these market risks, we may utilize derivative financial instruments. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes.

 

We are exposed to interest rate risk due to our various credit facilities and long-term debt instruments. At times, we use interest rate swap agreements to manage this risk.

 

At March 31, 2014, the estimated fair value of our long-term debt instruments including current maturities was $2,314.1 million compared to a book value of $2,007.0 million. The estimated fair value was determined by discounting expected future cash flows based on credit-adjusted interest rates on U.S. Treasury bills, notes or bonds, as appropriate. The fair value estimate is based on information available as of the measurement date. Although we are not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the estimated fair value amount, it has not been comprehensively revalued since the measurement date. The effect of a decline in interest rates of one percentage point would increase the fair value of our liability by $117.1 million.

 

We are exposed to certain economic risks related to the costs of our pension and other postretirement benefit plans. These economic risks include changes in the discount rate for high-quality bonds, the expected return on plan assets and the rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered healthcare benefits. The impact of a change in these assumptions on our annual pension and other postretirement benefits costs is discussed in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

ITEM 4

controls and procedures

 

disclosure controls and procedures

 

We maintain a system of controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports we file with the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC's rules and forms. These disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a - 15(e) or 15d - 15(e)), include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, with the participation of other management officials, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2014. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

 

We are in the process of replacing our legacy information technology systems and have completed the implementation of our financial reporting software, which is a major component of the replacement. In addition, we have substantially completed implementation of our quote to cash software system, which is another significant component of the replacement. The new information technology systems are the source for most of the information presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We are continuing to work towards full implementation of the quote to cash system and expect the implementation to be completed during the third quarter of 2014.

 

As part of divestiture of our cement and concrete businesses in the Florida area, we entered into a Transition Services Agreement with the buyer, whereby we agreed to continue to provide certain services for the divested facilities during 2014. All services will be performed in our existing systems and under our current control environment. The service agreement does not require significant changes to our current control environment beyond ensuring proper segregation of duties over processing of third-party transactions. Controls were established and implemented to facilitate proper handling of the third-party data, including controls to protect against comingling of information and controls to prevent improper access to information.

 

No other changes were made to our internal controls over financial reporting or other factors that could materially affect these controls during the first quarter of 2014.

 

 

35

 


 

part Ii   other information

ITEM 1

legal proceedings

 

 

Certain legal proceedings in which we are involved are discussed in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements and Part I, Item 3 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. See Note 8 to the condensed consolidated financial statements of this Form 10-Q for a discussion of certain recent developments concerning our legal proceedings.

 

 

ITEM 1A

risk factors

 

 

There were no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A of Part I in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

 

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 is included in Exhibit 95 of this report.

 

 

36

 


 

ITEM 6

exhibits

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 31(a)

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit 31(b)

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit 32(a)

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit 32(b)

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit 95

MSHA Citations and Litigation

Exhibit 101.INS

XBRL Instance Document

Exhibit 101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

Exhibit 101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

Exhibit 101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

Exhibit 101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

Exhibit 101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

 

 

37

 


 

 

SIGNATURES

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

VULCAN MATERIALS COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

Date       May 12, 2014

/s/ Ejaz A, Khan

Ejaz A. Khan

Vice President, Controller and Chief Information Officer

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

Date       May 12, 2014

/s/ John R. McPherson

John R. McPherson

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

38