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

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

For the transition period from                 to

 

Commission File Number 001-33841

 

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

 

 

 

 

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part I   financial information

ITEM 1

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

VULCAN MATERIALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

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VULCAN MATERIALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

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VULCAN MATERIALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

 

 

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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.

 

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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:

 

 

 

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, 2013 — 1,144,000.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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:

 

 

 

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.

 

 

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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.

 

 

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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 key terms specific to the 2013 VPP transaction are:

 

 

The key terms specific to the 2012 VPP transaction are:

 

 

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

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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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:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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:

 

 

 

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:

 

 

 

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:

 

 

 

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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:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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:

 

 

 

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:

 

 

 

lower passaic river matter

 

 

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

 

 

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:

 

 

 

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:

 

 

 

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

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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:

 

 

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:

 

 

 

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

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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:

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Amounts reclassified from AOCI to earnings, are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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:

 

 

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

 

 

 

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.

 

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segment financial disclosure

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Note 14: Supplemental Cash Flow Information

 

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

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:

 

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In 2013, we acquired:

 

In 2013, we sold:

 

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:

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

 

 

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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.

 

 

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

Financial highlights for First Quarter 2014

 

 

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 profit — despite 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.

 

 

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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.

 

 

 

 

cash gross profit

 

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

 

 

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EBITDA and adjusted ebitda

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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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

 

 

 

 

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:

 

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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

 

 

 

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.

 

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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 Operations — The $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:

 

 

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:

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

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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:

 

 

 

 

 

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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:

 

 

 

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:

 

 

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:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Equity

 

Our common stock issuances are summarized below:

 

 

 

 

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:

 

 

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:

 

 

 

Standby Letters of Credit

 

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

 

 

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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:

 

 

 

 

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.

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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:

 

 

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.

 

 

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INVESTOR information

 

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

 

 

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:

 

 

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:

 

 

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.

 

 

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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.

 

 

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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.

 

 

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ITEM 6

exhibits

 

 

 

 

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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.

 

 

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