Vulcan Materials CO - Quarter Report: 2018 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549



FORM 10-Q



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 supplier of construction aggregates (primarily crushed stone, sand and gravel) and a major producer of asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete.



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. We serve markets in twenty states, Washington D.C., and the local markets surrounding our operations in Mexico and the Bahamas. Our primary focus is serving metropolitan markets in the United States that are expected to experience the most significant growth in population, households and employment. These three demographic factors are significant drivers of demand for aggregates. While aggregates is our focus and primary business, we produce and sell asphalt mix and/or ready-mixed concrete in our Alabama, mid-Atlantic, Southwestern, Tennessee and Western markets.



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, 2017 was derived from the audited financial statement, but it does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. 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, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2018. 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 described in Note 2, the 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 to the 2018 presentation. In the first quarter of 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2017-07, “Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost,” resulting in the reclassification of certain benefit costs from operating income to nonoperating income as described in Note 17.



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 and cash reserved by other contractual agreements (such as asset purchase agreements) for a specified purpose and therefore is not available for use for other purposes. The escrow accounts are administered by an intermediary. Cash restricted pursuant to like-kind exchange agreements remains restricted for a maximum of 180 days from the date of the property sale pending the acquisition of replacement property. Restricted cash is included with cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.



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EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)



Earnings per share 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. In periods of loss, shares that otherwise would have been included in our diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding computation would be excluded.



Antidilutive common stock equivalents are not included in our earnings per share calculations. 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. 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 revenues from discontinued operations for the periods presented. Results from discontinued operations are as follows:







Our discontinued operations include charges related to general and product liability costs, including legal defense costs, and environmental remediation costs associated with our former Chemicals business. The results noted above primarily reflect charges and related insurance recoveries, including those associated with the Texas Brine matter as further discussed in Note 8.

 

 

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Note 3: Income Taxes



The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was enacted in December 2017. The TCJA, among other changes, (1) reduces the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, (2) allows for the immediate 100% deductibility of certain capital investments, (3) eliminates the alternative minimum tax (though allows for the future use of previously generated alternative minimum tax credits), (4) repeals the domestic production deduction, (5) requires a one-time “transition tax” on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred, (6) limits the deductibility of interest expense, (7) further limits the deductibility of certain executive compensation and (8) taxes global intangible low taxed income.



The SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 118 to provide guidance for companies that have not completed their accounting for the income tax effects of the TCJA in the period of enactment. SAB 118 provides a one-year measurement period from the TCJA enactment date for companies to complete their income tax accounting. In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect the income tax effects of those elements of the TCJA for which the income tax accounting is complete. To the extent that a company’s accounting for certain elements of the TCJA is incomplete but for which it is able to determine a reasonable estimate, it must record a provisional estimate in the financial statements. If a company is unable to determine a provisional estimate, it should account for its income taxes on the basis of the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately before the enactment of the TCJA.



Our accounting for certain elements of the TCJA is incomplete. As we disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, we were able to make reasonable estimates, and therefore, recorded provisional estimates for the following elements. We have not made any measurement-period adjustments related to these items during the quarter.





Our accounting for certain other elements of the TCJA is incomplete, and as we disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, we were not yet able to make reasonable estimates of the effects. Therefore, no provisional estimates were recorded. We have not recorded any measurement-period adjustments related to these items during the first quarter of 2018.





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Our estimated annual effective tax rate (EAETR) is based on full-year expectations of pretax 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, 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 earnings and calculate the income tax provision so that the year-to-date income tax provision reflects the EAETR. Significant judgment is required in determining our EAETR.



In the first quarter of 2018, we recorded an income tax benefit from continuing operations of $4,903,000 compared to an income tax benefit from continuing operations of $3,175,000 in the first quarter of 2017.  The increase in income tax benefit is largely due to the change in the U.S. statutory income tax rate to 21% in 2018 from 35% in 2017.



We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities (which reflect our best assessment of the future taxes we will pay) based on the differences between the book basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets represent items to be used as a tax deduction or credit in future tax returns while deferred tax liabilities represent items that will result in additional tax in future tax returns.



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.



At December 31, 2018, we project state net operating loss carryforward deferred tax assets  of  $71,159,000 ($67,546,000 relates to Alabama), against which we project to have a valuation allowance of $29,695,000 ($29,182,000 relates to Alabama).  The Alabama net operating loss carryforward, if not utilized, would expire in years 2023 – 2033.



We recognize a tax benefit associated with a 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 measure the income tax benefit as the largest amount that we judge to have a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized. A liability is established for the unrecognized portion of any tax benefit. Our liability for 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.



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, 2017.

 

 

Note 4: revenueS



There have been no changes to the amount or timing of our revenue recognition as a result of our adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606). Revenues are measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. Sales and other taxes we collect are excluded from revenues. Costs to obtain and fulfill construction paving contracts are also immaterial and are expensed as incurred when the expected amortization period is one year or less.



Total revenues are primarily derived from our product sales of aggregates, asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete, and include freight &  delivery costs that we pass along to our customers to deliver these products. We also generate revenues from our asphalt construction paving business (represents less than 10% of our Asphalt segment’s revenues) and services related to our aggregates business (represents less than 2% of our Aggregates segment’s revenues). 



Our products typically are sold to private industry and not directly to governmental entities. Although approximately 45% to 55% of our aggregates shipments have historically been used in publicly funded construction, such as highways, airports and government buildings, relatively insignificant sales are made directly to federal, state, county or municipal governments/agencies. Therefore, although reductions in state and federal funding can curtail publicly funded construction, our business is not directly subject to renegotiation of profits or termination of contracts with state or federal governments.



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Our segment total revenues by geographic market for the current period are disaggregated as follows:









PRODUCT AND SERVICE REVENUES



Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with our customer are satisfied; generally this occurs at a point in time when our aggregates, asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete are shipped/delivered and control passes to the customer. Revenue for our products and services is recorded at the fixed invoice amount and is due by the 15th day of the following month — we do not offer discounts for early payment. Freight & delivery generally represents pass-through transportation we incur (including our administrative costs) and pay to third-party carriers to deliver our products to customers and are accounted for as a fulfillment activity.  Likewise, the cost related to freight &  delivery is included in cost of revenues.





CONSTRUCTION PAVING REVENUES



Revenue from our asphalt construction paving business is recognized over time using the percentage-of-completion method under the cost approach. The percentage of completion is determined by costs incurred to date as a percentage of total costs estimated for the project. Under this approach, recognized contract revenue equals the total estimated contract revenue multiplied by the percentage of completion. Our construction contracts are unit priced and an account receivable is recorded for amounts invoiced based on actual units produced. Variable consideration in our construction paving contracts is immaterial and consists of incentives and penalties based on the quality of work performed. Our construction paving contracts may contain warranty provisions covering defects in equipment, materials, design or workmanship that generally run from nine months to one year after project completion. Due to the nature of our construction paving projects, including contract owner inspections of the work during construction and prior to acceptance, we have not experienced material warranty costs for these short-term warranties.





VOLUMETRIC PRODUCTION PAYMENT REVENUES



In 2013 and 2012, we sold a percentage interest in certain future aggregates production for net cash proceeds of $226,926,000.  These transactions, structured as volumetric production payments (VPPs):







We are the exclusive sales agent for, and transmit quarterly to the purchaser the proceeds from the sale of, the purchaser’s share of future aggregates production.  Our consolidated total revenues exclude the revenue from the sale of the purchaser’s share of aggregates.



These proceeds we received from the sale of the percentage interest were recorded as deferred revenue on the balance sheet.  We recognize revenue on a unit-of-sales basis (as we sell the purchaser’s share of future production) relative to the

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volume limitations of the transactions. Given the nature of the risks and potential rewards assumed by the buyer, the transactions do not reflect financing activities.



Reconciliation of the deferred revenue balances (current and noncurrent) is as follows:







Based on expected sales from the specified quarries, we expect to recognize $7,470,000 of deferred revenue as income during the 12-month period ending March 31, 2019 (reflected in other current liabilities in our 2018 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet).

 

 

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:













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We have 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 the fund (short-term, highly liquid assets in commercial paper, short-term bonds and certificates of deposit).



Net gains (losses) of the Rabbi Trust investments were $(776,000) and $239,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The portions of the net gains (losses) related to investments still held by the Rabbi Trusts at March 31, 2018 and 2017 were $(787,000) and  $(197,000), respectively.



The carrying values of our cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts and notes receivable, short-term debt, 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.

 

 

Note 6: Derivative Instruments



During the normal course of operations, we are exposed to market risks including interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. From time to time, and consistent with our risk management policies, we use derivative instruments to balance the cost and risk of such exposure. We do not use 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 agreements described below were designated as cash flow hedges. The changes in fair value of our 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.



We occasionally enter into interest rate locks of future debt issuances to hedge the risk of higher interest rates. The gain/loss upon settlement is deferred (recorded in AOCI) and 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:







For the 12-month period ending March  31, 2019, we estimate that $291,000 of the pretax loss in AOCI will be reclassified to interest expense.

 

 

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Note 7: Debt



Debt is detailed as follows:













Discounts  and debt issuance costs are amortized using the effective interest method over the terms of the respective notes resulting in $1,473,000 of net interest expense for these items for the three months ended March 31, 2018.





LINE OF CREDIT



Our unsecured $750,000,000 line of credit matures December 2021 and contains affirmative, negative and financial covenants customary for an unsecured investment-grade facility. The primary negative covenant limits our ability to incur secured debt. The financial covenants are: (1) a maximum ratio of debt to EBITDA of 3.5:1 (upon certain acquisitions, the maximum ratio can be 3.75:1 for three quarters), and (2) a minimum ratio of EBITDA to net cash interest expense of 3.0:1. As of March 31, 2018, we were in compliance with the line of credit covenants.



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Borrowings on our line of credit are classified as short-term debt if we intend to repay within twelve months and as long-term debt if we have the intent and ability to extend repayment beyond twelve months. Borrowings bear interest, at our option, at either LIBOR plus a credit margin ranging from 1.00% to 1.75%, or SunTrust Bank’s base rate (generally, its prime rate) plus a credit margin ranging from 0.00% to 0.75%. The credit margin for both LIBOR and base rate borrowings is determined by our credit ratings. Standby letters of credit, which are issued under the line of credit and reduce availability, are charged a fee equal to the credit margin for LIBOR borrowings plus 0.175%. We also pay a commitment fee on the daily average unused amount of the line of credit that ranges from 0.10% to 0.25% determined by our credit ratings. As of March 31, 2018, the credit margin for LIBOR borrowings was 1.25%, the credit margin for base rate borrowings was 0.25%, and the commitment fee for the unused amount was 0.15%.



As of March 31, 2018, our available borrowing capacity was $506,761,000. Utilization of the borrowing capacity was as follows:







TERM DEBT



All of our term debt is unsecured. $2,846,188,000 of such debt is governed by three essentially identical indentures that contain customary investment-grade type covenants. The primary covenant in all three indentures limits the amount of secured debt we may incur without ratably securing such debt. As of March 31, 2018, we were in compliance with all term debt covenants.



In March 2018, we early retired via exchange offer $110,949,000 of the $240,188,000 7.15% notes due 2037 for: (1) a like amount of notes due 2048 (these notes are a further issuance of, and form a single series with, the $350,000,000 of notes due 2048 issued in February 2018 as described below) and (2) $38,164,000 of cash. The cash payment primarily reflects the trading price of the retired notes relative to par and will be amortized to interest expense over the term of the notes due 2048. We recognized transaction costs of $1,314,000 with this early retirement.



In February 2018, we issued $350,000,000 of 4.70% senior notes due 2048 (these notes now total $460,949,000 including the $110,949,000 issued in March as described above) and $500,000,000 of floating-rate senior notes due 2021. Total proceeds of $846,029,000 (net of discounts, transaction costs and an interest rate derivative settlement gain), together with cash on hand, were used to retire/repay without penalty or premium: (1) the $350,000,000 term loan due 2018, (2) the $250,000,000 term loan due 2021, and (3) the $250,000,000 bank line of credit borrowings. We recognized net noncash expense of $203,000 with the acceleration of unamortized deferred transaction costs.



In January 2018, we early retired via redemption the remaining $35,111,000 of the 7.50% senior notes due 2021 at a cost of $40,719,000 including a premium of $5,608,000 which was a component of interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Additionally, we recognized net noncash expense of $263,000 with the acceleration of unamortized deferred transaction costs.



As a result of the first quarter 2018 early debt retirements described above, we recognized premiums of $5,608,000, transaction costs of $1,314,000 and noncash expense (acceleration of unamortized deferred transaction costs) of $466,000. The combined charge of $7,388,000 was a component of interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2018.



In December 2017, we early retired via tender offer, $564,889,000 of the $600,000,000 7.50% senior notes due 2021 at a cost of $662,613,000 including a premium of $96,167,000 and transaction costs of $1,558,000.  Additionally, we recognized net noncash expense of $4,228,000 with the acceleration of unamortized deferred transaction costs.



Also in December 2017, we entered into a 6-month $350,000,000 unsecured term loan with one of the banks that provides our line of credit. Proceeds were used for general corporate purposes. This term loan was prepaid, as described above, in February 2018 with the proceeds of the 4.70% senior notes due 2048.



In July 2017, we early retired via redemption: (1) the $272,512,000 7.00%  senior notes due 2018 and (2) the $250,000,000 10.375%  senior notes due 2018 —  at a combined cost of $565,560,000 including a premium of $43,020,000 and transaction costs of $28,000. Additionally, we recognized net noncash expense of $3,029,000 with the acceleration of unamortized deferred discounts, transaction costs and interest rate derivative settlement losses. Such redemptions were partially funded with the proceeds of the senior notes issued in June 2017 as described below.



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In June 2017, we issued $1,000,000,000 of debt composed of three issuances as follows: (1) $700,000,000 of 4.50% senior notes due 2047, (2) $50,000,000 of 3.90% senior notes due 2027 (these notes are a further issuance of, and form a single series with, the 3.90% notes issued in March 2017), and (3) $250,000,000 of floating-rate  senior notes due 2020. Total proceeds of $989,512,000 (net of discounts/premiums and transaction costs) were used to partially finance an acquisition and to early retire the notes due in 2018 as described above.



In June 2017, we drew the full $250,000,000 on the unsecured delayed draw term loan entered into in December 2016. These funds were used to repay the $235,000,000  line of credit borrowings and for general corporate purposes. This term loan was prepaid, as described above, in February 2018 with proceeds of the floating-rate senior notes due 2021.



In March 2017, we issued $350,000,000 of 3.90% senior notes due 2027. Proceeds of $345,450,000 (net of discounts and transaction costs)  were used for general corporate purposes. This series of notes now totals $400,000,000 including the additional $50,000,000 issued in June as described above.



As a result of the 2017 early debt retirements described above, we recognized premiums of $139,187,000,  transaction costs of $1,586,000 and net noncash expense (acceleration of unamortized deferred transaction costs) of $7,257,000. The combined charge of $148,030,000 was a component of interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 with none recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2017.





STANDBY LETTERS OF CREDIT



We provide, in the normal course of business, certain third-party beneficiaries with 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 standby letters of credit are issued by banks that participate in our $750,000,000 line of credit, and reduce the borrowing capacity thereunder. Our standby letters of credit as of March 31, 2018 are summarized by purpose in the table below:





 

 

Note 8: Commitments and Contingencies



As summarized by purpose directly above in Note 7, our standby letters of credit totaled $43,239,000 as of March 31, 2018.



As described in Note 9, our asset retirement obligations totaled $214,709,000 as of March 31, 2018.



LITIGATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS



We are subject to occasional governmental proceedings and orders pertaining to occupational safety and health or to protection of the environment, such as proceedings or orders relating to noise abatement, air emissions or water discharges. As part of our continuing program of stewardship in safety, health and environmental matters, we have been able to resolve such proceedings and to comply with such orders without any material adverse effects on our business.



We have received notices from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or similar state or local agencies that we are considered a potentially responsible party (PRP) at a limited number of sites under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund) or similar state and local environmental laws. Generally, we share the cost of remediation at these sites with other PRPs or alleged PRPs in accordance with negotiated or prescribed allocations. There is inherent uncertainty in determining the potential cost of remediating a given site and in determining any individual party's share in that cost. As a result, estimates can change substantially as additional information becomes available regarding the nature or extent of site contamination, remediation methods, other PRPs and their probable level of involvement, and actions by or against governmental agencies or private parties.



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We have reviewed the nature and extent of our involvement at each Superfund site, as well as potential obligations arising under other federal, state and local environmental laws. While ultimate resolution and financial liability is uncertain at a number of the sites, in our opinion based on information currently available, the ultimate resolution of claims and assessments related to these sites will not have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows, although amounts recorded in a given period could be material to our results of operations or cash flows for that period.



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:





In August 2017, the EPA informed certain members of the Cooperating Parties Group, including Vulcan that it planned to use the services of a third-party allocator with the expectation of offering cash-out settlements to some parties in connection with the bank-to-bank remedy. This voluntary allocation process is intended to establish an impartial third-party expert recommendation that may be considered by the government and the participants as the basis of possible settlements. We have begun participating in this voluntary allocation process, which is likely to take several years.



Efforts to remediate the River have been underway for many years and have involved hundreds of entities that have had operations on or near the River at some point during the past several decades. We formerly owned a chemicals operation near the mouth of the River, which was sold in 1974. The major risk drivers in the River have been identified as dioxins, PCBs, DDx and mercury. We did not manufacture any of these risk drivers and have no evidence that any of these were discharged into the River by Vulcan.



The AOC does not obligate us to fund or perform the remedial action contemplated by either the draft RI/FS or the ROD. Furthermore, the parties who will participate in funding the remediation and their respective allocations have not been determined. We do not agree that a bank-to-bank remedy is warranted, and we are not obligated to fund any of the remedial action at this time; nevertheless, we previously estimated the cost to be incurred by us as a potential participant in a bank-to-bank dredging remedy and recorded an immaterial loss for this matter in 2015.





There are numerous defendants, including Texas Brine and Occidental, to the litigation in state and federal court. Vulcan was first brought into the litigation as a third-party defendant in August 2013 by Texas Brine. We have since been added as a direct and third-party defendant by other parties, including a direct claim by the state of Louisiana. Damage categories encompassed within the litigation include individual plaintiffs’ claims for property damage, a claim by the state of Louisiana for response costs and civil penalties, claims by Texas Brine for response costs and lost profits,  claims for physical damages to nearby oil and gas pipelines and storage facilities (pipelines),  and business interruption claims.



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In addition to the plaintiffs’ claims, we were also sued for contractual indemnity and comparative fault by both Texas Brine and Occidental. It is alleged that the sinkhole was caused, in whole or in part, by our negligent actions or failure to act. It is also alleged that we breached the salt lease with Occidental, as well as an operating agreement and related contracts with Texas Brine; that we are strictly liable for certain property damages in our capacity as a former lessee of the salt lease; and that we violated certain covenants and conditions in the agreement under which we sold our Chemicals Division to Occidental. We have likewise made claims for contractual indemnity and on a basis of comparative fault against Texas Brine and Occidental.



Vulcan and Occidental have since dismissed all of their claims against one another. Texas Brine has claims that remain pending against Vulcan and against Occidental. Discovery remains ongoing in various cases.



In 2016, we settled with plaintiffs in one of the cases involving individual property damages. In 2017, we settled with the plaintiffs in the cases involving physical damages to pipelines. Our insurers have funded the settlements in excess of our self-insured retention amount. Each of the pipeline plaintiffs signed a release in favor of Vulcan and agreed that we would not be responsible to the pipelines for any amount beyond the settlement amount.



A bench trial (judge only) began in September 2017 and ended in October in the pipeline cases. The trial was limited in scope to the allocation of comparative fault or liability for causing the sinkhole, with a damages phase of the trial to be held at a later date. Vulcan participated in the trial, as the liability finding could impact cross-party and third-party claims against us. In December 2017, the judge issued a ruling on the allocation of fault among the three defendants as follows: Occidental 50%, Texas Brine 35% and Vulcan 15%. It is likely that one or more parties will appeal the judge’s ruling.



Also in December 2017, we agreed to a settlement in a federal putative class action. It will take time to finalize this settlement due to required court proceedings relating to class action notice and approval. Our insurers participated in the settlement discussions and have agreed to fund the settlement. We have settled (for immaterial amounts) or are attempting to settle several other cases, all with the approval of our insurers.



We cannot reasonably estimate a range of liability pertaining to the open cases at this time.





Operation of the on-site  pilot-scale treatment system began in January 2017, and was completed in April 2017. With completion of the pilot testing and other investigative work to date, we submitted an amendment to the IRAP (AIRAP) to RWQCB in August 2017 proposing the use of a pump, treat and reinjection system. In December 2017, we submitted an addendum to the AIRAP, incorporating new data acquired since the prior submission. In February 2018, the AIRAP was approved by RWQCB. As a result of this approval, we will begin to implement the on-site source control activities described in the AIRAP. Based on the preliminary design of this system, we accrued $15,239,000 in 2017 (of which $1,326,000 was recorded to other operating expense in the first quarter of 2017).



We are also engaged in an ongoing dialogue with the EPA, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and other stakeholders regarding the potential contribution of the Hewitt Landfill to groundwater contamination in the North Hollywood Operable Unit (NHOU) of the San Fernando Valley Superfund Site. We are gathering and analyzing data and developing technical information to determine the extent of possible contribution by the Hewitt Landfill to the groundwater contamination in the area. This work is also intended to assist in identification of other PRPs that may have contributed to groundwater contamination in the area.



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The EPA and Vulcan entered into an AOC and Statement of Work having an effective date of September 2017, for the design of two extraction wells south of the Hewitt Site to protect the North Hollywood West well field. In November 2017, we submitted a Pre-Design Investigation Work Plan to the EPA, which sets forth the activities and schedule for our evaluation of the need for a two-well remedy. Estimated costs to comply with this AOC are immaterial and have been accrued. Until the remedial design work and evaluation of the two-well remedy is complete, we cannot identify an appropriate remedial action or reasonably estimate a loss pertaining to this matter.



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, 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 revenues. 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:







ARO liabilities settled during the first three months of 2018 and 2017 include $4,402,000 and $1,899,000, respectively, of reclamation activities required under a development agreement and conditional use permits at two adjacent aggregates sites on owned property in Southern California. The reclamation required under the reclamation agreement will result in the restoration and development of 90 acres of previously mined property suitable for retail and commercial development.

 

 

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Note 10: Benefit Plans



We sponsor three qualified, noncontributory defined benefit pension plans. These plans cover substantially all employees hired before July 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 and the Chemicals Hourly Plan are generally based on salaries or wages and years of service; the Construction Materials Hourly Plan provides 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 2007, we amended our defined benefit pension plans to no longer accept new participants. Effective December 2013, we amended our defined benefit pension plans to freeze future benefit accruals for salaried pension participants. Effective December 31, 2015, we amended our defined benefit pension plans to freeze earnings for salaried pension participants.



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





The contributions to pension plans for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, as reflected on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, pertain to benefit payments under nonqualified plans and a first quarter 2018 discretionary qualified plan contribution of $100,000,000.



In addition to pension benefits, we provide certain healthcare and life insurance benefits for some retired employees. In 2012, we amended our postretirement healthcare plan to cap our portion of the medical coverage cost at the 2015 level. Substantially all our salaried employees and, where applicable, certain of our hourly employees may become eligible for these benefits if they reach a qualifying age and meet certain service requirements. Generally, Company-provided healthcare benefits end when covered individuals become eligible for Medicare benefits, become eligible for other group insurance coverage or reach age 65, whichever occurs first.



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







We present the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost in cost of revenues and selling, administrative and general expense consistent with employee compensation costs. The other components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) are reported within other nonoperating income in our accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

 

 

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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, 2018 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 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock of which no shares have been issued.



There were no shares held in treasury as of March 31, 2018, December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017.



Our common stock purchases (all of which were open market purchases) and subsequent retirements are summarized below:









As of March 31, 2018, 8,997,483 shares may be purchased under the current purchase authorization of our Board of Directors.



Changes in total equity are summarized below:







 

 

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Note 13: Segment Reporting



We have four operating (and reportable) segments organized around our principal product lines: Aggregates, Asphalt, Concrete and Calcium. The vast majority of our activities are domestic. We sell a relatively small amount of construction aggregates outside the United States. Our Asphalt and Concrete segments are primarily supplied with their aggregates requirements from our Aggregates segment. These intersegment sales are made at local market prices for the particular grade and quality of product used in the production of asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete. Management reviews earnings from the product line reporting segments principally at the gross profit level.





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 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, 2018 and 2017. Accumulated goodwill impairment losses amount to $252,664,000 in the Calcium segment.



We have four reportable segments organized around our principal product lines: Aggregates, Asphalt, Concrete and Calcium. Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment from December 31, 2017 to March 31, 2018 are summarized below:











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.

 

 

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Note 16: Acquisitions and Divestitures



BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS AND PENDING ACQUISITIONS



During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we purchased the following assets related to business acquisitions for total consideration of $76,559,000:





The 2018 completed acquisitions listed above are reported in our condensed consolidated financial statements as of their respective acquisition dates. None of these acquisitions are material to our results of operations or financial position either individually or collectively. Purchase price allocations have not been finalized due to pending appraisals for intangible assets and property, plant & equipment.



For the full year 2017, we purchased the following for total consideration of $842,013,000  ($822,432,000 cash, $9,681,000 payable, $9,900,000 of fair value of assets swapped and net of $287,292,000 of assets divested immediately upon acquisition as required by the Department of Justice):





The fair value of consideration transferred for the 2017 acquisitions considered to be material, and the preliminary amounts at December 31, 2017 (immaterial adjustments were recorded in the first quarter of 2018) of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, are summarized below:









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As a result of the 2017 acquisitions, we recognized $309,112,000 of amortizable intangible assets ($309,012,000 contractual rights in place and $100,000 other intangibles). The contractual rights in place will be amortized against earnings ($73,879,000 – straight-line over a weighted-average 19.3 years and $235,133,000 – units of sales over an estimated 54.7 years) and deductible for income tax purposes over 15 years.



DIVESTITURES AND PENDING DIVESTITURES



In the first quarter of 2018, we sold:

In 2017, we sold:



No assets met the criteria for held for sale at March 31, 2018, December 31, 2017 or March 31, 2017.



 

 

Note 17: New Accounting Standards



ACCOUNTING STANDARDS RECENTLY ADOPTED



PRESENTATION OF BENEFIT PLAN COSTS During the first quarter of 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2017-07, “Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost” on a  retrospective basis as required. This ASU changed the presentation of the net  benefit cost in the income statement and limits benefit costs eligible for inventory capitalization to the service cost component (benefit costs capitalized in inventory are immaterial to our financial statements). We continue to present the service cost component of net benefit cost in cost of revenues and Selling, Administrative and General Expense consistent with employee compensation costs. The other components of net benefit cost (credit) are now included in other nonoperating income. These other components were a net credit for all periods presented resulting in a decrease in operating earnings and an increase in other nonoperating income, as follows: three months ended March 31, 2018 of $4,135,000 and three months ended March 31, 2017 of $2,021,000.



CLASSIFICATION AND MEASUREMENT OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS During the first quarter of 2018, we adopted ASU 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.”  This ASU amends certain aspects of current guidance on the recognition, measurement and disclosure of financial instruments. Among other changes, this ASU requires most equity investments be measured at fair value. Additionally, the ASU eliminates the requirement to disclose the method and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value for instruments not recognized at fair value in our financial statements. The adoption of this standard had no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.



REVENUE RECOGNITION During the first quarter of 2018, we adopted ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (ASC Topic 606). Topic 606 outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. Additionally, it provides a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues and expands required revenue recognition disclosures. We adopted this standard using the cumulative effect transition approach; however, because there was no change in the identified performance obligations under Topic 606 compared with the identification of deliverables and separate units of account under previous guidance (Topic 605), the amount and timing of our revenues remain materially unchanged. Our expanded revenue disclosure is presented in Note 4.



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ACCOUNTING STANDARDS PENDING ADOPTION



RELEASING STRANDED TAX EFFECTS in February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, “Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income,” which allows for the reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) to retained earnings of stranded tax effects resulting from the TCJA enacted on December 22, 2017. This ASU also requires entities to disclose their accounting policy for releasing income tax effects from AOCI. ASU 2018-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. We expect to early adopt this standard in the fourth quarter of 2018 effective as of the beginning of the year. While we are still evaluating the impact of ASU 2018-02, we do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.



CREDIT LOSSES In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” which amends guidance on the impairment of financial instruments. The new guidance estimates credit losses based on expected losses, modifies the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and provides for a simplified accounting model for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. While we are still evaluating the impact of ASU 2016-13, we do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.



LEASE ACCOUNTING  In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases,” which amends existing accounting standards for lease accounting and adds additional disclosures about leasing arrangements. Under the new guidance, lessees are required to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases (excluding mineral leases) with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement and presentation of cash flow in the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted and modified retrospective application is required. We will adopt this standard in the first quarter of 2019. We continue to evaluate the impact of this standard on our consolidated financial statements. The majority of our leases are for real property (land and buildings), which we have determined will be treated as operating leases under this ASU. As a result, we anticipate recording a right-of-use asset and related lease liability for these leases, but we do not expect our expense recognition pattern to change. Therefore, we do not anticipate any significant change to our statements of comprehensive income or cash flows as a result of adopting this standard.



 

 

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ITEM 2

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





GENERAL COMMENTS



Overview



We provide the basic materials for the infrastructure needed to maintain and expand the U.S. economy. We operate primarily in the U.S. and are the nation's largest supplier of construction aggregates  (primarily crushed stone, sand and gravel) and a major producer of asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete. Our strategy and competitive advantage are based on our strength in aggregates.  Aggregates are used in most types of construction and in the production of asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete.



Demand for our products is dependent on construction activity and correlates positively with growth in population, household formation and employment. End uses include public construction (e.g., highways, bridges, buildings, airports, schools, prisons, sewer and waste disposal systems, water supply systems, dams and reservoirs), private nonresidential construction (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; railroads and electric utilities; and to a smaller extent state, county and municipal governments.



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 with our fleet of Panamax-class, self-unloading ships.



There are practically no substitutes for quality aggregates. Because of barriers to entry created in many metropolitan markets 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 our long-term success.



No material part of our business depends upon any single customer whose loss would have a significant adverse effect on our business. In 2017, our five largest customers accounted for 7.3% of our total revenues (excluding internal sales), and no single customer accounted for more than 2.4% of our total revenues. Our products typically are sold to private industry and not directly to governmental entities. Although approximately 45% to 55% of our aggregates shipments have historically been used in publicly funded construction, such as highways, airports and government buildings, relatively insignificant sales are made directly to federal, state, county or municipal governments/agencies. Therefore, although reductions in state and federal funding can curtail publicly funded construction, our business is not directly subject to renegotiation of profits or termination of contracts with state or federal governments.



While aggregates is our focus and primary business, we believe vertical integration between aggregates and downstream products, such as asphalt mix and ready-mixed concrete, can be managed effectively in certain markets to generate attractive financial returns. We produce and sell asphalt mix and/or ready-mixed concrete primarily in our Alabama, mid-Atlantic, Southwestern, Tennessee and Western markets. Aggregates comprise approximately 95% of asphalt mix by weight and 80% of ready-mixed concrete by weight. In both of these downstream businesses, aggregates are primarily supplied 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 volume  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, demographic and population fluctuations, and particularly to cyclical swings in construction spending, primarily in the private sector.

 

 

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Financial highlights for first Quarter 2018

 

Compared to first quarter 2017:



Net earnings were $53.0 million, an $8.1 million, or 18%, increase from the prior year’s first quarter. Earnings from continuing operations increased 23% to $53.4 million on a 9% increase in total revenues. Gross profit was $159.3 million, led by a 7% increase in Aggregates gross profit. On a same-store basis, aggregates shipments grew 1% and gross profit increased 5%. Asphalt, Concrete and Calcium segment gross profit (collectively) was $11.1 million, an $8.3 million decline, as delayed work and higher input costs negatively impacted Asphalt segment margins. SAG expenses declined $4.0 million to $78.3 million. Adjusted EBITDA was $167.8 million, an increase of $18.5 million, or 12%.



In the core Aggregates segment, unit margins improved despite higher energy costs and shipment delays due to unusually cold and wet weather in certain markets. On a same-store basis, the aggregates business delivered gross profit per ton of $3.79, a 4% increase over the prior year. This $0.16 per ton increase over the prior year period was achieved despite an increase in diesel and other energy costs. Same-store shipments grew 1% for the quarter, with a 7% increase in daily shipment rates in March as weather conditions improved. Adjusted for geography and product mix, same-store freight-adjusted average selling price rose 3% over the prior year. Same-store total cost of revenues per ton declined year-over-year despite the aforementioned weather and energy cost headwinds as well as the planned shutdown of certain large production facilities for maintenance ahead of the construction season.



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Our first quarter results represent a solid start to the year and were consistent with our internal plans and full-year expectations despite difficult weather and higher than anticipated energy costs. Key leading indicators, as well as our shipment patterns through the first quarter and through April, support our full-year volume expectations. Aggregates pricing momentum continues to improve, supported by demand visibility, higher diesel prices, and tight logistics capacity. As seen in our first quarter results, we have begun to turn the corner with respect to cost challenges faced in 2017.  We like the trends we have seen so far and the leading indicators we monitor support our full-year outlook for strong earnings growth. As such, we reiterate our full-year expectations for 2018 earnings from continuing operations of between $4.00 and $4.65 per diluted share and Adjusted EBITDA of between $1.150 and $1.250 billion. All other aspects of our outlook  remain as presented in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.



With respect to the balance of 2018, leading indicators such as employment growth and construction starts indicate a continued recovery in aggregates demand across our footprint. Private demand, both residential and nonresidential, continues to recover across Vulcan-served markets and highway demand is again growing after a disappointing 2017. Transportation agencies appear to be catching up to new, higher funding levels in key Vulcan-served states. Construction starts data for our markets — as well as our backlogs, booking rates for future work, and shipment patterns — all suggest improved demand visibility. Certain markets do face near-term logistics challenges, including disappointing rail-service quality, although we expect these pressures to ease over the balance of the year.



We actively manage our business portfolio with a view toward driving long-term cash flow growth. In the first quarter, we closed on three acquisitions which included aggregates, asphalt mix and construction paving operations that complement our existing positions in Alabama and Texas. Additionally, we sold our Georgia ready-mixed concrete business in March.



Total cash capital expenditures were $128.7 million in the first quarter. This included $64.3 million of core operating and maintenance capital investments to improve or replace existing property, plant and equipment, in line with expectations. In addition, we invested $64.4 million in internal growth projects to secure new aggregates reserves, develop new production sites, enhance our distribution capabilities, and support the targeted growth of our asphalt and concrete operations.



We continue to expect  operating and maintenance capital spending for 2018 of approximately $250 million to support an increased level of shipments and further improve production costs and operating efficiencies. We also plan for $350 million in internal growth capital expenditures during 2018, including the development of strategic aggregates sites in California and Texas.



We continue to project an effective tax rate for the full year of 20%. Additionally, we currently project 2018 cash (current) taxes of approximately $75 million before the effects of debt refinancing actions, use of various credits, and refunds from prior period overpayments. The current year’s projected cash taxes are approximately $100 million lower than if under the prior tax law. 



We repositioned our debt portfolio consistent with the long-lived nature of our asset base, the cyclicality of materials demand and the long-term price appreciation expected for aggregates. Concluding the December 2017 refinancing plans, in the first quarter we issued $850.0 million of senior notes with maturities of 3 years and 30 years and retired $885.0 million of debt with maturities under 4 years. Additionally, $110.9 million of senior notes due 2037 were exchanged for a like amount of senior notes due 2048 and cash. Since year-end 2016, the weighted-average life of the debt portfolio has more than doubled to approximately 16 years, while the weighted-average interest rate has declined from 6.5% to 4.0%. As a result of our first quarter refinancing activities, we recognized a $7.4 million loss on debt retirement (reflected as a component of interest expense).



During the quarter, we returned $92.7 million to shareholders through dividends paid ($37.2 million) and share repurchases ($55.5 million).



 

 

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RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES



Gross profit  margin excluding freight & delivery (revenues and costs) is not a Generally Accepted Accounting Principle (GAAP) measure. We present this metric as it is consistent with the basis by which we review our operating results. Likewise, we believe that this presentation is consistent with our competitors and consistent with the basis by which investors analyze our operating results considering that freight & delivery services represent pass-through activities (we do not generate a profit associated with the transportation component of the selling price of the product). Reconciliation of this metric to its nearest GAAP measure is presented below:



gross profit margin in accordance with gaap







gross profit margin excluding freight & delivery









AGGREGATES SEGMENT FREIGHT-ADJUSTED REVENUES



Aggregates segment freight-adjusted revenues is not a GAAP measure. We present this metric as it is consistent with the basis by which we review our operating results. We believe that this presentation is consistent with our competitors and meaningful to our investors as it excludes revenues associated with freight  & delivery, which are pass-through activities. It also excludes immaterial other revenues related to services, such as landfill tipping fees, that are derived from our aggregates business. Additionally, we use this metric as the basis for calculating the average sales price of our aggregates products. Reconciliation of this metric to its nearest GAAP measure is presented below:





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Aggregates segment gross profit  margin as a percentage of segment sales excluding freight  & delivery (revenues and costs) is not a GAAP measure. We present this metric as it is consistent with the basis by which we review our operating results. We believe that this presentation is consistent with our competitors and meaningful to our investors as it excludes revenues associated with freight  & delivery, which are pass-through activities (we do not generate a profit associated with the transportation component of the selling price of the product). Incremental gross profit as a percentage of segment sales excluding freight  & delivery represents the year-over-year change in gross profit divided by the year-over-year change in segment sales excluding freight & delivery. Reconciliations of these metrics to their nearest GAAP measures are presented below:



Aggregates segment gross profit margin in accordance with gaap







Aggregates segment gross profit as a percentage of
segment sales excluding freight  & delivery





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GAAP does not define  “cash gross profit”  and it should not be considered as an alternative to earnings measures defined by GAAP. We present this metric 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. We and the investment community use  this metric to assess the operating performance of our business. Additionally, we present this metric as we believe that it closely correlates to long-term shareholder value. We do not use this metric as a measure to allocate resources. Aggregates segment cash gross profit per ton is computed by dividing Aggregates segment cash gross profit by tons shipped. Reconciliation of this metric to its nearest GAAP measure is presented below:



cash gross profit









SAME-STORE



We have provided certain information on a same-store basis. When discussing our financial results in comparison to prior periods, we may exclude the operating results of acquired/divested businesses that do not have comparable results in the periods being discussed. These recently acquired/divested businesses are disclosed in Note 16 “Acquisitions and Divestitures.” This approach allows us to evaluate the performance of our operations on a comparable basis. We believe that measuring performance on a same-store basis is useful to investors because it enables evaluation of how our operations are performing period over period without the effects of acquisition and divestiture activity. Our same-store information may not be comparable to similar measures used by other entities.



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GAAP does not define  “Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization” (EBITDA) and it should not be considered as an alternative to earnings measures defined by GAAP. We present this metric 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. We use  this metric to assess the operating performance of our business and for a basis of strategic planning and forecasting as we believe that it closely correlates to long-term shareholder value. We do not use this metric as a measure to allocate resources. We adjust EBITDA for certain items to provide a more consistent comparison of earnings performance from period to period.  Reconciliation of this metric to its nearest GAAP measure is presented below:



EBITDA and adjusted ebitda













2018 projected ebitda



The following reconciliation to the mid-point of the range of 2018 Projected EBITDA excludes adjustments for charges associated with divested operations, asset impairment and other unusual gains and losses. Due to the difficulty of forecasting the timing or amount of items that have not yet occurred, are out of our control, or cannot be reasonably predicted, we are unable to estimate the significance of this unavailable information.



 

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS



Total revenues include sales of products to customers, net of any discounts and taxes, and freight & delivery revenues billed to customers. Related freight & delivery costs are included in cost of revenues. 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 highlights significant components of our consolidated operating results including  EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA.



consolidated operating Result highlights





 

 



first quarter 2018 Compared to first Quarter 2017



First quarter 2018 total revenues were $854.5 million, up 9% from the first quarter of 2017. Shipments increased in aggregates (+6%),  asphalt mix (+1%) and ready-mixed concrete (+3%). Gross profit increased in the Aggregates (+$9.4 million or +7%) and Concrete  (+$0.1 million or +1%) segments, while it was down in the Asphalt segment (-$8.2 million).  The reduced earnings in the Asphalt segment resulted  from inclement weather, the timing of an acquisition closed during the first quarter last year and lower material margins. Diesel fuel costs were up $6.0 million  primarily as a result of a 26% increase in the unit cost of diesel fuel, with most ($5.0 million) of this increased cost reflected in the Aggregates segment.



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Net earnings for the first quarter of 2018 were $53.0 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, compared to $44.9 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2017. Each period’s results were impacted by discrete items, as follows:



Net earnings for the first quarter of 2018 include:



Net earnings for the first quarter of 2017 include:



Continuing Operations — Changes in earnings from continuing operations before income taxes for the first quarter of 2018 versus the first quarter of 2017 are summarized below:



earnings from continuing operations before income taxes





First quarter Aggregates segment gross profit increased 7% to $148.2 million, or $3.66 per ton. Solid operating disciplines and the absence of one-time costs (e.g. California flooding) experienced in the prior year’s first quarter helped offset a 26% increase in the unit cost for diesel fuel, the planned shutdown of three large facilities for repairs ahead of the construction season, and above normal distribution costs due to lingering storm-related ship and barge movement inefficiencies. We have already taken possession of one of our two new, more efficient, Panamax-class ships and expect to take possession of the second ship during the second quarter.



First quarter aggregates shipments increased 6% (1% on a  same-store basis) versus the prior year’s quarter. After being down 3% through February, same-store daily shipment rates for aggregates were up 7% for March, reflecting demand fundamentals consistent with our full-year expectations. Shipments in Arizona, California, Florida and coastal Texas experienced double-digit gains due to solid demand growth and the start of some large projects. Shipment growth in other Texas markets, particularly north Texas, were held back due to wet weather. Wetter and colder weather led to reduced shipments in a number of other southeastern markets and Virginia. On a same-store basis, shipments in Georgia and South Carolina were down double-digits and Virginia decreased high-single digits. Daily shipping rates in these markets strengthened in April and our overall shipment momentum remained consistent with full-year plans.



Demand visibility, customer confidence, diesel prices and logistics constraints support continued upward pricing movements in many markets. For the quarter, freight-adjusted average sales price for aggregates increased 1% versus the prior year, despite a negative geographic and product mix impact. Excluding mix impact, aggregates price increased 3%. Pricing remained particularly strong in California, Georgia and other southeastern markets that are supported by clear demand visibility for both private and public construction. Texas, particularly coastal Texas, experienced relative pricing weakness in the quarter due to higher inbound freight costs and the mix of work — although we expect this trend to reverse over the remainder of the year. April price increases to key customers were executed well, and we expect additional price increases in several markets later in the year.



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Asphalt segment gross profit was $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2018 versus $8.5 million in the prior year period due to weather impacts on volumes, lower material margins and the timing of our acquisition of a construction paving business that closed January 31, 2017. This year’s first quarter included January results when construction paving is at its seasonal low and operates at a loss.  As a result, this year’s first quarter for this business compared unfavorably versus the prior year’s first quarter. Asphalt mix shipments increased 1% versus the prior year (flat on a same-store basis), with cold and wet weather in key markets limiting paving activity. Deferred volumes should be recovered later in the year. Although average asphalt selling prices increased 4%, an 11% increase in unit costs for liquid asphalt compressed material margins.



Concrete segment gross profit was $10.3 million in the quarter compared to $10.2 million in the prior year period. Total ready-mixed concrete shipments increased 3% (+1% same-store) versus the prior year.  Average price increases of 9% allowed for a 5% gain in material margins. We divested our Georgia ready-mixed concrete business in March 2018. Despite this divestiture, our full-year expectations for Concrete segment gross profit remain unchanged.



Our Calcium segment reported gross profit of $0.5 million versus $0.7 million in the first quarter of 2017.



On a trailing-twelve-month basis, total gross profit in our non-aggregates segments was $130.7 million, a 2%  increase from the prior year’s comparable period.



SAG expenses were $78.3 million versus $82.4 million in the prior year’s first quarter. On a trailing-twelve-month basis, SAG expense as a percentage of total revenues declined from 8.9% to 8.1%. We completed an organizational restructuring in January which included the elimination of approximately 50 positions. The resulting $4.2 million managerial restructuring charge is reflected in other operating expense as discussed below.



Other operating expense, which has an approximate run-rate of $10.0 to $15.0 million a year (exclusive of discrete items), is composed of various operating items not separately presented in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Total other operating expense and significant items included in the total were:







Net interest expense was $37.8 million in the first quarter of 2018 compared to $34.1 million in 2017.  The higher interest expense resulted primarily from the $7.4 million of charges related to the first quarter 2018 debt refinancing. For additional details, see Note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.



Income tax benefit from continuing operations was  $4.9 million in the first quarter of 2018 compared to an income tax benefit of $3.2 million in the first quarter of 2017.  The increase in income tax benefit was largely due to the reduction in the U.S. statutory income tax rate from 35% in 2017 to 21% in 2018.



Earnings from continuing operations were $0.40 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2018 compared to $0.32 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2017.



Discontinued Operations — First quarter pretax loss from discontinued operations was  $0.6 million in 2018 compared with pretax earnings of $2.1 million in 2017.  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 2017 results also include insurance recoveries from previously incurred general liability costs. For additional details, see Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

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LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES



Our primary sources of liquidity are cash provided by our operating activities and a substantial, committed bank line of credit. Additional sources of capital include access to the capital markets, the sale of surplus real estate, and dispositions of nonstrategic operating assets. We believe these financial resources are sufficient to fund our business requirements for 2018, including:





Our balanced approach to capital deployment remains unchanged. We intend to balance reinvestment in our business, growth through acquisitions and return of capital to shareholders, while sustaining financial strength and flexibility.



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, 2018 cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash balance of $46.5 million is $23.9 million of cash held at our foreign subsidiaries. All of this $23.9 million of cash relates to earnings that are indefinitely reinvested offshore. Use of this cash is currently limited to our foreign operations.



cash from operating activities















Net cash provided by operating activities is derived primarily from net earnings before noncash deductions for depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization. Net cash provided by operating activities was $93.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018, a $1.2 million decrease compared to the same period of 2017.  During the first quarter of 2018, we made a $100.0 million discretionary contribution to our qualified pension plans that was deductible (for tax purposes) in 2017. Additionally, we early retired debt incurring premium and transaction costs of  $6.9 million which is reflected as a financing cash outflow.



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cash from investing activities



Net cash used for investing activities was $192.0 million during the first three months of 2018, a $124.8 million decrease compared to the same period of 2017. We invested $128.7 million in our existing operations in the first three months of 2018,  consistent with the $133.0 million in the prior year period. Of this $128.7 million, $64.4 million was invested in internal growth projects to enhance our distribution capabilities, develop new production sites and enhance existing production facilities and other growth opportunities. We divested our ready-mixed concrete operations in Georgia resulting in proceeds of $11.3 million and a ten-year aggregates supply agreement. Additionally, during the first three months of 2018, we acquired  businesses for $74.9 million of cash consideration as described in Note 16 to the condensed consolidated financial statements. During the first three months of 2017, we acquired the following for $185.1 million of cash consideration:  California — ready-mixed concrete facilities, an aggregates marine distribution yard and building materials yards; and Tennessee — an aggregates facility, asphalt mix operations and a construction paving business.



cash from financing activities



Net cash used for financing activities in the first three months of 2018 was $1.1 million, compared to net cash from financing activities of  $241.6 million in the same period of 2017.  The prior year period included $345.4 of net proceeds from long-term debt issued to partially finance an acquisition that closed in a later quarter. The current year  includes several refinancing actions as described  in the debt section below and a $200.0 million draw on our line of credit.  Additionally, we increased by $10.3 million the return of capital to our shareholders via higher dividends of $4.0 million ($0.28 per share compared to $0.25 per share) and higher share repurchases of $6.3 million (492,234 shares @ $117.47 average price per share compared to 416,891 shares @ $118.07 average price per share).

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                       

debt



Certain debt measures are presented below:













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Line of credit



Covenants, borrowing cost ranges and other details are described in Note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements. As of March 31, 2018, we were in compliance with the line of credit covenants and the credit margin for London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) borrowings was 1.25%, the credit margin for base rate borrowings was 0.25%, and the commitment fee for the unused amount was 0.15%.



As of March 31, 2018, our available borrowing capacity under the line of credit was $506.8 million. Utilization of the borrowing capacity was as follows:





TERM DEBT



All of our term debt is unsecured. $2,846.2 million of such debt is governed by three essentially identical indentures that contain customary investment-grade type covenants. The primary covenant in all three indentures limits the amount of secured debt we may incur without ratably securing such debt. As of March 31, 2018, we were in compliance with all term debt covenants.



In March 2018, we early retired via exchange offer  $110.9 million of the $240.2 million 7.15% senior notes due 2037 for: (1) a like amount of notes due 2048 (these notes are a further issuance of, and form a single series with, the $350.0 million of notes due 2048 issued in February 2018 as described below) and (2) $38.2 million of cash. The cash payment primarily reflects the trading price of the retired notes relative to par and will be amortized to interest expense over the term of the notes due 2048. We recognized transaction costs of $1.3 million with this early retirement.



In February 2018, we issued $350.0 million of 4.70% senior notes due 2048 (these notes now total $460.9 million including the $110.9 million issued in March as described below) and $500.0 million of floating-rate senior notes due 2021. Total proceeds of $846.0 million (net of discounts, transaction costs and an interest rate derivative settlement gain), together with cash on hand, were used to retire/repay without penalty or premium: (1) the $350.0 million term loan due 2018, (2) the $250.0 million term loan due 2021, and (3) the $250.0 million bank line of credit borrowings. We recognized net noncash expense of $0.2 million with the acceleration of unamortized deferred transaction costs.



In January 2018, we early retired via redemption the remaining $35.1 million of the 7.50% senior notes due 2021 at a cost of $40.7 million including a premium of $5.6 million which was a component of interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Additionally, we recognized net noncash expense of $0.3 million with the acceleration of unamortized deferred transaction costs.



As a result of the first quarter 2018 early debt retirements described above, since year-end 2016, the weighted-average life of the debt portfolio has more than doubled to approximately 16 years, while the weighted-average interest rate has declined from 6.5% to 4.0%. Additionally, we recognized premiums of $5.6 million, transaction costs of $1.3 million and noncash expense (acceleration of unamortized deferred transaction costs) of $0.5 million. The combined charge of $7.4 million was a component of interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2018.



In December 2017, we early retired via tender offer, $564.9 million of the $600.0 million 7.50% senior notes due 2021 at a cost of $662.6 million including a premium of $96.2 million and transaction costs of $1.6 million. Additionally, we recognized net noncash expense of $4.2 million with the acceleration of unamortized deferred transaction costs.



Also in December 2017, we entered into a 6-month $350.0 million unsecured term loan with one of the banks that provides our line of credit. Proceeds were used for general corporate purposes. This term loan was prepaid, as described above, in February 2018 with the proceeds of the 4.70% senior notes due 2048.



In July 2017, we early retired via redemption: (1) the $272.5 million 7.00% senior notes due 2018 and (2) the $250.0 million 10.375% senior notes due 2018 —  at a combined cost of $565.6 million including a premium of $43.0 million and insignificant transaction costs. Additionally, we recognized net noncash expense of $3.0 million with the acceleration of unamortized deferred discounts, transaction costs and interest rate derivative settlement losses. Such redemptions were partially funded with the proceeds of the senior notes issued in June 2017 as described below.



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In June 2017, we issued $1,000.0 million of debt composed of three issuances as follows: (1) $700.0 million of 4.50%  senior notes due 2047, (2) $50.0 million of 3.90%  senior notes due 2027 (these notes are a further issuance of, and form a single series with, the 3.90% notes issued in March 2017), and (3) $250.0 million of floating-rate  senior notes due 2020. Total proceeds of $989.5 million (net of discounts/premiums and transaction costs)  were used to partially finance an acquisition and to early retire the notes due in 2018 as described above.



In June 2017, we drew the full $250.0 million on the unsecured delayed draw term loan entered into in December 2016. These funds were used to repay the $235.0 million  line of credit borrowings and for general corporate purposes. This term loan was prepaid, as described above, in February 2018 with proceeds of the floating-rate senior notes due 2021.



In March 2017, we issued $350.0 million of 3.90% senior notes due 2027. Proceeds of $345.5 million (net of discounts and transaction costs)  were used for general corporate purposes. This series of notes now totals $400.0 million including the additional $50.0 million issued in June as described above.



As a result of the 2017 early debt retirements described above, we recognized premiums of $139.2 million,  transaction costs of $1.6 million and net noncash expense (acceleration of unamortized deferred transaction costs) of $7.2 million. The combined charge of $148.0 million was a component of interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 with none recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2017.





CURRENT MATURITIES of long-term debt



As a result of the debt refinancing activities completed in the first quarter, there are no current maturities of long-term debt as of March 31, 2018.





debt ratings 



Our debt ratings and outlooks as of March 31, 2018 are as follows:









 

 

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Equity



Our common stock issuances and purchases are as follows:









On February 10, 2017, our Board of Directors authorized us to purchase up to 10,000,000 shares of our common stock. As of March 31, 2018, there were 8,997,483 shares remaining under the authorization. Depending upon market, business, legal and other conditions, we may purchase shares from time to time through open market (including plans designed to comply with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) and/or privately negotiated transactions. The authorization has no time limit, does not obligate us to purchase any specific number of shares, and may be suspended or discontinued at any time.



Our common stock purchases (all of which were open market purchases) for the year-to-date periods ended are detailed below:







There were no shares held in treasury as of March 31, 2018, December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017.

 

 

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 7 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 first quarter 2018 debt issuances and early retirements as described in Note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements, our obligations to make future payments under contracts increased (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, 2017 (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 consolidated 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, 2018.







new Accounting standards



For a discussion of the accounting standards recently adopted or pending adoption and the effect 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 or publication. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law. 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 (SEC) 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:





Our website also includes 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., General Counsel and 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 Charters of the Audit, Compensation and Governance Committees 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., General Counsel and Secretary, Vulcan Materials Company, 1200 Urban Center Drive, Birmingham, Alabama 35242.



Information included on our website is not incorporated into, or otherwise made a part of, this report.



 

 

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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. To manage these market risks, we may use derivative financial instruments. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes.



As discussed in the Liquidity and Financial Resources section of Part I, Item 2, we actively manage our capital structure and resources to balance the cost of capital and risk of financial stress. Such activity includes balancing the cost and risk of interest expense. In addition to floating-rate borrowings, we at times use interest rate swaps to manage the mix of fixed-rate and floating-rate debt.



While floating-rate debt exposes us to rising interest rates, a rising interest rate environment is not necessarily harmful to our financial results. Over time, our EBITDA and operating income are positively correlated to floating interest rates (as measured by 3-month LIBOR). As such, our business serves as a natural hedge to rising interest rates, and floating-rate debt serves as a natural hedge to weaker operating results due to general economic weakness.



At March 31, 2018, the estimated fair value of our long-term debt including current maturities was $2,844.0 million compared to a book value of $2,775.7 million. The estimated fair value was determined by averaging several asking price quotes for the publicly traded notes and assuming par value for the remainder of the debt. The fair value estimate is based on information available as of the balance sheet date. The effect of a decline in interest rates of one percentage point would increase the fair value of our debt by approximately $275.9 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 and the expected return on plan assets. 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 Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a - 15(e) or 15d - 15(e)), include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that such 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, 2018. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2018.



No material changes were made during the first quarter of 2018 to our internal controls over financial reporting, nor have there been other factors that materially affect these controls.

 

 

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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, 2017. 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 Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.





ITEM 2

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS





Purchases of our equity securities during the quarter ended March 31, 2018 are summarized below.







We did not have any unregistered sales of equity securities during the first quarter of 2018.





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









Our SEC file number for documents filed with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is 001-33841.

 

 

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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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