10-Q 1 q310q2002.htm 10Q 3Q 2002 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.    20549

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

x

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

 


For the quarterly period ended            September 30, 2002           

 


OR

o

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


For the transition period from  _________  to  _________


Commission file number   1-4033 



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


            New Jersey            
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

   


     63-0366371     
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)


1200 Urban Center Drive, Birmingham, Alabama    35242

(Address of principal executive offices)    (Zip Code)


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

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


APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

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


               Class               
Common Stock, $1 Par Value

 

Shares outstanding
    at September 30, 2002    
101,519,803

 

 

VULCAN MATERIALS COMPANY

FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2002

Contents

     

Page No.

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 
 

Item 1.

Financial Statements
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


1
2
3
4

 

Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results
   of Operations and Financial Condition


10

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About
   Market Risk


17

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

18


PART II


OTHER INFORMATION

 
 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

19

 

Item 6.

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

20


SIGNATURES

 


21


CERTIFICATIONS

 


22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.   Financial Statements

Vulcan Materials Company
and Subsidiary Companies



(Amounts in Thousands)

Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Condensed and unaudited)                     

September 30
        2002        

December 31
        2001        

September 30
        2001        

Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts and notes receivable:
    Accounts and notes receivable, gross
    Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts
      Accounts and notes receivable, net
Inventories:
    Finished products
    Raw materials
    Products in process
    Operating supplies and other
      Inventories
Deferred income taxes
Prepaid expenses
      Total current assets
Investments and long-term receivables
Property, plant and equipment:
    Property, plant and equipment, cost
    Less: Reserve for depr., depl., & amort.
      Property, plant and equipment, net
Goodwill
Deferred charges and other assets
      Total

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current maturities of long-term debt
Notes payable
Trade payables and accruals
Other current liabilities
      Total current liabilities
Long-term debt
Deferred income taxes
Other noncurrent liabilities
Minority interest in a consolidated subsidiary
Shareholders' equity
      Total

Current ratio


$      82,752 

406,372 
        (9,903)
396,469 

186,936 
12,692 
525 
        36,931 
237,084 
43,158 
         12,306 
771,769 
16,222 

4,095,607 
  (2,088,186)
2,007,421 
564,536 
         87,506 
 $ 3,447,454 


$        6,271 
37,378 
141,254 
      120,631 
305,534 
892,749 
332,507 
141,181 
94,032 
    1,681,451 
 $ 3,447,454 

2.5 


$      100,802 

346,966 
        (6,903)
340,063 

176,940 
13,284 
564 
        37,627 
228,415 
53,040 
          7,632 
729,952 
13,352 

3,943,954 
  (1,943,924)
2,000,030 
588,562 
         66,328 
 $ 3,398,224 


$       17,264 
43,879 
153,619 
      129,733 
344,495 
906,299 
318,545 
129,467 
95,144 
    1,604,274 
 $ 3,398,224 

2.1 


$       65,683 

446,777 
       (10,612)
436,165 

172,869 
14,836 
643 
        38,062 
226,410 
52,758 
        13,369 
794,385 
13,389 

3,927,085 
  (1,898,299)
2,028,786 
577,182 
         62,489 
 $ 3,476,231 


$        8,355 
110,630 
170,115 
      172,392 
461,492 
915,141 
293,859 
131,770 
96,151 
    1,577,818 
 $ 3,476,231 

1.7 


See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Vulcan Materials Company
and Subsidiary Companies

 

      (Amounts in thousands, except per share data)


Consolidated Statements of Earnings

   Three Months Ended
            September 30         

     Nine Months Ended
           September 30         

(Condensed and unaudited)                 

    2002    

    2001    

    2002    

    2001    


Net sales
Delivery revenues
  Total revenues

Cost of goods sold
Delivery costs
  Cost of revenues

Gross profit
Selling, administrative and general expenses
Other operating costs
Minority interest in (earnings) losses
    of a consolidated subsidiary
Other income, net
Earnings before interest and income taxes
Interest income
Interest expense
Earnings before income taxes
Provision for income taxes

Net earnings before cumulative effect
  of accounting change
Cumulative effect of adopting SFAS 142,
  net of income taxes


$  714,334 
    71,452 
785,786 

543,765 
    71,452 
615,217 

170,569 
58,960 
3,500 

(498)
        6,974 
114,585 
877 
     13,971 
101,491 
     24,672 


76,819 

         -0- 


$  765,990 
    77,128 
843,118 

554,142 
    77,128 
631,270 

211,848 
60,215 
7,487 

1,502 
         994 
146,642 
958 
     15,371 
132,229 
     40,001 


92,228 

         -0- 


$ 1,930,273 
   190,335 
2,120,608 

1,507,673 
   190,335 
1,698,008 

422,600 
178,417 
6,208 

1,111 
      9,717 
248,803 
2,622 
     40,724 
210,701 
     56,889 


153,812 

   (20,537) 


$ 2,095,597 
   196,264 
2,291,861 

1,599,359 
   196,264 
1,795,623 

496,238 
180,934 
24,386 

7,476 
      4,682 
303,076 
3,551 
     47,011 
259,616 
     82,039 


177,577 

         -0- 

Net earnings

 $  76,819 

 $  92,228 

 $ 133,275 

 $ 177,577 


Basic net earnings per share:
  Net earnings before cumulative effect
    of accounting change
  Cumulative effect of adopting SFAS 142
  Net earnings per share

Diluted net earnings per share:
  Net earnings before cumulative effect
    of accounting change
  Cumulative effect of adopting SFAS 142
  Net earnings per share




$  0.75 
   0.00 
$  0.75 




$  0.75 
   0.00 
$  0.75 




$  0.91 
   0.00 
$  0.91 




$  0.90 
   0.00 
$  0.90 




$  1.51 
   (0.20)
$  1.31 




$  1.50 
   (0.20)
$  1.30
 




$  1.75 
   0.00 
$  1.75 




$  1.73 
   0.00 
$  1.73
 


Weighted-average common shares outstanding :
    Basic
    Assuming dilution



101,749 
102,482 



101,504 
102,608 



101,690 
102,573 



101,412 
102,505 

Cash dividends per share of common stock

$ 0.235 

$ 0.225 

$ 0.705 

$ 0.675 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
  deducted above


$ 68,982 


$ 72,410 


$ 198,230 


$ 209,327 

Effective tax rate

24.3% 

30.3% 

27.0% 

31.6% 


See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Vulcan Materials Company
and Subsidiary Companies




Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

    (Amounts in Thousands)

    Nine Months Ended
       September 30    

(Condensed and unaudited)                                        

     2002     

     2001     


Operating Activities
Net earnings
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to
  net cash provided by operating activities:
     Depreciation, depletion and amortization
     Cumulative effect of accounting change
     Increase in assets before
        effects of business acquisitions
     Increase in liabilities before
        effects of business acquisitions
     Other, net
        Net cash provided by operating activities



$  133,275 


198,230 
20,537 

(56,641)

6,954 
     3,910 
   306,265



$  177,577 


209,327 
-0- 

(93,897)

56,730 
     (5,560)
   344,177 


Investing Activities

Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Payment for business acquisitions, net of acquired cash
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
        Net cash used for investing activities



(204,357)
(42,138)
     18,014 
   (228,481)



(233,739)
(129,262)
     18,017 
   (344,984)


Financing Activities
Net payments - commercial paper and bank lines of credit
Payment of short-term debt
Payment of long-term debt
Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
Dividends paid
Other, net
        Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities



(6,501)
(17,017)
(7,000)
-0- 
(71,526)
       6,210 
     (95,834)



(159,700)
(6,538)
-0- 
238,560 
(68,288)
       7,180 
      11,214 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period


(18,050)
   100,802 
$    82,752 


10,407 
     55,276 
$    65,683 


See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

VULCAN MATERIALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.   Basis of Presentation


The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in compliance with Form 10-Q instructions 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. In the opinion of management, the statements reflect all adjustments, including those of a normal recurring nature, necessary to present fairly the results of the reported interim periods. The statements should be read in conjunction with the summary of accounting policies and notes to financial statements included in the Company's latest annual report on Form 10-K.


2.   Earnings Per Share (EPS)


The Company reports two separate earnings per share numbers, basic and diluted. Both 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 detailed below (in thousands of shares):

 

Three Months Ended
  September 30  

Nine Months Ended
  September 30  

 

    2002  

    2001  

    2002  

    2001  

Weighted-average common shares
  outstanding
Dilutive effect of:
    Stock options
    Other
Weighted-average common shares
  outstanding, assuming dilution


101,749

592
      141

 102,482


101,504

1,030
       74

 102,608


101,690

758
     125

 102,573


101,412

1,022
       71

 102,505


All dilutive common stock equivalents are reflected in the Company's earnings per share calculation; the Company had 2,880,603 and 198 antidilutive common stock equivalents as of September 30, 2002 and 2001, respectively.


3.   Effective Tax Rate


In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, it is the Company's practice for each interim reporting period to make an estimate of the effective tax rate expected for the full fiscal year. The rate so determined is used in providing income taxes on a current year-to-date basis.

4.   Derivative Instruments


Natural gas used by the Company in its Chemicals segment is subject to price volatility caused by supply conditions, political and economic variables and other unpredictable factors. The Company uses over-the-counter commodity swap and option contracts to manage the volatility related to future natural gas purchases. These instruments have been designated as effective cash flow hedges in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounts Standards (SFAS) No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities". Accordingly, the fair value of the open contracts, which extend through December 2004, has been reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income as of loss of $29 thousand, less a income tax benefit of $11 thousand, in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2002. If market prices for natural gas remained at the September 30, 2002 level, net losses of $.5 million would be classified into pretax earnings within the next twelve months. Comparatively, the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2001 reflected the fair value of the open contracts, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss of $18.6 million, less income tax benefit of $7.3 million.


During the quarter ended September 30, 2002 the Company elected to terminate early certain of its natural gas swaps. The fair value of such swaps, which totaled $.5 million favorable as of September 30, 2002 will continue to be reported within accumulated other comprehensive income and will be reclassified into earnings as the forecasted transaction impacts earnings. There was no impact to earnings due to hedge ineffectiveness during the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2002 and 2001.


5.   Comprehensive Income


Comprehensive income is composed of two subsets: net earnings and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) for the Company is comprised of fair value adjustments to cash flow hedges pertaining to its commodity swap and option contracts to purchase natural gas. Total comprehensive income for the three months ended September 30, 2002 and 2001 was $76.6 million and $93.8 million, respectively. Total comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 and 2001 was $141.3 million and $166.1 million, respectively.


6.   New Accounting Standards


In June 2001, SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations" (FAS 143) was issued. FAS 143 requires the liability associated with asset retirement obligations to be recorded at fair value when incurred and the associated asset retirement obligation costs to be capitalized as part of the carrying value of the long-lived assets. FAS 143 is required to be adopted for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. The Company is currently evaluating FAS 143 and has not yet determined the impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2001, SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets" (FAS 144) was issued. FAS 144 establishes a single accounting model for long-lived assets to be disposed of, whether previously held or newly acquired. This statement was adopted effective January 1, 2002. There was no material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements resulting from the adoption of FAS 144.

In June 2002, SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities" (FAS 146) was issued. FAS 146 supersedes Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain costs Incurred in a Restructuring)". FAS 146 requires that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred. Under EITF 94-3, a liability is recognized at the date an entity commits to an exit plan. FAS 146 also establishes that the liability should initially be measured and recorded at fair value. The provisions of FAS 146 will be effective for any exit and disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002.

7.   Segment Data


The Company's reportable segments are Construction Materials and Chemicals and are organized around their products and services. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting polices in the notes to the consolidated financial statements on Form 10-K. The Company's determination of segment earnings (a) reflects allocations of general corporate expenses to the segments; (b) does not reflect interest income or expense; and (c) is before income taxes. Allocations are based on average capital employed and net sales.

Because the majority of the Company's activities are domestic, sales and assets outside the United States are not material.

Following is the comparative segment financial disclosure (amounts in millions):

SEGMENT FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

  Three Months Ended
      September 30      

  Nine Months Ended
      September 30      

 

  2002  

  2001  

  2002  

  2001  

NET SALES
  Construction Materials
  Chemicals
     Total


$ 566.7 
  147.6 
$ 714.3 


$ 604.4 
  161.6 
$ 766.0 


$ 1,513.3 
    417.0 
$ 1,930.3 


$ 1,593.6 
    502.0 
$ 2,095.6 


TOTAL REVENUES
  Construction Materials
  Chemicals
     Total



$ 623.5 
  162.3 
$ 785.8 



$ 670.1 
  173.0 
$ 843.1 



$ 1,661.4 
    459.2 
$ 2,120.6 



$ 1,756.2 
    535.7 
$ 2,291.9 


EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST
AND INCOME TAXES
  Construction Materials
  Chemicals
     Total




$ 131.8 
    (17.2)
$ 114.6 




$ 144.1 
     2.5 
$ 146.6 




$ 305.7 
    (56.9)
$ 248.8 




$ 299.2 
     3.9 
$ 303.1 

 

Sept. 30
   2002   

Dec. 31
   2001   

Sept. 30
   2001   

IDENTIFIABLE ASSETS
  Construction Materials
  Chemicals
     Identifiable Assets
  General corporate assets and other
  Cash items
       Total


$ 2,691.7 
     569.3 
3,261.0 
103.7 
      82.8 
$ 3,447.5 


$ 2,594.9 
     611.1 
3,206.0 
91.4 
      100.8 
$ 3,398.2 


$ 2,696.2 
     620.1 
3,316.3 
94.2 
       65.7 
$ 3,476.2 


8.   Supplemental Cash Flow Information


Supplemental information referable to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30 is summarized below (amounts in thousands):

 

  2002  

  2001  

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW
 INFORMATION
  Cash paid during the period for:
      Interest, net of amount capitalized
      Income taxes




$ 35,006
37,134




$ 34,590
17,149


SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING
 AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Liabilities and long-term debt assumed in business
     acquisitions





$     -0- 





$  18,826

9.   Transitional Disclosure for Adoption of FAS 142


On January 1, 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" (FAS 142) and, accordingly, discontinued goodwill amortization. Pro forma results assuming the elimination of both goodwill amortization and the cumulative effect of adopting FAS 142 are summarized below (amounts in thousands, except per share data):

 

Three Months Ended
    September 30    

Nine Months Ended
    September 30    

 

  2002  

  2001  

  2002  

  2001  

NET EARNINGS
  As reported
  Goodwill amortization (net of tax)
  Adjusted net earnings
  Cumulative effect of adopting FAS 142
  Pro forma net earnings


$ 76,819
    -0-  
76,819
    -0-  
$ 76,819


$ 92,228
  4,863
97,091
    -0-  
$ 97,091


$133,275
    -0-  
133,275
  20,537
$153,812


$177,577
 16,260
193,837
    -0-  
$193,837


BASIC NET EARNINGS PER SHARE
  As reported
  Goodwill amortization (net of tax)
  Adjusted net earnings
  Cumulative effect of adopting FAS 142
  Pro forma net earnings



$ 0.75
   -0- 
0.75
   -0- 
$ 0.75



$ 0.91
   0.05
0.96
   -0- 
$ 0.96



$ 1.31
   -0- 
1.31
  0.20
$ 1.51



$ 1.75
   0.16
1.91
   -0- 
$ 1.91


DILUTED NET EARNINGS PER SHARE
  As reported
  Goodwill amortization (net of tax)
  Adjusted net earnings
  Cumulative effect of adopting FAS 142
  Pro forma net earnings



$ 0.75
   -0- 
0.75
   -0- 
$ 0.75



$ 0.90
   0.05
0.95
   -0- 
$ 0.95



$ 1.30
   -0- 
1.30
  0.20
$ 1.50



$ 1.73
   0.16
1.89
   -0- 
$ 1.89


In connection with the adoption of FAS 142, the Company was required to complete the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test by June 30, 2002. In so doing, the Company identified three reporting units, as defined by the statement: Construction Materials, Chloralkali Chemicals and Performance Chemicals. The Company determined the carrying value of each reporting unit by assigning assets and liabilities, including goodwill and intangible assets, to those reporting units as of January 1, 2002. Further, the Company determined the fair value of the reporting units using present value techniques.

Impairment was indicated in the Performance Chemicals reporting unit since its carrying value exceeded its fair value. This impairment resulted from the secular deterioration in business conditions facing the specialty chemical industry. With this indication of impairment, the Company completed step two of the process by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to its assets and liabilities. The Company engaged an independent third party to assist in determining the fair value of the reporting unit and in allocating such fair value to the individual assets and liabilities. As a result of completing step two of the impairment test, the Company determined that the goodwill in the Performance Chemicals reporting unit of $30,240,000 was fully impaired as of January 1, 2002. Accordingly, a net of tax transition adjustment totaling $20,537,000 was recorded as a cumulative effect of accounting change as of January 1, 2002.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for each reportable segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 are as follows (amounts in thousands):

GOODWILL

Construction
  Materials  


 Chemicals 


   Total   


BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2001


$ 557,947 


$ 30,615 


$ 588,562 

  Transitional impairment charge
  Goodwill of acquired businesses
  Purchase price allocation adjustments

-0- 
7,501 
     (1,287)

(30,240)
-0- 
       -0- 

(30,240)
7,501 
     (1,287)

BALANCE AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2002

$ 564,161 

$     375 

$ 564,536 

10.  Other Commitments and Contingent Liabilities


The Company is a defendant in various lawsuits incident to the ordinary course of business including those legal proceedings detailed in Item 1 of Part II of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. It is not possible to determine with precision the probable outcome or the amount of liability, if any, with respect to these lawsuits; however, in the opinion of the Company and its counsel, the disposition of these lawsuits will not adversely affect the consolidated financial statements of the Company to a material extent.

 

Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results
                   of Operations and Financial Condition


GENERAL COMMENTS



Seasonality of the Company's Business


Results of any individual quarter are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year due principally to the effect that weather can have on the sales and production volume of the Construction Materials segment. Normally, the highest sales and earnings of the Construction Materials segment are attained in the third quarter and the lowest are realized in the first quarter when sales and earnings are substantially below the levels realized in all subsequent quarters of the year.


Segment Earnings


Segment earnings are earnings before net interest and income taxes and after allocation of corporate expenses and income. Allocations are based on average capital employed and net sales.


Forward-Looking Statements


Certain matters discussed in this report contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks, assumptions and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those associated with general business conditions; the timing and amount of federal, state and local funding for infrastructure; the depressed demand for the Company's chemical products; the highly competitive nature of the industries in which the Company operates; pricing; weather and other natural phenomena; energy costs; cost of hydrocarbon-based raw materials; and other risks, assumptions and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic reports.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


The comparative analysis in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition is based on net sales and cost of goods sold, which exclude delivery revenues and costs, and is consistent with the basis on which management reviews the Company's results of operations.

Third Quarter 2002 as Compared with Third Quarter 2001

The Company's third quarter net earnings were $76.8 million, or $0.75 per diluted share, as compared to $92.2 million, or $0.90 per share a year earlier. Results for the third quarter 2001 included an after-tax charge of $4.9 million, or $0.05 per share for goodwill amortization which was eliminated beginning January 1, 2002 as required by FAS 142. Net sales of $714.3 million were 7% lower than the $766.0 million reported in the third quarter of 2001.

For the quarter, Construction Materials' net sales were $566.7 million, a decrease of 6% from the $604.4 million reported a year earlier. Pricing for aggregates increased 3% over the third quarter of 2001. Aggregates volumes were lower by 9% due to a significant slowdown in private nonresidential construction as well as weaker highway construction in most of our regions. The Chemicals segment reported third quarter net sales of $147.6 million compared to $161.6 million in 2001. The decline in sales was primarily attributable to lower caustic soda pricing and lower sales of fluorochemical feedstocks. While published industry prices for caustic soda increased more than $30 per ton over the second quarter, prices in the current quarter were $135 per ton less than the third quarter last year. Demand for the segment's chlorinated organic products, particularly fluorochemical feedstocks, was soft reflecting continuing weakness in the industrial sector of the economy.

Earnings before interest and income taxes were $114.6 million as compared to $146.6 million in the third quarter of 2001. The Construction Materials segment earned $131.8 million compared to the $144.1 million reported in 2001. The effect of lower aggregates volume was partially offset by pricing improvements for aggregates and the elimination of goodwill amortization. In the third quarter of 2001, this segment's goodwill amortization amounted to $5.0 million. For the quarter, the Chemicals segment lost $17.2 million compared to earnings of $2.5 million in 2001. This decline in earnings was primarily attributable to the aforementioned lower caustic soda pricing and lower sales and production of fluorochemical feedstocks.

Selling, administrative and general expenses of $59.0 million decreased 2% from third quarter 2001. Other operating costs of $3.5 million declined by $4.0 million for the quarter, due to the elimination of goodwill amortization, which amounted to $5.9 million in third quarter 2001. Minority interest decreased $2.0 million from third quarter 2001 reflecting the minority partner's share of the improvement in the chloralkali joint venture's results. Other income, net of other charges, of $7.0 million was up $6.0 million from the third quarter of 2001, reflecting primarily higher gains on asset sales.

Interest expense of $14.0 million decreased $1.4 million from the third quarter of 2001 due to a reduction in outstanding interest-bearing debt during the period.

The Company's effective tax rate was 24.3% for the third quarter of 2002, down from the 2001 rate of 30.3% for the comparable period. The lower rate reflects principally an increased favorable effect of statutory depletion, a lower state tax rate and the impact of the elimination of goodwill amortization pursuant to FAS 142.

Year-to-Date Comparisons as of September 30, 2002 and September 30, 2001

Net earnings for the first nine months of 2002 of $133.3 million, or $1.30 per share (diluted) reflect a pretax goodwill impairment charge of $30.2 million, or $0.20 per share after tax, as prescribed by the new accounting standard, FAS 142. This non-cash write-down was recorded as a cumulative effect of an accounting change and represents the full impairment of Performance Chemicals' goodwill. No goodwill write-down was necessary with respect to either the Construction Materials segment or the Chloralkali Chemicals business unit. Excluding the effects of the goodwill impairment charge, earnings were $153.8 million or $1.50 per share, as compared to $177.6 million, or $1.73 per share for the same period in 2001. Results for the first nine months of 2001 included an after-tax charge of $16.3 million, or $0.16 per share for goodwill amortization which was eliminated beginning January 1, 2002 as required by FAS 142.

Net sales of $1.9 billion for the first nine months of 2002 decreased 8% from the comparable 2001 total of $2.1 billion. Construction Materials net sales of $1.5 billion were down 5% from the 2001 level of $1.6 billion. Aggregates volume decreased 7% due primarily to the decline in private nonresidential construction and highway spending, while pricing increased 3%. Chemicals' net sales of $417.0 million were down 17% from the $502.0 million reported in the first nine months of 2001. This decline resulted from both lower prices and weak demand primarily for caustic soda and fluorochemical feedstocks.

Earnings before interest and income taxes were $248.8 million as compared to $303.1 million in the first nine months of 2001. Year-to-date the Construction Materials segment earned $305.7 million, an increase of 2% year-over-year. Aggregates pricing increases of 3% and the elimination of goodwill amortization were largely offset by volume softness caused by slowing private nonresidential construction and highway spending. Year-to-date 2001, this segment's goodwill amortization amounted to $16.5 million. Earnings in the Chemicals segment declined from $3.9 million in the first nine months of 2001 to a loss of $56.9 million in 2002. The Chemicals segment was adversely impacted by significantly lower pricing for caustic soda, lower pricing and soft demand for fluorochemical feedstocks, and reductions in operating rates from planned rate reductions and outages.

Selling, administrative and general expenses were favorable by 1% year-over-year. Other operating costs of $6.2 million declined by $18.2 million. This decline was attributable to the elimination of goodwill amortization, which amounted to $19.7 million for the first nine months of 2001. Minority interest decreased $6.4 million from 2001 reflecting the minority partner's share of the improvement in the Chloralkali joint venture's results. Other income, net of other charges, of $9.7 million was up $5.0 million, reflecting primarily higher gains on asset sales.

Interest expense of $40.7 million decreased $6.3 million from the prior year due to a reduction in interest-bearing debt outstanding during the period.

The Company's third quarter 2002 projection of the effective tax rate for the year was 27.0%, down from 31.6% for the comparable period of 2001. This decrease reflects principally a lower state tax rate, an increased favorable effect of statutory depletion and the impact of the elimination of goodwill amortization pursuant to FAS 142.

On October 22, 2002 and October 23, 2002, Donald M. James, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented on the Company's third quarter results, as follows:


"We continue our focus on disciplined capital spending, minimizing operating costs in our aggregates operations and improving efficiencies in what has been a more difficult economic environment than anticipated. Strong free cash flows of $101.9 million for the first nine months of 2002 allowed us to reduce debt and increase dividends."


Additionally, Mr. James made certain statements pertaining to the outlook for the remainder of the year, as follows:


"Our fourth quarter results will be influenced by both chloralkali pricing and the pace of construction activity. For Construction Materials, our full year outlook assumes price improvement of 2 to 3% and a decline in aggregates volume of approximately 6%, subject to the normal sensitivities to weather in the fourth quarter. This segment is expected to achieve full year earnings in the range of $385 to $400 million.

"For Chemicals, caustic soda prices continue to improve. However, caustic soda prices remain significantly below last year's levels and demand for chlorinated organics, particularly fluorochemical feedstocks, is weak. Fourth quarter earnings in the Chemicals segment will be impacted by higher plant maintenance and operational improvement expenses, as well as lower volumes. These lower volumes have resulted, in part, from hurricane-related plant shutdowns during the month of October at our Geismar, Louisiana plant. As a result, Chemicals is expected to report a loss of $70 to $75 million for the year.

"We are addressing our cost structure in Chemicals both with respect to plant processing efficiencies as well as our fixed cost and overhead structure. We are committed to reducing our cost and improving our plant efficiencies. We also continue to address our chlorinated organic product mix, which is impacted not only by current market conditions but also by the phase out of ozone depleting chemicals pursuant to the Montreal Protocol.

"Based on our current expectations and excluding the goodwill impairment resulting from adoption of SFAS 142, our earnings guidance for the year is now $1.80 to $2.00 per share."


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES



Working Capital

Working capital, exclusive of debt and cash items, totaled $447.9 million at September 30, 2002, an increase of $87.1 million from the $360.8 million at December 31, 2001. This increase resulted primarily from the seasonal increase in receivables in the Construction Materials segment. Working capital at September 30, 2002 increased $40.0 million from September 30, 2001. This increase resulted primarily from a sizeable decrease in current liabilities and an increase in inventories partially offset by a decrease in receivables. Current liabilities were higher at September 30, 2001 due to the deferral of the third quarter federal income tax payment of $36.1 million, as permitted under the 2001 Tax Act.

The Company's current ratio, which is based on all components of working capital, including cash and debt items, was 2.5 as of September 30, 2002. This compares to the 2.1 ratio at year-end 2001 and the 1.7 ratio at September 30, 2001. The increase in the current ratio from September 30, 2001 resulted primarily from a $73.3 million reduction in notes payable, which was achieved by means of internally generated cash flow.

Cash Flows

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $306.3 million in the first nine months of 2002, down from the $344.2 million generated in the same period last year. This $37.9 million decrease in cash provided by operating activities reflected both lower earnings and an increase in working capital requirements. Net cash used for investing activities of $228.5 million decreased $116.5 million from the first nine months of 2001's total of $345.0 million due primarily to decreased acquisitions and capital expenditures. Net cash used for financing activities totaled $95.8 million for the nine months ended September 2002, representing a $107.0 decrease in cash provided by financing activities compared to the same period last year. This decrease in cash provided by financing activities resulted primarily from the prior year-to-date's net borrowings of $72.3 million used to fund acquisitions. There were no similar borrowings in the current year.

Short-term Borrowings

Short-term borrowings of $37.4 million as of September 30, 2002 consisted solely of notes payable to banks. The September 30, 2001 amount, $110.6 million, consisted of notes payable to banks of $46.0 million and commercial paper of $64.6 million. The prior year-end amount, $43.9 million, consisted solely of notes payable to banks.

Long-term Obligations

As of September 30, 2002, long-term obligations were 28.4% of long-term capital and 53.1% of shareholders' equity. The corresponding third quarter 2001 percentages were 30.4% and 58.0%, and the year-end 2001 percentages were 29.7% and 56.5%, respectively.

The ratio of total debt to total capital equaled 35.8% as of September 30, 2002: 39.6% as of September 30, 2001 and 37.6% as of year-end 2001.


Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure
                  About Market Risk


The Company is exposed to certain market risks arising from transactions entered into in the normal course of business. In order to manage or reduce this market risk, the Company utilizes derivative financial instruments. The Company has entered into commodity swap and option contracts to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in prices for natural gas. The fair value of these contracts were as follows: September 30, 2002 - $29 thousand unfavorable; December 31, 2001 - $13.3 million unfavorable; and September 30, 2001 - $18.6 million unfavorable. As a result of a 10% reduction in the price of natural gas, the Company would experience a potential decline in the fair value of the underlying commodity swap and option contracts based on the fair value at September 30, 2002 of approximately $.4 million.

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk due to its various long-term debt instruments. Because substantially all of this debt is at fixed rates, a decline in interest rates would result in an increase in the fair market value of the liability. At September 30, 2002, the estimated fair market value of these debt instruments was $980.2 million as compared to a book value of $899.0 million. The effect of a hypothetical decline in interest rates of 1% would increase the fair market value of the liability by approximately $35.0 million.

 

Item 4.   Controls and Procedures


The Company maintains a system of controls and procedures to provide reasonable assurance as to the reliability of the financial statements and other disclosures included in this report, as well as to safeguard assets from unauthorized use or disposition. The Company evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the disclosure controls and procedures under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information required to be included in our periodic Securities and Exchange Commission filings. No significant changes were made to our internal controls or other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation.

PART II.    OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.   Legal Proceedings


As previously reported in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, the Company has been named in multiple lawsuits filed in state and federal court claiming damages for personal injuries allegedly resulting from releases of chemicals at the Company's Geismar, Louisiana chloralkali plant. To date, 87 lawsuits, involving over 2,500 named plaintiffs have now been filed. Based on the information currently available to it, the Company does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these suits will have a materially adverse impact on the Company.

As previously reported in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, the Company has been engaged in litigation with Phillip Barker regarding the termination of a distribution agreement for the sale of specialty chemicals. The Company and Mr. Barker have now settled all claims for a mutually agreeable amount and Mr. Barker has given the Company a full release relating to this matter.

Item 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K



(a)  Exhibits


Exhibit 99(a) - Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 99(b) - Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


(b)  Reports on Form 8-K


The Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K on August 13, 2002, pursuant to which the Company attached sworn statements pursuant to SEC Order No. 4-460 from each of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Donald M. James, and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Mark E. Tomkins.

The Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K on August 13, 2002, pursuant to which the Company attached certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 from each of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Donald M. James, and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Mark E. Tomkins.


SIGNATURES



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




VULCAN MATERIALS COMPANY




Date       November 12, 2002     




/s/ Ejaz A. Khan                    
Ejaz A. Khan
Vice President, Controller and Chief Information Officer




/s/ Mark E. Tomkins                
Mark E. Tomkins
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer


CERTIFICATIONS



I, Donald M. James, certify that:


1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Vulcan Materials Company;

2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of Vulcan Materials Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

4. Vulcan Materials Company's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for Vulcan Materials Company and we have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to Vulcan Materials Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

b) evaluated the effectiveness of Vulcan Materials Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5. Vulcan Materials Company's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to Vulcan Materials Company's auditors and the audit committee of Vulcan Materials Company's Board of Directors:

a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect Vulcan Materials Company's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for Vulcan Materials Company's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Vulcan Materials Company's internal controls; and

6. Vulcan Materials Company's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date       November 12, 2002     



/s/ Donald M. James                    
Donald M. James
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

I, Mark E. Tomkins, certify that:


1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Vulcan Materials Company;

2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of Vulcan Materials Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

4. Vulcan Materials Company's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for Vulcan Materials Company and we have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to Vulcan Materials Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

b) evaluated the effectiveness of Vulcan Materials Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5. Vulcan Materials Company's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to Vulcan Materials Company's auditors and the audit committee of Vulcan Materials Company's Board of Directors:

a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect Vulcan Materials Company's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for Vulcan Materials Company's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Vulcan Materials Company's internal controls; and

6. Vulcan Materials Company's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date       November 12, 2002     



/s/ Mark E. Tomkins                    
Mark E. Tomkins
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer