EX-99.1 3 g08311exv99w1.htm EX-99.1 REVISED SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA EX-99.1 REVISED SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 

Exhibit 99.1
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
     The selected statement of earnings, per share data and balance sheet data for each of the five years ended December 31, 2006, set forth below have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. The following data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 below this Current Report on Form 8-K.
                                         
    Years ended December 31,
    2006   2005   2004   2003   2002
    (Amounts in millions, except per share data)        
Net sales
  $ 3,041.1     $ 2,615.0     $ 2,213.2     $ 2,086.9     $ 1,980.6  
Total revenues
  $ 3,342.5     $ 2,895.3     $ 2,454.3     $ 2,309.6     $ 2,175.8  
 
                                       
Earnings from continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting changes
  $ 480.2     $ 344.1     $ 262.5     $ 237.5     $ 233.2  
Earnings (loss) on discontinued operations, net of tax (1)
    (10.0 )     44.9       26.2       (23.7 )     (42.8 )
Cumulative effect of accounting changes (2)
                      (18.8 )     (20.5 )
Net earnings
  $ 470.2     $ 389.0     $ 288.7     $ 195.0     $ 169.9  
Basic — per share:
                                       
Earnings from continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting changes
  $ 4.92     $ 3.37     $ 2.56     $ 2.33     $ 2.29  
Discontinued operations
    (0.10 )     0.44       0.26       (0.23 )     (0.42 )
Cumulative effect of accounting changes
                      (0.19 )     (0.20 )
Net earnings
  $ 4.82     $ 3.81     $ 2.82     $ 1.91     $ 1.67  
Diluted — per share:
                                       
Earnings from continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting changes
  $ 4.81     $ 3.31     $ 2.53     $ 2.31     $ 2.28  
Discontinued operations
    (0.10 )     0.43       0.25       (0.23 )     (0.42 )
Cumulative effect of accounting changes
                      (0.18 )     (0.20 )
Net earnings
  $ 4.71     $ 3.74     $ 2.78     $ 1.90     $ 1.66  
Pro forma assuming FAS 143 applied retroactively:
                                       
Net earnings
                                  $ 168.4  
Net earnings per share, basic
                                  $ 1.66  
Net earnings per share, diluted
                                  $ 1.64  
 
                                       
Total assets
  $ 3,427.8     $ 3,590.4     $ 3,667.5     $ 3,636.9     $ 3.448.2  
Long-term obligations
  $ 322.1     $ 323.4     $ 604.5     $ 607.7     $ 857.8  
Shareholders’ equity
  $ 2,010.9     $ 2,133.6     $ 2,020.8     $ 1,802.8     $ 1,697.0  
Cash dividends declared per share
  $ 1.48     $ 1.16     $ 1.04     $ 0.98     $ 0.94  
 
(1)   Discontinued operations includes the results from operations attributable to our former Chloralkali and Performance Chemicals businesses, divested in 2005 and 2003, respectively.
 
(2)   The 2003 accounting change relates to our adoption of FAS 143, “Asset Retirement Obligations.” The $18.8 million net-of-tax cumulative effect adjustment represents the impact of recording asset retirement obligations, at estimated fair value, for which we have legal obligations for land reclamation. The 2002 accounting change relates to our adoption of FAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” The $20.5 million net-of-tax cumulative effect adjustment represents the full impairment of goodwill in the Performance Chemicals reporting unit.

 


 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 


 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Introduction
Vulcan provides essential infrastructure materials required by the U.S. economy. We are the nation’s largest producer of construction aggregates – primarily crushed stone, sand and gravel – and a major producer of asphalt mix and concrete.
Products
We operate primarily in the United States and our principal product – aggregates – is consumed in virtually all types of publicly and privately funded construction. In 2006, aggregates accounted for 70% of net sales. We shipped 255.4 million tons in 21 states, the District of Columbia and Mexico from 287 aggregates production facilities and sales yards. Our top 10 states accounted for 85% of total aggregates shipments. Reserves largely determine the ongoing viability of an aggregates business. Our current estimate of 11.4 billion tons of zoned and permitted aggregates reserves represents a net increase of 3.3 billion tons since the end of 1996. We believe that these reserves are sufficient to last, on average, 44.3 years at current annual production rates. Additionally, we produce and sell asphalt mix and concrete in California, Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. While aggregates are our primary business, we believe vertical integration between aggregates and downstream products, such as asphalt mix and concrete, can be managed effectively in certain markets to generate acceptable financial returns. As such, we evaluate the structural characteristics of individual markets to determine the appropriateness of an aggregates only or vertical integration strategy.
End Markets
Demand for our products is dependent on construction activity. The primary end uses include public construction, such as highways, bridges, airports, schools, and prisons, as well as private nonresidential (e.g., manufacturing, retail, offices, industrial and institutional) and private residential construction (e.g., single-family and multifamily).
Public – This construction end market is generally the most aggregates intensive. Historically, public sector construction spending has been more stable than in the private end markets, in part because public sector spending is less sensitive to interest rates. In 2006, publicly funded construction accounted for 44% of our total aggregates shipments. Public construction projects are typically funded through a combination of federal, state and local sources. The federal highway bill is the principal source of federal funding for public infrastructure and transportation projects. Federal highway spending is determined by a six-year authorization bill, now covering fiscal years 2004–2009, and annual budget appropriations using funds largely taken from the Federal Highway Trust Fund that receives taxes on gasoline and other levies. Specific highway and bridge projects are typically managed by state transportation departments, who obligate their portion of federal revenues and supplement this federal funding with state fuel taxes, vehicle registration fees and general fund appropriations. States also transfer funds to counties and municipalities to fund local street construction and maintenance. The level of state spending on infrastructure varies across the United States and depends on individual state needs and economies. Other public infrastructure construction includes sewer and waste disposal systems, water supply systems, dams, reservoirs and government buildings. Construction for power plants and other utilities is funded from both public and private sources.
Private Nonresidential – This construction end market includes a wide array of project types and generally is more aggregates intensive than residential construction. Economic factors such as job growth, vacancy rates, private infrastructure needs and demographic trends help drive overall demand for private nonresidential construction. In 2006, private nonresidential construction accounted for 28% of our total aggregates shipments. Strong corporate profits and growth of private workforce generates demand for offices, hotels and restaurants. Likewise, population growth generates demand for stores, shopping centers, warehouses and parking decks as well as schools, hospitals, churches and entertainment facilities. A new manufacturing facility in an area generally generates demand for other manufacturing plants to supply its parts and assemblies. Firms seeking to construct a new facility will often seek to borrow funds from banks and other financial institutions. The willingness of banks to lend has a cyclical pattern, in part dependent on their expectations for future interest rate moves.
Private Residential – Approximately 80–85% of all residential construction activity is for single-family houses with the remainder consisting of multi-family (e.g., two-family houses, apartment buildings and larger condominiums). Public housing comprises a small portion of the housing supply. Household formation is a primary driver of housing demand along with mortgage rates. In the last 10 years, households have increased 13% from 101.5 million to 114.7 million in the U.S. and 15%, on average, in the states we serve. Mortgage rates were at relatively low levels and contributed to the strong residential construction. However, in recent years, rising home prices have triggered speculative buying and made home ownership less affordable. Demand for our products generally occurs early in the infrastructure phase of residential construction and later as part of the foundation, driveway or parking lot. In 2006, private residential construction accounted for 25% of our total aggregates shipments.
Other End Uses – Ballast is sold to the railroads for construction and maintenance of their track. Riprap and jetty stone are sold for erosion control along waterways. Stone also can be used as a feedstock for cement and lime plants and for making a variety of adhesives, fillers and extenders. Coal-burning power plants use limestone in their scrubbers to reduce harmful emissions. Limestone that is crushed to a fine powder also can be sold to farmers. In 2006, these other end uses accounted for 3% of our total aggregates shipments.
Customers and Competition
Customers for our products include heavy construction and paving contractors; commercial building contractors; concrete products manufacturers; residential building contractors; state, county and municipal governments; railroads; and electric utilities. Customers are served by truck, rail and water distribution networks from our production facilities and sales yards. Due to the high weight-to-value ratio of aggregates, markets generally are local in nature. They often consist of a single metropolitan area or one or more counties or portions
     

 


 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
thereof when transportation is by truck only. Truck delivery accounts for approximately 86% of our total shipments. Additionally, sales yards and other distribution facilities located on waterways and rail lines substantially increase our geographic market reach through the availability of rail and water transportation.
Zoning and permitting regulations have made it increasingly difficult for the construction aggregates industry to expand existing quarries or to develop new quarries in some markets. Although we cannot predict what governmental policies will be adopted in the future that affect the construction materials industry, we believe that future zoning and permitting costs will not have a materially adverse effect on our business. However, future land use restrictions in some markets could make zoning and permitting more difficult. Any such restrictions, while potentially curtailing expansion in certain areas, could also enhance the value of our reserves at existing locations.
We estimate that the 10 largest aggregates producers in the nation supply approximately one-third of the total national market, resulting in highly fragmented markets in some areas. Therefore, depending on the market, we may compete with a number of large regional and small local producers.
Seasonality of Our Business
Virtually all our products are produced and consumed outdoors. Our financial results for any individual quarter are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year, due primarily to the effect that seasonal changes and other weather-related conditions can have on the production and sales volume of our products. Normally, the highest sales and earnings are attained in the third quarter and the lowest are realized in the first quarter. Our sales and earnings are sensitive to national, regional and local economic conditions and particularly to cyclical swings in construction spending. These cyclical swings are further affected by fluctuations in interest rates, and demographic and population fluctuations.
Other
In June 2005, we sold our Chemicals business as presented in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements and, accordingly, its results are reported as discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. As of December 31, 2004, the related assets and liabilities are reported as assets held for sale and liabilities of assets held for sale in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
In the discussion that follows, discontinued operations are discussed separately. Continuing operations consist solely of Construction Materials. The comparative analysis 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 results of operations.
Results of Operations
2006 versus 2005
Net sales and earnings for 2006 surpassed 2005’s record levels. Improved pricing for all key products more than offset lower shipments and resulted in a 16% increase in net sales, which exceeded $3.0 billion for the first time in our history. Aggregates pricing improved approximately 15%. The increasing demand for aggregates in a broad range of public infrastructure and nonresidential construction helped offset the correction that has occurred in residential construction. Our consistent earnings growth is a reflection of both our broad geographic and end-use markets and a pricing environment for aggregates that recognizes the high cost of reserves replacement and product distribution in high growth metropolitan markets.
Operating earnings were a record $695.1 million, an increase of 46% from the 2005 amount. Improved aggregates pricing more than offset the effects of the slight decline in aggregates shipments and higher production costs related to diesel fuel, parts, supplies and electricity. Asphalt mix and concrete earnings also increased significantly as pricing improvements exceeded the effects of lower volumes and increases in raw material costs. Compared with 2005, the cost of diesel fuel and liquid asphalt were $13.7 million and $58.8 million higher, respectively. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 31% for 2006, up 4 percentage points from 2005. Selling, administrative and general expenses increased $31.9 million from the prior year. Approximately one-half of the increase resulted from higher provisions for incentive compensation, including the effect of expensing stock options, and increased professional fees. During 2006, we sold the contractual rights to mine the Bellwood Quarry in Atlanta, Georgia for a pretax gain of $24.8 million, which is included in other operating (income) expense, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes were $703.5 million, an increase of $222.8 million or 46% from the prior year. The 2006 earnings include a gain of $28.7 million related to the increase in the carrying value of the contingent ECU (electrochemical unit) earn-out received in connection with the sale of our Chemicals business compared with a $20.4 million gain in 2005.
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes for 2006 versus 2005 are summarized below (in millions of dollars):
         
2005
  $ 481  
Higher aggregates earnings
    164  
Higher asphalt mix earnings
    45  
Higher earnings for all other products
    23  
Higher selling, administrative and general expenses
    (32 )
Gain on sale of contractual rights to mine
    25  
Higher gain on contingent ECU earn-out
    8  
All other
    (11 )
 
     
2006
  $ 703  
 
     
Earnings from continuing operations increased to $4.81 per diluted share from $3.31 per diluted share in 2005.
 

 


 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
2005 versus 2004
Net sales and earnings were both at record levels in 2005. Net sales increased 18% to $2.6 billion. All major product lines achieved higher sales. The strong demand experienced across most of our markets in 2004 continued throughout 2005. As a result, aggregates shipments increased 7% to 260 million tons with record volumes achieved in each quarter of 2005. Acquisitions accounted for 1% of this volume growth. Pricing for aggregates increased approximately 8%.
Operating earnings were a record $476.8 million, an increase of 18% from the prior-year amount. The earnings benefit from higher aggregates pricing and volumes more than offset increased costs for diesel fuel, parts and supplies, and maintenance. Higher prices for asphalt mix and concrete more than offset cost increases for raw materials such as liquid asphalt and cement. Cost for diesel fuel was $33.5 million higher as compared with 2004. Selling, administrative and general expenses increased $36.2 million due primarily to performance-based compensation plans, which accounted for $24.8 million of the increase from 2004. In 2004, gains on the sale of property, plant and equipment included a large real estate sale in California as well as the sale of operations in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In 2005, gains on the sale of property, plant and equipment reflected lower real estate sales in California.
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes were $480.7 million, an increase of 27% from the prior year. Included in the 2005 earnings is a $20.4 million increase in the carrying value of the contingent ECU earn-out related to the sale of our Chemicals business. Net interest expense was approximately $14.0 million lower due primarily to higher average balances on short- and medium-term investments and the retirement of $243.0 million of debt in April 2004.
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes for 2005 versus 2004 are summarized below (in millions of dollars):
         
2004
  $ 377  
Higher aggregates earnings
    111  
Higher asphalt mix earnings
    9  
Higher selling, administrative and general expenses
    (36 )
Lower gains on sale of property, plant and equipment
    (16 )
Gain on contingent ECU earn-out
    20  
Lower net interest expense
    14  
All other
    2  
 
     
2005
  $ 481  
 
     
Earnings from continuing operations increased to $3.31 per diluted share from $2.53 per diluted share in 2004.
Selling, Administrative and General
Selling, administrative and general expenses were $264.3 million in 2006 compared with $232.4 million in the prior year. Approximately one-half of this 14% increase resulted from higher provisions for incentive compensation, including the effect of expensing stock options, and increased professional fees. Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment,” [FAS123(R)], which requires the expensing of stock options. Adoption of this standard resulted in a pretax charge of approximately $9.3 million related to stock options, resulting in a decrease to earnings from continuing operations and net earnings of approximately $5.7 million, or $0.06 per diluted share in 2006. Selling, administrative and general expenses as a percentage of net sales, were 8.7%, down from the prior year’s 8.9%. In 2005, selling, administrative and general expenses increased 18% from the 2004 level due primarily to performance-based compensation plans. Compensation expense under these plans was influenced by the degree to which business performance targets were achieved. One of the plans, the performance share plan, was also affected by stock price, which increased 24% in 2005. As a percentage of net sales, selling, administrative and general expenses for 2005 were flat with the prior year at 8.9%.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
During 2006, we recorded asset impairment losses totaling $0.2 million related to long-lived assets. This impairment loss resulted from various write-downs related to continuing operations. During 2005, we recorded asset impairment losses totaling $0.7 million related to long-lived assets. This impairment loss resulted from various write-downs related to continuing operations. During 2004, we recorded no asset impairment losses for continuing operations. Asset impairment losses are included within the total of other operating (income) expense, net in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Gain on Sale of Property, Plant and Equipment
During 2006, we recorded gains on the sale of property, plant and equipment of $5.6 million, a decrease of $2.7 million from the prior year. In 2005, gains on the sale of property, plant and equipment of $8.3 million were down $15.5 million from the 2004 level. In 2004, gains on the sale of property, plant and equipment included a large real estate sale in California as well as the sale of asphalt mix, concrete and highway construction operations in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In 2005, gains on the sale of property, plant and equipment reflected lower real estate sales in California. As none of these asset sales met the definition of a “component of an entity” as described in SFAS 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets” (FAS 144), the gains were reported in continuing operations.
Other Operating (Income) Expense, Net
Other operating income, net of other operating expense, increased $29.8 million to $21.9 million in 2006. The increase in income was principally due to a $24.8 million pretax gain from the sale of contractual rights to mine the
 

 


 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Bellwood Quarry in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2005, other operating expense, net decreased $1.0 million compared with 2004 due primarily to lower costs associated with idle equipment taken out of service and lower charges for old equipment scrapped due to plant rebuilds and site closings, partially offset by an increase in environmental remediation costs.
Other Income, Net
In 2006, other income, net of other charges, was $28.5 million, $4.1 million higher than the prior year. The 2006 increase was due primarily to the ECU earn-out. We recognized a $28.7 million gain related to the ECU earn-out in 2006 compared with a $20.4 million gain in 2005. In 2005, other income was $16.1 million higher than 2004 due to the above-mentioned $20.4 million ECU earn-out gain. This earn-out agreement is accounted for as a derivative instrument, with any gains or losses recorded as other income or charges in continuing operations. For additional information regarding this ECU earn-out, see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.
Interest Income
Interest income was $6.2 million in 2006, a decrease of $10.4 million from 2005. The decrease resulted from lower average cash and cash equivalents and medium-term investments balances during 2006. Interest income was $16.6 million in 2005 compared with $5.6 million in 2004 due to higher interest rates and higher average balances for the total of cash and cash equivalents and medium-term investments.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $26.3 million in 2006 compared with the 2005 amount of $37.1 million. The $10.8 million decrease was due primarily to the February 2006 retirement of $240.0 million of 6.40% five-year notes issued in 2001, partially offset by increased commercial paper borrowings. Excluding capitalized interest credits, gross interest expense for 2006 was $31.3 million compared with $39.1 million in the prior year. In 2005, interest expense decreased $3.2 million from the $40.3 million reported in 2004 due primarily to the retirement of $243.0 million of debt in April 2004. Excluding capitalized interest credits, gross interest expense was $39.1 million compared with $42.3 million in 2004.
Income Taxes
Our 2006 effective tax rate for continuing operations was 31.7%, up from 28.4% in 2005. This increase principally reflects a smaller reduction during 2006 in estimated income tax liabilities for prior years and a nonrecurring favorable settlement of federal refund claims in 2005. The 2005 rate for continuing operations was down 2.0 percentage points from the 2004 rate of 30.4%. This decrease principally reflected a reduction in estimated income tax liabilities for prior years, a favorable settlement of federal refund claims and the benefit from the U.S. Production Activities Deduction that went into effect in 2005.
Discontinued Operations
In 2005, we sold substantially all the assets of our Chemicals business, known as Vulcan Chemicals, to Basic Chemicals, a subsidiary of Occidental Chemical Corporation. These assets consisted primarily of chloralkali facilities in Wichita, Kansas; Geismar, Louisiana and Port Edwards, Wisconsin; and the facilities of our Chloralkali joint venture located in Geismar. The decision to sell the Chemicals business was based on our desire to focus our resources on the Construction Materials business.
The transaction, which was structured as a sale of assets, involved initial cash proceeds, contingent future proceeds under two earn-out provisions and the transfer of certain liabilities. Accordingly, financial results referable to our Chemicals business are reported in discontinued operations for all periods presented. Although we expect the total proceeds received in connection with the sale of our Chemicals business, including the two contingent earn-outs, to exceed the carrying amount of the net assets sold, no gain from the disposal transaction was recognized during 2005 or 2006 as accounting requirements preclude the recognition of contingent gains. Ultimately, gain or loss on disposal will be recognized to the extent that total receipts under the 5CP earn-out (as described under the caption Market Risk) exceed or fall short of the amount recognized at closing.
Pretax operating results from discontinued operations were a loss of $16.6 million in 2006 compared with earnings of $83.7 million in 2005. The 2006 operating results reflect charges related to general and product liability costs and environmental remediation costs associated with our former Chemicals business. Included in these costs are approximately $7.4 million in contingency accruals related to a lawsuit filed by the city of Modesto, California (see Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements). The 2005 operating results reflected approximately five months of operations prior to closing the sale and included approximately $18.1 million of pretax exit and disposal costs. For additional information regarding discontinued operations, see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.
Accounting Change
On January 1, 2006, we adopted Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 04-6, “Accounting for Stripping Costs Incurred during Production in the Mining Industry” (EITF 04-6). In the mining industry, the costs of removing overburden and waste materials to access mineral deposits are referred to as stripping costs. Per EITF 04-6, stripping costs incurred during the production phase are considered costs of the extracted minerals under a full absorption costing system, inventoried, and recognized in costs of sales in the same period as the revenue from the sale of the inventory. Additionally, capitalization of such costs would be appropriate only to the extent inventory exists at the end of a reporting period.
Prior to the adoption of EITF 04-6, we expensed stripping costs as incurred with only limited exceptions when specific criteria were met. The January 1, 2006 adoption of EITF 04-6 resulted in an increase in current assets (finished product inventory) of $16.8 million; a decrease in other assets (capitalized quarrying costs) of $0.7 million; an increase in deferred tax liabilities of $3.9 million; and a cumulative effect of adoption that increased retained earnings by $12.2 million.
On January 1, 2007, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Staff Position No. AUG AIR-1, “Accounting for Planned Major Maintenance Activities” (FSP AUG AIR-1). This FSP must be applied retrospectively to the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements. The effects of the retrospective application of this new accounting standard are described under the caption New Accounting Standards and in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements.
 

 


 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
2007 Outlook
Continuing Operations
We remain confident in our ability to continue strong earnings growth in 2007. Overall, we expect earnings from continuing operations for 2007 to be in the range from $5.51 to $5.91 per diluted share. In January 2007, we closed a real estate sale transaction in California that resulted in a net after-tax gain of $0.25 per diluted share, which is included in our guidance. Our current earnings outlook is based on overall aggregates price improvements in the range of 10% to 11%, a decrease in the average unit cost for diesel fuel compared with 2006 and aggregates shipments that are in line with 2006.
Broader economic factors such as low interest rates, job growth, falling office vacancy rates and the solid fiscal condition of most states should continue to aid the more aggregate-intensive infrastructure and private nonresidential end use markets in 2007. Overall demand for aggregates in our markets should remain relatively stable. The residential construction slowdown in the U.S. continued in the fourth quarter of 2006 and contributed to lower aggregates shipments for the year. However, with mortgage interest rates still at relatively low historical levels and household formations increasing in high growth markets, residential construction has the potential to stabilize by the second half of 2007.
Aggregates demand from highway construction in the markets we serve should increase in 2007, primarily as a result of higher state spending levels and moderating liquid asphalt costs. In 2006, construction cost inputs for highway projects increased significantly, particularly liquid asphalt and diesel fuel, resulting in some delays for new contract awards.
We believe private nonresidential construction will continue to improve in 2007. This end market includes a wide array of project types and generally is more aggregates intensive than private residential construction. Economic factors such as job growth, vacancy rates, private infrastructure needs and demographic trends help drive demand for this type of construction.
Discontinued Operations
During 2005, we sold our former Chemicals business. Costs related to retained liabilities, primarily environmental and general and product liability, are expected to result in a small loss in discontinued operations for 2007.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We believe we have sufficient financial resources, including cash provided by operating activities, unused bank lines of credit and ready access to the capital markets, to fund business requirements in the future including debt service obligations, cash contractual obligations, capital expenditures, dividend payments, stock purchases and potential future acquisitions.
Cash Flows
Net cash provided by operating activities (including discontinued operations) totaled $579.3 million in 2006, an increase of $106.2 million or 22% as compared with 2005. The increase primarily resulted from higher net earnings of $81.2 million and a decrease in contributions to pension plans of $27.7 million.
Cash provided by operating activities during 2005 includes $15.3 million referable to tax benefits from the exercise of stock options. During 2006, such tax benefits are classified as financing activities pursuant to FAS 123(R). Additional disclosures regarding the adoption of FAS 123(R) are presented in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements under the heading Share-based Compensation.
Net cash used for investing activities totaled $105.0 million in 2006 compared with $149.2 million in 2005. The decrease in net cash used for investing activities is principally due to net activity in our medium-term investment program, which contributed $171.1 million to the overall change, a decrease in business acquisitions of $73.4 million, and $24.8 million in net proceeds from the sale of contractual rights. These favorable contributors were partially offset by an increase of $219.6 million used for purchases of property, plant and equipment primarily related to production capacity and efficiency improvements. During 2006, proceeds from the sale of our Chemicals business of $141.9 million include payments received under the ECU and 5CP earn-outs as well as amounts received in connection with working capital adjustments.
Net cash used for financing activities increased to $694.3 million in 2006 compared with $320.3 million in 2005. Cash used to purchase our common stock increased $294.3 million, cash payments to retire debt obligations increased $260.9 million, and dividends paid increased $25.9 million. These increases in cash used for financing activities were offset by net short-term borrowings of $198.9 million during 2006.
 

 


 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Our policy is to pay out a reasonable share of net cash provided by operating activities as dividends, consistent on average with the payout record of past years, while maintaining debt ratios within what we believe to be prudent and generally acceptable limits.
Working Capital
Working capital, the excess of current assets over current liabilities, totaled $243.7 million at December 31, 2006, a decrease of $350.1 million from the $593.8 million level at December 31, 2005. The decrease in working capital primarily results from the use of cash to purchase our common stock and property, plant and equipment. During 2006, combined cash and medium-term investment balances decreased $395.0 million, while cash of $522.8 million was used to purchase our common stock and $435.2 million was used to purchase property, plant and equipment. As of December 31, 2006, we have $760.0 million in bank lines of credit, of which $2.5 million was drawn. Bank lines of credit serve as liquidity support when we issue commercial paper.
Working capital totaled $593.8 million at December 31, 2005, down $404.3 million from the 2004 level. The 2005 decrease resulted primarily from a $268.8 million increase in current maturities of long-term debt primarily attributable to debt that matured February 2006, a net decrease in assets and liabilities of assets held for sale of $269.8 million referable to the sale of our Chemicals business, and an increase in all other current liabilities of $70.6 million. These contributors to the decrease in working capital year over year were partially offset by an increase of $194.8 million in accounts and notes receivable, including $105.7 million referable to contingent earn-outs, and an increase in inventories of $20.6 million.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures, which exclude business acquisitions, totaled $458.9 million in 2006, up $224.6 million from the 2005 level of $234.3 million. Much of the increase in spending over the 2005 level was for projects to lower operating costs, the acquisition of new reserves and additional production and distribution assets in key markets. We classify our capital expenditures into three categories based on the predominant purpose of the project. In 2006, profit-adding projects accounted for $232.9 million or 51% of the 2006 spending.
Commitments for capital expenditures were $72.5 million at December 31, 2006. We expect to fund these commitments using available cash or internally generated cash flow.
Acquisitions
In 2006, the total purchase price of acquisitions amounted to $20.5 million, down $73.5 million from the prior year. Acquisitions completed during 2006 included an aggregates production facility and asphalt mix plant in Indiana, an aggregates production facility in North Carolina and an aggregates production facility in Virginia. The 2005 acquisitions included five aggregates production facilities and five asphalt mix plants in Arizona, one aggregates production facility in Georgia, four aggregates production facilities in Indiana and one aggregates production facility in Tennessee.
Short-term Borrowings and Investments
Net short-term borrowings and investments at December 31 consisted of the following (in thousands of dollars):
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Short-term investments:
                       
Cash equivalents
  $ 50,374     $ 273,315     $ 259,522  
Medium-term investments
          175,140       179,210  
     
Total short-term investments
  $ 50,374     $ 448,455     $ 438,732  
     
Short-term borrowings:
                       
Bank borrowings
  $ 2,500     $     $  
Commercial paper
    196,400              
     
Total short-term borrowings
  $ 198,900     $     $  
     
Net short-term (borrowings) investments
  $ (148,526 )   $ 448,455     $ 438,732  
     
We were a net short-term borrower during most of 2006 and ended the year in a short-term borrowed position of $148.5 million. In 2006, total short-term borrowings reached a peak of $236.8 million and amounted to $198.9 million at year end. Throughout 2005, we were a net short-term investor and ended the year in a short-term invested position of $448.5 million. After reaching a high of $65.0 million, there were no short-term borrowings at year-end 2005. In 2004 we were a net short-term investor and ended the year in a short-term invested position of $438.7 million. After reaching a high of $48.0 million, there were no short-term borrowings at year-end 2004.
 

 


 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Short-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2006 of $198.9 million consisted of $2.5 million of bank borrowings at 5.575% maturing January 2007 and $196.4 million of commercial paper having maturities ranging from 2 to 36 days and interest rates ranging from 5.28% to 5.36%. We plan to reissue most, if not all, of these notes when they mature. There were no short-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2005 and 2004. Periodically, we issue commercial paper for general corporate purposes, including working capital requirements. We plan to continue this practice from time to time as circumstances warrant.
Our policy is to maintain committed credit facilities at least equal to our outstanding commercial paper. Unsecured bank lines of credit totaling $760.0 million were maintained at the end of 2006, of which $2.5 million was drawn. As of December 31, 2006, our commercial paper was rated A-1 and P-1 by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s), respectively.
Current Maturities
Current maturities of long-term debt as of December 31 are summarized below (in thousands of dollars):
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
6.40% 5-year notes issued 2001*
  $     $ 239,535     $ (80 )
Private placement notes
          32,000        
Medium-term notes
                2,000  
Other notes
    630       532       1,306  
     
Total
  $ 630     $ 272,067     $ 3,226  
     
 
*   Includes a decrease in valuation for the fair value of short-term interest rate swaps, as follows: December 31, 2005 – $465 thousand and December 31, 2004 – $80 thousand.
Scheduled debt payments during 2006 included $240.0 million (listed in the table above net of the $0.5 million decrease for the interest rate swap) in February to retire the 6.40% 5-year notes issued in 2001 and $32.0 million in December to retire 10-year private placement notes issued in 1996. Scheduled debt payments during 2005 included $2.0 million in November to retire an 8.07% medium-term note issued in 1991.
Maturity dates for our $0.6 million of current maturities as of December 31, 2006 are various. We expect to retire this debt using available cash or by issuing commercial paper.
Debt and Capital
During 2006, long-term debt was reduced by $1.3 million to $322.1 million, compared with a net reduction of $281.1 million in 2005. The 2005 reduction reflected the reclassification of $272.1 million from long-term debt to current maturities. During the three-year period ended December 31, 2006, long-term debt decreased cumulatively by $285.6 million from the $607.7 million outstanding at December 31, 2003. At year end, the weighted-average interest rates on our long-term debt were 6.42% in 2006, 6.43% in 2005 and 6.41% in 2004.
During the same three-year period, shareholders’ equity, net of dividends of $369.0 million, increased by $208.1 million to $2.011 billion.
The calculations of our total debt as a percentage of total capital are summarized below (amounts in thousands, except percentages):
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
Debt:
                       
Current maturities of long-term debt
  $ 630     $ 272,067     $ 3,226  
Short-term borrowings
    198,900              
Long-term debt
    322,064       323,392       604,522  
     
Total debt
  $ 521,594     $ 595,459     $ 607,748  
     
Capital:
                       
Total debt
  $ 521,594     $ 595,459     $ 607,748  
Shareholders’ equity
    2,010,899       2,133,649       2,020,790  
     
Total capital
  $ 2,532,493     $ 2,729,108     $ 2,628,538  
     
Total debt as a percentage of total capital
    20.6 %     21.8 %     23.1 %
     
In the future, our total debt as a percentage of total capital will depend on specific investment and financing decisions. We believe our cash-generating capability, combined with our financial strength and geographic diversification, can comfortably support a target range of 35% to 40%. We have made acquisitions from time to time and will continue to pursue attractive investment opportunities. Such acquisitions could be funded by using internally generated cash flow or issuing debt or equity securities.
As of December 31, 2006, Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s rated our public long-term debt at the A+ and A1 level, respectively. Both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s have assigned a stable outlook to our long-term debt ratings.

 


 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Contractual Obligations and Contingent Credit Facilities
Our obligations to make future payments under contracts as of December 31, 2006 are summarized in the table below (in millions of dollars):
                                                 
            Payments Due by Year  
    Note Reference     Total     2007     2008–2009     2010–2011     Thereafter  
Cash Contractual Obligations
                                               
Short-term borrowings:
                                               
Principal payments
  Note 6   $ 198.9     $ 198.9     $     $     $  
Interest payments
            0.4       0.4                    
Long-term debt:
                                               
Principal payments
  Note 6     321.4       0.7       283.7       20.3       16.7  
Interest payments
  Note 6     64.2       20.6       31.1       6.1       6.4  
Operating leases
  Note 7     80.1       16.6       25.4       13.5       24.6  
Mineral royalties
  Note 12     91.5       11.4       18.2       11.0       50.9  
Unconditional purchase obligations:
                                               
Capital
  Note 12     72.5       72.5                    
Noncapital1
  Note 12     89.5       29.3       20.9       12.2       27.1  
Benefit plans2
  Note 10     416.5       31.7       69.6       78.0       237.2  
             
Total cash contractual obligations3
          $ 1,335.0     $ 382.1     $ 448.9     $ 141.1     $ 362.9  
             
 
1   Noncapital unconditional purchase obligations relate primarily to transportation and electrical contracts.
 
2   Payments in “Thereafter” column for benefit plans are for the years 2012–2016.
 
3   The above table excludes discounted asset retirement obligations in the amount of $114.8 million at December 31, 2006, the majority of which have an estimated settlement date beyond 2011 (see Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
We estimate cash requirements for income taxes in 2007 to be $290.0 million.
We have a number of contracts containing commitments or contingent obligations that are not material to our earnings. These contracts are discrete in nature, and it is unlikely that the various contingencies contained within the contracts would be triggered by a common event. The future payments under these contracts are not included in the table set forth above.
Our contingent credit facilities as of December 31, 2006 are summarized in the table below (in millions of dollars):
                                         
    Amount and Year of Expiration
    Total Facilities     2007     2008–2009     2010–2011     Thereafter  
Contingent Credit Facilities
                                       
Lines of credit
  $ 760.0     $ 210.0     $     $ 550.0     $  
Standby letters of credit
    66.7       66.7                    
     
Total contingent credit facilities
  $ 826.7     $ 276.7     $     $ 550.0     $  
     
Bank lines of credit amounted to $760.0 million, of which $210.0 million expires in 2007, and $550.0 million expires in 2011. As of December 31, 2006, $2.5 million of the lines of credit were drawn.
We provide certain third parties with irrevocable standby letters of credit in the normal course of business. We use our commercial banks to issue standby letters of credit to secure our obligations to pay or perform when required to do so pursuant to the requirements of an underlying agreement or the provision of goods and services. The standby letters of credit listed below are cancelable only at the option of the beneficiary who is authorized to draw drafts on the issuing bank up to the face amount of the standby letter of credit in accordance with its terms. Since banks consider letters of credit as contingent extensions of credit, we are required to pay a fee until they expire or are cancelled. Substantially all our standby letters of credit are renewable annually at the option of the beneficiary.

 


 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Our standby letters of credit as of December 31, 2006 are summarized in the table below (in millions of dollars):
                         
    Amount     Term   Maturity
 
Standby Letters of Credit
                       
Risk management requirement for insurance claims
  $ 16.2     One year   Renewable annually
Payment surety required by contract
    14.9         February 2007
Payment surety required by utilities
    0.1     One year   Renewable annually
Contractual reclamation/restoration requirements
    35.5     One year   Renewable annually
     
Total standby letters of credit
  $ 66.7                  
     
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 financial position, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
Common Stock
Our decisions to purchase shares of our common stock are based on valuation and price, our liquidity and debt level, and our actual and projected cash requirements for investment projects and regular dividends. The amount, if any, of future share purchases will be determined by management from time to time based on various factors, including those listed above. Shares purchased are being held for general corporate purposes, including distributions under long-term incentive plans.
The number and cost of shares purchased during each of the last three years and shares held in treasury at year end are shown below:
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Shares purchased:
                       
Number
    6,757,361       3,588,738        
Total cost (millions)
  $ 522.8     $ 228.5     $  
Average cost
  $ 77.37     $ 63.67     $  
Shares in treasury at year end:
                       
Number
    45,098,644       39,378,985       37,045,535  
Average cost
  $ 28.78     $ 19.94     $ 15.32  
The number of shares remaining under the current purchase authorization of the Board of Directors was 3,455,539 as of December 31, 2006.
Market Risk
We are exposed to certain market risks arising from transactions that are entered into in the normal course of business. In order to manage or reduce these market risks, we may utilize derivative financial instruments.
We are exposed to risk related to the ultimate proceeds to be received from the sale of the Chemicals business. As described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, in addition to the initial proceeds, we are entitled to receive annual cash receipts under two separate earn-outs, subject to certain conditions. The first earn-out is based on ECU and natural gas prices during the five-year period beginning July 1, 2005. Payments to us pursuant to this ECU earn-out are capped at $150 million and it is accounted for as a derivative instrument. Accordingly, it is reported at fair value and changes, if any, to the fair value of the ECU derivative are recorded in current earnings from continuing operations. Future estimates of this derivative’s fair value could vary materially from period to period. The determination of the fair value of the ECU derivative is discussed in greater detail within the Critical Accounting Policies section of this annual report. Proceeds under the second earn-out are determined based on the performance of the hydrochlorocarbon product HCC-240fa (commonly referred to as 5CP) from the June 7, 2005 sale through 2012. Although we expect the total proceeds received in connection with the sale of our Chemicals business, including contingent proceeds under the two earn-outs, to exceed the carrying amount of the net assets sold, no gain on the sale was recognized since SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies,” precludes the recognition of a contingent gain until realization is assured beyond a reasonable doubt. Accordingly, the value recorded at the June 7, 2005 closing date referable to these two earn-outs was limited to $128.2 million. The combined carrying amount of these earn-outs (reflected in accounts and notes receivable – other and other noncurrent assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets) as of December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 was $49.5 million and $148.4 million, respectively. The $98.9 million decrease in the combined carrying amount during 2006 was due primarily to cash receipts totaling $131.8 million under the 5CP and ECU earn-outs, partially offset by a gain of $28.7 million on the ECU earn-out (reflected as a component of other income, net of other charges, in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2006). The $20.2 million increase in the combined carrying amount from the June 7, 2005 closing to December 31, 2005 was due primarily to a $20.4 million gain on the ECU earn-out, which is included as a component of other income, net of other charges, in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2005.
We are exposed to interest rate risk due to our various long-term debt instruments. Substantially all this debt is at fixed rates; therefore, a decline in interest rates would result in an increase in the fair market value of the liability. At times, we use interest rate swap agreements to manage this risk. In November 2003, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a counterparty in the stated (notional) amount of $50.0 million. Under this agreement, we paid a variable London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus a fixed spread and received a fixed rate of interest of 6.40% from the counterparty. The six-month LIBOR approximated 4.70% at December 31, 2005 and 2.78% at December 31, 2004. The interest rate swap agreement terminated February 1, 2006, coinciding with the maturity of our 6.40% five-year notes issued in 2001 in the amount of $240.0 million. The realized gains and losses upon settlement

 


 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
related to the swap agreement are reflected in interest expense concurrent with the hedged interest payments on the debt. For the prior periods presented, the estimated fair values of this agreement were as follows: December 31, 2005 –$0.5 million unfavorable and December 31, 2004 – $0.2 million unfavorable.
We have used commodity swap and option contracts to reduce our exposure to fluctuations in prices for natural gas in our discontinued operations – Chemicals business. We had no such contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005. The fair values of these contracts were $0.1 million unfavorable as of December 31, 2004.
We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes.
At December 31, 2006, the estimated fair market value of our long-term debt instruments including current maturities was $333.2 million as compared with a book value of $322.7 million. The effect of a hypothetical decline in interest rates of 1% would increase the fair market value of our liability by approximately $8.3 million.
We are exposed to certain economic risks related to the costs of our pension and other postretirement benefit plans. These economic risks include changes in the discount rate for high-quality bonds, the expected return on plan assets, the rate of compensation increase for salaried employees and the rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered healthcare benefits. The impact of a change in these assumptions on our annual pension and other postretirement benefit costs is discussed in greater detail within the Critical Accounting Policies section of this annual report.
New Accounting Standards
In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (FIN 48). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” by prescribing a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Under FIN 48, the financial statement effects of a tax position should initially be recognized when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should initially and subsequently be measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006; we adopted FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007. We do not expect the adoption of FIN 48 to have a material effect on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
In September 2006, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. AUG AIR-1, “Accounting for Planned Major Maintenance Activities” (FSP AUG AIR-1). This FSP amends certain provisions in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Industry Audit Guide, “Audits of Airlines” (Airline Guide). The Airline Guide is the principal source of guidance on the accounting for planned major maintenance activities and permits four alternative methods of accounting for such activities. This guidance principally affects our accounting for periodic overhauls on our oceangoing vessels. Prior to January 1, 2007, we applied the accrue-in-advance method as prescribed by the Airline Guide, which required the accrual of estimated costs for the next scheduled overhaul over the period leading up to the overhaul. At that time, the actual cost of the overhaul is charged to the accrual, with any deficiency or excess charged or credited to expense. FSP AUG AIR-1 prohibits the use of the accrue-in-advance method and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The FSP must be applied retrospectively to the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements. We adopted FSP AUG AIR-1 as of January 1, 2007 using the deferral method as prescribed by the Airline Guide. Under the deferral method, the actual cost of each overhaul is capitalized and amortized to the next overhaul. As a result of the retrospective application of this new accounting standard, we recorded the following cumulative effect adjustments to our January 1, 2004 Consolidated Balance Sheet: an increase in noncurrent assets of $2,555,000; a decrease in current liabilities of $5,134,000; a decrease in deferred tax assets of $46,000; an increase in deferred tax liabilities of $2,111,000; and an increase in retained earnings of $5,532,000. The effect of the retrospective application of FSP AUG AIR-1 on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, and the related Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Statements of Cash Flows for the years then ended are presented in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (FAS 157), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. FAS 157 applies whenever other accounting standards require or permit assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value; accordingly, it does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. Fair value under FAS 157 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 standard clarifies the principle that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability. In support of this principle, the standard establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable data; for example, a reporting entity’s own data. Under the standard, fair value measurements would be separately disclosed by level within the fair value hierarchy. FAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007; we expect to adopt FAS 157 as of January 1, 2008.
In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 (SAB 108), which provides guidance on the consideration of the effects of prior year misstatements in quantifying current year misstatements for the purpose of a materiality assessment. Two approaches are commonly used to evaluate the materiality of misstatements or errors in financial statements: the rollover, also known as the current-period or income-statement approach, and the iron curtain, also known as the cumulative or balance-sheet approach. The rollover approach quantifies a misstatement based on the amount of the error originating in the current-period income statement. This approach could allow balance sheet items to grow each year by immaterial amounts, until the cumulative error becomes material. The iron curtain approach quantifies a misstatement based on the effects of correcting the misstatement existing in the balance sheet at the end of the current period. This approach does not consider the income statement effects of correcting prior year misstatements in the current year to be errors. The reliance on only one of these approaches, to the exclusion of the other, does not appropriately quantify all misstatements that could be material to financial

 


 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
statement users. Accordingly, SAB 108 will require quantification of financial statement errors based on the effects of the error on each of a company’s financial statements and the related financial statement disclosures. This model is commonly referred to as a dual approach because it essentially requires quantification of errors under both the iron curtain and the rollover approaches. From a transition perspective, SAB 108 permits companies to record the cumulative effect of initially applying the dual approach in the first year ending after November 15, 2006 by recording any necessary correcting adjustments to the carrying values of assets and liabilities as of the beginning of that year with the offsetting adjustment recorded to the opening balance of retained earnings. SAB 108 is effective for annual financial statements covering the first fiscal year ending after November 15, 2006. The adoption of SAB 108 had no effect on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employer’s Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)” (FAS 158). FAS 158 requires an employer to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a postretirement benefit plan as an asset or liability in its balance sheet, recognize changes in funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income and measure the plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of its year-end balance sheet. The funded status of a benefit plan is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligation for pension plans or the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for other postretirement benefit plans. Prior to the effective date of FAS 158, information about the overfunded or underfunded status of benefit plans was disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. Under FAS 158, an employer is required to recognize as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, the gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost pursuant to SFAS No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions” (FAS 87), or SFAS No. 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions” (FAS 106). Prior to the effective date of FAS 158, the recognition of these gains or losses and prior service costs or credits was delayed, and such amounts were presented in the notes to the financial statements as a reconciling difference between the funded status of a benefit plan and the amount recognized in an employer’s balance sheet. Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income pursuant to FAS 158 will be adjusted as they are subsequently recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost pursuant to the recognition and amortization provisions of FAS 87 and FAS 106.
The FAS 158 requirement to recognize the funded status of a benefit plan in an employer’s balance sheet was effective as of December 31, 2006. The requirement to measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of the employer’s fiscal year-end balance sheet is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. Our December 31, 2006 adoption of the recognition provisions of FAS 158 resulted in an increase to our noncurrent prepaid pension asset of $8.9 million, an increase to our noncurrent pension and postretirement liabilities of $11.8 million, an increase to deferred tax assets of $1.1 million and a charge to the ending balance of accumulated other comprehensive income of $1.8 million, net of tax. The adoption of the recognition provisions of FAS 158 had no impact on our results of operations or cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2006. We are currently evaluating the timing of our adoption of the measurement date provisions of FAS 158 and the estimated impact such adoption will have on our financial statements.
Critical Accounting Policies
We follow certain significant accounting policies when preparing our consolidated financial statements. A summary of these policies is included in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements. The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect 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 evaluate these estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis and base our estimates on historical experience, current conditions and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates form the basis for making 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 the following critical accounting policies require the most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
ECU Earn-out
In connection with the June 2005 sale of our Chemicals business, as described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, we entered into two separate earn-out agreements that require the purchaser (Basic Chemicals) to make future payments subject to certain conditions. One of these earn-out agreements (the ECU earn-out) is based on ECU (electrochemical unit) and natural gas prices during the five-year period beginning July 1, 2005, and qualifies as a derivative financial instrument under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (FAS 133). The ECU earn-out is payable annually and is capped at $150 million.
FAS 133 requires all derivatives to be recognized on the balance sheet and measured at fair value. The fair value of the ECU earn-out is adjusted quarterly based on expected future cash flows. We have not designated the ECU earn-out as a hedging instrument and, accordingly, gains and losses resulting from changes in the fair value, if any, are recognized in current earnings. Pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 5:Z:5, “Classification and Disclosure of Contingencies Relating to Discontinued Operations” (SAB Topic 5:Z:5), changes in fair value are recorded within continuing operations. The carrying amount (fair value) of the ECU earn-out is classified in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as current (less than one year) or long term (longer than one year) based on our expectation of the timing of future cash flows. The current and long-term portions are reflected in accounts and notes receivable – other and other noncurrent assets, respectively, in our accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Cash receipts from the ECU earn-out totaled $127.9 million in 2006, and the fair value of the ECU earn-out was $20.2 million and $119.4 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
The discounted cash flow model utilized to determine the fair value of the ECU earn-out requires significant estimates and judgments as described hereafter. An ECU is defined as the price of one short ton of chlorine plus the price of 1.1 short tons of caustic soda. The expected future prices for an ECU and

 


 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
natural gas are critical variables in the discounted cash flow model. Our estimates of these variables are derived from industry ECU pricing and current natural gas futures contracts. Differences between expected future prices and actual results could materially affect the fair value of the ECU earn-out. In addition, significant judgment is required to assess the likelihood of the amounts and timing of each possible outcome. Future estimates of the ECU earn-out’s fair value could vary from period to period. Further, there can be no assurance as to the future amount received under this earn-out, if any. Additional disclosures regarding the ECU earn-out are presented in Notes 2 and 5 to the consolidated financial statements.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets Excluding Goodwill
We evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets, including intangible assets subject to amortization, when events and circumstances warrant such a review. The carrying value of long-lived assets is considered impaired when the estimated undiscounted cash flows from such assets are less than their carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized equal to the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the long-lived assets. Our estimate of net future cash flows is based on historical experience and assumptions of future trends, which may be different from actual results. We periodically review the appropriateness of the estimated useful lives of our long-lived assets.
Reclamation Costs
Reclamation costs resulting from the normal use of long-lived assets are recognized over the period the asset is in use only if there is a legal obligation to incur these costs upon retirement of the assets. Additionally, reclamation costs resulting from the normal use under a mineral lease are recognized over the lease term only if there is a legal obligation to incur these costs upon expiration of the lease. The obligation, which cannot be reduced by estimated offsetting cash flows, is recorded at fair value as a liability at the obligating event date and is accreted through charges to operating expenses. This fair value is also capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the underlying asset and depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset. If the obligation is settled for other than the carrying amount of the liability, a gain or loss is recognized on settlement.
In determining the fair value of the obligation, we estimate the cost for a third party to perform the legally required reclamation tasks including a reasonable profit margin. This cost is then increased for both future estimated inflation and an estimated market risk premium related to the estimated years to settlement. Once calculated, this cost is then discounted to fair value using present value techniques with a credit-adjusted, risk-free rate commensurate with the estimated years to settlement.
In estimating the settlement date, we evaluate the current facts and conditions to determine the most likely settlement date. If this evaluation identifies alternative estimated settlement dates, we use a weighted-average settlement date considering the probabilities of each alternative.
Reclamation obligations are reviewed at least annually for a revision to the cost or a change in the estimated settlement date. Additionally, reclamation obligations are reviewed in the period that a triggering event occurs that would result in either a revision to the cost or a change in the estimated settlement date.
Examples of events that would trigger a change in the cost include a new reclamation law or amendment of an existing mineral lease. Examples of events that would trigger a change in the estimated settlement date include the acquisition of additional reserves or the closure of a facility.
For additional information regarding reclamation obligations (commonly known as asset retirement obligations), see Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
We follow the guidance of FAS 87, FAS 106 and FAS 158 when accounting for pension and postretirement benefits. Under these accounting standards, assumptions are made regarding the valuation of benefit obligations and the performance of plan assets. The provisions of FAS 87 and FAS 106 provide for the delayed recognition of differences between actual results and expected or estimated results. This delayed recognition of actual results allows for a smoothed recognition in earnings of changes in benefit obligations and plan performance over the working lives of the employees who benefit under the plans. FAS 158 partially supersedes the delayed recognition principles of FAS 87 and FAS 106 by requiring that differences between actual results and expected or estimated results be recognized in full in other comprehensive income. Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income pursuant to FAS 158 are reclassified to earnings in accordance with the recognition principles of FAS 87 and FAS 106. The primary assumptions are as follows:
  Discount Rate – The discount rate is used in calculating the present value of benefits, which is based on projections of benefit payments to be made in the future.
 
  Expected Return on Plan Assets – We project the future return on plan assets based principally on prior performance and our expectations for future returns for the types of investments held by the plan as well as the expected long-term asset allocation of the plan. These projected returns reduce the recorded net benefit costs.
 
  Rate of Compensation Increase – For salary-related plans only, we project employees’ annual pay increases, which are used to project employees’ pension benefits at retirement.
 
  Rate of Increase in the Per Capita Cost of Covered Healthcare Benefits – We project the expected increases in the cost of covered healthcare benefits.
Beginning in 2005, we accelerated the date for actuarial measurement of our pension and other postretirement benefit obligations from December 31 to November 30.
During 2006, we reviewed our assumptions related to the discount rate, the expected return on plan assets, the rate of compensation increase (for salary-related plans) and the rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered healthcare benefits. We consult with our actuaries and investment advisors, as appropriate, when selecting these assumptions.

 


 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
In selecting the discount rate, we consider fixed-income security yields, specifically high-quality bonds. At November 30, 2006, the discount rate for our plans decreased to 5.70% from 5.75% at November 30, 2005 for purposes of determining our liability under FAS 87 (pensions) and remained 5.50% for purposes of determining our liability under FAS 106 (other postretirement benefits). An analysis of the duration of plan liabilities and the yields for corresponding high-quality bonds is used in the selection of the discount rate.
In estimating the expected return on plan assets, we consider past performance and future expectations for the types of investments held by the plan as well as the expected long-term allocation of plan assets to these investments. At November 30, 2006, the expected return on plan assets remained 8.25%.
In projecting the rate of compensation increase, we consider past experience in light of movements in inflation rates. At November 30, 2006, the inflation component of the assumed rate of compensation remained 2.25%. In addition, based on future expectations of merit and productivity increases, the weighted-average component of the salary increase assumption remained 2.50%.
In selecting the rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered healthcare benefits, we consider past performance and forecasts of future healthcare cost trends. At November 30, 2006, our assumed rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered healthcare benefits increased to 9.0% for 2007, decreasing 1.0% per year until reaching 5.0% in 2011 and remaining level thereafter.
Changes to the assumptions listed above would have an impact on the projected benefit obligations, the accrued other postretirement benefit liabilities, and the annual net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit cost. The following table reflects the sensitivities associated with a hypothetical change in certain assumptions (in millions of dollars):
                                 
    (Favorable) Unfavorable
    0.5% Increase   0.5% Decrease
    Increase (Decrease)   Increase (Decrease)   Increase (Decrease)   Increase (Decrease)
    in Benefit Obligation   in Benefit Cost   in Benefit Obligation   in Benefit Cost
 
Actuarial Assumptions
                               
Discount rate:
                               
Pension
  $ (38.3 )   $ (2.4 )   $ 42.6     $ 2.8  
Other postretirement benefits
    (3.7 )     (0.2 )     4.0       0.2  
Expected return on plan assets
  not applicable     (2.7 )   not applicable     2.7  
Rate of compensation increase (for salary-related plans)
    9.1       1.3       (8.0 )     (1.3 )
Rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered healthcare benefits
    4.4       0.7       (3.9 )     (0.6 )
As of the November 30, 2006 measurement date, the pension plans’ fair value of assets increased from $557.0 million to $611.1 million due primarily to favorable investment returns. Earnings on assets above or below the expected return are reflected in the calculation of pension expense through the calculation of the “market-related value,” which recognizes changes in fair value averaged on a systematic basis over five years.
As a result of the June 2005 sale of our Chemicals business, as described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, during 2006, we recognized a settlement charge of $0.8 million representing an acceleration of unrecognized losses due to lump-sum payments to certain retirees from our former Chemicals business. Additionally, during 2005 we recognized an acceleration of a portion of the current unrecognized prior service cost of $1.5 million (curtailment loss) for the pension plans and a benefit of $0.2 million (curtailment gain) for the postretirement medical and life insurance plans in accordance with SFAS No. 88, “Employers’ Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits” (FAS 88). In addition, we granted special termination benefits in relation to the divestiture, including immediate vesting of pension benefits and an extension of eligibility for enhanced early retirement pension benefits and postretirement medical benefits. These benefits have been treated as special termination benefits under FAS 88 and resulted in one-time, noncash charges during 2005 of $5.6 million for the pension plans and $0.8 million for the postretirement medical plans. For 2005, the divestiture reduced our pension and other postretirement benefits expense by approximately $2.1 million and $1.6 million, respectively. As a result of the divestiture, our future pension and postretirement obligations referable to the divested operations were reduced as of December 31, 2005 by approximately $18.2 million and $19.6 million, respectively.
During 2007, we expect to recognize net periodic pension expense of approximately $8.6 million and net periodic postretirement costs of approximately $9.5 million compared with $9.3 million and $8.7 million, respectively, in 2006. This expectation is based on changes to our actuarial assumptions for discount rate, expected return on plan assets and rate of compensation increase, as well as other actuarial gains and losses. Normal cash payments made for pension benefits in 2007 under the unfunded plans are estimated at $1.6 million. We expect to make no contributions to the funded pension plans during 2007.
The Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA), enacted on August 17, 2006, significantly changes the funding requirements after 2007 for single-employer defined benefit pension plans, among other provisions. Funding requirements
 

 


 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
under the PPA will largely be based on a plan’s funded status, with faster amortization of any shortfalls or surpluses. We do not believe this new legislation will have a material impact on the funding requirements of our defined benefit pension plans during 2008.
For additional information regarding pension and other postretirement benefits, see Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements.
Environmental Compliance
We incur environmental compliance costs, which include maintenance and operating costs for pollution control facilities, the cost of ongoing monitoring programs, the cost of remediation efforts and other similar costs. Environmental expenditures that pertain to current operations or that relate to future revenues are expensed or capitalized consistent with our capitalization policy. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations that do not contribute to future revenues are expensed. Costs associated with environmental assessments and remediation efforts are accrued when management determines that a liability is probable and the cost can be reasonably estimated. When a range of probable loss can be estimated, we accrue the most likely amount. In the event that no amount in the range of probable loss is considered most likely, the minimum loss in the range is accrued. As of December 31, 2006 the spread between the minimum and maximum loss in the range was $8.3 million. Accrual amounts may be based on engineering cost estimations, recommendations of third-party consultants, or costs associated with past compliance efforts that were similar in nature and scope. Our Safety, Health and Environmental Affairs Management Committee reviews cost estimates, including key assumptions, for accruing environmental compliance costs; however, a number of factors, including adverse agency rulings and encountering unanticipated conditions as remediation efforts progress, may cause actual results to differ materially from accrued costs.
Claims and Litigation Including Self-insurance
We are involved with claims and litigation, including items covered under our self-insurance program. We are self-insured for losses related to workers’ compensation up to $2.0 million per occurrence, and automotive and general/ product liability up to $3.0 million per occurrence. We have excess coverage on a per occurrence basis beyond these deductible levels.
Under our self-insurance program, we aggregate certain claims and litigation costs that are reasonably predictable based on our historical loss experience and accrue losses, including future legal defense costs, based on actuarial studies. Certain claims and litigation costs due to their unique nature are not included in our actuarial studies. We use both internal and outside legal counsel to assess the probability of loss, and establish an accrual when the claims and litigation represent a probable loss and the cost can be reasonably estimated. Legal defense costs are accrued when incurred. Accrued liabilities under our self-insurance program were $45.2 million, $42.5 million and $45.6 million as of December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Accrued liabilities for self-insurance reserves as of December 31, 2006 were discounted at 3.56%. As of December 31, 2006, the undiscounted amount was $49.2 million as compared with the discounted liability of $45.2 million. Expected payments (undiscounted) for the next five years are projected as follows: 2007, $19.5 million; 2008, $8.2 million; 2009, $6.3 million; 2010, $4.4 million; and 2011, $3.1 million.
Significant judgment is used in determining the timing and amount of the accruals for probable losses, and the actual liability could differ materially from the accrued amounts.
Income Taxes
Our effective tax rate is based on expected income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. For interim financial reporting, we estimate the annual tax rate based on projected taxable income for the full year and record a quarterly income tax provision in accordance with the anticipated annual rate. As the year progresses, we refine the estimates of the year’s taxable income as new information becomes available, including year-to-date financial results. This continual estimation process often results in a change to our expected effective tax rate for the year. When this occurs, we adjust the income tax provision during the quarter in which the change in estimate occurs so that the year-to-date provision reflects the expected annual tax rate. Significant judgment is required in determining our effective tax rate and in evaluating our tax positions.
In accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” we recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets represent items to be used as a tax deduction or credit in future tax returns for which we have already properly recorded the tax benefit in the income statement. At least quarterly, we assess the likelihood that the deferred tax asset balance will be recovered from future taxable income. We take into account such factors as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, carryback and carryforward periods, and tax strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of a realization of a deferred tax asset. To the extent recovery is unlikely, a valuation allowance is established against the deferred tax asset, increasing our income tax expense in the year such determination is made.
APB Opinion No. 23, “Accounting for Income Taxes, Special Areas,” does not require U.S. income taxes to be provided on foreign earnings when such earnings are indefinitely reinvested offshore. We periodically evaluate our investment strategies with respect to each foreign tax jurisdiction in which we operate to determine whether foreign earnings will be indefinitely reinvested offshore and, accordingly, whether U.S. income taxes should be provided when such earnings are recorded.
We establish accruals for certain tax contingencies when, despite the belief that our tax return positions are fully supported, we believe that certain positions are likely to be challenged and it is probable that our positions will not be fully sustained. The methodology utilized in establishing our tax contingency accrual involves estimating the risk to each exposure item and accruing at the appropriate amount. The tax contingency accruals are adjusted periodically due to changing circumstances, such as the progress of tax audits, case law developments and new or emerging legislation. Such adjustments are recognized entirely in the period in which they are identified. Our effective tax rate includes the net impact of tax contingency accruals and subsequent adjustments as considered appropriate by management.
A number of years may elapse before a particular matter for which we have recorded a contingent liability is audited and finally resolved. The number of years with open tax audits varies by jurisdiction. In the United States, the
 

 


 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Internal Revenue Service concluded an audit of our 2002 and 2003 tax years in the fourth quarter of 2006. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular tax matter, we believe our tax contingency accruals are adequate to address known tax contingencies. Favorable resolution of such contingencies could be recognized as a reduction in our effective tax rate in the period of resolution. Unfavorable settlement of any particular issue could increase the effective tax rate and may require the use of cash in the period of resolution. As of December 31, 2006, the accrual for tax contingencies was $9.5 million. Our tax contingency accruals are presented in the balance sheet within current liabilities.
Our largest permanent item in computing both our effective tax rate and taxable income is the deduction allowed for percentage depletion. The impact of percentage depletion on the effective tax rate is reflected in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements. The deduction for percentage depletion does not necessarily change proportionately to changes in pretax earnings. Due to the magnitude of the impact of percentage depletion on our effective tax rate and taxable income, a significant portion of the financial reporting risk is related to this estimate.
The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 created a new deduction for certain domestic production activities as described in Section 199 of the Internal Revenue Code. Generally and subject to certain limitations, the deduction is set at 3% for 2005 and 2006, increases to 6% in 2007 through 2009 and reaches 9% in 2010 and thereafter. The estimated impact of this deduction on the 2006 and 2005 effective tax rates is reflected in Note 9 of the consolidated financial statements.
Special Note Regarding Forward-looking Information
Our disclosures and analyses in this report contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations or forecasts of future events. Specifically, forward-looking statements are set forth in the “Looking Forward” section of the Letter to Shareholders and the section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis entitled “2007 Outlook.” Whenever possible, we have identified these forward-looking statements by words such as “anticipate,” “may,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “expect,” “intend” and words of similar import. Forward-looking statements involve certain 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, those associated with general economic and business conditions; changes in interest rates; the timing and amount of federal, state and local funding for infrastructure; changes in the level of spending for residential and private nonresidential construction; the highly competitive nature of the construction materials industry; pricing; weather and other natural phenomena; energy costs; costs of hydrocarbon-based raw materials; increasing healthcare costs; the timing and amount of any future payments to be received under two earn-outs contained in the agreement for the divestiture of our Chemicals business; our ability to manage and successfully integrate acquisitions; and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission or in any of our press releases.
 

 


 

ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Shareholders of Vulcan Materials Company:
Vulcan Materials Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting as required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). A control system can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.
Under management’s supervision, an evaluation of the design and effectiveness of Vulcan Materials Company’s internal control over financial reporting was conducted based on the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that Vulcan Materials Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2006.
Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as auditors of Vulcan Materials Company’s consolidated financial statements, has issued an attestation report on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of Vulcan Materials Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006. Deloitte & Touche LLP’s report, which expresses unqualified opinions on management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of Vulcan Materials Company’s internal control over financial reporting, is included herein.
         
-s- Donald M. James
  -s- Daniel F. Sansone    
 
       
Donald M. James
  Daniel F. Sansone    
Chairman and
  Senior Vice President,    
Chief Executive Officer
  Chief Financial Officer    
 
       
February 26, 2007
       
 

 


 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Vulcan Materials Company:
We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, that Vulcan Materials Company and its subsidiary companies (the “Company”) maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment about the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, management’s assessment that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006 is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006 of the Company and our report dated February 26, 2007 (July 11, 2007 as to the effect of the retrospective application of a new accounting standard as discussed in Note 18) expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and includes an explanatory paragraph concerning the adoption of SFAS 123(R), “Share-Based Payment;” SFAS 158, “Employer’s Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R);” and EITF Issue No. 04-6, “Accounting for Stripping Costs Incurred during Production in the Mining Industry,” and an explanatory paragraph referring to the Company’s retrospective application of FSP No. AUG AIR-1, “Accounting for Planned Major Maintenance Activities.”
[DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP]
Birmingham, Alabama
February 26, 2007

 


 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Consolidated Financial Statements
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Vulcan Materials Company:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Vulcan Materials Company and its subsidiary companies (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Vulcan Materials Company and its subsidiary companies as of December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, during 2006, the Company adopted SFAS 123(R), “Share-Based Payment;” SFAS 158, “Employer’s Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R);” and EITF Issue No. 04-6, “Accounting for Stripping Costs Incurred during Production in the Mining Industry.”
As discussed in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements, the accompanying 2006, 2005 and 2004 financial statements have been adjusted for the retrospective application of FSP No. AUG AIR-1, “Accounting for Planned Major Maintenance Activities.”
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 26, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
[DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP]
Birmingham, Alabama
February 26, 2007 (July 11, 2007 as to the effect of the retrospective application of a new accounting standard as discussed in Note 18)

 


 

Consolidated Statements of Earnings
                         
For the years ended December 31   2006     2005     2004  
 
Amounts and shares in thousands, except per share data                        
Net sales
  $ 3,041,093     $ 2,614,965     $ 2,213,160  
Delivery revenues
    301,382       280,362       241,175  
     
Total revenues
    3,342,475       2,895,327       2,454,335  
     
Cost of goods sold
    2,109,189       1,906,151       1,628,811  
Delivery costs
    301,382       280,362       241,175  
     
Cost of revenues
    2,410,571       2,186,513       1,869,986  
     
Gross profit
    931,904       708,814       584,349  
Selling, administrative and general expenses
    264,276       232,411       196,232  
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment, net
    5,557       8,295       23,801  
Other operating (income) expense, net
    (21,904 )     7,862       8,189  
     
Operating earnings
    695,089       476,836       403,729  
Other income, net
    28,541       24,378       8,314  
Interest income
    6,171       16,627       5,599  
Interest expense
    26,310       37,146       40,280  
     
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
    703,491       480,695       377,362  
Provision for income taxes
                       
Current
    221,094       132,250       107,200  
Deferred
    2,219       4,317       7,666  
     
Total provision for income taxes
    223,313       136,567       114,866  
     
Earnings from continuing operations
    480,178       344,128       262,496  
Discontinued operations (Note 2)
                       
Earnings (loss) from results of discontinued operations
    (16,624 )     83,683       48,839  
Minority interest in earnings of a consolidated subsidiary
          (11,232 )     (9,037 )
Income tax benefit (provision)
    6,660       (27,529 )     (13,630 )
     
Earnings (loss) on discontinued operations, net of income taxes
    (9,964 )     44,922       26,172  
     
Net earnings
  $ 470,214     $ 389,050     $ 288,668  
     
Basic earnings (loss) per share
                       
Earnings from continuing operations
  $ 4.92     $ 3.37     $ 2.56  
Discontinued operations
  $ (0.10 )   $ 0.44     $ 0.26  
Net earnings per share
  $ 4.82     $ 3.81     $ 2.82  
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
                       
Earnings from continuing operations
  $ 4.81     $ 3.31     $ 2.53  
Discontinued operations
  $ (0.10 )   $ 0.43     $ 0.25  
Net earnings per share
  $ 4.71     $ 3.74     $ 2.78  
 
                       
Dividends declared per share
  $ 1.48     $ 1.16     $ 1.04  
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
    97,577       102,179       102,447  
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution
    99,777       104,085       103,664  
     
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 


 

Consolidated Balance Sheets
                         
As of December 31   2006     2005     2004  
 
Amounts and shares in thousands, except per share data                        
Assets
                       
Current assets
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 55,230     $ 275,138     $ 271,450  
Medium-term investments
          175,140       179,210  
Accounts and notes receivable
                       
Customers, less allowance for doubtful accounts:
                       
2006 – $3,355; 2005 – $4,277; 2004 – $5,196
    344,114       329,299       268,719  
Other
    47,346       147,071       12,894  
Inventories
    243,537       197,752       177,184  
Deferred income taxes
    25,579       23,046       34,341  
Prepaid expenses
    15,388       17,138       15,846  
Assets held for sale
                458,223  
     
Total current assets
    731,194       1,164,584       1,417,867  
Investments and long-term receivables
    6,664       6,942       7,226  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    1,869,114       1,603,967       1,536,493  
Goodwill
    620,189       617,083       600,181  
Other assets
    200,673       197,847       105,779  
     
Total assets
  $ 3,427,834     $ 3,590,423     $ 3,667,546  
     
 
                       
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
                       
Current liabilities
                       
Current maturities of long-term debt
  $ 630     $ 272,067     $ 3,226  
Short-term borrowings
    198,900              
Trade payables and accruals
    154,215       142,221       95,312  
Accrued salaries, wages and management incentives
    74,084       68,544       45,355  
Accrued interest
    4,671       10,691       10,740  
Current portion of income taxes
    11,980       37,870       40,830  
Other accrued liabilities
    43,028       39,356       35,811  
Liabilities of assets held for sale
                188,435  
     
Total current liabilities
    487,508       570,749       419,709  
Long-term debt
    322,064       323,392       604,522  
Deferred income taxes
    287,905       277,761       351,191  
Deferred management incentive and other compensation
    69,966       61,779       55,108  
Other postretirement benefits
    85,308       69,537       70,646  
Asset retirement obligations
    114,829       105,774       90,906  
Noncurrent self-insurance reserve
    33,519       31,616       33,291  
Other noncurrent liabilities
    15,836       16,166       21,383  
     
Total liabilities
    1,416,935       1,456,774       1,646,756  
     
Other commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
                       
     
Shareholders’ equity
                       
Common stock, $1 par value – 139,705 shares issued as of 2006, 2005 and 2004
    139,705       139,705       139,705  
Capital in excess of par value
    191,695       136,675       76,222  
Retained earnings
    2,982,526       2,644,535       2,373,730  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (4,953 )     (2,213 )     (1,309 )
Treasury stock at cost
    (1,298,074 )     (785,053 )     (567,558 )
     
Total shareholders’ equity
    2,010,899       2,133,649       2,020,790  
     
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 3,427,834     $ 3,590,423     $ 3,667,546  
     
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 


 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                         
For the years ended December 31                  
Amounts in thousands   2006     2005     2004  
 
Operating Activities
                       
Net earnings
  $ 470,214     $ 389,050     $ 288,668  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization
    226,370       222,868       246,388  
Net gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
    (5,557 )     (9,414 )     (23,973 )
Net gain on sale of contractual rights
    (24,841 )            
Contributions to pension plans
    (1,433 )     (29,100 )     (7,327 )
Share-based compensation
    14,352       17,170       4,212  
(Increase) decrease in assets before initial effects of business acquisitions and dispositions
                       
Accounts and notes receivable
    (56,599 )     (64,782 )     (14,876 )
Inventories
    (28,552 )     (6,210 )     5,815  
Deferred income taxes
    (2,534 )     11,296       (29 )
Prepaid expenses
    1,801       (1,291 )     (1,827 )
Customer long-term receivables
                108  
Other assets
    9,895       (55,055 )     (6,672 )
Increase (decrease) in liabilities before initial effects of business acquisitions and dispositions
                       
Accrued interest and income taxes
    (35,806 )     (3,008 )     16,766  
Trade payables and other accruals
    2,968       40,224       7,636  
Deferred income taxes
    11,848       (73,467 )     11,801  
Other noncurrent liabilities
    (1,602 )     41,066       49,351  
Other, net
    (1,175 )     (6,163 )     4,574  
     
Net cash provided by operating activities
    579,349       473,184       580,615  
     
 
                       
Investing Activities
                       
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
    (435,207 )     (215,646 )     (203,800 )
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
    7,918       10,629       48,377  
Proceeds from sale of contractual rights, net of cash transaction fees
    24,849              
Proceeds from sale of Chemicals business, net of cash transaction fees
    141,916       209,254        
Payment for minority partner’s interest in consolidated Chemicals joint venture
          (65,172 )      
Payment for businesses acquired, net of acquired cash
    (20,531 )     (93,965 )     (34,555 )
Purchases of medium-term investments
          (313,490 )     (378,463 )
Proceeds from sales and maturities of medium-term investments
    175,140       317,560       473,147  
Change in investments and long-term receivables
    304       596       789  
Other, net
    604       1,062        
     
Net cash used for investing activities
    (105,007 )     (149,172 )     (94,505 )
     
 
                       
Financing Activities
                       
Net short-term borrowings (payments)
    198,900             (29,000 )
Payment of short-term debt and current maturities
    (272,532 )     (3,350 )     (249,794 )
Payment of long-term debt
          (8,253 )     (195 )
Purchases of common stock
    (522,801 )     (228,479 )      
Dividends paid
    (144,082 )     (118,229 )     (106,331 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    28,889       37,940       21,508  
Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options
    17,376              
Other, net
          47       1,383  
     
Net cash used for financing activities
    (694,250 )     (320,324 )     (362,429 )
     
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (219,908 )     3,688       123,681  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    275,138       271,450       147,769  
     
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 55,230     $ 275,138     $ 271,450  
     
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 


 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
                                                 
For the years ended December 31   2006     2005     2004  
Amounts and shares in thousands, except per share data   Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  
Common stock, $1 par value Authorized: 480,000 shares in 2006, 2005 and 2004
                                               
Issued at beginning of year
    139,705     $ 139,705       139,705     $ 139,705       139,705     $ 139,705  
 
                                   
Issued at end of year
    139,705       139,705       139,705       139,705       139,705       139,705  
 
                                   
Capital in excess of par value
                                               
Balance at beginning of year
            136,675               76,222               49,664  
Issuances of stock under share-based compensation plans
            22,915               27,996               15,032  
Share-based compensation expense
            14,352               17,170               4,212  
Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options
            17,376               15,287               7,314  
Accrued dividends on share-based compensation awards
            377                              
 
                                   
Balance at end of year
            191,695               136,675               76,222  
 
                                   
Retained earnings
                                               
Balance at beginning of year
            2,644,535               2,373,730               2,185,839  
Cumulative effect of accounting change (Note 18)
            12,236                             5,532  
 
                                   
Balance at beginning of year adjusted for accounting change
            2,656,771               2,373,730               2,191,371  
Net earnings
            470,214               389,050               288,668  
Cash dividends on common stock
            (144,082 )             (118,229 )             (106,331 )
Accrued dividends on share-based compensation awards
            (377 )                            
Other
                          (16 )             22  
 
                                   
Balance at end of year
            2,982,526               2,644,535               2,373,730  
 
                                   
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes
                                               
Balance at beginning of year
            (2,213 )             (1,309 )             2,649  
Fair value adjustment to cash flow hedges, net of reclassification adjustment
            75               62               (2,711 )
Minimum pension liability adjustment
            (1,027 )             (966 )             (1,247 )
 
                                   
Balance at end of year before adjustment for initial effects of FAS 158
            (3,165 )             (2,213 )             (1,309 )
Adjustment for initial effects of FAS 158, funded status of pension and postretirement benefit plans (Note 1)
            (1,788 )                            
 
                                   
Balance at end of year
            (4,953 )             (2,213 )             (1,309 )
 
                                   
Common stock held in treasury
                                               
Balance at beginning of year
    (39,379 )     (785,053 )     (37,046 )     (567,558 )     (37,894 )     (575,021 )
Purchase of common shares
    (6,757 )     (522,801 )     (3,589 )     (228,479 )            
Issuances of stock under share-based compensation plans
    1,037       9,780       1,256       10,984       848       7,463  
 
                                   
Balance at end of year
    (45,099 )     (1,298,074 )     (39,379 )     (785,053 )     (37,046 )     (567,558 )
 
                                   
Total
          $ 2,010,899             $ 2,133,649             $ 2,020,790  
 
                                   
Comprehensive income
                                               
Net earnings
          $ 470,214             $ 389,050             $ 288,668  
Other comprehensive loss
            (952 )             (904 )             (3,958 )
 
                                   
Total comprehensive income
          $ 469,262             $ 388,146             $ 284,710  
 
                                   
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 


 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of Operations
Vulcan Materials Company (the “Company,” “Vulcan,” “we,” “our”), a New Jersey corporation, is the nation’s largest producer of construction aggregates, primarily crushed stone, sand and gravel; and a major producer of asphalt mix and concrete. See Note 15 for additional disclosure regarding nature of operations.
Due to the 2005 sale of our Chemicals business as presented in Note 2, the operating results of the Chemicals business have been presented as discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Additionally, as of December 31, 2004, the assets and liabilities of the Chemicals business are reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as assets held for sale and liabilities of assets held for sale, respectively.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Vulcan Materials Company and all our majority or wholly owned subsidiary companies. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash Equivalents
We classify as cash equivalents all highly liquid securities with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase. The carrying amount of these securities approximates fair value due to their short-term maturities.
Medium-term Investments
Our medium-term investments consist of highly liquid securities with a contractual maturity in excess of three months at the time of purchase. We classify our medium-term investments as either available-for-sale or held-to-maturity. Investments classified as available-for-sale consist of variable rate demand obligations and are reported at fair value, which is equal to cost. Investments classified as held-to-maturity consist of fixed rate debt securities and are reported at cost. The reported values of these investments by major security type as of December 31 are summarized below (in thousands of dollars):
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Bonds, notes and other securities:
                       
Variable rate demand obligations
  $     $ 165,140     $ 179,210  
Other debt securities
          10,000        
     
Total
  $     $ 175,140     $ 179,210  
     
While the contractual maturities for the variable rate demand obligations noted above are generally long term (longer than one year), these securities have certain economic characteristics of current (less than one year) investments because of their rate-setting mechanisms. Therefore, all our medium-term investments as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 were classified as current assets based on our investing practices and intent.
Proceeds, gross realized gains and gross realized losses from sales and maturities of medium-term investments for the years ended December 31 are summarized below (in thousands of dollars):
                         
    2006   2005   2004
 
Proceeds
  $ 175,140   $ 317,560   $ 473,147
Gross realized gains
  insignificant   insignificant   insignificant
Gross realized losses
  insignificant   insignificant   insignificant
There were no transfers from either the available-for-sale or held-to-maturity categories to the trading category during the three years ended December 31, 2006. There were no gross unrealized holding gains or losses related to medium-term investments classified as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity as of December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004.
Accounts and Notes Receivable
Accounts and notes receivable from customers result from our extending credit to trade customers for the purchase of our products. The terms generally provide for payment within 30 days of being invoiced. On occasion, when necessary to conform to regional industry practices, we sell product under extended payment terms, which may result in either secured or unsecured short-term notes; or, on occasion, notes with durations of less than one year are taken in settlement of existing accounts receivable. Other accounts and notes receivable result from short-term transactions (less than one year) other than the sale of our products, such as interest receivable; insurance claims; freight claims; tax refund claims; bid deposits; rents receivable; etc. Additionally, as of December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, other accounts and notes receivable include the current portion of the contingent earn-out agreements referable to the Chemicals business sale as described in Note 2. Receivables are aged and appropriate allowances for doubtful accounts and bad debt expense are recorded.

 


 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Inventories
Inventories and supplies are stated at the lower of cost or market. We use the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of valuation for most of our inventories because it results in a better matching of costs with revenues. Such costs include fuel, parts and supplies, raw materials, direct labor and production overhead. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method can be made only at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations are based on our estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs and are subject to the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation. Substantially all operating supplies inventory is carried at average cost.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization. The cost of properties held under capital leases is equal to the lower of the net present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair value of the leased property at the inception of the lease.
Repair and Maintenance
Repair and maintenance costs generally are charged to operating expense as incurred. Renewals and betterments that add materially to the utility or useful lives of property, plant and equipment are capitalized and subsequently depreciated. Costs for planned major maintenance activities, primarily related to periodic overhauls on our oceangoing vessels, are accrued over the interim period between scheduled overhauls, generally no more than five years.
Depreciation, Depletion, Accretion and Amortization
Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method at rates based on the estimated service lives of the various classes of assets, which include machinery and equipment (3 to 30 years), buildings (7 to 20 years) and land improvements (7 to 20 years).
Cost depletion on depletable quarry land is computed by the unit-of-production method based on estimated recoverable units.
Accretion reflects the period-to-period increase in the carrying amount of the liability for asset retirement obligations. It is computed using the same credit-adjusted, risk-free rate used to initially measure the liability at fair value.
Leaseholds are amortized over varying periods not in excess of applicable lease terms or estimated useful life.
Amortization of intangible assets subject to amortization is computed based on the estimated life of the intangible assets.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense for assets held for sale ceased October 2004 upon our classification of the Chemicals business as discontinued operations. Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization expense for the years ended December 31 is outlined below (in thousands of dollars):
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Depreciation
                       
Continuing operations
  $ 209,195     $ 207,107     $ 198,098  
Discontinued operations
    19       21       34,031  
     
Total
  $ 209,214     $ 207,128     $ 232,129  
     
 
                       
Depletion
                       
Continuing operations
  $ 6,768     $ 6,823     $ 5,727  
Discontinued operations
                 
     
Total
  $ 6,768     $ 6,823     $ 5,727  
     
 
                       
Accretion
                       
Continuing operations
  $ 5,499     $ 4,826     $ 4,345  
Discontinued operations
          447       1,030  
     
Total
  $ 5,499     $ 5,273     $ 5,375  
     
 
                       
Amortization of Leaseholds and Capitalized Leases
                       
Continuing operations
  $ 155     $ 297     $ 297  
Discontinued operations
                 
     
Total
  $ 155     $ 297     $ 297  
     
 
                       
Amortization of Intangibles
                       
Continuing operations
  $ 4,734     $ 3,347     $ 2,860  
Discontinued operations
                 
     
Total
  $ 4,734     $ 3,347     $ 2,860  
     
 
                       
Total Depreciation, Depletion, Accretion and Amortization
                       
Continuing operations
  $ 226,351     $ 222,400     $ 211,327  
Discontinued operations
    19       468       35,061  
     
Total
  $ 226,370     $ 222,868     $ 246,388  
     
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of net assets acquired in business combinations over their fair value. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually, as of January 1, or more frequently if certain indicators arise in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (FAS 142). Goodwill is tested for impairment on a reporting unit level, as defined by FAS 142. Currently we have seven reporting units composed of seven regional divisions. The carrying value of each reporting unit is determined by assigning assets and liabilities, including goodwill, to those reporting units as of the January 1 measurement date. Further, we determine the fair values of the reporting units using present value techniques. If an impairment review indicates that goodwill is impaired, a charge is recorded. There were no charges for goodwill impairment in the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004.

 


 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 are summarized below (in thousands of dollars):
                         
    Construction              
    Materials     Chemicals*     Total  
     
Goodwill as of December 31, 2003
  $ 579,442     $ 375     $ 579,817  
     
Goodwill of acquired businesses
    20,739             20,739  
Less goodwill as of December 31, 2004 classified as assets held for sale
          375       375  
     
Goodwill as of December 31, 2004
  $ 600,181     $     $ 600,181  
     
Goodwill of acquired businesses
    18,836             18,836  
Purchase price allocation adjustments
    (1,934 )           (1,934 )
     
Goodwill as of December 31, 2005
  $ 617,083     $     $ 617,083  
     
Goodwill of acquired businesses**
    8,800             8,800  
Purchase price allocation adjustments
    (5,694 )           (5,694 )
     
Goodwill as of December 31, 2006
  $ 620,189     $     $ 620,189  
     
 
*   Goodwill for the former Chemicals segment is classified as assets held for sale as of December 31, 2004.
 
**   The goodwill of acquired businesses for 2006 relates to the acquisitions listed in Note 19. We are currently evaluating the final purchase price allocation for some of these acquisitions; therefore, the goodwill amount is subject to change. When finalized, the goodwill from the 2006 acquisitions is expected to be fully deductible for income tax purposes.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying values of our cash equivalents, medium-term investments, accounts and notes receivable, trade payables, accrued expenses and short-term borrowings approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Additional fair value disclosures for derivative instruments and interest-bearing debt are presented in Notes 5 and 6, respectively.
Derivative Instruments Excluding ECU Earn-out
We previously used derivative instruments (interest rate swap agreements) to manage interest rate risk, and we previously used derivative instruments (primarily commodity swap and option contracts) to manage volatility related to natural gas prices in our discontinued operations – Chemicals business. We may periodically use derivative instruments to reduce our exposure to interest rate risk, currency exchange risk or price fluctuations on natural gas or other commodity energy sources subject to our risk management policies. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes. Additional disclosures regarding our derivative financial instruments are presented in Note 5.
ECU Earn-out
In connection with the June 2005 sale of our Chemicals business, as described in Note 2, we entered into two separate earn-out agreements that require the purchaser, Basic Chemicals Company, LLC (Basic Chemicals), to make future payments subject to certain conditions. One of these earn-out agreements (the ECU earn-out) is based on ECU (electrochemical unit) and natural gas prices during the five-year period beginning July 1, 2005, and qualifies as a derivative financial instrument under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (FAS 133). The ECU earn-out is payable annually and is capped at $150 million.
FAS 133 requires all derivatives to be recognized on the balance sheet and measured at fair value. The fair value of the ECU earn-out is adjusted quarterly based on expected future cash flows. We have not designated the ECU earn-out as a hedging instrument and, accordingly, gains and losses resulting from changes in the fair value, if any, are recognized in current earnings. Pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 5:Z:5, “Classification and Disclosure of Contingencies Relating to Discontinued Operations” (SAB Topic 5:Z:5), changes in fair value are recorded within continuing operations. The carrying amount (fair value) of the ECU earn-out is classified in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as current (less than one year) or long term (longer than one year) based on our expectation of the timing of future cash flows. The current and long-term portions are reflected in accounts and notes receivable – other and other noncurrent assets, respectively, in our accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Cash receipts from the ECU earn-out totaled $127,859,000 in 2006, and the fair value of the ECU earn-out was $20,213,000 and $119,350,000 at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
The discounted cash flow model utilized to determine the fair value of the ECU earn-out requires significant estimates and judgments described hereafter. An ECU is defined as the price of one short ton of chlorine plus the price of 1.1 short tons of caustic soda. The expected future prices for an ECU and natural gas are critical variables in the discounted cash flow model. Our estimates of these variables are derived from industry ECU pricing and current natural gas futures contracts. Differences between expected future prices and

 


 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
actual results could materially affect the fair value of the ECU earn-out. In addition, significant judgment is required to assess the likelihood of the amounts and timing of each possible outcome. Future estimates of the ECU earn-out’s fair value could vary from period to period. Further, there can be no assurance as to the future amount received under this earn-out, if any. Additional disclosures regarding the ECU earn-out are presented in Notes 2 and 5.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets Excluding Goodwill
We evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets, including intangible assets subject to amortization, when events and circumstances warrant such a review. The carrying value of long-lived assets is considered impaired when the estimated undiscounted cash flows from such assets are less than their carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized equal to the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the long-lived assets. Our estimate of net future cash flows is based on historical experience and assumptions of future trends, which may be different from actual results. We periodically review the appropriateness of the estimated useful lives of our long-lived assets.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized at the time the sale price is fixed, the product’s title is transferred to the buyer and collectibility of the sales proceeds is reasonably assured. Total revenues include sales of products to customers, net of any discounts and taxes, and third-party delivery revenues billed to customers.
Stripping Costs
As a result of our January 1, 2006 adoption of Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 04-6, “Accounting for Stripping Costs Incurred during Production in the Mining Industry” (EITF 04-6), we changed our accounting policy for stripping costs.
In the mining industry, the costs of removing overburden and waste materials to access mineral deposits are referred to as stripping costs. Per EITF 04-6, stripping costs incurred during the production phase are considered costs of extracted minerals under a full absorption costing system, inventoried, and recognized in cost of sales in the same period as the revenue from the sale of the inventory. Additionally, capitalization of such costs would be appropriate only to the extent inventory exists at the end of a reporting period.
Prior to the adoption of EITF 04-6, we expensed stripping costs as incurred with only limited exceptions when specific criteria were met. For additional information regarding the adoption of EITF 04-6, see Note 18.
Other Costs
Costs are charged to earnings as incurred for the start-up of new plants and for normal recurring costs of mineral exploration and research and development. Research and development costs for continuing operations totaled $1,704,000 in 2006, $1,554,000 in 2005 and $1,341,000 in 2004.
Share-based Compensation
Our 1996 Long-term Incentive Plan expired effective May 1, 2006. Effective May 12, 2006, our shareholders approved the 2006 Omnibus Long-term Incentive Plan (Plan), which authorizes the granting of stock options and other types of share-based awards to key salaried employees and nonemployee directors. The maximum number of shares that may be issued under the Plan is 5,400,000.
Prior to January 1, 2006, we accounted for our share-based compensation awards under the intrinsic value recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (APB 25), and related interpretations. Additionally, we complied with the disclosure provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (FAS 123) and SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation –Transition and Disclosure” (FAS 148). Under the provisions of these pronouncements, compensation expense for our share-based compensation awards was determined as follows. Compensation expense for deferred stock unit awards was based on the market value of our underlying common stock on the date of grant and was recognized in net earnings ratably over the 10-year maximum vesting life. Compensation expense for performance share awards was recognized over the 3-year term of the award and was adjusted each period based on internal financial performance measures, changes in the market value of our common stock, and total shareholder return versus a preselected comparison group. Generally, no compensation expense was recognized in net earnings for our stock option awards, as all options granted had an exercise price equal to the market value of our underlying common stock on the date of grant. Expense recognized for stock options in periods prior to our adoption of SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” [FAS 123(R)], resulted from the accounting treatment required under the provisions of APB 25 for modifications to awards. These modifications were primarily for terminated Chemicals employees.
On January 1, 2006, we adopted the fair value recognition provisions of FAS 123(R) using the modified-prospective transition method. Under this transition method, compensation cost is recognized beginning with the effective date: (a) based on the requirements of FAS 123(R) for all share-based awards granted after the effective date and (b) based on the requirements of FAS 123 for all awards granted to employees prior to the effective date of FAS 123(R) that remain unvested on the effective date. Accordingly, we did not restate our results for prior periods. The most notable change with the adoption is that compensation expense associated with stock options is now recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings, rather than being disclosed in a pro forma footnote to our consolidated financial statements. Additionally, prior to adoption, for pro forma and actual reporting, we recognized compensation cost for all share-based compensation awards over the nominal (stated) vesting period. We will continue to follow this nominal vesting period approach for awards granted prior to our January 1, 2006 adoption of FAS 123(R). For

 


 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
awards granted subsequent to our adoption of FAS 123(R), compensation cost will be recognized over the shorter of:
  the nominal vesting period or
  the period until the employee’s award becomes nonforfeitable upon reaching eligible retirement age under the terms of the award.
As a result of adopting FAS 123(R), for the year ended December 31, 2006, we recognized a pretax charge related to stock options of approximately $9.3 million, resulting in a decrease to earnings from continuing operations and net earnings of approximately $5.7 million, or $0.06 per both basic and diluted share.
We receive an income tax deduction for stock options equal to the excess of the market value of our common stock on the date of exercise over the stock option exercise price. Prior to the adoption of FAS 123(R), we presented the tax benefits from the exercise of stock options as a component of operating cash flows. FAS 123(R) requires the tax benefits resulting from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized (excess tax benefits) to be classified as financing cash flows. The $17,376,000 in excess tax benefits classified as financing cash inflows for the year ended December 31, 2006 in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows relates to the exercise of stock options and would have been classified as operating cash inflows if we had not adopted FAS 123(R).
A summary of unrecognized compensation expense as of December 31, 2006 related to share-based awards granted under our long-term incentive plans is presented below (in thousands of dollars):
                 
    Unrecognized     Expected  
    Compensation     Weighted-average  
    Expense     Recognition (Years)  
 
Deferred stock units
  $ 6,004       2.8  
Performance shares
    2,261       1.0  
Stock options
    9,995       1.3  
     
Total/weighted-average
  $ 18,260       1.8  
     
During the year ended December 31, 2006, we recognized pretax compensation expense related to our share-based compensation awards of $22,670,000 and related income tax benefits of $8,901,000. If share-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 had been determined and recorded based on the fair value method prescribed by FAS 123, which was superseded by FAS 123(R), our net earnings and net earnings per share would have been as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
                 
    2005     2004  
 
Net earnings, as reported
  $ 389,050     $ 288,668  
Add: Total share-based employee compensation expense included in reported net earnings under intrinsic value based methods for all awards, net of related tax effects1
    19,285       4,495  
Deduct: Total share-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards (including $9,082 related to the December 2005 option grant), net of related tax effects2
    (25,349 )     (8,767 )
     
Pro forma net earnings
  $ 382,986     $ 284,396  
     
Earnings per share:
               
Basic – as reported
  $ 3.81     $ 2.82  
Basic – pro forma
  $ 3.75     $ 2.78  
Diluted – as reported
  $ 3.74     $ 2.78  
Diluted – pro forma
  $ 3.68     $ 2.74  
 
1   Reflects compensation expense related to deferred stock units, stock option modifications primarily for terminated Chemicals employees and performance share awards.
 
2   Reflects compensation expense related to deferred stock units, stock options and performance share awards.
Since 1996, we have customarily granted long-term share-based incentive compensation awards for each calendar year in February of that year. In anticipation of our adoption of FAS 123(R), we granted stock option awards in December 2005 in lieu of long-term share-based incentive awards that would customarily have been made in February 2006. The stock options awarded in December 2005 were fully vested on the date of grant; however, shares obtained upon exercise of the options are restricted from sale until January 1, 2009. By granting fully vested stock option awards during December 2005, we reduced future compensation expense that we would otherwise have recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings if these awards were granted during February 2006, after the effective date of FAS 123(R).
The exercise price of all the stock options awarded in December 2005 was equal to the market price of our underlying common stock on the date of grant; therefore, no compensation expense was recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings in accordance with APB 25. Furthermore, since the stock options awarded in December 2005 were fully vested on the grant date, the pro forma expense referable to these options, which amounted to $9.1 million, net of tax, or $0.09 per diluted share, was included in our pro forma disclosure for 2005 above.

 


 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Reclamation Costs
Reclamation costs resulting from the normal use of long-lived assets are recognized over the period the asset is in use only if there is a legal obligation to incur these costs upon retirement of the assets. Additionally, reclamation costs resulting from the normal use under a mineral lease are recognized over the lease term only if there is a legal obligation to incur these costs upon expiration of the lease. The obligation, which cannot be reduced by estimated offsetting cash flows, is recorded at fair value as a liability at the obligating event date and is accreted through charges to operating expenses. This fair value is also capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the underlying asset and depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset. If the obligation is settled for other than the carrying amount of the liability, a gain or loss is recognized on settlement.
In determining the fair value of the obligation, we estimate the cost for a third party to perform the legally required reclamation tasks including a reasonable profit margin. This cost is then increased for both future estimated inflation and an estimated market risk premium related to the estimated years to settlement. Once calculated, this cost is then discounted to fair value using present value techniques with a credit-adjusted, risk-free rate commensurate with the estimated years to settlement.
In estimating the settlement date, we evaluate the current facts and conditions to determine the most likely settlement date. If this evaluation identifies alternative estimated settlement dates, we use a weighted-average settlement date considering the probabilities of each alternative.
Reclamation obligations are reviewed at least annually for a revision to the cost or a change in the estimated settlement date. Additionally, reclamation obligations are reviewed in the period that a triggering event occurs that would result in either a revision to the cost or a change in the estimated settlement date. Examples of events that would trigger a change in the cost include a new reclamation law or amendment of an existing mineral lease. Examples of events that would trigger a change in the estimated settlement date include the acquisition of additional reserves or the closure of a facility.
For additional information regarding reclamation obligations (commonly known as asset retirement obligations), see Note 17.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
We follow the guidance of SFAS No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions” (FAS 87), SFAS No. 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions” (FAS 106), and SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)” (FAS 158), when accounting for pension and postretirement benefits. Under these accounting standards, assumptions are made regarding the valuation of benefit obligations and the performance of plan assets. The provisions of FAS 87 and FAS 106 provide for the delayed recognition of differences between actual results and expected or estimated results. This delayed recognition of actual results allows for a smoothed recognition in earnings of changes in benefit obligations and plan performance over the working lives of the employees who benefit under the plans. FAS 158 partially supersedes the delayed recognition principles of FAS 87 and FAS 106 by requiring that differences between actual results and expected or estimated results be recognized in full in other comprehensive income. Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income pursuant to FAS 158 are reclassified to earnings in accordance with the recognition principles of FAS 87 and FAS 106. The primary assumptions are as follows:
  Discount Rate – The discount rate is used in calculating the present value of benefits, which is based on projections of benefit payments to be made in the future.
  Expected Return on Plan Assets – We project the future return on plan assets based principally on prior performance and our expectations for future returns for the types of investments held by the plan as well as the expected long-term asset allocation of the plan. These projected returns reduce the recorded net benefit costs.
  Rate of Compensation Increase – For salary-related plans only, we project employees’ annual pay increases, which are used to project employees’ pension benefits at retirement.
  Rate of Increase in the Per Capita Cost of Covered Healthcare Benefits – We project the expected increases in the cost of covered healthcare benefits.
For additional information regarding pension and other postretirement benefits, see Note 10.
Environmental Compliance
We incur environmental compliance costs, which include maintenance and operating costs for pollution control facilities, the cost of ongoing monitoring programs, the cost of remediation efforts and other similar costs. Environmental expenditures that pertain to current operations or that relate to future revenues are expensed or capitalized consistent with our capitalization policy. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations that do not contribute to future revenues are expensed. Costs associated with environmental assessments and remediation efforts are accrued when management determines that a liability is probable and the cost can be reasonably estimated. When a range of probable loss can be estimated, we accrue the most likely amount. In the event that no amount in the range of probable loss is considered most likely, the minimum loss in the range is accrued. As of December 31, 2006, the spread between the minimum and maximum loss in the range was $8,273,000. Accrual amounts may be based on engineering cost estimations, recommendations of third-party consultants, or costs associated with past compliance efforts that were similar in nature and scope. Our Safety, Health and Environmental Affairs Management Committee reviews cost estimates, including key assumptions, for accruing environmental compliance costs; however, a number of factors, including adverse agency rulings and encountering unanticipated conditions as remediation efforts progress, may cause actual results to differ materially from accrued costs.

 


 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Claims and Litigation Including Self-insurance
We are involved with claims and litigation, including items covered under our self-insurance program. We are self-insured for losses related to workers’ compensation up to $2,000,000 per occurrence, and automotive and general/product liability up to $3,000,000 per occurrence. We have excess coverage on a per occurrence basis beyond these deductible levels.
Under our self-insurance program, we aggregate certain claims and litigation costs that are reasonably predictable based on our historical loss experience and accrue losses, including future defense costs, based on actuarial studies. Certain claims and litigation costs due to their unique nature are not included in our actuarial studies. We use both internal and outside legal counsel to assess the probability of loss, and establish an accrual when the claims and litigation represent a probable loss and the cost can be reasonably estimated. Legal defense costs are accrued when incurred. Accrued liabilities under our self-insurance program were $45,197,000, $42,508,000 and $45,557,000 as of December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Accrued liabilities for self-insurance reserves as of December 31, 2006 were discounted at 3.56%. As of December 31, 2006, the undiscounted amount was $49,193,000 as compared with the discounted liability of $45,197,000. Expected payments (undiscounted) for the next five years are projected as follows: 2007, $19,509,000; 2008, $8,248,000; 2009, $6,287,000; 2010, $4,433,000; and 2011, $3,062,000.
Significant judgment is used in determining the timing and amount of the accruals for probable losses, and the actual liability could differ materially from the accrued amounts.
Income Taxes
Our effective tax rate is based on expected income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. For interim financial reporting, we estimate the annual tax rate based on projected taxable income for the full year and record a quarterly income tax provision in accordance with the anticipated annual rate. As the year progresses, we refine the estimates of the year’s taxable income as new information becomes available, including year-to-date financial results. This continual estimation process often results in a change to our expected effective tax rate for the year. When this occurs, we adjust the income tax provision during the quarter in which the change in estimate occurs so that the year-to-date provision reflects the expected annual tax rate. Significant judgment is required in determining our effective tax rate and in evaluating our tax positions.
In accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” we recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets represent items to be used as a tax deduction or credit in future tax returns for which we have already properly recorded the tax benefit in the income statement. At least quarterly, we assess the likelihood that the deferred tax asset balance will be recovered from future taxable income. We take into account such factors as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, carryback and carryforward periods, and tax strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of a realization of a deferred tax asset. To the extent recovery is unlikely, a valuation allowance is established against the deferred tax asset, increasing our income tax expense in the year such determination is made.
APB Opinion No. 23, “Accounting for Income Taxes, Special Areas,” does not require U.S. income taxes to be provided on foreign earnings when such earnings are indefinitely reinvested offshore. We periodically evaluate our investment strategies with respect to each foreign tax jurisdiction in which we operate to determine whether foreign earnings will be indefinitely reinvested offshore and, accordingly, whether U.S. income taxes should be provided when such earnings are recorded.
We establish accruals for certain tax contingencies when, despite the belief that our tax return positions are fully supported, we believe that certain positions are likely to be challenged and it is probable that our positions will not be fully sustained. The methodology utilized in establishing our tax contingency accrual involves estimating the risk to each exposure item and accruing at the appropriate amount. The tax contingency accruals are adjusted periodically due to changing circumstances, such as the progress of tax audits, case law developments and new or emerging legislation. Such adjustments are recognized entirely in the period in which they are identified. Our effective tax rate includes the net impact of tax contingency accruals and subsequent adjustments as considered appropriate by management.
A number of years may elapse before a particular matter for which we have recorded a contingent liability is audited and finally resolved. The number of years with open tax audits varies by jurisdiction. In the United States, the Internal Revenue Service concluded an audit of our 2002 and 2003 tax years in the fourth quarter of 2006. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular tax matter, we believe our tax contingency accruals are adequate to address known tax contingencies. Favorable resolution of such contingencies could be recognized as a reduction in our effective tax rate in the year of resolution. Unfavorable settlement of any particular issue could increase the effective tax rate and may require the use of cash in the period of resolution. As of December 31, 2006, the accrual for tax contingencies was $9,500,000. Our tax contingency accruals are presented in the balance sheet within current liabilities.

 


 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Our largest permanent item in computing both our effective tax rate and taxable income is the deduction allowed for percentage depletion. The impact of percentage depletion on the effective tax rate is reflected in Note 9. The deduction for percentage depletion does not necessarily change proportionately to changes in pretax earnings. Due to the magnitude of the impact of percentage depletion on our effective tax rate and taxable income, a significant portion of the financial reporting risk is related to this estimate.
The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 created a new deduction for certain domestic production activities as described in Section 199 of the Internal Revenue Code. Generally and subject to certain limitations, the deduction is set at 3% for 2005 and 2006, increases to 6% in 2007 through 2009 and reaches 9% in 2010 and thereafter. The estimated impact of this new deduction on the 2006 and 2005 effective tax rates is reflected in Note 9.
Comprehensive Income
We report comprehensive income in our Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity. Comprehensive income includes charges and credits to equity from nonowner sources. Comprehensive income comprises two subsets: net earnings and other comprehensive income (loss). Historically, other comprehensive income (loss) includes fair value adjustments to cash flow hedges and minimum pension liability adjustments. Effective December 31, 2006, accumulated other comprehensive income includes actuarial gains or losses and prior service costs recognized in accordance with FAS 158.
Earnings Per Share (EPS)
We report two earnings per share numbers, basic and diluted. These are computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average common shares outstanding (basic EPS) or weighted-average common shares outstanding assuming dilution (diluted EPS), as set forth below (in thousands of shares):
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
    97,577       102,179       102,447  
Dilutive effect of:
                       
Stock options
    1,758       1,448       921  
Other
    442       458       296  
     
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution
    99,777       104,085       103,664  
     
All dilutive common stock equivalents are reflected in our earnings per share calculations. Antidilutive common stock equivalents are not included in our earnings per share calculations. The number of antidilutive common stock equivalents for the years ended December 31 are as follows (in thousands of shares):
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Antidilutive common stock equivalents
    6       1,192       2  
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (FIN 48). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” by prescribing a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Under FIN 48, the financial statement effects of a tax position should initially be recognized when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should initially and subsequently be measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006; we adopted FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007. We do not expect the adoption of FIN 48 to have a material effect on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
In September 2006, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. AUG AIR-1, “Accounting for Planned Major Maintenance Activities” (FSP AUG AIR-1). This FSP amends certain provisions in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Industry Audit Guide, “Audits of Airlines” (Airline Guide). The Airline Guide is the principal source of guidance on the accounting for planned major maintenance activities and permits four alternative methods of accounting for such activities. This guidance principally affects our accounting for periodic overhauls on our oceangoing vessels. Prior to January 1, 2007, we applied the accrue-in-advance method as prescribed by the Airline Guide, which required the accrual of estimated costs for the next scheduled overhaul over the period leading up to the overhaul. At that time, the actual cost of the overhaul is charged to the accrual, with any deficiency or excess charged or credited to expense. FSP AUG AIR-1 prohibits the use of the accrue-in-advance method and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The FSP must be applied retrospectively to the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements. We adopted FSP AUG AIR-1 as of January 1, 2007 using the deferral method as prescribed by the Airline Guide.

 


 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Under the deferral method, the actual cost of each overhaul is capitalized and amortized to the next overhaul. As a result of the retrospective application of this new accounting standard, we recorded the following cumulative effect adjustments to our January 1, 2004 Consolidated Balance Sheet: an increase in noncurrent assets of $2,555,000; a decrease in current liabilities of $5,134,000; a decrease in deferred tax assets of $46,000; an increase in deferred tax liabilities of $2,111,000; and an increase in retained earnings of $5,532,000. The effect of the retrospective application of FSP AUG AIR-1 on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, and the related Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Statements of Cash Flows for the years then ended are presented in Note 18.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (FAS 157), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. FAS 157 applies whenever other accounting standards require or permit assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value; accordingly, it does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. Fair value under FAS 157 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 standard clarifies the principle that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability. In support of this principle, the standard establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable data; for example, a reporting entity’s own data. Under the standard, fair value measurements would be separately disclosed by level within the fair value hierarchy. FAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007; we expect to adopt FAS 157 as of January 1, 2008.
In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 (SAB 108), which provides guidance on the consideration of the effects of prior year misstatements in quantifying current year misstatements for the purpose of a materiality assessment. Two approaches are commonly used to evaluate the materiality of misstatements or errors in financial statements: the rollover, also known as the current-period or income-statement approach, and the iron curtain, also known as the cumulative or balance-sheet approach. The rollover approach quantifies a misstatement based on the amount of the error originating in the current-period income statement. This approach could allow balance sheet items to grow each year by immaterial amounts, until the cumulative error becomes material. The iron curtain approach quantifies a misstatement based on the effects of correcting the misstatement existing in the balance sheet at the end of the current period. This approach does not consider the income statement effects of correcting prior year misstatements in the current year to be errors. The reliance on only one of these approaches, to the exclusion of the other, does not appropriately quantify all misstatements that could be material to financial statement users. Accordingly, SAB 108 will require quantification of financial statement errors based on the effects of the error on each of a company’s financial statements and the related financial statement disclosures. This model is commonly referred to as a dual approach because it essentially requires quantification of errors under both the iron curtain and the rollover approaches. From a transition perspective, SAB 108 permits companies to record the cumulative effect of initially applying the dual approach in the first year ending after November 15, 2006 by recording any necessary correcting adjustments to the carrying values of assets and liabilities as of the beginning of that year with the offsetting adjustment recorded to the opening balance of retained earnings. SAB 108 is effective for annual financial statements covering the first fiscal year ending after November 15, 2006. The adoption of SAB 108 had no effect on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employer’s Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)” (FAS 158). FAS 158 requires an employer to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a postretirement benefit plan as an asset or liability in its balance sheet and to recognize changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income and measure the plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of its year-end balance sheet. The funded status of a benefit plan is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligation for pension plans or the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for other postretirement benefit plans. Prior to the effective date of FAS 158, information about the overfunded or under-funded status of benefit plans was disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. Under FAS 158, an employer is required to recognize as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, the gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost pursuant to SFAS No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions” (FAS 87), or SFAS No. 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions” (FAS 106). Prior to the effective date of FAS 158, the recognition of these gains or losses and prior service costs or credits was delayed, and such amounts were presented in the notes to the financial statements as a reconciling difference between the funded status of a benefit plan and the amount recognized in an employer’s balance sheet. Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income pursuant to FAS 158 will be adjusted as they are subsequently recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost pursuant to the recognition and amortization provisions of FAS 87 and FAS 106.
The FAS 158 requirement to recognize the funded status of a benefit plan in an employer’s balance sheet was effective as of December 31, 2006. The requirement to measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of the employer’s fiscal year-end balance sheet is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. Our December 31, 2006 adoption of the recognition provisions of FAS 158 resulted in an increase to our noncurrent prepaid pension asset of $8,949,000, an increase to our noncurrent pension and postretirement liabilities of $11,844,000, an increase to deferred tax assets of $1,107,000 and a charge to the ending balance of accumulated other comprehensive income of $1,788,000, net of tax. The adoption of the recognition provisions of FAS 158 had no impact on our results of operations or cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2006. We are currently evaluating the timing of our adoption of the measurement date provisions of FAS 158 and the estimated impact such adoption will have on our financial statements.

 


 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect 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 evaluate these estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis and base our estimates on historical experience, current conditions and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities as well as identifying and assessing the accounting treatment with respect to commitments and contingencies. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Note 2 Discontinued Operations, Assets Held for Sale and Liabilities of Assets Held for Sale
In June 2005, we sold substantially all the assets of our Chemicals business, known as Vulcan Chemicals, to Basic Chemicals, a subsidiary of Occidental Chemical Corporation. These assets consisted primarily of chloralkali facilities in Wichita, Kansas; Geismar, Louisiana and Port Edwards, Wisconsin; and the facilities of our Chloralkali joint venture located in Geismar. The purchaser also assumed certain liabilities relating to the Chemicals business, including the obligation to monitor and remediate all releases of hazardous materials at or from the three plant facilities. The decision to sell the Chemicals business was based on our desire to focus our resources on the Construction Materials business.
In consideration for the sale of the Chemicals business, Basic Chemicals made an initial cash payment of $214.0 million and assumed certain liabilities relating to the business as described below. Concurrent with the sale transaction, we acquired the minority partner’s 49% interest in the joint venture for an initial cash payment of $62.7 million, and conveyed such interest to Basic Chemicals. The net initial cash proceeds of $151.3 million were subject to adjustments for actual working capital balances at the closing date, transaction costs and income taxes. In 2006 we received additional cash proceeds of $10.1 million related to adjustments for actual working capital balances at the closing date.
Basic Chemicals is required to make payments under two separate earn-out agreements subject to certain conditions. The first earn-out agreement is based on ECU and natural gas prices during the five-year period beginning July 1, 2005, and is capped at $150 million (ECU earn-out or ECU derivative). The ECU earn-out is accounted for as a derivative instrument; accordingly, it is reported at fair value. Changes to the fair value of the ECU derivative, if any, are recorded within continuing operations pursuant to SAB Topic 5:Z:5. Future estimates of this derivative’s fair value could vary materially from period to period. Proceeds under the second earn-out agreement are determined based on the performance of the hydrochlorocarbon product HCC-240fa (commonly referred to as 5CP) from the closing of the transaction through December 31, 2012 (5CP earn-out). Under this earn-out agreement, cash plant margin for 5CP, as defined in the Asset Purchase Agreement, in excess of an annual threshold amount will be shared equally between Vulcan and Basic Chemicals. The primary determinant of the value for this earn-out is growth in 5CP sales volume.
The net cash proceeds from the 2005 sale of the Chemicals business for the years ended December 31 are summarized below (in millions of dollars):
                 
    2006     2005  
 
Proceeds from sale of Chemicals business, net of cash transaction fees:
               
Initial proceeds from Basic Chemicals
  $     $ 214.0  
Working capital adjustment received
    10.1        
Transaction costs
          (4.7 )
5CP earn-out
    3.9        
ECU earn-out
    127.9        
     
Subtotal cash received
  $ 141.9     $ 209.3  
     
Payment for minority partner’s interest in consolidated Chemicals joint venture:
               
Initial payment for minority partner’s interest
  $     $ (62.7 )
Working capital adjustments paid
          (2.5 )
     
Subtotal cash paid
  $     $ (65.2 )
     
Net cash proceeds from the 2005 sale of the Chemicals business
  $ 141.9     $ 144.1  
     
 
               
The fair value of the consideration received in connection with the sale of the Chemicals business, including anticipated cash flows from the two earn-out agreements, is expected to exceed the net carrying value of the assets and liabilities sold. However, SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies,” precludes the recognition of a contingent gain until realization is assured beyond a reasonable doubt. Accordingly, no gain was recognized on the Chemicals sale and the value recorded at the June 7, 2005 closing date referable to these two earn-outs was limited to $128.2 million.
The combined carrying amount of the ECU and 5CP earn-outs (reflected in accounts and notes receivable — other and other noncurrent assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets) as of December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 was $49.5 million and $148.4 million, of which $29.2 million and $105.7 million were classified as current, respectively. During 2006, we received payments of $127.9 million under the ECU earn-out and $3.9 million under the 5CP earn-out, and recognized gains related to changes in the fair value of the ECU earn-out of $28.7 million (reflected as a component of other income, net in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings). Additionally,

 


 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
the final resolution during 2006 of adjustments for working capital balances at the closing date resulted in an increase to the carrying amount of the 5CP earn-out of $4.1 million. At December 31, 2006, the carrying amount of the ECU earn-out was $20.2 million (classified entirely as current) and the carrying amount of the 5CP earn-out was $29.2 million (of which $9.0 million was classified as current). Since changes in the fair value of the ECU earn-out are reported in continuing operations, any gain or loss on disposal of the Chemicals business will ultimately be recognized to the extent remaining cash receipts under the 5CP earn-out exceed or fall short of its $29.2 million carrying amount.
As a result of the 2005 sale of our Chemicals business, we incurred approximately $23.7 million of pretax exit and disposal charges and transaction fees. These costs consist of a $7.8 million expense under SFAS No. 88, “Employers’ Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits” (FAS 88); $10.4 million for employee severance expenses, primarily referable to outstanding share-based incentive awards; and $5.5 million for various transaction fees. As of December 31, 2005, we had recognized substantially all of the $23.7 million of pretax exit and disposal charges and transaction fees.
We are potentially liable for a cash transaction bonus payable in the future to certain key former Chemicals employees. This transaction bonus will be payable only if cash receipts realized from the two earn-out agreements described above exceed an established minimum threshold. Based on our evaluation of possible cash receipts from the earn-outs, the likely range for the contingent payments to certain key former Chemicals employees is between $0 and approximately $5 million. As of December 31, 2006, the calculated transaction bonus would be $0 and, as such, no liability for these contingent payments has been recorded.
Under the provisions of SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets” (FAS 144), the financial results of the Chemicals business are classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings for all periods presented.
Net sales, total revenues and pretax earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, excluding minority interest, are as follows (in millions of dollars):
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Net sales
  $     $ 339.7     $ 611.9  
Total revenues
          364.4       666.8  
Pretax earnings (loss)
    (16.6 )     83.7       48.8  
 
                       
The pretax loss from discontinued operations of $16.6 million during 2006 primarily reflects charges related to general and product liability costs and environmental remediation costs associated with our former Chemicals businesses. Included in these costs are approximately $7,350,000 in contingency accruals related to a claim filed by the city of Modesto, California. See Note 12 for additional information regarding this claim.
As of December 31, 2004, assets and liabilities of our discontinued operations are classified as held for sale in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets under two captions: assets held for sale and liabilities of assets held for sale. In accordance with FAS 144, depreciation expense and amortization expense were suspended on assets held for sale upon the October 2004 Board approval of the disposal plan. The major classes of assets and liabilities of our discontinued operations at December 31, 2004 were as follows (in millions of dollars):
         
    2004  
 
Accounts and notes receivable
  $ 88.5  
Inventories
    37.5  
Prepaid expenses
    0.9  
Investments and long-term receivables
    9.4  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    321.4  
Goodwill
    0.4  
Other assets
    0.1  
 
     
Total assets
  $ 458.2  
 
     
Current liabilities
  $ 61.5  
Asset retirement obligations
    17.5  
All other noncurrent liabilities
    8.4  
Minority interest in a consolidated subsidiary
    101.0  
 
     
Total liabilities including minority interest
  $ 188.4  
 
     
Note 3 Inventories
Inventories at December 31 are as follows (in thousands of dollars):
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Finished products
  $ 214,508     $ 170,539     $ 158,350  
Raw materials
    9,967       9,602       6,512  
Products in process
    1,619       1,589       937  
Operating supplies and other
    17,443       16,022       11,385  
     
Total inventories
  $ 243,537     $ 197,752     $ 177,184  
     
 
                       
In addition to the amounts presented in the table above, as of December 31, 2004, inventories of $37,528,000 related to our discontinued operations —Chemicals business were classified as assets held for sale.

 


 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The above amounts include inventories valued under the LIFO method totaling $181,851,000, $146,830,000 and $132,288,000 at December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. During 2005 and 2004, reductions in LIFO inventory layers resulted in liquidations of LIFO inventory layers carried at lower costs prevailing in prior years as compared with the cost of current-year purchases. The effect of the LIFO liquidation on 2005 results was to decrease cost of goods sold by $706,000; increase earnings from continuing operations by $436,000 ($0.00 per share effect); and increase net earnings by $436,000 ($0.00 per share effect). The effect of the LIFO liquidation on 2004 results was to decrease cost of goods sold by $511,000; increase pretax earnings from discontinued operations by $1,729,000; increase earnings from continuing operations by $316,000 ($0.00 per share effect); and increase net earnings by $1,383,000 ($0.01 per share effect).
Estimated current cost exceeded LIFO cost at December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 by $57,979,000, $44,315,000 and $33,212,000, respectively. We use the LIFO method of valuation for most of our inventories as it results in a better matching of costs with revenues. We provide supplemental income disclosures to facilitate comparisons with companies not on LIFO. The supplemental income calculation is derived by tax-effecting the historic change in the LIFO reserve for the periods presented. If all inventories valued at LIFO cost had been valued under the methods (substantially average cost) used prior to the adoption of the LIFO method, the approximate effect on net earnings would have been an increase of $9,579,000 ($0.10 per share effect) in 2006, an increase of $5,712,000 ($0.05 per share effect) in 2005 and an increase of $779,000 ($0.01 per share effect) in 2004.
Note 4 Property, Plant and Equipment
Balances of major classes of assets and allowances for depreciation, depletion and amortization at December 31 are as follows (in thousands of dollars):
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Land and land improvements
  $ 757,157     $ 713,208     $ 670,608  
Buildings
    87,681       83,070       81,987  
Machinery and equipment
    2,751,459       2,499,651       2,376,820  
Leaseholds
    7,514       5,838       5,650  
Deferred asset retirement costs
    116,595       97,233       74,996  
Construction in progress
    177,212       82,708       54,132  
     
Total
    3,897,618       3,481,708       3,264,193  
     
Less allowances for depreciation, depletion and amortization
    2,028,504       1,877,741       1,727,700  
     
Property, plant and equipment, net
  $ 1,869,114     $ 1,603,967     $ 1,536,493  
     
In addition to the amounts presented in the table above, as of December 31, 2004, property, plant and equipment, net of $321,434,000 related to our discontinued operations – Chemicals business were classified as assets held for sale.
We capitalized interest costs of $5,000,000 in 2006, $1,934,000 in 2005 and $1,980,000 in 2004 with respect to qualifying construction projects. Total interest costs incurred before recognition of the capitalized amount were $31,310,000 in 2006, $39,080,000 in 2005 and $42,260,000 in 2004.
The impairment losses noted in the following paragraphs represent the amount by which the carrying value exceeded the fair value of the long-lived assets. The write-downs at operating facilities resulted from decreased utilization related to changes in the marketplace; the valuations were based on discounted cash flow analysis. The impairment losses relating to the discontinued operations – Chemicals business have been included within the earnings (loss) from results of discontinued operations caption of the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
During 2006, we recorded asset impairment losses totaling $226,000 related to long-lived assets. This impairment loss resulted from various write-downs related to continuing operations.
During 2005, we recorded asset impairment losses totaling $697,000 related to long-lived assets. This impairment loss resulted from various write-downs related to continuing operations.
During 2004, we recorded asset impairment losses totaling $1,370,000 related to long-lived assets. This impairment loss resulted from the write-down of owned property surrounding our Wichita, Kansas Chemicals facility and is reflected in discontinued operations.
Note 5 Derivative Instruments
We may periodically use derivative instruments to reduce our exposure to interest rate risk, currency exchange risk or price fluctuations on natural gas or other commodity energy sources subject to our risk management policies.
In connection with the sale of our Chemicals business, we entered into an earn-out agreement that requires the purchaser, Basic Chemicals, to make future payments based on ECU and natural gas prices during the five-year period beginning July 1, 2005, not to exceed $150 million. We have not designated the ECU earn-out as a hedging instrument and, accordingly, gains and losses resulting from changes in the fair value, if any, are recognized in current earnings. Further, pursuant to SAB Topic 5:Z:5, changes in fair value are recorded in continuing operations. During the years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, we recorded gains of $28,722,000 and $20,420,000, respectively, which are reflected in other income, net of other charges, in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
In November 2003, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement for a stated (notional) amount of $50,000,000 under which we paid the six-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus a fixed spread and received a fixed rate of interest of 6.40% from the counterparty to the agreement. We designated this instrument as an effective fair value hedge in accordance with FAS 133. Accordingly, the mark-to-market value of the hedge was reflected in

 


 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
our Consolidated Balance Sheets with an adjustment to record the underlying hedged debt at its fair value. The interest rate swap agreement terminated February 1, 2006, coinciding with the maturity of our 6.40% five-year notes issued in 2001 in the amount of $240,000,000. For the prior periods presented, December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, the estimated fair value of our interest rate swap agreement reflected projected payments of $465,000 and $256,000, respectively.
Natural gas used in our discontinued operations – Chemicals business was subject to price volatility caused by supply conditions, political and economic variables, and other unpredictable factors. We used over-the-counter commodity swap and option contracts to manage the volatility related to future natural gas purchases. We designated these instruments as effective cash flow hedges in accordance with FAS 133. There were no open contracts as of December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005. As of December 31, 2004, our consolidated financial statements reflected the fair value of the open contracts as an unfavorable component of accumulated other comprehensive income of $99,000, offset by the income tax benefit of $37,000.
There was no impact to earnings due to hedge ineffectiveness during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004.
Note 6 Credit Facilities, Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt
Short-term borrowings at December 31 are summarized as follows (in thousands of dollars):
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Bank borrowings
  $ 2,500     $     $  
Commercial paper
    196,400              
     
Total short-term borrowings
  $ 198,900     $     $  
     
Short-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2006 consisted of $2,500,000 of bank borrowings at 5.575% maturing January 2007 and $196,400,000 of commercial paper having maturities ranging from 2 to 36 days and interest rates ranging from 5.28% to 5.36%. We plan to reissue most, if not all, of these notes when they mature. These short-term borrowings are used for general corporate purposes, including working capital requirements. There were no short-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2005 and 2004.
Our policy is to maintain committed credit facilities at least equal to our outstanding commercial paper. Unsecured bank lines of credit totaling $760,000,000 were maintained at December 31, 2006, of which $10,000,000 expires January 2007, $200,000,000 expires September 2007 and $550,000,000 expires June 2011. As of December 31, 2006, $2,500,000 of the lines of credit were drawn. Interest rates are determined at the time of borrowing based on current market conditions.
All lines of credit extended to us in 2006, 2005 and 2004 were based solely on a commitment fee; thus, no compensating balances were required. In the normal course of business, we maintain balances for which we are credited with earnings allowances. To the extent the earnings allowances are not sufficient to fully compensate banks for the services they provide, we pay the fee equivalent for the differences.
All our debt obligations, both short-term borrowings and long-term debt, are unsecured as of December 31, 2006.
Long-term debt at December 31 is summarized as follows (in thousands of dollars):
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
 
6.40% 5-year notes issued 2001*
  $     $ 239,535     $ 239,744  
6.00% 10-year notes issued 1999
    250,000       250,000       250,000  
Private placement notes
    49,335       82,209       83,139  
Medium-term notes
    21,000       21,000       23,000  
Tax-exempt bonds
                8,200  
Other notes
    2,359       2,715       3,665  
     
Total debt excluding short-term borrowings
  $ 322,694     $ 595,459     $ 607,748  
Less current maturities of long-term debt
    630       272,067       3,226  
     
Total long-term debt
  $ 322,064     $ 323,392     $ 604,522  
     
Estimated fair value of long-term debt
  $ 332,611     $ 339,291     $ 645,502  
     
 
*   Includes a reduction in valuation for the fair value of interest rate swaps, as follows: December 31, 2005 – $465 thousand and December 31, 2004 – $256 thousand.
Scheduled debt payments during 2006 included $240,000,000 (listed in the table above net of the $465,000 decrease for the interest rate swap) in February to retire the 6.40% 5-year notes issued in 2001 and $32,000,000 in December to retire private placement notes issued in 1996. Scheduled debt payments during 2005 included $2,000,000 in November to retire an 8.07% medium-term note issued in 1991.

 


 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
During 1999, we accessed the public debt market by issuing $500,000,000 of 5-year and 10-year notes in two related series (tranches) of $250,000,000 each. The 5.75% 5-year coupon notes matured in April 2004 and the 6.00% 10-year notes mature in April 2009.
In 1999, we purchased all the outstanding common shares of CalMat Co. The private placement notes were issued by CalMat in December 1996 in a series of four tranches at interest rates ranging from 7.19% to 7.66%. Principal payments on the notes began in December 2003 and end in December 2011.
During 1991, we issued $81,000,000 of medium-term notes ranging in maturity from 3 to 30 years, and in interest rates from 7.59% to 8.85%. The $21,000,000 in medium-term notes outstanding as of December 31, 2006 have a weighted-average maturity of 8.2 years with a weighted-average interest rate of 8.85%.
During 2005, we called and redeemed $8,200,000 of variable-rate, tax-exempt bond issues maturing in 2009.
Other notes of $2,359,000 as of December 31, 2006 were issued at various times to acquire land or businesses.
The aggregate principal payments of long-term debt, including current maturities, for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2006 are: 2007 – $692,000; 2008 – $33,546,000; 2009 – $250,143,000; 2010 – $151,000; and 2011 – $20,160,000.
The aggregate interest payments of long-term debt, including current maturities for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2006 are: 2007 –$20,605,000; 2008 – $20,570,000; 2009 – $10,554,000; 2010 –$3,045,000; and 2011 – $3,053,000.
Our debt agreements do not subject us to contractual restrictions with regard to working capital or the amount we may expend for cash dividends and purchases of our stock. The percentage of consolidated debt to total capitalization, as defined in our bank credit facility agreements, must be less than 60%. Our total debt as a percentage of total capital was 20.7% as of December 31, 2006; 21.9% as of December 31, 2005; and 23.2% as of December 31, 2004.
The estimated fair value amounts of long-term debt presented in the table above have been determined by discounting expected future cash flows based on interest rates on U.S. Treasury bills, notes or bonds, as appropriate. The fair value estimates are based on information available to management as of December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004. Although management is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the estimated fair value amounts, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued since those dates.
Note 7 Operating Leases
Total rental expense from continuing operations under operating leases primarily for machinery and equipment, exclusive of rental payments made under leases of one month or less, is summarized as follows (in thousands of dollars):
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Minimum rentals
  $ 28,364     $ 22,758     $ 18,388  
Contingent rentals (based principally on usage)
    33,021       26,372       17,613  
     
Total
  $ 61,385     $ 49,130     $ 36,001  
     
Future minimum operating lease payments under all leases with initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year, exclusive of mineral leases, as of December 31, 2006 are payable as follows: 2007 – $16,582,000; 2008 – $14,685,000; 2009 – $10,720,000; 2010 –$7,124,000; 2011 – $6,344,000; and total $24,648,000 thereafter. Lease agreements frequently include renewal options and require that we pay for utilities, taxes, insurance and maintenance expense. Options to purchase are also included in some lease agreements.
Note 8 Accrued Environmental Costs
Our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 include accrued environmental remediation costs as follows (in thousands of dollars):
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Continuing operations:
                       
Construction Materials
  $ 7,792     $ 5,164     $ 5,802  
Chemicals
    5,602       4,380       4,034  
Discontinued operations
                10,290  
     
Total
  $ 13,394     $ 9,544     $ 20,126  
     
The long-term portion of the reserves noted above as continuing operations is included in other noncurrent liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and amounted to $9,873,000, $7,417,000 and $7,144,000 at December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The short-term portion of these reserves is included in other accrued liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The December 31, 2004 balance of $10,290,000 noted above as discontinued operations is included within the liabilities of assets held for sale caption of the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as described in Note 2.

 


 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The accrued environmental remediation costs in the Construction Materials business relate primarily to the former CalMat and Tarmac facilities acquired in 1999 and 2000, respectively. The continuing operations balances noted above for Chemicals relate to retained environmental remediation costs from the 2003 sale of the Performance Chemicals business and the 2005 sale of the Chloralkali business.
Note 9 Income Taxes
The components of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes are as follows (in thousands of dollars):
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Domestic
  $ 678,080     $ 456,614     $ 364,819  
Foreign
    25,411       24,081       12,543  
     
Total
  $ 703,491     $ 480,695     $ 377,362  
     
Provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands of dollars):
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Current
                       
Federal
  $ 178,468     $ 108,457     $ 85,622  
State and local
    36,695       17,974       17,439  
Foreign
    5,931       5,819       4,139  
     
Total
    221,094       132,250       107,200  
     
 
                       
Deferred
                       
Federal
    627       1,953       7,911  
State and local
    2,254       3,155       322  
Foreign
    (662 )     (791 )     (567 )
     
Total
    2,219       4,317       7,666  
     
Total provision
  $ 223,313     $ 136,567     $ 114,866  
     
The effective income tax rate varied from the federal statutory income tax rate due to the following:
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Federal statutory tax rate
    35.0 %     35.0 %     35.0 %
Increase (decrease) in tax rate resulting from:
                       
Depletion
    (4.6 )     (5.9 )     (5.7 )
State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
    3.5       3.4       3.1  
U.S. Production Activities Deduction
    (0.8 )     (0.7 )      
Provision for uncertain tax positions, prior year tax liabilities and refund claims
    (0.2 )     (2.7 )     (1.2 )
Miscellaneous items
    (1.2 )     (0.7 )     (0.8 )
     
Effective tax rate
    31.7 %     28.4 %     30.4 %
     
Deferred income taxes on the balance sheet result from temporary differences between the amount of assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting and tax purposes. The components of the net deferred income tax liability at December 31 are as follows (in thousands of dollars):
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Deferred tax assets related to:
                       
Postretirement benefits
  $ 30,049     $ 29,356     $ 27,603  
Accruals for asset retirement obligations and environmental accruals
    10,788       22,379       32,317  
Accounts receivable, principally allowance for doubtful accounts
    1,429       1,808       3,007  
Inventory adjustments
    11,989       8,748       7,454  
Deferred compensation, vacation pay and incentives
    25,221       30,322       30,926  
Self-insurance reserves
    17,589       16,618       17,800  
Other items
    18,669       2,455       3,943  
     
Total deferred tax assets
    115,734       111,686       123,050  
     
Deferred tax liabilities related to:
                       
Fixed assets
    300,936       301,726       398,267  
Pensions
    26,665       22,576       17,679  
Goodwill
    34,697       27,489       19,607  
Other items
    15,762       14,610       4,347  
     
Total deferred tax liabilities
    378,060       366,401       439,900  
     
Net deferred tax liability
  $ 262,326     $ 254,715     $ 316,850  
     

 


 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The above amounts are reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 as follows (in thousands of dollars):
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Deferred income taxes:
                       
Current assets
  $ (25,579 )   $ (23,046 )   $ (34,341 )
Deferred liabilities
    287,905       277,761       351,191  
     
Net deferred tax liability
  $ 262,326     $ 254,715     $ 316,850  
     
Note 10 Benefit Plans
The measurement date for our pension and other postretirement benefit plans is November 30 for 2006 and 2005 and December 31 for 2004. In 2005, we accelerated the date for actuarial measurement of our obligation from December 31 to November 30. We believe that the one-month acceleration of the measurement date is a preferred change as it allows us more time to review the completeness and accuracy of actuarial measurements, which improves our internal control procedures. The effect of the change in measurement date on the respective obligations and assets of the plans did not have a material cumulative effect on annual expense or accrued benefit cost.
In the following tables, the use of “n/a” signifies “not applicable.”
Pension Plans
We sponsor three funded, noncontributory defined benefit pension plans. These plans cover substantially all employees other than those covered by union-administered plans. Normal retirement age is 65, but the plans contain provisions for earlier retirement. Benefits for the Salaried Plan are based on salaries or wages and years of service; the Construction Materials Hourly Plan and the Chemicals Hourly Plan provide benefits equal to a flat dollar amount for each year of service.
Additionally, we sponsor unfunded, nonqualified pension plans that are included in the tables below. The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of assets for these plans were: $37,081,000, $31,351,000 and $0 at December 31, 2006; $30,642,000, $27,048,000 and $0 at December 31, 2005; and $26,492,000, $23,461,000 and $0 at December 31, 2004.
The following table sets forth the combined funded status of the plans and their reconciliation with the related amounts recognized in our consolidated financial statements at December 31 (in thousands of dollars):
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Change in Benefit Obligation
                       
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 535,686     $ 524,332     $ 455,493  
Service cost
    18,322       20,013       18,913  
Interest cost
    32,122       30,706       29,243  
Amendments
    (1,441 )     (1,094 )     280  
Discontinued operations
          (18,169 )      
Actuarial loss
    26,531       7,325       43,106  
Benefits paid
    (31,579 )     (27,427 )     (22,703 )
     
Benefit obligation at end of year
  $ 579,641     $ 535,686     $ 524,332  
     
 
                       
Change in Plan Assets
                       
Fair value of assets at beginning of year
  $ 557,036     $ 519,550     $ 478,617  
Actual return on plan assets
    84,209       35,897       56,309  
Employer contribution
    1,518       29,016       7,327  
Benefits paid
    (31,579 )     (27,427 )     (22,703 )
     
Fair value of assets at end of year
  $ 611,184     $ 557,036     $ 519,550  
     
Funded status
  $ 31,543     $ 21,350     $ (4,782 )
Unrecognized net actuarial loss
    n/a       6,967       18,511  
Unrecognized prior service cost
    n/a       6,448       11,285  
     
Net amount recognized
  $ 31,543     $ 34,765     $ 25,014  
     
Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
                       
Noncurrent assets (2006)/Prepaid benefit cost (2005 and 2004)
  $ 68,517     $ 61,703     $ 56,639  
Current liabilities
    (1,584 )            
Noncurrent liabilities (2006)/Accrued benefit liability (2005 and 2004)
    (35,390 )     (30,918 )     (34,851 )
Intangible asset
    n/a       396       1,206  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    n/a       3,584       2,020  
     
Net amount recognized
  $ 31,543     $ 34,765     $ 25,014  
     
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
                       
Net actuarial gain
  $ (9,389 )     n/a       n/a  
Prior service cost
    3,939       n/a       n/a  
Minimum pension liability
    n/a     $ 3,584     $ 2,020  
     
Total amount recognized
  $ (5,450 )   $ 3,584     $ 2,020  
     

 


 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Effective January 1, 2006, retirees from the salaried pension plan who retired on or before January 1, 2004 were granted a cost-of-living increase, with a maximum increase of 15%. As it is no longer our intention to grant cost-of-living increases, no further increases are assumed for determining future pension expense. The effect of this change is reflected as an amendment in the 2005 change in benefit obligation table above.
The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $533,906,000 at December 31, 2006; $496,806,000 at December 31, 2005; and $476,247,000 at December 31, 2004.
The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost, amounts recognized in other comprehensive income and weighted-average assumptions of the plans at December 31 (amounts in thousands, except percentages):
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Components of Net Periodic Pension Benefit Cost
                       
Service cost
  $ 18,322     $ 20,013     $ 18,913  
Interest cost
    32,122       30,706       29,243  
Expected return on plan assets
    (43,970 )     (42,065 )     (40,806 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    1,067       2,211       2,505  
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)
    1,737       1,318       (167 )
     
Net periodic pension benefit cost
  $ 9,278     $ 12,183     $ 9,688  
     
Assumptions
                       
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligation at November 30 for 2006 and 2005 and December 31 for 2004
                       
Discount rate
    5.70 %     5.75 %     5.75 %
Rate of compensation increase (for salary-related plans):
                       
Inflation
    2.25 %     2.25 %     2.25 %
Merit/Productivity
    2.50 %     2.50 %     2.50 %
     
Total rate of compensation increase
    4.75 %     4.75 %     4.75 %
     
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended December 31
                       
Discount rate
    5.75 %     5.40 %     6.25 %
Expected return on assets
    8.25 %     8.25 %     8.25 %
Rate of compensation increase (for salary-related plans):
                       
Inflation
    2.25 %     2.25 %     2.80 %
Merit/Productivity
    2.50 %     2.50 %     2.20 %
     
Total rate of compensation increase
    4.75 %     4.75 %     5.00 %
     
During 2006, we recognized a settlement charge of $826,000 representing an acceleration of unrecognized losses due to lump-sum payments to certain retirees from our former Chemicals business. The disposition of the Chloralkali business resulted in a curtailment loss of $1,533,000 in 2005.
The estimated net actuarial loss and prior service cost that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic pension benefit cost during 2007 are $1,104,000 and $754,000, respectively.
Plan assets are composed primarily of marketable domestic and international equity securities, corporate and government debt securities and other specialty investments. Our pension plan allocation range for 2007 and asset allocation percentages at December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 are presented below:
                                 
            Percentage of  
    Allocation Range     Plan Assets at December 31  
Asset Category   2007     2006     2005     2004  
 
Equity securities
  50% – 77%       66 %     72 %     71 %
Debt securities
  15% – 27%       17 %     20 %     20 %
Real estate
                     
Other
  10% – 25%       17 %     8 %     9 %
             
Total
            100 %     100 %     100 %
             
Equity securities include domestic equities in the Russell 3000 Index and foreign equities in the Europe, Australia and Far East (EAFE) and International Finance Corporation (IFC) Emerging Market Indices. Debt securities include domestic debt instruments while the other asset category includes investments in venture capital, buyout funds, mezzanine debt private partnerships and an interest in a commodity index fund as well as cash reserves.
We establish our pension investment policy by evaluating asset/liability studies periodically performed by our consultants. These studies estimate trade-offs between expected returns on our investments and the variability in anticipated cash contributions to fund our pension liabilities. Our policy accepts a relatively high level of variability in potential pension fund contributions in exchange for higher expected returns on our investments and lower expected future contributions. We believe this policy is prudent given our strong pension funding, balance sheet and cash flows.
Our current strategy for implementing this policy is to invest a relatively high proportion in publicly traded equities, a moderate amount in long-term publicly traded debt and a relatively small amount in private, nonliquid opportunities for higher returns, such as venture capital, commodities, buyouts and mezzanine debt.
The policy, set by the Board’s Finance and Pension Funds Committee, is articulated through guideline ranges and targets for each asset category: domestic equities, foreign equities, bonds, specialty investments and cash reserves. Management implements the strategy within these guidelines and reviews the financial results quarterly, while the Finance and Pension Funds Committee reviews them semiannually.
Assumptions regarding our expected return on plan assets are based primarily on judgments made by management and the Board committee. These judgments take into account the expectations of our pension plan consultants and actuaries and our investment advisors, and the opinions of market professionals. We base

 


 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
our expected return on long-term investment expectations. Accordingly, the expected return has remained 8.25% since our 1986 adoption of FAS 87 and has not varied due to short-term results above or below our long-term expectations.
Total employer contributions for the pension plans are presented below (in thousands of dollars):
         
    Pension  
 
Employer Contributions
       
2004
  $ 7,327  
2005
    29,100  
2006
    1,433  
2007(estimated)
    1,584  
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid (in thousands of dollars):
         
    Pension  
 
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
       
2007
  $ 26,196  
2008
    27,751  
2009
    29,591  
2010
    31,035  
2011
    32,821  
2012–2016
    197,093  
Certain of our hourly employees in unions are covered by multiemployer defined benefit pension plans. Contributions to these plans approximated $7,352,000 in 2006, $5,825,000 in 2005 and $5,738,000 in 2004. The actuarial present value of accumulated plan benefits and net assets available for benefits for employees in the union-administered plans are not determinable from available information. A total of 24% of our hourly labor force were covered by collective bargaining agreements. Of our hourly workforce covered by collective bargaining agreements, 51% were covered by agreements that expire in 2007.
In addition to the pension plans noted above, we have two unfunded supplemental retirement plans. The accrued costs for these supplemental retirement plans were $1,201,000 at December 31, 2006; $1,281,000 at December 31, 2005; and $1,259,000 at December 31, 2004.
The Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA), enacted on August 17, 2006, significantly changes the funding requirements after 2007 for single-employer defined benefit pension plans, among othe provisions. Funding requirements under the PPA will largely be based on a plan’s funded status, with faster amortization of any shortfalls or surpluses. We do not believe this new legislation will have a material impact on the funding requirements of our defined benefit pension plans during 2008.
Postretirement Plans
In addition to pension benefits, we provide certain healthcare benefits and life insurance for some retired employees. Substantially all our salaried employees and, where applicable, hourly employees may become eligible for those benefits if they reach a qualifying age and meet certain service requirements while working for us. Generally, Company-provided healthcare benefits terminate when covered individuals become eligible for Medicare benefits or reach age 65, whichever occurs first.
The following table sets forth the combined funded status of the plans and their reconciliation with the related amounts recognized in our consolidated financial statements at December 31 (in thousands of dollars):
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Change in Benefit Obligation
                       
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 89,735     $ 100,878     $ 94,850  
Service cost
    3,617       4,188       4,369  
Interest cost
    4,760       5,160       5,677  
Amendments
    (82 )            
Discontinued operations
          (19,604 )      
Actuarial (gain) loss
    (101 )     5,116       640  
Benefits paid
    (7,124 )     (6,003 )     (4,658 )
     
Benefit obligation at end of year
  $ 90,805     $ 89,735     $ 100,878  
     
 
                       
Change in Plan Assets
                       
Fair value of assets at beginning of year
  $     $     $  
Actual return on plan assets
                 
     
Fair value of assets at end of year
  $     $     $  
     
Funded status
  $ (90,805 )   $ (89,735 )   $ (100,878 )
Unrecognized net actuarial loss
    n/a       15,410       31,342  
Unrecognized prior service cost
    n/a       (767 )     (1,110 )
     
Net amount recognized
  $ (90,805 )   $ (75,092 )   $ (70,646 )
     
 
                       
Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
                       
Current liabilities
  $ (5,497 )   $ (5,555 )   $  
Noncurrent liabilities (2006)/Accrued postretirement benefits (2005 and 2004)
    (85,308 )     (69,537 )     (70,646 )
     
Net amount recognized
  $ (90,805 )   $ (75,092 )   $ (70,646 )
     
 
                       
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
                       
Net actuarial loss
  $ 14,272       n/a       n/a  
Prior service cost (credit)
    (680 )     n/a       n/a  
     
Total amount recognized
  $ 13,592       n/a       n/a  
     

 


 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost, amounts recognized in other comprehensive income, weighted-average assumptions and assumed trend rates of the plans at December 31 (amounts in thousands, except percentages):
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Components of Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost
                       
Service cost
  $ 3,617     $ 4,188     $ 4,369  
Interest cost
    4,760       5,160       5,677  
Expected return on plan assets
                 
Amortization of prior service credit
    (168 )     (167 )     (194 )
Amortization of actuarial loss
    478       1,215       1,078  
     
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost
  $ 8,687     $ 10,396     $ 10,930  
     
Assumptions
                       
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligation at November 30 for 2006 and 2005 and December 31 for 2004
                       
Discount rate
    5.50 %     5.50 %     5.50 %
     
 
                       
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended December 31
                       
Discount rate
    5.50 %     5.31 %     6.25 %
Expected return on assets
    n/a       n/a       n/a  
     
 
                       
Assumed Healthcare Cost Trend Rates at December 31
                       
Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year
    9 %     9 %     10 %
Rate to which the cost trend rate gradually declines
    5 %     5 %     5 %
Year that the rate reaches the rate it is assumed to maintain
    2011       2010       2010  
The estimated net actuarial loss and prior service credit that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic postretirement benefit cost during 2007 are $582,000 and $168,000, respectively.
Assumed healthcare cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the healthcare plans. A one-percentage-point change in the assumed healthcare cost trend rate would have the following effects (in thousands of dollars):
                 
    One-percentage-point     One-percentage-point  
    Increase     Decrease  
 
Effect on total of service and interest cost
  $ 988     $ (850 )
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation
    8,823       (7,737 )
The disposition of the Chloralkali business resulted in a curtailment gain of $176,000 during 2005.
Total employer contributions for the postretirement plans are presented below (in thousands of dollars):
         
    Postretirement  
 
Employer Contributions
       
2004
  $ 4,658  
2005
    6,003  
2006
    6,566  
2007(estimated)
    5,497  
The employer contributions shown above are equal to the cost of benefits during the year. The plans are not funded and are not subject to any regulatory funding requirements.
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid (in thousands of dollars):
         
    Postretirement  
 
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
       
2007
  $ 5,497  
2008
    5,852  
2009
    6,384  
2010
    6,848  
2011
    7,264  
2012–2016
    40,125  
Contributions by participants to the postretirement benefit plans were $857,000, $716,000 and $618,000 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Assumptions
During 2006, we reviewed our assumptions related to the discount rate, the expected return on plan assets, the rate of compensation increase (for salary-related plans) and the rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered healthcare benefits. We consult with our actuaries and investment advisors, as appropriate, when selecting these assumptions.
In selecting the discount rate, we consider fixed-income security yields, specifically high-quality bonds. At November 30, 2006, the discount rate for our plans decreased to 5.70% from 5.75% at November 30, 2005 for purposes of determining our liability under FAS 87 (pensions) and remained 5.50% for purposes of determining our liability under FAS 106 (other postretirement benefits). An analysis of the duration of plan liabilities and the yields for corresponding high-quality bonds is used in the selection of the discount rate.

 


 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
In estimating the expected return on plan assets, we consider past performance and future expectations for the types of investments held by the plan as well as the expected long-term allocation of plan assets to these investments. At November 30, 2006, the expected return on plan assets remained 8.25%.
In projecting the rate of compensation increase, we consider past experience in light of movements in inflation rates. At November 30, 2006, the inflation component of the assumed rate of compensation remained 2.25%. In addition, based on future expectations of merit and productivity increases, the weighted-average component of the salary increase assumption remained 2.50%.
In selecting the rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered healthcare benefits, we consider past performance and forecasts of future healthcare cost trends. At November 30, 2006, our assumed rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered healthcare benefits increased to 9.0% for 2007, decreasing 1.0% per year until reaching 5.0% in 2011 and remaining level thereafter.
Defined Contribution Plans
We sponsor three defined contribution plans, which cover substantially all salaried and nonunion hourly employees. Expense recognized in connection with these plans totaled $12,017,000, $10,477,000 and $10,137,000 for 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Impact of Sale of the Chemicals Business
In connection with the sale of the Chemicals business, as described in Note 2, we retained the accumulated benefit obligation for the Chemicals Hourly Pension Plan, as all active participants ceased employment with the Company. We also retained the accumulated benefit obligation for salaried employees who ceased participation in the Salaried Pension Plan as a result of their termination. Both of these accumulated benefit obligations are fully funded by assets held in our Master Pension Trust.
Additionally, we retained the accumulated benefit obligation for any unfunded, nonqualified pension plans related to Chemicals salaried employees who ceased participation as a result of their termination. The retention of the unfunded accumulated benefit obligation for postretirement plans depended on whether the terminated employee reached a qualifying age and met certain service requirements prior to termination. The liabilities for these unfunded obligations are retained by Vulcan.
As a result of the divestiture, our future pension and postretirement obligations referable to the divested operations were reduced as of December 31, 2005 by approximately $18.2 million and $19.6 million, respectively. For the full year 2005, the sale reduced pension and other postretirement benefits expense approximately $2.1 million and $1.6 million, respectively.
Note 11 Incentive Plans
Share-based Compensation Plans
Our 1996 Long-term Incentive Plan expired effective May 1, 2006. Effective May 12, 2006, our shareholders approved the 2006 Omnibus Long-term Incentive Plan (Plan), which authorizes the granting of stock options and other types of share-based awards to key salaried employees and non-employee directors. The maximum number of shares that may be issued under the Plan is 5,400,000.
Deferred Stock Units – Deferred stock units were granted to executive officers and key employees from 2001 through 2005. These awards vest ratably in years 6 through 10 following the date of grant, accrue dividend equivalents starting one year after grant, carry no voting rights and become payable upon vesting. A single deferred stock unit entitles the recipient to one share of common stock upon vesting. Vesting is accelerated upon retirement at age 62 or older, death, disability or change of control as defined in the award agreement. Nonvested units are forfeited upon termination of employment for any other reason. Expense provisions referable to these awards amounted to $1,142,000 in 2006, $1,167,000 in 2005 and $2,056,000 in 2004.
The fair value of deferred stock units is estimated as of the date of grant based on the market price of our stock on the grant date. Compensation cost is recognized in net earnings ratably over the 10-year maximum vesting life during which employees perform related services. For awards granted on or after January 1, 2006, expense recognition is accelerated to the retirement eligible date for individuals meeting the requirements for immediate vesting of awards upon reaching retirement age. The following table summarizes activity for our deferred stock units during the year ended December 31, 2006:
                 
            Weighted-average  
    Number     Grant Date  
    of Shares     Fair Value  
 
Nonvested at beginning of year
    301,314     $ 40.44  
Granted
        $  
Dividend equivalents accrued
    4,664     $ 79.31  
Vested
    (2,396 )   $ 43.79  
Cancelled/forfeited
    (1,712 )   $ 40.38  
     
Nonvested at December 31, 2006
    301,870     $ 41.01  
     
The weighted-average grant date fair value of deferred stock units granted was $57.69 during 2005 and $47.65 during 2004.

 


 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Performance Shares – Performance share awards were granted annually for three years beginning in 2003. Each performance share unit is equal to one share of our common stock, but carries no voting or dividend rights. The units ultimately paid for performance share awards may range from 0% to 200% of target. Fifty percent of the payment is based upon our three-year-average Total Shareholder Return (TSR) performance relative to the three-year-average TSR performance of a preselected comparison group of companies. The remaining 50% of the payment is based upon the achievement of established internal financial performance targets. These awards vest three years from the date of grant. Vesting is accelerated upon retirement at age 55 or older, death, disability, or change of control, as defined in the award agreement. Nonvested units are forfeited upon termination for any other reason. Awards granted prior to 2005 are paid in an equal combination of cash and shares of our common stock. The cash portion of an award, if any, is based on the market value of our common stock on the measurement date. The performance shares granted in 2005 will be paid entirely in shares of our common stock. Expense provisions referable to these awards amounted to $12,179,000 in 2006, $24,509,000 in 2005 and $5,221,000 in 2004.
The fair value of performance shares is estimated as of the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model. Compensation cost for awards that will be paid in shares is recognized in net earnings ratably over the three-year maximum vesting life, is based on the awards that ultimately vest and is not adjusted for the actual target percentage achieved. Compensation cost for awards that will be paid in cash is recognized in net earnings over the three-year maximum vesting life and is adjusted based upon changes in the fair market value of our common stock and changes in our relative TSR performance and internal financial performance targets. For awards granted on or after January 1, 2006, expense recognition is accelerated to the retirement eligible date for individuals meeting the requirements for immediate vesting of awards upon reaching retirement age. The following table summarizes the activity for our performance share units during the year ended December 31, 2006:
                 
            Weighted-average  
    Number     Grant Date  
    of Shares1     Fair Value  
 
Nonvested at beginning of year
    281,084     $ 46.90  
Granted
        $  
Vested
    (93,334 )   $ 37.05  
Cancelled/forfeited
    (2,300 )   $ 50.89  
     
Nonvested at December 31, 2006
    185,450     $ 51.81  
     
 
1   The number of common shares issued related to performance shares may range from 0% to 200% of the number of performance shares shown in the table above based on the achievement of established internal financial performance targets and our three-year-average TSR performance relative to the three-year-average TSR performance of a preselected comparison group.
The weighted-average grant date fair value of performance shares granted was $55.09 during 2005 and $45.34 during 2004.
Cash payments under our performance share plan, net of applicable tax withholdings, were $6,700,000 in 2006. There were no cash payments under our performance share plan during 2005 and 2004.
Stock Options – Stock options were granted with an exercise price equal to the market value of our underlying common stock on the date of grant. With the exceptions of the stock option grants awarded in December 2005 and January 2006, the options vest ratably over 5 years and expire 10 years subsequent to the grant. The options awarded in December 2005 and January 2006 were fully vested on the date of grant, expire 10 years subsequent to the grant, and shares obtained upon exercise of the options are restricted from sale until January 1, 2009 and January 24, 2009, respectively. Vesting is accelerated upon retirement at age 55 or older, death, disability, or change of control, as defined in the award agreement. Nonvested awards are forfeited upon termination for any other reason. Upon stock option exercise, we generally issue shares from treasury stock.
The fair value of stock options is estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Compensation expense for stock options is based on this grant date fair value and is recognized for awards that ultimately vest. The following table presents the weighted-average fair value and the weighted-average assumptions used in estimating the fair value of option grants for the years ended December 31:
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Fair value
  $ 16.95     $ 16.35     $ 6.58  
Risk-free interest rate
    4.34 %     4.19 %     3.58 %
Dividend yields
    2.16 %     2.12 %     2.10 %
Volatility
    26.22 %     26.87 %     20.29 %
Expected term
  5.05 years   5.56 years   7.00 years
The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield at the date of grant of a U.S. Treasury security with a maturity period equal to or approximating the option’s expected term. The dividend yield assumption is based on our historical dividend payouts. The volatility assumption is based on the historical volatility of our common stock over a period equal to the option’s expected term and the market-based implied volatility derived from options trading on our common stock. The expected term of options granted is based on historical experience and expectations about future exercises and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding.

 


 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
A summary of our stock option activity as of December 31, 2006, and changes during the year is presented below:
                                 
                    Weighted-average     Aggregate Intrinsic  
    Number     Weighted-average     Remaining Contractual     Value  
    of Shares     Exercise Price     Life (Years)     (in thousands)  
 
Outstanding at beginning of year
    7,510,066       $46.38                  
Granted
    176,170       $69.60                  
Exercised
    (890,064 )     $32.49                  
Forfeited or expired
    (27,610 )     $57.98                  
 
                             
Outstanding at December 31, 2006
    6,768,562       $48.76       5.48       $281,835  
     
Vested and expected to vest
    6,524,120       $48.84       5.47       $271,130  
     
Exercisable at December 31, 2006
    5,567,366       $49.15       5.16       $229,680  
     
The aggregate intrinsic values in the table above represent the total pretax intrinsic value (the difference between our closing stock price on the last trading day of 2006 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all options been exercised on December 31, 2006. These values change based on the fair market value of our common stock. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised was $43,725,000 in 2006, $38,149,000 in 2005 and $18,801,000 in 2004.
Cash received from stock option exercises was $28,920,000 in 2006, $37,940,000 in 2005 and $21,508,000 in 2004. The excess tax benefit realized from the tax deductions for stock option exercises totaled $17,376,000 in 2006, $15,287,000 in 2005 and $7,314,000 in 2004, and is reflected as a component of shareholders’ equity in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Expense provisions referable to stock options amounted to $9,348,000 in 2006, $5,554,000 in 2005 and $2,000 in 2004. Expense recognized in 2005 and 2004 resulted from stock option award modifications, primarily for terminated Chemicals employees.
Cash-based Compensation Plans
We have incentive plans under which cash awards may be made annually to officers and key employees. Expense provisions referable to these plans amounted to $22,491,000 in 2006, $17,574,000 in 2005 and $11,487,000 in 2004.
Note 12 Other Commitments and Contingencies
We have commitments in the form of unconditional purchase obligations as of December 31, 2006. These include commitments for the purchase of property, plant and equipment of $72,527,000 and commitments for noncapital purchases of $89,489,000. The commitments for the purchase of property, plant and equipment are due in 2007; the commitments for noncapital purchases primarily relate to transportation and electrical contracts and are due as follows: 2007, $29,279,000; 2008–2009, $20,855,000; 2010–2011, $12,227,000; and total $27,128,000 thereafter. Expenditures under the noncapital purchase commitments totaled $139,033,000 in 2006, $158,855,000 in 2005 and $196,952,000 in 2004.
We have commitments in the form of contractual obligations related to our mineral royalties as of December 31, 2006 in the amount of $91,504,000, due as follows: 2007, $11,417,000; 2008–2009, $18,164,000; 2010–2011, $10,978,000; and total $50,945,000 thereafter. Expenditures under the contractual obligations related to mineral royalties totaled $45,569,000 in 2006, $46,299,000 in 2005 and $41,456,000 in 2004.
We provide certain third parties with irrevocable standby letters of credit in the normal course of business. We use our commercial banks to issue standby letters of credit to secure our obligations to pay or perform when required to do so pursuant to the requirements of an underlying agreement or the provision of goods and services. The standby letters of credit listed below are cancelable only at the option of the beneficiary who is authorized to draw drafts on the issuing bank up to the face amount of the standby letter of credit in accordance with its terms. Since banks consider letters of credit as contingent extensions of credit, we are required to pay a fee until they expire or are cancelled. Substantially all our standby letters of credit are renewable annually at the option of the beneficiary.

 


 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Our standby letters of credit as of December 31, 2006 are summarized in the table below (in millions of dollars):
                         
    Amount     Term   Maturity  
 
Standby Letters of Credit
                       
Risk management requirement for insurance claims
  $ 16.2     One year   Renewable annually
Payment surety required by contract
    14.9         February 2007
Payment surety required by utilities
    0.1     One year   Renewable annually
Contractual reclamation/restoration requirements
    35.5     One year   Renewable annually
     
Total standby letters of credit
  $ 66.7                  
     
As described in Note 2, we may be required to make cash payments in the form of a transaction bonus to certain key former Chemicals employees. The transaction bonus is contingent upon the amounts received under the two earn-out agreements entered into in connection with the sale of the Chemicals business. As of December 31, 2006, the calculated transaction bonus would be $0 and, as such, no liability for these contingent payments has been recorded. Based on our evaluation of possible cash receipts from the earn-outs, the likely range for the contingent payments is between $0 and approximately $5 million.
As described in our significant accounting policy for income taxes in Note 1, our accrual for tax contingencies is $9,500,000 as of December 31, 2006.
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.
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, and based our estimated accrued obligation, if any, upon our likely portion of the potential liability in relation to the total liability of all PRPs that have been identified and are believed to be financially viable. In our opinion, the ultimate resolution of claims and assessments related to these sites will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations 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 of, 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 our opinion, the disposition of these lawsuits will not adversely affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows to a material extent. In addition to those lawsuits in which we are involved in the ordinary course of business, certain other legal proceedings are more specifically described below. Although the ultimate outcome is uncertain, it is our opinion that the disposition of these described lawsuits will not adversely affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows to a material extent.
In November 1998, we were named one of several defendants in a claim filed by the city of Modesto in state court in San Francisco, California. The plaintiff sought to recover costs to investigate and clean up low levels of soil and groundwater contamination in Modesto, including a small number of municipal water wells, from a dry cleaning compound, perchloroethylene. This product was produced by several manufacturers, including our former Chemicals business, which was sold in June 2005. The defendants included other chemical and equipment manufacturers, distributors and dry cleaners. The trial of this case began during the first quarter of 2006. On June 9, 2006, the jury returned a joint and several verdict against six defendants, including Vulcan, for compensatory damages of $3.1 million, constituting the costs to filter two wells and pay for certain past investigation costs. On June 13, 2006, the jury returned separate punitive damages awards against three defendants, including $100 million against Vulcan. On August 1, 2006, the trial judge entered an order reducing the punitive damage verdict against Vulcan to $7.25 million and upholding the jury’s findings on compensatory damages. Although the compensatory damages verdict was upheld by the court, we believe our share of the compensatory damages after setoffs from other settlements will not be material to our consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, we have not accrued any amounts related to the compensatory damages verdict. We believe that the punitive damages verdict is contrary to the evidence presented at trial,

 


 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
and we are continuing to review potential legal remedies. While it is not possible to predict with certainty the ultimate outcome of this litigation, pursuant to SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies,” we have recorded a contingent liability related to the punitive damages claim of $7.25 million as of December 31, 2006.
As part of the first trial, the court on February 14, 2007, entered a Final Statement of Decision ruling in favor of the city of Modesto and against Vulcan and other defendants on certain claims not submitted to the jury relating to the California Polanco Act. The judge awarded additional joint and several damages of $438,000 against Vulcan and the other five defendants. In addition, the city of Modesto will be allowed to seek attorney fees against these six defendants, and Vulcan could also be required to pay a portion of future remediation costs at one of the four sites at issue in the trial. As of December 31, 2006, we have recorded a contingent liability related to this ruling in the amount of $100,000, representing a best estimate of our potential share of the $438,000 awarded. At this time, we cannot determine the likelihood or reasonably estimate the range of potential attorney fees or future remediation costs that Vulcan may have to pay.
In this same lawsuit, the Plaintiff seeks a second trial for soil and groundwater contamination at other locations in Modesto that were not part of the first trial, and the timing of the second trial has not been set by the court. No municipal water wells are part of the second trial. At this time, we cannot determine the likelihood or reasonably estimate a range of loss resulting from the remaining phases of the trial.
We have been named as a defendant in multiple lawsuits filed in 2001 and 2002 in state court and federal district court in Louisiana. The lawsuits claim damages for various personal injuries allegedly resulting from releases of chemicals at our former Geismar, Louisiana plant in 2001. A trial for the issues of causation and damages for ten plaintiffs was held in July 2004. Five of these plaintiffs were dismissed during the trial. A jury awarded the remaining five plaintiffs an aggregate award of $201,000. In November 2006 the trial court approved a settlement class with most of the remaining plaintiffs in the matter. A court-appointed special master is overseeing the settlement process of the November 2006 approved settlement class. A second settlement class was agreed to in principle in January 2007 for those plaintiffs who opted out of the November 2006 approved settlement class. The details of the second settlement class are currently in negotiation. We anticipate all of these matters being resolved in 2007. We have previously recorded a charge for the self-insured portion of these losses, and Vulcan’s insurers are responding to amounts in excess of the self-insured retention.
In September 2001, we were named a defendant in a suit brought by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Chancery Division, Illinois, alleging damage to a 0.9-mile section of Joliet Road that bisects our McCook Quarry in McCook, Illinois, a Chicago suburb. IDOT seeks damages to “repair, restore, and maintain” the road or, in the alternative, judgment for the cost to “improve and maintain other roadways to accommodate” vehicles that previously used the road. The complaint also requests that the court enjoin any McCook Quarry operations that will further damage the road. Discovery is ongoing.
We produced and marketed industrial sand from 1988 to 1994. Since July 1993, we have been sued in numerous suits in a number of states by plaintiffs alleging that they contracted silicosis or incurred personal injuries as a result of exposure to, or use of, industrial sand used for abrasive blasting. As of February 15, 2007, the number of suits totaled 101, involving an aggregate of 567 plaintiffs. Of the pending suits, 52 with 495 plaintiffs are filed in Texas. The balance of the suits have been brought by plaintiffs in state courts in California, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. We are seeking dismissal of all suits on the ground that plaintiffs were not exposed to our product. To date, we have been successful in getting dismissals from cases involving almost 17,000 plaintiffs.
While it is not possible to predict with certainty the ultimate outcome of these and other legal proceedings in which we are involved as of December 31, 2006, we had recorded liabilities of $7,435,000 related to the claims and litigation described above for which a loss was determined to be probable and reasonably estimable. For claims and litigation for which a loss was determined to be only reasonably possible, no liability was recorded. Furthermore, the potential range of such losses would not be material to our consolidated financial statements. 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 more fully in Note 1 under our accounting policy for claims and litigation including self-insurance.
Note 13 Shareholders’ Equity
On February 10, 2006, the Board of Directors increased to 10,000,000 shares the existing authorization to purchase common stock. As of December 31, 2006, 3,455,539 shares remained under the purchase authorization.
The number and cost of shares purchased during each of the last three years and shares held in treasury at year end are shown below:
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Shares purchased:
                       
Number
    6,757,361       3,588,738        
Total cost (thousands)
  $ 522,801     $ 228,479     $  
Average cost
  $ 77.37     $ 63.67     $  
     
Shares in treasury at year end:
                       
Number
    45,098,644       39,378,985       37,045,535  
Average cost
  $ 28.78     $ 19.94     $ 15.32  
     
Of the 6,757,361 shares purchased in 2006, 6,680,794 shares were purchased in the open market and 76,567 shares were purchased directly from employees to satisfy income tax withholding requirements on shares issued pursuant to incentive compensation plans.

 


 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 14 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income includes charges and credits to equity from nonowner sources and comprises two subsets: net earnings and other comprehensive income (loss). The components of other comprehensive income (loss) are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity, net of applicable taxes.
The amount of income tax (expense) benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 is summarized as follows (in thousands of dollars):
                         
    Before-tax     Tax (Expense)     Net-of-tax  
    Amount     Benefit     Amount  
 
December 31, 2006
                       
Fair value adjustment to cash flow hedges
  $ 115     $ (40 )   $ 75  
Minimum pension liability adjustment
    (1,662 )     635       (1,027 )
     
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (1,547 )   $ 595     $ (952 )
     
 
                       
December 31, 2005
                       
Reclassification adjustment for cash flow hedge amounts included in net earnings
  $ 99     $ (37 )   $ 62  
Minimum pension liability adjustment
    (1,564 )     598       (966 )
     
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (1,465 )   $ 561     $ (904 )
     
 
                       
December 31, 2004
                       
Fair value adjustment to cash flow hedges
  $ (9,396 )   $ 3,534     $ (5,862 )
Less reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net earnings
    5,051       (1,900 )     3,151  
Minimum pension liability adjustment
    (2,020 )     773       (1,247 )
     
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (6,365 )   $ 2,407     $ (3,958 )
     
Note 15 Enterprise Data – Continuing Operations
Our Construction Materials business is organized in seven regional divisions that produce and sell aggregates and related products and services. All these divisions exhibit similar economic characteristics, product processes, products and services, types and classes of customers, methods of distribution and regulatory environments. Accordingly, they have been aggregated into one reporting segment for financial statement purposes. During 2006, we served markets in 21 states, the District of Columbia and Mexico with a full line of aggregates, and 5 additional states with railroad ballast. Customers use aggregates primarily in the construction and maintenance of highways, streets and other public works and in the construction of housing and commercial, industrial and other nonresidential facilities.
The majority of our activities are domestic. Long-lived assets outside the United States, which primarily consist of property, plant and equipment, were $146,457,000 in 2006, $105,182,000 in 2005 and $111,207,000 in 2004. We sell a relatively small amount of construction aggregates outside the United States. Nondomestic net sales were $20,595,000 in 2006, $13,490,000 in 2005 and $7,580,000 in 2004. Due to the sale of our Chemicals business as described in Note 2, we have one reportable segment, Construction Materials, which constitutes continuing operations.
Net sales by product are summarized below (in millions of dollars):
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Net Sales by Product
                       
Aggregates
  $ 2,131.9     $ 1,884.0     $ 1,622.1  
Asphalt mix
    500.2       371.4       272.6  
Concrete
    260.7       252.1       225.0  
Other
    148.3       107.5       93.5  
     
Total
  $ 3,041.1     $ 2,615.0     $ 2,213.2  
     

 


 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 16 Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Supplemental information referable to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is summarized below (in thousands of dollars):
                         
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Cash payments:
                       
Interest (exclusive of amount capitalized)
  $ 32,616     $ 37,331     $ 44,191  
Income taxes
    219,218       211,985       90,129  
     
Noncash investing and financing activities:
                       
Accrued liabilities for purchases of property, plant and equipment
    32,941       14,244       5,898  
Debt issued for purchases of property, plant and equipment
    177              
Proceeds receivable from exercise of stock options
    31              
Amounts referable to business acquisitions:
                       
Liabilities assumed
          4,684        
Noncash proceeds from the sale of the Chemicals business:
                       
Earn-outs (Note 2)
          127,979        
Working capital adjustments
          14,255        
Note 17 Asset Retirement Obligations
SFAS 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” (FAS 143) applies to legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets resulting from the acquisition, construction, development and/or normal use of the underlying assets.
FAS 143 requires recognition of a liability for an asset retirement obligation 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 asset retirement obligation is settled for other than the carrying amount of the liability, we recognize a gain or loss on settlement.
We record all asset retirement obligations for which we have legal obligations for land reclamation at estimated fair value. Essentially all these asset retirement obligations relate to our underlying land parcels, including both owned properties and mineral leases. FAS 143 results in ongoing recognition of costs related to the depreciation of the assets and accretion of the liability. For the years ended December 31, we recognized operating costs related to FAS 143 as follows: 2006 – $16,197,000; 2005 – $14,867,000, including $447,000 related to discontinued operations; and 2004 – $12,076,000, including $1,118,000 related to discontinued operations. FAS 143 operating costs for our continuing operations are reported in cost of goods sold. FAS 143 asset retirement obligations are reported within other noncurrent liabilities in our accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
A reconciliation of the carrying amount of our asset retirement obligations for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 is as follows (in thousands of dollars):
         
Asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2003
  $ 107,683  
 
     
Liabilities incurred
    173  
Liabilities (settled)
    (9,291 )
Accretion expense
    5,375  
Revisions up (down)
    4,468  
Less asset retirement obligations classified as liabilities of assets held for sale
    (17,502 )
 
     
Asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2004
  $ 90,906  
 
     
Liabilities incurred
    3,767  
Liabilities (settled)
    (12,437 )
Accretion expense
    4,826  
Revisions up (down)
    18,712  
 
     
Asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2005
  $ 105,774  
 
     
Liabilities incurred
    1,021  
Liabilities (settled)
    (16,806 )
Accretion expense
    5,499  
Revisions up (down)
    19,341  
 
     
Asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2006
  $ 114,829  
 
     
Upward revisions to our asset retirement obligations for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 are largely attributable to one aggregates facility located in California, which we operate under a mineral lease. Extremely wet weather conditions in 2005 and 2006, which flooded certain areas at the site, resulted in higher than expected costs to extract water, dry materials, re-compact affected areas and haul away certain materials with high moisture content. During 2005 we identified certain material generated in our extraction process that contained substances that precluded it from being used as fill material. Estimated costs to examine, handle and haul such material resulted in upward revisions to our asset retirement obligations. Delays in executing an amended lease agreement, which resulted in delays in performing our reclamation plan, and changes to the reclamation plan that resulted from ongoing operational logistics, caused inefficiencies related to double handling and stockpiling materials that were not anticipated in previous cost estimates. Altogether, upward revisions to our asset retirement obligations related to this site amounted to approximately $10.3 million during 2006 and $11.1 million during 2005.
Other net upward revisions to our asset retirement obligations during 2006 and 2005 relate primarily to changes in cost estimates and settlement dates at numerous aggregates facilities.
Note 18 Accounting Changes
2007 — FSP AUG AIR-1
In September 2006, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. AUG AIR-1, “Accounting for Planned Major Maintenance Activities” (FSP AUG AIR-1). This FSP amends certain provisions in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Industry Audit Guide, “Audits of Airlines” (Airline Guide). The Airline Guide is the principal source of guidance on the accounting for planned major maintenance activities and permits four alternative methods of accounting for such activities. This guidance principally affects our accounting for periodic overhauls on our oceangoing vessels. Prior to January 1, 2007, we applied the accrue-in-advance method as prescribed by the Airline Guide, which required the accrual of estimated costs for the next scheduled overhaul over the period leading up to the overhaul. At that time, the actual cost of the overhaul was charged to the accrual, with any deficiency or excess charged or credited to expense. FSP AUG AIR-1 prohibits the use of the accrue-in-advance method, and was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. Accordingly, we adopted this FSP effective January 1, 2007, and have elected to use the deferral method of accounting for planned major maintenance as prescribed by the Airline Guide and allowed by FSP AUG AIR-1. Under the deferral method, the actual cost of each overhaul is capitalized and amortized over the period until the next overhaul. Additionally, the FSP must be applied retrospectively to the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements. As a result of the retrospective application of this change in accounting standard, we have adjusted our financial statements for all periods presented to reflect using the deferral method of accounting for planned major maintenance.
The retrospective application using the deferral method resulted in the following changes to the January 1, 2004 Consolidated Balance Sheet: an increase in noncurrent assets of $2,555,000; a decrease in current liabilities of $5,134,000; a decrease in deferred tax assets of $46,000; an increase in deferred tax liabilities of $2,111,000; and an increase in retained earnings of $5,532,000. The following tables reflect the effect of the retrospective application of FSP AUG AIR-1 on our Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands of dollars):
                         
    December 31, 2006  
    As Previously     Adjustment        
    Reported     Amount     As Adjusted  
Selected Balance Sheet Data:
                       
Deferred income taxes
  $ 25,764     $ (185 )   $ 25,579  
Total current assets
    731,379       (185 )     731,194  
Other assets
    196,879       3,794       200,673  
Total assets
    3,424,225       3,609       3,427,834  
Other accrued liabilities
    49,207       (6,179 )     43,028  
Total current liabilities
    493,687       (6,179 )     487,508  
Total shareholders’ equity
    2,001,111       9,788       2,010,899  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
    3,424,225       3,609       3,427,834  
                         
    December 31, 2005  
    As Previously     Adjustment        
    Reported     Amount     As Adjusted  
Selected Balance Sheet Data:
                       
Deferred income taxes
  $ 23,184     $ (138 )   $ 23,046  
Total current assets
    1,164,722       (138 )     1,164,584  
Other assets
    196,170       1,677       197,847  
Total assets
    3,588,884       1,539       3,590,423  
Other accrued liabilities
    47,621       (8,265 )     39,356  
Total current liabilities
    579,014       (8,265 )     570,749  
Deferred income taxes
    275,065       2,696       277,761  
Total liabilities
    1,462,343       (5,569 )     1,456,774  
Total shareholders’ equity
    2,126,541       7,108       2,133,649  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
    3,588,884       1,539       3,590,423  
                         
    December 31, 2004  
    As Previously     Adjustment        
    Reported     Amount     As Adjusted  
Selected Balance Sheet Data:
                       
Deferred income taxes
  $ 34,433     $ (92 )   $ 34,341  
Total current assets
    1,417,959       (92 )     1,417,867  
Other assets
    103,274       2,505       105,779  
Total assets
    3,665,133       2,413       3,667,546  
Other accrued liabilities
    42,791       (6,980 )     35,811  
Total current liabilities
    426,689       (6,980 )     419,709  
Deferred income taxes
    348,613       2,578       351,191  
Total liabilities
    1,651,158       (4,402 )     1,646,756  
Total shareholders’ equity
    2,013,975       6,815       2,020,790  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
    3,665,133       2,413       3,667,546  
The following tables reflect the effect of the retrospective application of FSP AUG AIR-1 on our Consolidated Statements of Earnings (in thousands of dollars, except per share data):
                         
    Year Ended December 31, 2006  
    As Previously     Adjustment        
    Reported     Amount     As Adjusted  
Selected Statement of Earnings Data:
                       
Net sales
  $ 3,041,093     $     $ 3,041,093  
Cost of goods sold
    2,109,099       90       2,109,189  
Cost of revenues
    2,410,481       90       2,410,571  
Gross profit
    931,994       (90 )     931,904  
Selling, administrative and general expenses
    264,396       (120 )     264,276  
Operating earnings
    695,059       30       695,089  
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
    703,461       30       703,491  
Provision for income taxes
    225,963       (2,650 )     223,313  
Earnings from continuing operations
    477,498       2,680       480,178  
Net earnings
    467,534       2,680       470,214  
Basic earnings per share
  $ 4.79     $ 0.03     $ 4.82  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 4.69     $ 0.02     $ 4.71  
                         
    Year Ended December 31, 2005  
    As Previously     Adjustment        
    Reported     Amount     As Adjusted  
Selected Statement of Earnings Data:
                       
Net sales
  $ 2,614,965     $     $ 2,614,965  
Cost of goods sold
    1,906,489       (338 )     1,906,151  
Cost of revenues
    2,186,851       (338 )     2,186,513  
Gross profit
    708,476       338       708,814  
Selling, administrative and general expenses
    232,531       (120 )     232,411  
Operating earnings
    476,378       458       476,836  
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
    480,237       458       480,695  
Provision for income taxes
    136,402       165       136,567  
Earnings from continuing operations
    343,835       293       344,128  
Net earnings
    388,757       293       389,050  
Basic earnings per share
  $ 3.80     $ 0.01     $ 3.81  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 3.73     $ 0.01     $ 3.74  
                         
    Year Ended December 31, 2004  
    As Previously     Adjustment        
    Reported     Amount     As Adjusted  
Selected Statement of Earnings Data:
                       
Net sales
  $ 2,213,160     $     $ 2,213,160  
Cost of goods sold
    1,630,487       (1,676 )     1,628,811  
Cost of revenues
    1,871,662       (1,676 )     1,869,986  
Gross profit
    582,673       1,676       584,349  
Selling, administrative and general expenses
    196,352       (120 )     196,232  
Operating earnings
    401,933       1,796       403,729  
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
    375,566       1,796       377,362  
Provision for income taxes
    114,353       513       114,866  
Earnings from continuing operations
    261,213       1,283       262,496  
Net earnings
    287,385       1,283       288,668  
Basic earnings per share
  $ 2.81     $ 0.01     $ 2.82  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 2.77     $ 0.01     $ 2.78  
The following tables reflect the effect of the retrospective application of FSP AUG AIR-1 on our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (in thousands of dollars):
                         
    Year Ended December 31, 2006  
    As Previously     Adjustment        
    Reported     Amount     As Adjusted  
Selected Statement of Cash Flows Data:
                       
Net earnings
  $ 467,534     $ 2,680     $ 470,214  
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization
    224,696       1,674       226,370  
Increase in deferred income tax assets
    (2,580 )     46       (2,534 )
Decrease in other assets
    13,686       (3,791 )     9,895  
Increase in trade payables and other accruals
    881       2,087       2,968  
Increase in deferred income tax liabilities
    14,544       (2,696 )     11,848  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    579,349             579,349  
                         
    Year Ended December 31, 2005  
    As Previously     Adjustment        
    Reported     Amount     As Adjusted  
Selected Statement of Cash Flows Data:
                       
Net earnings
  $ 388,757     $ 293     $ 389,050  
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization
    220,956       1,912       222,868  
Decrease in deferred income tax assets
    11,249       47       11,296  
Increase in other assets
    (53,971 )     (1,084 )     (55,055 )
Increase in trade payables and other accruals
    41,510       (1,286 )     40,224  
Decrease in deferred income tax liabilities
    (73,585 )     118       (73,467 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    473,184             473,184  
                         
    Year Ended December 31, 2004  
    As Previously     Adjustment        
    Reported     Amount     As Adjusted  
Selected Statement of Cash Flows Data:
                       
Net earnings
  $ 287,385     $ 1,283     $ 288,668  
Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization
    245,050       1,338       246,388  
Increase in deferred income tax assets
    (75 )     46       (29 )
Increase in other assets
    (5,384 )     (1,288 )     (6,672 )
Increase in trade payables and other accruals
    9,482       (1,846 )     7,636  
Increase in deferred income tax liabilities
    11,334       467       11,801  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    580,615             580,615  
Under the deferral method of accounting for planned major maintenance, the cumulative undistributed earnings at a certain wholly owned foreign subsidiary were greater than the cumulative undistributed earnings previously recorded under the accrue-in-advance method of accounting. During 2006, we determined that the cumulative undistributed earnings at this foreign subsidiary would be indefinitely reinvested offshore, and accordingly reversed the associated deferred tax liability pursuant to Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 23 “Accounting for Income Taxes — Special Areas.” The $2,650,000 favorable adjustment to the provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2006 resulted primarily from the reversal of the deferred tax liability associated with the increase in undistributed earnings at this wholly owned foreign subsidiary.
2006 – EITF 04-6
On January 1, 2006, we adopted EITF 04-6, “Accounting for Stripping Costs Incurred during Production in the Mining Industry.” In the mining industry, the costs of removing overburden and waste materials to access mineral deposits are referred to as stripping costs. Per EITF 04-6, stripping costs incurred during the production phase are considered costs of the extracted minerals under a full absorption costing system, inventoried, and recognized in costs of sales in the same period as the revenue from the sale of the inventory. Additionally, capitalization of such costs would be appropriate only to the extent inventory exists at the end of a reporting period.

 


 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Prior to the adoption of EITF 04-6, we expensed stripping costs as incurred with only limited exceptions when specific criteria were met. The January 1, 2006 adoption of EITF 04-6 resulted in an increase in current assets (finished product inventory) of $16,791,000; a decrease in other assets (capitalized quarrying costs) of $659,000; an increase in deferred tax liabilities of $3,896,000; and a cumulative effect of adoption that increased retained earnings by $12,236,000.
2006 – FAS 123(R)
See Note 1 under the caption “Share-based Compensation”.
2006 – FAS 158
See Note 1 under the caption “Recent Accounting Pronouncements”.
Note 19 Acquisitions
In 2006, we acquired the assets of the following facilities for cash payments of approximately $20,481,000, including acquisition costs and net of acquired cash:
  an aggregates production facility and asphalt mix plant in Indiana
 
  an aggregates production facility in North Carolina
 
  an aggregates production facility in Virginia
As a result of these acquisitions, we recognized $8,800,000 of goodwill and $5,146,000 of amortizable intangible assets, all of which are expected to be fully deductible for income tax purposes.
Purchase price allocations for 2006 acquisitions are preliminary and subject to adjustment.
During 2006, we made cash payments of $50,000 for contingent consideration related to a 2005 acquisition.
In 2005, we acquired the assets of the following facilities for cash payments of approximately $93,965,000, including acquisition costs and net of acquired cash:
  five aggregates production facilities and five asphalt mix plants in Arizona
 
  an aggregates production facility in Georgia
 
  four aggregates production facilities in Indiana
 
  an aggregates production facility in Tennessee
The acquisition payments reported above exclude escrowed funds of $5,800,000 of contingent consideration related to the acquisition of the Arizona facilities and $50,000 of contingent consideration related to the acquisition of the Tennessee facility. Upon resolution of such contingencies, distributions to the seller, if any, will be considered additional acquisition costs.
As a result of these acquisitions, we recognized $18,836,000 of goodwill and $32,165,000 of amortizable intangible assets, all of which are expected to be fully deductible for income tax purposes.
In 2004, we acquired the assets of the following facilities for cash payments of approximately $34,555,000, including acquisition costs and net of acquired cash:
  an aggregates production facility in South Carolina
 
  three aggregates production facilities in Tennessee
 
  an aggregates production facility in Virginia
Goodwill recognized in these transactions totaled $20,739,000 and is expected to be fully deductible for income tax purposes.
The amount by which the total cost of these acquisitions exceeded the fair value of the net assets acquired, including identifiable intangibles, was recognized as goodwill.
All the 2006, 2005 and 2004 acquisitions described above were accounted for as purchases and, accordingly, the results of operations of the acquired businesses are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from their respective dates of acquisition. Had the businesses been acquired at the beginning of fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively, on a pro forma basis, revenue, net earnings and earnings per share would not differ materially from the amounts reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for 2006 and 2005.
Note 20 Subsequent Event
On February 19, 2007, we signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the stock of Florida Rock Industries, Inc. (Florida Rock), a leading producer of construction aggregates, cement, concrete and concrete products in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states, in exchange for cash and stock valued at approximately $4.6 billion based on the February 16, 2007 closing price of Vulcan common stock. Under the terms of the agreement, Vulcan shareholders will receive one share of common stock in a new holding company (whose subsidiaries will be Vulcan Materials and Florida Rock) for each Vulcan share. Florida Rock shareholders can elect to receive either 0.63 shares of the new holding company or $67.00 in cash for each Florida Rock share, subject to proration to ensure that in the aggregate 70% of Florida Rock shares will be converted into cash and 30% of Florida Rock shares will be converted into stock. We intend to finance the transaction with approximately $3.2 billion in debt and approximately $1.4 billion in stock based on the February 16, 2007 closing price of Vulcan common stock. We have received a firm commitment from Goldman, Sachs & Co. to provide bridge financing for the transaction. The transaction is intended to be non-taxable for Vulcan shareholders and non-taxable for Florida Rock shareholders to the extent they receive stock. The acquisition has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of each company and is subject to approval by a majority of Florida Rock shareholders, regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in mid-year 2007.
End of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 


 

Financial Terminology
Acquisitions
The sum of net assets (assets less liabilities, including acquired debt) obtained in a business combination. Net assets are recorded at their fair value at the date of the combination, and include tangible and intangible items.
Capital Employed
The sum of interest-bearing debt, other noncurrent liabilities and shareholders’ equity. Average capital employed is a 12-month average.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures include capitalized replacements of and additions to property, plant and equipment, including capitalized leases, renewals and betterments. Capital expenditures exclude the property, plant and equipment obtained by business acquisitions.
We classify our capital expenditures into three categories based on the predominant purpose of the project expenditures. Thus, a project is classified entirely as a replacement if that is the principal reason for making the expenditure even though the project may involve some cost-saving and/or capacity improvement aspects. Likewise, a profit-adding project is classified entirely as such if the principal reason for making the expenditure is to add operating facilities at new locations (which occasionally replace facilities at old locations), to add product lines, to expand the capacity of existing facilities, to reduce costs, to increase mineral reserves, to improve products, etc.
Capital expenditures classified as environmental control do not reflect those expenditures for environmental control activities, including industrial health programs that are expensed currently. Such expenditures are made on a continuing basis and at significant levels. Frequently, profit-adding and major replacement projects also include expenditures for environmental control purposes.
Net Sales
Total customer revenues from continuing operations for our products and services excluding third-party delivery revenues, net of discounts and taxes, if any.
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
The sum of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes, amortization of capitalized interest and fixed charges net of interest capitalization credits, divided by fixed charges. Fixed charges are the sum of interest expense before capitalization credits, amortization of financing costs and one-third of rental expense.
Total Debt as a Percentage of Total Capital
The sum of short-term borrowings, current maturities and long-term debt, divided by total capital. Total capital is the sum of total debt and shareholders’ equity.
Shareholders’ Equity
The sum of common stock (less the cost of common stock in treasury), capital in excess of par value, retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), as reported in the balance sheet. Average shareholders’ equity is a 12-month average.
Total Shareholder Return
Average annual rate of return using both stock price appreciation and quarterly dividend reinvestment. Stock price appreciation is based on a point-to-point calculation, using end-of-year data.

 


 

Net Sales, Total Revenues, Net Earnings and Earnings Per Share
                 
Amounts in millions,            
except per share Ndata   2006     2005  
 
Net Sales
               
First quarter
  $ 642.3     $ 479.4  
Second quarter
    807.8       705.3  
Third quarter
    848.3       749.4  
Fourth quarter
    742.7       680.9  
     
Total
  $ 3,041.1     $ 2,615.0  
     
Total Revenues
               
First quarter
  $ 708.7     $ 528.6  
Second quarter
    888.2       782.1  
Third quarter
    929.3       830.0  
Fourth quarter
    816.3       754.6  
     
Total
  $ 3,342.5     $ 2,895.3  
     
Gross Profit
               
First quarter
  $ 163.9     $ 92.5  
Second quarter
    257.9       210.4  
Third quarter
    272.9       227.2  
Fourth quarter
    237.2       178.7  
     
Total
  $ 931.9     $ 708.8  
     
Operating Earnings (Loss)
               
First quarter
  $ 99.0     $ 38.0  
Second quarter
    218.1       153.5  
Third quarter
    206.4       164.9  
Fourth quarter
    171.6       120.4  
     
Total
  $ 695.1     $ 476.8  
     
Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes
               
First quarter
  $ 71.9     $ 21.6  
Second quarter
    152.3       102.0  
Third quarter
    140.9       128.3  
Fourth quarter
    115.1       92.2  
     
Total
  $ 480.2     $ 344.1  
     
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share from Continuing Operations Before Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes
               
First quarter
  $ 0.72     $ 0.21  
Second quarter
    1.53       1.00  
Third quarter
    1.47       1.25  
Fourth quarter
    1.20       0.91  
     
Total
  $ 4.92     $ 3.37  
     
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share from Continuing Operations Before Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes
               
First quarter
  $ 0.70     $ 0.21  
Second quarter
    1.50       0.98  
Third quarter
    1.44       1.23  
Fourth quarter
    1.17       0.89  
     
Total
  $ 4.81     $ 3.31  
     
Net Earnings (Loss)
               
First quarter
  $ 70.1     $ 54.5  
Second quarter
    150.6       121.6  
Third quarter
    135.7       122.2  
Fourth quarter
    113.8       90.7  
     
Total
  $ 470.2     $ 389.0  
     
Basic Net Earnings (Loss) Per Share
               
First quarter
  $ 0.70     $ 0.53  
Second quarter
    1.51       1.19  
Third quarter
    1.42       1.19  
Fourth quarter
    1.19       0.90  
     
Full year
  $ 4.82     $ 3.81  
     
Diluted Net Earnings (Loss) Per Share
               
First quarter
  $ 0.68     $ 0.52  
Second quarter
    1.48       1.17  
Third quarter
    1.39       1.17  
Fourth quarter
    1.16       0.88  
     
Full year
  $ 4.71     $ 3.74  
     

 


 

Exhibit 12
VULCAN MATERIALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

For the Years Ended December 31
Amounts in Thousands
                                         
    2006     2005     2004     2003     2002  
Fixed charges:
                                       
   Interest expense before capitalization credits
  $ 31,310     $ 39,080     $ 42,260     $ 55,345     $ 56,601  
   Amortization of financing costs
    363       711       611       291       298  
   One-third of rental expense
    27,240       22,520       16,553       15,140       16,976  
 
                             
       Total fixed charges
  $ 58,913     $ 62,311     $ 59,424     $ 70,776     $  73,875  
 
                             
 
                                       
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
  $  703,491     $  480,695     $  377,362     $  335,080     $  329,195  
Fixed charges
    58,913       62,311       59,424       70,776       73,875  
Capitalized interest credits
    (5,000 )     (1,934 )     (1,980 )     (2,116 )     (2,896 )
Amortization of capitalized interest
    1,241       1,054       839       624       463  
 
                             
   Earnings before income taxes as adjusted
  $ 758,645     $ 542,126     $ 435,645     $ 404,364     $ 400,637  
 
                             
 
                                       
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
    12.9       8.7        7.3        5.7        5.4