Attached files

file filename
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - U.S. CONCRETE, INC.ex32_1.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - U.S. CONCRETE, INC.ex31_2.htm
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - U.S. CONCRETE, INC.ex32_2.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - U.S. CONCRETE, INC.ex31_1.htm
EXCEL - IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT - U.S. CONCRETE, INC.Financial_Report.xls


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _________ to _________.
 
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2012
 
Commission File Number 001-34530
 
Graphic
 
U.S. CONCRETE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
 
76-0586680
(State or other jurisdiction of Incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

2925 Briarpark, Suite 1050, Houston, Texas 77042
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(713) 499-6200
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes þ No ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ¨  Accelerated filer ¨  Non-accelerated filer ¨  Smaller reporting company þ
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No þ
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by the court Yes þ No ¨
 
As of the close of business on May 10, 2012, U.S. Concrete, Inc. had 13,311,276 shares of its common stock, par value $0.001 per share, outstanding (excluding 69,820 treasury shares).
 


 
 

 
 
graphic
 
U.S. CONCRETE, INC.


 
2

 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

U.S. CONCRETE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)

   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 5,369     $ 4,229  
Trade accounts receivable, net
    79,383       82,195  
Inventories
    32,807       33,156  
Deferred income taxes
    4,652       4,573  
Prepaid expenses
    5,049       3,785  
Other current assets
    6,909       5,962  
Total current assets
    134,169       133,900  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    122,421       126,225  
Goodwill
    1,481       1,481  
Other assets
    7,532       8,048  
Total assets
  $ 265,603     $ 269,654  
                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Current maturities of long-term debt
  $ 1,153     $ 615  
Accounts payable
    39,471       46,749  
Accrued liabilities
    34,226       31,233  
Derivative liabilities
    5,696       2,305  
Total current liabilities
    80,546       80,902  
Long-term debt, net of current maturities
    66,413       60,471  
Other long-term obligations and deferred credits
    6,416       6,547  
Deferred income taxes
    5,712       5,654  
Total liabilities
    159,087       153,574  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
               
                 
Equity:
               
Preferred stock
           
Common stock
    13       13  
Additional paid-in capital
    134,619       133,939  
Accumulated deficit
    (27,687 )     (17,457 )
Treasury stock, at cost
    (429 )     (415 )
Total stockholders’ equity
    106,516       116,080  
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 265,603     $ 269,654  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
3


U.S. CONCRETE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

   
Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Revenue
  $ 123,004     $ 87,049  
Cost of goods sold before depreciation, depletion and amortization
    108,839       82,809  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    15,239       14,964  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    3,848       5,093  
Gain on sale of assets
    (597 )     (72 )
Loss from continuing operations
    (4,325 )     (15,745 )
Interest expense, net
    (2,869 )     (2,628 )
Derivative loss
    (3,391 )     (6,247 )
Other income, net
    545       257  
Loss before income taxes
    (10,040 )     (24,363 )
Income tax expense
    190       351  
Net loss
  $ (10,230 )   $ (24,714 )
                 
Net loss per share – basic and diluted
  $ (0.84 )   $ (2.07 )
                 
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding
    12,140       11,958  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
4


U.S. CONCRETE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)

   
Common Stock
    Additional                    
   
Shares
   
Par
Value
   
 Paid-In
Capital
   
Accumulated
Deficit
   
Treasury
Stock
   
Total Equity
 
BALANCE, December 31, 2010
    11,928     $ 12     $ 131,875     $ (5,754 )   $     $ 126,133  
Stock-based compensation
    38             465                   465  
Purchase of treasury shares
    (8 )                       (66 )     (66 )
Net loss
                      (24,714 )           (24,714 )
BALANCE, March 31, 2011
    11,958     $ 12     $ 132,340     $ (30,468 )   $ (66 )   $ 101,818  
                                                 
                                                 
BALANCE, December 31, 2011
    12,867     $ 13     $ 133,939     $ (17,457 )   $ (415 )   $ 116,080  
Stock-based compensation
    28             680                   680  
Purchase of treasury shares
    (5 )                       (14 )     (14 )
Net loss
                      (10,230 )           (10,230 )
BALANCE, March 31, 2012
    12,890     $ 13     $ 134,619     $ (27,687 )   $ (429 )   $ 106,516  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
5


U.S. CONCRETE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)

   
Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net loss
  $ (10,230 )   $ (24,714 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
               
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    3,848       5,093  
Debt issuance cost amortization
    1,038       884  
Loss on derivatives
    3,391       6,247  
Net gain on sale of assets
    (597 )     (72 )
Deferred income taxes
    (21 )      
Provision for doubtful accounts
    236       345  
Stock-based compensation
    680       465  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
    2,576       11,824  
Inventories
    349       (811 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (2,010 )     497  
Other assets and liabilities
    (128 )     (21 )
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    (3,535 )     (5,991 )
Net cash used in operating activities
    (4,403 )     (6,254 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
    (520 )     (1,823 )
Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment
    1,411       515  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    891       (1,308 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from borrowings
    39,584       18,094  
Repayments of borrowings
    (34,069 )     (11,253 )
Payments for seller financed debt and Michigan redemption
    (849 )     (1,305 )
Purchase of treasury shares
    (14 )     (66 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    4,652       5,470  
                 
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    1,140       (2,092 )
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
    4,229       5,290  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
  $ 5,369     $ 3,198  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
6

 
U.S. CONCRETE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
1. 
BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of U.S. Concrete, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “we,” “us,” “our,” U.S. Concrete,” or the “Company”) and have been prepared by us, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Some information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the SEC’s rules and regulations.  These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 (the “2011 Form 10-K”).  In the opinion of our management, all adjustments necessary to state fairly the information in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been included.  We have reclassified approximately $1.3 million of cash outflows to financing activities from investing activities in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2011. These cash outflows related to payments on seller financed debt and for the redemption of our interest in our former Michigan joint venture.  All other adjustments are of a normal or recurring nature.  Operating results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of our results expected for the year ending December 31, 2012 or for any future period.

The preparation of financial statements and accompanying notes in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions in determining the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates and assumptions that we consider significant in the preparation of our financial statements include those related to our allowance for doubtful accounts, goodwill, accruals for self-insurance, income taxes, the valuation of inventory and the valuation and useful lives of property, plant and equipment.
 
2. 
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued authoritative accounting guidance which relates to testing goodwill for impairment and amends current guidance to simplify how entities test goodwill for impairment. The guidance permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in existing authoritative accounting guidance. Under this amendment, an entity is not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. This pronouncement is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. This guidance did not have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued authoritative accounting guidance related to “Presentation of Comprehensive Income” which amended existing accounting guidance related to “Comprehensive Income.” The update gives companies the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendments in the update do not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The amendments should be applied retrospectively for all prior periods presented. This guidance did not have an effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements as we do not have other comprehensive income.

For a description of our accounting policies, see Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements in the 2011 Form 10-K.
 
3. 
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS

Redemption of Superior Interest

In August 2010, we entered into a redemption agreement to have our 60% interest in our Michigan subsidiary, Superior Materials Holdings, LLC (“Superior”), redeemed by Superior. At the closing of the redemption on September 30, 2010, the Company and certain of our subsidiaries paid $640,000 in cash and issued a $1.5 million promissory note to Superior as partial consideration for certain indemnifications and other consideration provided by the minority owner and their new joint venture partner pursuant to the redemption agreement. In January 2011 and January 2012, we made payments of $750,000 each to complete payment of the note.
 
 
7

 
U.S. CONCRETE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued
 
Other

In April 2011, we purchased the assets of a one-plant ready-mixed concrete operation in our west Texas market for $0.2 million in cash. In October 2010, we acquired three ready-mixed concrete plants and related assets in the west Texas market for approximately $3.0 million, plus inventory on hand at closing. We made cash payments of $0.4 million at closing and issued promissory notes for the remaining $2.6 million. We made cash payments on these notes of approximately $0.1 million and $0.6 million during the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

During the second quarter of 2010, we made the decision to dispose of some of our transport equipment in northern California and classified these assets as held for sale. These assets were recorded at the estimated fair value less costs to sell of approximately $0.8 million. In March 2011, we completed the sale of our transport equipment for approximately $0.9 million.

4. 
INVENTORIES
 
Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Raw materials
  $ 21,605     $ 22,936  
Precast products
    7,674       6,772  
Building materials for resale
    2,194       1,992  
Other
    1,334       1,456  
    $ 32,807     $ 33,156  

5. 
DEBT
 
A summary of our debt is as follows (in thousands):
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Senior secured credit facility due 2014
  $ 20,667     $ 15,116  
Convertible secured notes due 2015
    44,377       43,844  
Notes payable and other financing
    2,119       1,687  
Capital leases
    403       439  
      67,566       61,086  
Less:  current maturities
    1,153       615  
Total long-term debt
  $ 66,413     $ 60,471  

The carrying value of outstanding amounts under the credit agreement that governs our Senior Secured Credit Facility due 2014 (the “Credit Agreement”) approximates fair value due to the floating interest rate. The fair value of our 9.5% Convertible Secured Notes due 2015 (the “Convertible Notes”) was approximately $56.0 million, including the embedded derivative of $3.9 million, at March 31, 2012 and was $53.8 million, including the embedded derivative of $1.6 million, at December 31, 2011.

Senior Secured Credit Facility due 2014

 On August 31, 2010, we and certain of our subsidiaries entered into the Credit Agreement, which provides for a $75.0 million asset-based revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Facility”). On November 3, 2011, we entered into the First Amendment to the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement matures in August 2014. As of March 31, 2012, we had outstanding borrowings of $20.7 million and $18.7 million of undrawn standby letters of credit under the Revolving Facility. See below for a discussion of the consolidated secured debt ratio included in the indenture governing our Convertible Notes that could restrict borrowings under the Credit Agreement.
 
 
8

 
U.S. CONCRETE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued
 
Under the First Amendment to the Credit Agreement, there is an availability block of $10.0 million. Additionally, beginning on April 1, 2012, at any time that Availability (as defined in the Credit Agreement) is less than $15.0 million, we must maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.0 to 1.0 for the trailing twelve month period until Availability is greater than or equal to $15.0 million for a period of 30 consecutive days. For the trailing twelve month period ending March 31, 2012, our fixed charge coverage ratio was 2.06 to 1.0.  Availability under the Revolving Facility was approximately $25.7 million, after reduction of the $10.0 million block at March 31, 2012.
 
Up to $30.0 million of the Revolving Facility is available for the issuance of letters of credit, and any such issuance of letters of credit will reduce the amount available for loans under the Revolving Facility.  Advances under the Revolving Facility are limited by a borrowing base of (a) 85% of the face amount of eligible accounts receivable plus (b) the lesser of (i) 85% of the net orderly liquidation value (as determined by the most recent appraisal) of eligible inventory and (ii) the sum of (A) 50% of the eligible inventory (other than eligible aggregates inventory) and (B) 65% of the eligible aggregates inventory plus (c) the lesser of (i) $15.0 million and (ii) the sum of (A) 85% of the net orderly liquidation value (as determined by the most recent appraisal) of eligible trucks plus (B) 80% of the cost of newly acquired eligible trucks since the date of the latest appraisal of eligible trucks minus (C) the depreciation amount applicable to eligible trucks since the date of the latest appraisal of eligible trucks minus (d) such reserves as the Administrative Agent may establish from time to time in its permitted discretion.  The Administrative Agent may, in its permitted discretion, reduce the advance rates set forth above, adjust reserves or reduce one or more of the other elements used in computing the borrowing base.

 Under the Credit Agreement, our capital expenditures may not exceed 7.0% of our consolidated annual revenue for the trailing twelve-month period ending on the last day of each fiscal quarter thereafter. Our capital expenditures were $5.1 million for the trailing twelve-month period ended March 31, 2012, which was below the $37.2 million representing 7% of our consolidated annual revenue for the same period. The Revolving Facility requires us to comply with certain other customary affirmative and negative covenants, and contains customary events of default. As of March 31, 2012, the Company was in compliance with its covenants.

At our option, loans may be maintained from time to time at an interest rate equal to the Eurodollar-based rate (“LIBOR”) or the applicable domestic rate (“CB Floating Rate”).  The CB Floating Rate is the greater of (x) the interest rate per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate and (y) the interest rate per annum equal to the sum of 1.0% per annum plus the adjusted LIBOR rate for a one-month interest period, in each case plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin on loans is 2.75% in the case of loans bearing interest at the CB Floating Rate and 3.75% in the case of loans bearing interest at the LIBOR rate. Issued and outstanding letters of credit are subject to a fee equal to the applicable margin then in effect for LIBOR loans, a fronting fee equal to 0.20% per annum on the stated amount of such letter of credit, and customary charges associated with the issuance and administration of letters of credit.  We will also pay a commitment fee on undrawn amounts under the Revolving Facility in an amount equal to 0.75% per annum.  Upon any event of default, at the direction of the required lenders under the Revolving Facility, all outstanding loans and the amount of all other obligations owing under the Revolving Facility will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to 2.0% plus the rate otherwise applicable to such loans or other obligations.
 
Outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Facility are prepayable, and the commitments under the Revolving Facility may be permanently reduced, without penalty. There are mandatory prepayments of principal in connection with (i) the incurrence of certain indebtedness, (ii) certain equity issuances and (iii) certain asset sales or other dispositions (including as a result of casualty or condemnation).  Mandatory prepayments are applied to repay outstanding loans without a corresponding permanent reduction in commitments under the Revolving Facility and are subject to the terms of an Intercreditor Agreement.
 
In connection with the Credit Agreement, we and certain of our subsidiaries entered into a Pledge and Security Agreement (the “Security Agreement”) with the Administrative Agent. Pursuant to the Security Agreement, all obligations under the Revolving Facility are secured by (i) a perfected first-priority lien (subject to certain exceptions) on substantially all of our and certain of our subsidiaries’ present and after acquired inventory (including as-extracted collateral), accounts, certain specified mixer trucks, deposit accounts, securities accounts, commodities accounts, letter of credit rights, cash and cash equivalents, general intangibles (other than intellectual property and equity in subsidiaries), instruments, documents, supporting obligations and related books and records and all proceeds and products of the foregoing and (ii) a perfected second-priority lien  (subject to certain exceptions) on substantially all other present and after acquired property (including, without limitation, material owned real estate).

Convertible Secured Notes due 2015

On August 31, 2010, we issued $55.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes.  The Convertible Notes are governed by an indenture, dated as of August 31, 2010 (the “Indenture”). Under the terms of the Indenture, the Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 9.5% per annum and will mature on August 31, 2015. Interest payments are payable quarterly in cash in arrears. Additionally, we recorded a discount of approximately $13.6 million related to an embedded derivative that was bifurcated and separately valued (see Note 7). This discount will be accreted over the term of the Convertible Notes and included in interest expense.
 
 
9

 
U.S. CONCRETE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued
 
The requirement to meet a consolidated secured debt ratio under the Indenture beginning April 2012 could restrict our ability to borrow the amount available under the Credit Agreement. Commencing April 1, 2012, we must meet a consolidated secured debt ratio (as defined in the Indenture), as of the last day of each fiscal month as shown below:
 
   
Consolidated
 
Period
 
Secured Debt Ratio
 
April 1, 2012 — March 31, 2013
 
7.50 : 1.00
 
April 1, 2013 — March 31, 2014
 
7.00 : 1.00
 
April 1, 2014 — March 31, 2015
 
6.75 : 1.00
 
April 1, 2015  —  and thereafter
 
6.50 : 1.00
 
 
The consolidated secured debt ratio is the ratio of (a) our consolidated total indebtedness (as defined in the Indenture) on the date of determination that constitutes the Convertible Notes, any other pari passu lien obligations and any indebtedness incurred under the Credit Agreement (including any letters of credit issued thereunder) to (b) the aggregate amount of consolidated cash flow (as defined in the Indenture) for our most recent four fiscal quarters.  As of April 30, 2012, and based on consolidated cash flows for the four fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2012, our consolidated secured debt ratio was 4.93 to 1.00.  The first date we were required to test the consolidated secured debt ratio was April 30, 2012. In the event that we are not able to meet this ratio in the future, we would need to seek an amendment to the Indenture to provide relief from this covenant.
 
The Convertible Notes are convertible, at the option of the holder, at any time on or prior to maturity, into shares of our common stock, at an initial conversion rate of 95.23809524 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes (the “Conversion Rate”).  The Conversion Rate is subject to adjustment to prevent dilution resulting from stock splits, stock dividends, combinations or similar events.  In connection with any such conversion, holders of the Convertible Notes to be converted shall also have the right to receive accrued and unpaid interest on such Convertible Notes to the date of conversion (the “Accrued Interest”).  We may elect to pay the Accrued Interest in cash or in shares of Common Stock in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.

In addition, if a “Fundamental Change of Control” (as defined in the Indenture) occurs prior to the maturity date, in addition to any conversion rights the holders of Convertible Notes may have, each holder of Convertible Notes will have (i) a make-whole provision calculated as provided in the Indenture pursuant to which each holder may be entitled to additional shares of Common Stock upon conversion (the “Make Whole Premium”), and (ii) an amount equal to the interest on such Convertible Notes that would have been payable from the date of the occurrence of such Fundamental Change of Control (the “Fundamental Change of Control Date”) through the third anniversary of the Effective Date, plus any accrued and unpaid interest from the Effective Date to the Fundamental Change of Control Date (the amount in this clause (ii), the “Make Whole Payment”).  We may elect to pay the Make Whole Payment in cash or in shares of Common Stock.
 
If the closing price of the Common Stock exceeds 150% of the Conversion Price (defined as $1,000 divided by the Conversion Rate) then in effect for at least 20 trading days during any consecutive 30-day trading period (the “Conversion Event”), we may provide, at our option, a written notice (the “Conversion Event Notice”) of the occurrence of the Conversion Event to each holder of Convertible Notes in accordance with the Indenture.  Except as set forth in an Election Notice (as defined below), the right to convert Convertible Notes with respect to the occurrence of the Conversion Event shall terminate on the date that is 46 days following the date of the Conversion Event Notice (the “Conversion Termination Date”), such that the holder shall have a 45-day period in which to convert its Convertible Notes up to the amount of the Conversion Cap (as defined below).  Any Convertible Notes not converted prior to the Conversion Termination Date as a result of the Conversion Cap shall be, at the holder’s election and upon written notice to the Company (the “Election Notice”), converted into shares of Common Stock on a date or dates prior to the date that is 180 days following the Conversion Termination Date.  The “Conversion Cap” means the number of shares of Common Stock into which the Convertible Notes are convertible and that would cause the related holder to “beneficially own” (as such term is used in the Exchange Act) more than 9.9% of the Common Stock at any time outstanding.
 
Any Convertible Notes not otherwise converted prior to the Conversion Termination Date or specified for conversion in an Election Notice shall be redeemable, in whole or in part, at our election at any time prior to maturity at par plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the Conversion Termination Date.
 
 
10

 
U.S. CONCRETE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued
 
The Indenture contains certain covenants that restrict our ability to, among other things,
 
 
·
incur additional indebtedness or issue disqualified stock or preferred stock;

 
·
pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase or redeem our stock or subordinated indebtedness or make investments;

 
·
sell assets and issue capital stock of our restricted subsidiaries;

 
·
incur liens;

 
·
enter into transactions with affiliates; and

 
·
consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of our assets.

The Convertible Notes are guaranteed by each of our existing, and will be guaranteed by each of our future, direct or indirect domestic restricted subsidiaries. In connection with the Indenture, on August 31, 2010, we and certain of our subsidiaries entered into a Pledge and Security Agreement (the “Pledge and Security Agreement”) with the noteholder collateral agent. Pursuant to the Pledge and Security Agreement, the Convertible Notes and related guarantees are secured by first-priority liens on certain of the property and assets directly owned by the Company and each of the guarantors, including material owned real property, fixtures, intellectual property, capital stock of subsidiaries and certain equipment, subject to permitted liens (including a second-priority lien in favor of the Administrative Agent) with certain exceptions.  Obligations under the Revolving Facility and those in respect of hedging and cash management obligations owed to the lenders (and their affiliates) that are a party to the Revolving Facility (collectively, the “Revolving Facility Obligations”) are secured by a second-priority lien on such collateral.
 
The Convertible Notes and related guarantees are also secured by a second-priority lien on the assets of the Company and the guarantors securing the Revolving Facility Obligations on a first-priority basis, including, inventory (including as extracted collateral), accounts, certain specified mixer trucks, general intangibles (other than collateral securing the Convertible Notes on a first-priority basis), instruments, documents, cash, deposit accounts, securities accounts, commodities accounts, letter of credit rights and all supporting obligations and related books and records and all proceeds and products of the foregoing, subject to permitted liens and certain exceptions.

6. 
WARRANTS

On August 31, 2010, we issued warrants to acquire Common Stock (the “Warrants”) in two tranches: Class A Warrants to purchase an aggregate of approximately 1.5 million shares of Common Stock and Class B Warrants to purchase an aggregate of approximately 1.5 million shares of Common Stock.  The Warrants were issued to holders of our predecessor Common Stock pro rata based on a holder’s stock ownership. These warrants have been included in derivative liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet in accordance with authoritative accounting guidance (see Note 7).

7. 
DERIVATIVES
 
General
 
We are exposed to certain risks relating to our ongoing business operations.  However, derivative instruments are not used to hedge these risks.  We are required to account for derivative instruments as a result of the issuance of the Warrants and Convertible Notes on August 31, 2010.  None of our derivative contracts manage business risk or are executed for speculative purposes.
 
 
11

 
U.S. CONCRETE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued
 
Our derivative instruments are summarized as follows:

       
Fair Value
 
Derivative Instruments not designated as
hedging instruments under ASC 815
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
March 31, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
Warrants
 
 Current derivative liabilities
  $ 1,763     $ 662  
Convertible Note embedded derivative
 
Current derivative liabilities
    3,933       1,643  
        $ 5,696     $ 2,305  

The following table presents the effect of derivative instruments on the statement of operations for the three month period ending March 31, 2012, excluding income tax effects:
 
       
Derivative Instruments not designated as
hedging instruments under ASC 815
 
Location of Gain/(Loss) Recognized
 
Amount
 
Warrants
 
Derivative loss
  $ 1,101  
Convertible Note embedded derivative
 
Derivative loss
    2,290  
        $ 3,391  

Warrant and Convertible Note volume positions are presented in the number of shares underlying the respective instruments.  The table below presents our volume positions as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
 
 
Derivative Instruments not designated as hedging
instruments under ASC 815
   
Number of Shares
 
Warrants
      3,000,000  
Convertible Note embedded derivative
      5,238,095  
        8,238,095  

We do not have any derivative instrument with credit features requiring the posting of collateral in the event of a credit downgrade or similar credit event.

Fair Value Disclosures

Fair value is defined as the exit price, or the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. Accounting guidance also establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability and are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of us. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect our assumptions about the factors market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability. The guidance establishes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

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

Level 2—Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the  full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. We review the fair value hierarchy classification on a quarterly basis. Changes in the observability of valuation inputs may result in a reclassification of levels for certain securities within the fair value hierarchy.
 
 
12

 
U.S. CONCRETE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued
 
The following tables present our fair value hierarchy for liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

   
March 31, 2012
 
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Derivative – Warrants(1)
  $ 1,763     $     $     $ 1,763  
Derivative – Convertible Notes Embedded Derivative(2)
    3,933                   3,933  
 
  $ 5,696     $     $     $ 5,696  

   
December 31, 2011
 
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Derivative – Warrants(1)
  $ 662     $     $     $ 662  
Derivative – Convertible Notes Embedded Derivative(2)
    1,643                   1,643  
 
  $ 2,305     $     $     $ 2,305  
 
 
(1)
See Note 6.
 
(2)
Represents the compound embedded derivative included in our Convertible Notes (see Note 7). The compound embedded derivative includes the value associated with the noteholders’ conversion option, as well as certain rights to receive “make-whole” amounts. The “make-whole” provision(s) provides that, upon certain contingent events, if conversion is elected on the Convertible Notes, we may be obligated to pay such holder an amount in cash, or shares of common stock to compensate noteholders who have converted early as a result of these contingent events, interest and time value of the conversion option foregone via the conversion.

The derivative liabilities were valued using a model for instruments with the option to convert into common equity. Inputs into the model were based upon observable market data where possible.  Where observable market data did not exist, the Company modeled inputs based upon similar observable inputs.

A reconciliation of the changes in Level 3 fair value measurements is as follows (in thousands):

   
Three
Months Ended
March 31, 2012
   
Three
Months Ended
March 31, 2011
 
Warrants:
           
Beginning Balance
  $ 662     $ 3,224  
Total losses included in earnings
    1,101       1,869  
Ending Balance
  $ 1,763     $ 5,093  
                 
Convertible Notes Embedded Derivative:
               
Beginning Balance
  $ 1,643     $ 12,503  
Total losses included in earnings
    2,290       4,378  
Ending Balance
  $ 3,933     $ 16,881  
 
Our other financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, trade payables and long-term debt.  We consider the carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and trade payables to be representative of their respective fair values because of their short-term maturities or expected settlement dates.  The carrying value of outstanding amounts under our Revolving Facility approximates fair value due to the floating interest rate. The fair value of our Convertible Notes was approximately $56.0 million, including $3.9 million related to the embedded derivative, at March 31, 2012 and $53.8 million, including $1.6 million related to the embedded derivative, at December 31, 2011.
 
8. 
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS RELOCATION

We made the decision, during the first quarter of 2012, to relocate our corporate headquarters from Houston, Texas to Euless, Texas. The move is targeted to be completed on or about July 1, 2012. As a result of this decision, we will pay severance costs to employees that are not relocating with the Company. During the first quarter of 2012, we recorded approximately $1.1 million for these severance costs, which are included in selling, general and administrative costs on the condensed consolidated statement of operations.
 
 
13


U.S. CONCRETE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued
 
9. 
INCOME TAXES

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the recognized value of deferred tax assets must be reduced to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized in future periods.  The ultimate realization of the benefit of deferred tax assets from deductible temporary differences or tax carryovers depends on the generation of sufficient taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible.  We considered the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment.  Based on these considerations, we relied upon the reversal of certain deferred tax liabilities to realize a portion of our deferred tax assets and established valuation allowances as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 for other deferred tax assets because of uncertainty regarding their ultimate realization.  Our total net deferred tax liability as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $1.1 million. We made income tax payments of approximately $18,000 and $30,000 during the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

We underwent a change in ownership for purposes of Section 382 of the IRC as a result of our Plan and emergence from Chapter 11 on August 31, 2010.  As a result, the amount of our pre-change net operating losses (“NOLs”) and other tax attributes that are available to offset future taxable income are subject to an annual limitation.  The annual limitation is based on the value of the corporation as of the effective date of the Plan.  The ownership change and the resulting annual limitation on use of NOLs are not expected to result in the expiration of our NOL carryforwards if we are able to generate sufficient future taxable income within the carryforward periods.  However, the limitation on the amount of NOLs available to offset taxable income in a specific year may result in the payment of income taxes before all NOLs have been utilized.  Additionally, a subsequent ownership change may result in further limitation on the ability to utilize existing NOLs and other tax attributes.
 
10. 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
Common Stock and Preferred Stock
 
The following table presents information regarding U.S. Concrete’s common stock (in thousands):

   
March 31, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
Shares authorized
    100,000       100,000  
Shares outstanding at end of period
    12,890       12,867  
Shares held in treasury
    65       60  

Under our restated certificate of incorporation, we are authorized to issue 100.0 million shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 10.0 million shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share. Additionally, we are authorized to issue “blank check” preferred stock, which may be issued from time to time in one or more series upon authorization by our board of directors (the “Board”). The Board, without further approval of the stockholders, is authorized to fix the dividend rights and terms, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption rights and terms, liquidation preferences, and any other rights, preferences and restrictions applicable to each series of preferred stock.  The issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes could, among other things, adversely affect the voting power of the holders of the Common Stock and, under certain circumstances, make it more difficult for a third party to gain control of us, discourage bids for our common stock at a premium or otherwise affect the market price of our common stock. There was no preferred stock issued or outstanding as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

Treasury Stock

Employees may elect to satisfy their tax obligations on the vesting of their restricted stock units by having the required tax payments withheld based on a number of vested shares having an aggregate value on the date of vesting equal to the tax obligation.  As a result of such employee elections, we withheld approximately 5,000 shares during the three months ended March 31, 2012, at a total value of approximately $14,000, and we accounted for the withholding of these shares as treasury stock.
 
 
14

 
U.S. CONCRETE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued
 
11. 
SHARES USED IN COMPUTING NET LOSS PER SHARE
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period after giving effect to all potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the period.
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2012, our potentially dilutive shares included the shares underlying our Convertible Notes, restricted stock units, restricted stock and stock options. The Convertible Notes may be converted into 5.2 million shares of our common stock.  As of March 31, 2012, there were restricted stock units, restricted stock and stock options that could result in the inclusion of 0.9 million shares of common stock in the diluted earnings per share calculation. For the three month period ended March 31, 2011, our potentially dilutive shares included the shares underlying our Convertible Notes, restricted stock units and stock options.  As of March 31, 2011, there were restricted stock units and stock options that could have resulted in the inclusion of 0.6 million shares of common stock in the diluted earnings per share calculation. These potentially dilutive shares were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.
 
12. 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal Proceedings
 
From time to time, and currently, we are subject to various claims and litigation brought by employees, customers and other third parties for, among other matters, personal injuries, property damages, product defects and delay damages that have, or allegedly have, resulted from the conduct of our operations.  As a result of these types of claims and litigation, we must periodically evaluate the probability of damages being assessed against us and the range of possible outcomes.  In each reporting period, if we determine that the likelihood of damages being assessed against us is probable, and, if we believe we can estimate a range of possible outcomes, then we will record a liability. The amount of the liability will be based upon a specific estimate, if we believe a specific estimate to be likely, or it will reflect the low end of our range.

In May 2008, we received a letter from a multi-employer pension plan to which one of our subsidiaries is a contributing employer, providing notice that the Internal Revenue Service had denied applications by the plan for waivers of the minimum funding deficiency from prior years, and requesting payment of our allocable share of the minimum funding deficiency. In April 2010, the multi-employer pension plan filed a civil complaint to collect approximately $1.8 million for this minimum funding deficiency. During the third quarter of 2011, we entered into a settlement agreement with the multi-employer pension plan to pay the $1.8 million over three years plus interest. The $1.8 million was accrued in prior periods. We may receive future funding deficiency demands from this particular multi-employer pension plan, or other multi-employer plans to which we contribute.  We are unable to estimate the amount of any potential future funding deficiency demands because the actions of each of the other contributing employers in the plans has an effect on each of the other contributing employers, the development of a rehabilitation plan by the trustees and subsequent submittal to and approval by the Internal Revenue Service is not predictable, and the allocation of fund assets and return assumptions by trustees are variable, as are actual investment returns relative to the plan assumptions.

Currently, there are no material product defect claims pending against us.  Accordingly, our existing accruals for claims against us do not reflect any material amounts relating to product defect claims.  While our management is not aware of any facts that would reasonably be expected to lead to material product defect claims against us that would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations, it is possible that claims could be asserted against us in the future.  We do not maintain insurance that would cover all damages resulting from product defect claims.  In particular, we generally do not maintain insurance coverage for the cost of removing and rebuilding structures, or so-called “rip and tear” coverage.  In addition, our indemnification arrangements with contractors or others, when obtained, generally provide only limited protection against product defect claims.  Due to inherent uncertainties associated with estimating unasserted claims in our business, we cannot estimate the amount of any future loss that may be attributable to unasserted product defect claims related to ready-mixed concrete we have delivered prior to March 31, 2012.
 
We believe that the resolution of all litigation currently pending or threatened against us or any of our subsidiaries will not materially exceed our existing accruals for those matters.  However, because of the inherent uncertainty of litigation, there is a risk that we may have to increase our accruals for one or more claims or proceedings to which we or any of our subsidiaries is a party as more information becomes available or proceedings progress, and any such increase in accruals could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.  We expect in the future that we and our operating subsidiaries will from time to time be a party to litigation or administrative proceedings that arise in the normal course of our business.
 
 
15

 
U.S. CONCRETE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued
 
We are subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations concerning, among other matters, air emissions and wastewater discharge. Our management believes we are in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations. From time to time, we receive claims from federal and state environmental regulatory agencies and entities asserting that we may be in violation of environmental laws and regulations. Based on experience and the information currently available, our management does not believe that these claims will materially exceed our related accruals.  Despite compliance and experience, it is possible that we could be held liable for future charges, which might be material, but are not currently known to us or cannot be estimated by us.  In addition, changes in federal or state laws, regulations or requirements, or discovery of currently unknown conditions, could require additional expenditures.
 
As permitted under Delaware law, we have agreements that provide indemnification of officers and directors for certain events or occurrences while the officer or director is or was serving at our request in such capacity. The maximum potential amount of future payments that we could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is not limited; however, we have a director and officer insurance policy that potentially limits our exposure and enables us to recover a portion of future amounts that may be paid.  As a result of the insurance policy coverage, we believe the estimated fair value of these indemnification agreements is minimal. Accordingly, we have not recorded any liabilities for these agreements as of March 31, 2012.

We and our subsidiaries are parties to agreements that require us to provide indemnification in certain instances when we acquire businesses and real estate and in the ordinary course of business with our customers, suppliers, lessors and service providers.

Insurance Programs

We maintain third-party insurance coverage against certain risks.  Under certain components of our insurance program, we share the risk of loss with our insurance underwriters by maintaining high deductibles subject to aggregate annual loss limitations.    Generally, our deductible retentions per occurrence for auto, workers’ compensation and general liability insurance programs are $1.0 million, although certain of our operations are self-insured for workers’ compensation.  We fund these deductibles and record an expense for expected losses under the programs.  The expected losses are determined using a combination of our historical loss experience and subjective assessments of our future loss exposure. The estimated losses are subject to uncertainty from various sources, including changes in claims reporting patterns, claims settlement patterns, judicial decisions, legislation and economic conditions.  Although we believe that the estimated losses we have recorded are reasonable, significant differences related to the items noted above could materially affect our insurance obligations and future expense. The amount accrued for estimated losses was $9.7 million as of March 31, 2012, compared to $9.9 million as of December 31, 2011, which is currently classified in accrued liabilities.
 
Performance Bonds
 
In the normal course of business, we are contingently liable for performance under $60.7 million in performance bonds that various contractors, states and municipalities have required as of March 31, 2012. The bonds principally relate to construction contracts, reclamation obligations and licensing and permitting.  We have indemnified the underwriting insurance company against any exposure under the performance bonds. No material claims have been made against these bonds.

13. 
SEGMENT INFORMATION

We have two segments that serve our principal markets in the United States.  Our ready-mixed concrete and concrete-related products segment produces and sells ready-mixed concrete, aggregates (crushed stone, sand and gravel), concrete masonry and building materials.  This segment serves the following principal markets: north and west Texas, northern California, New Jersey, New York, Washington, D.C. and Oklahoma.  Our precast concrete products segment produces and sells precast concrete products in select markets in the western United States and the mid-Atlantic region.
 
We account for intercompany revenue at market prices.  Segment operating loss consists of net revenue less operating expenses, including certain operating overhead directly related to the operation of the specific segment.  Corporate includes executive, administrative, financial, legal, human resources, business development and risk management activities, which are not allocated to operations and are excluded from segment operating loss.
 
 
16

 
U.S. CONCRETE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued
 
The following table sets forth certain financial information relating to our operations by reportable segment (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Revenue:
           
Ready-mixed concrete and concrete-related products
  $ 111,911     $ 78,080  
Precast concrete products
    14,971       11,960  
Intercompany revenue
    (3,878 )     (2,991 )
Total revenue
  $ 123,004     $ 87,049  
 
Segment Operating Gain (Loss):
         
Ready-mixed concrete and concrete-related products
  $ 3,403     $ (8,281 )
Precast concrete products
    (542 )     (1,292 )
Derivative loss
    (3,391 )     (6,247 )
Unallocated overhead and other income
    (138 )     518  
Corporate:
           
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    (6,503 )     (6,433 )
Interest expense, net
    (2,869 )     (2,628 )
Loss before income taxes
  $ (10,040 )   $ (24,363 )
 
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization:
           
Ready-mixed concrete and concrete-related products
  $ 3,066     $ 4,201  
Precast concrete products
    261       315  
Corporate
    521       577  
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization
  $ 3,848     $ 5,093  
 
Capital Expenditures:
           
Ready-mixed concrete and concrete-related products
  $ 340     $ 1,709  
Precast concrete products
    180       114  
Total capital expenditures
  $ 520     $ 1,823  
 
Revenue by Product:
     
Ready-mixed concrete
  $ 99,597     $ 67,120  
Precast concrete products
    14,982       11,981  
Building materials
    2,220       1,641  
Aggregates
    3,288       1,581  
Other
    2,917       4,726  
Total revenue
  $ 123,004     $ 87,049  
 
Identifiable Assets:
 
As of
March 31,
2012
   
As of
December 31,
2011
 
Ready-mixed concrete and concrete-related products
  $ 104,999     $ 108,201  
Precast concrete products
    10,494       10,575  
Corporate
    6,928       7,449  
Total identifiable assets
  $ 122,421     $ 126,225  
 
 
Statements we make in the following discussion that express a belief, expectation or intention, as well as those that are not historical fact, are forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results, performance or achievements, or market conditions or industry results, could differ materially from those we express in the following discussion as a result of a variety of factors, including the risks and uncertainties to which we refer under the headings “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” preceding Item 1 of Part 1 of the 2011 Form 10-K and “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of the 2011 Form 10-K. For a discussion of our commitments not discussed below, related-party transactions, and our critical accounting policies, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 7 of Part I of the 2011 Form 10-K. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law.

Our Business

U.S. Concrete, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “we,” “us,” “our,” “U.S. Concrete” or the “Company”) operate our business in two business segments: (1) ready-mixed concrete and concrete-related products and (2) precast concrete products.

Ready-Mixed Concrete and Concrete-Related Products. Our ready-mixed concrete and concrete-related products segment is engaged primarily in the production, sale and delivery of ready-mixed concrete to our customers’ job sites.  To a lesser extent, this segment is engaged in the mining and sale of aggregates and the resale of building materials, primarily to our ready-mixed concrete customers.  We provide these products and services from our operations in north and west Texas, northern California, New Jersey, New York, Washington, D.C. and Oklahoma.

Precast Concrete Products. Our precast concrete products segment engages principally in the production, distribution and sale of precast concrete products from our seven precast plants located in California, Arizona and Pennsylvania.  From these facilities, we produce precast concrete structures such as utility vaults, manholes and other wastewater management products, specialty engineered structures, pre-stressed bridge girders, concrete piles, curb-inlets, catch basins, retaining and other wall systems, custom designed architectural products and other precast concrete products.

Overview

The markets for our products are generally local, and our operating results are subject to fluctuations in the level and mix of construction activity that occur in our markets.  The level of activity affects the demand for our products, while the product mix of activity among the various segments of the construction industry affects both our relative competitive strengths and our operating margins.  Commercial and industrial projects generally provide more opportunities to sell value-added products that are designed to meet the high-performance requirements of these types of projects.

Our customers are generally involved in the construction industry, which is a cyclical business and is subject to general and more localized economic conditions, including the recessionary conditions impacting all our markets.  In addition, our business is impacted by seasonal variations in weather conditions, which vary by regional market.  Accordingly, demand for our products and services during the winter months is typically lower than in other months of the year because of inclement weather.  Also, sustained periods of inclement weather could cause the delay of construction projects during other times of the year.

Since the middle of 2006, the United States building materials construction market has been challenging.  The construction industry, particularly the ready-mixed concrete industry, has been characterized by significant overcapacity and fierce competitive activity. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, our ready-mix concrete sales volume increased 39.7% to 1,014,000 cubic yards from 726,000 cubic yards during the first quarter of 2011. This is partially attributable to more favorable weather conditions during the first quarter of 2012 compared to unfavorable weather conditions during the first quarter of 2011. We also experienced a 6.4% increase in consolidated average ready-mix sales prices during the first quarter of 2012 and have experienced increases in these prices on a consolidated basis over the last four consecutive fiscal quarters. We saw increases in our ready-mix concrete sales volume and our average ready-mix sales prices in all of our major markets during the first quarter of 2012 when compared to the first quarter of 2011. As a result of this higher sales volume and higher ready-mix sales prices, we experienced increases in our revenue period-over-period. The higher volumes have allowed us to spread our fixed costs over more cubic yards and we have experienced improvement in our driver productivity during the first quarter of 2012 when compared to the same period of 2011. However, we have also experienced higher fuel and aggregate costs which have partially offset these improvements. While our average sales prices have improved, the recessionary conditions affecting our industry continue to put a strain on sales prices and our operating results. As a result of these conditions, we continue to closely monitor our operating costs and capital expenditures.
 
 
18


Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Our primary liquidity needs over the next 12 months consist of financing seasonal working capital requirements, servicing indebtedness under the credit agreement governing our Senior Secured Credit Facility due 2014 (the “Credit Agreement”) and our 9.5% Convertible Secured Notes due 2015 (the “Convertible Notes”), purchasing property and equipment and payments related to any strategic acquisitions. Our portfolio strategy may from time to time include strategic acquisitions and divestitures in various regions and markets and we may seek arrangements to finance any such acquisitions, which financing arrangements may include additional debt or equity capital. Our working capital needs are typically at their lowest level in the first quarter, increase in the second and third quarters to fund the increases in accounts receivable and inventories during those periods, and then decrease in the fourth quarter. Availability under the Credit Agreement is governed by a borrowing base primarily determined by our eligible accounts receivable, inventory and trucks (described below). While our working capital needs are typically at their lowest in the first quarter, our borrowing base typically declines also during the first quarter due to lower accounts receivable balances as a result of normal seasonality of our business caused by weather. During the first quarter of 2012, we experienced better than average weather conditions and our borrowing base did not fluctuate significantly from the fourth quarter of 2011.

The projection of our cash needs is based upon many factors, including our forecasted volume, pricing, cost of materials and capital expenditures. Based on our projected cash needs, we believe that the Credit Agreement and cash generated from operations will provide us with sufficient liquidity in the ordinary course. The Credit Agreement is scheduled to mature in August 2014. If, however, the Credit Agreement is not adequate to fund our operations in the event that our operating results and projected needs are proven to be incorrect, we would need to obtain an amendment to the Credit Agreement, seek other debt financing to provide additional liquidity, or sell assets. We continue to focus on minimizing our capital investment expenditures in order to maintain liquidity.
 
The principal factors that could adversely affect the amount of our internally generated funds include:

                 
·
deterioration of revenue, due to lower volume and/or pricing, because of weakness in the markets in which we operate;

                 
·
further declines in gross margins due to shifts in our project mix or increases in the cost of our raw materials and fuel; and

                 
·
any deterioration in our ability to collect our accounts receivable from customers as a result of further weakening in construction demand or as a result of payment difficulties experienced by our customers.

                 
·
inclement weather beyond normal patterns that could effect our concrete volumes.

The following key financial measurements reflect our financial position and capital resources as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (dollars in thousands):
 
   
March 31, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 5,369     $ 4,229  
Working capital
  $ 53,623     $ 52,998  
Total debt
  $ 67,566     $ 61,086  
 
Our cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments in deposits we hold at major financial institutions.

The following discussion provides a description of our arrangements relating to outstanding indebtedness.

Senior Secured Credit Facility due 2014

On August 31, 2010, we and certain of our subsidiaries entered into the Credit Agreement, which provides for a $75.0 million asset-based revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Facility”). On November 3, 2011, we entered into the First Amendment to the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement matures in August 2014. As of March 31, 2012, we had outstanding borrowings of $20.7 million and $18.7 million of undrawn standby letters of credit under the Revolving Facility. See below for a discussion of the consolidated secured debt ratio included in the indenture governing our Convertible Notes that could restrict borrowings under the Credit Agreement.

Under the First Amendment to the Credit Agreement, there is an availability block of $10.0 million. Additionally, beginning on April 1, 2012, at any time that Availability (as defined in the Credit Agreement) is less than $15.0 million, we must maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.0 to 1.0 for the trailing twelve month period until Availability is greater than or equal to $15.0 million for a period of 30 consecutive days. For the trailing twelve month period ending March 31, 2012, our fixed charge coverage ratio was 2.06 to 1.0.  Availability under the Revolving Facility was approximately $25.7 million, after reduction of the $10.0 million block at March 31, 2012.
 
 
19


Up to $30.0 million of the Revolving Facility is available for the issuance of letters of credit, and any such issuance of letters of credit will reduce the amount available for loans under the Revolving Facility.  Advances under the Revolving Facility are limited by a borrowing base of (a) 85% of the face amount of eligible accounts receivable plus (b) the lesser of (i) 85% of the net orderly liquidation value (as determined by the most recent appraisal) of eligible inventory and (ii) the sum of (A) 50% of the eligible inventory (other than eligible aggregates inventory) and (B) 65% of the eligible aggregates inventory plus (c) the lesser of (i) $15.0 million and (ii) the sum of (A) 85% of the net orderly liquidation value (as determined by the most recent appraisal) of eligible trucks plus (B) 80% of the cost of newly acquired eligible trucks since the date of the latest appraisal of eligible trucks minus (C) the depreciation amount applicable to eligible trucks since the date of the latest appraisal of eligible trucks minus (d) such reserves as the Administrative Agent may establish from time to time in its permitted discretion.  The Administrative Agent may, in its permitted discretion, reduce the advance rates set forth above, adjust reserves or reduce one or more of the other elements used in computing the borrowing base.

 Under the Credit Agreement, our capital expenditures may not exceed 7.0% of our consolidated annual revenue for the trailing twelve-month period ending on the last day of each fiscal quarter thereafter. Our capital expenditures were $5.1 million for the trailing twelve-month period ended March 31, 2012, which was below the $37.2 million representing 7% of our consolidated annual revenue for the same period. The Revolving Facility requires us to comply with certain other customary affirmative and negative covenants, and contains customary events of default.

At our option, loans may be maintained from time to time at an interest rate equal to the Eurodollar-based rate (“LIBOR”) or the applicable domestic rate (“CB Floating Rate”).  The CB Floating Rate is the greater of (x) the interest rate per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate and (y) the interest rate per annum equal to the sum of 1.0% per annum plus the adjusted LIBOR rate for a one-month interest period, in each case plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin on loans is 2.75% in the case of loans bearing interest at the CB Floating Rate and 3.75% in the case of loans bearing interest at the LIBOR rate. Issued and outstanding letters of credit are subject to a fee equal to the applicable margin then in effect for LIBOR loans, a fronting fee equal to 0.20% per annum on the stated amount of such letter of credit, and customary charges associated with the issuance and administration of letters of credit.  We will also pay a commitment fee on undrawn amounts under the Revolving Facility in an amount equal to 0.75% per annum.  Upon any event of default, at the direction of the required lenders under the Revolving Facility, all outstanding loans and the amount of all other obligations owing under the Revolving Facility will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to 2.0% plus the rate otherwise applicable to such loans or other obligations.
 
Outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Facility are prepayable, and the commitments under the Revolving Facility may be permanently reduced, without penalty. There are mandatory prepayments of principal in connection with (i) the incurrence of certain indebtedness, (ii) certain equity issuances and (iii) certain asset sales or other dispositions (including as a result of casualty or condemnation).  Mandatory prepayments are applied to repay outstanding loans without a corresponding permanent reduction in commitments under the Revolving Facility and are subject to the terms of an Intercreditor Agreement.
 
In connection with the Credit Agreement, we and certain of our subsidiaries entered into a Pledge and Security Agreement (the “Security Agreement”) with the Administrative Agent. Pursuant to the Security Agreement, all obligations under the Revolving Facility are secured by (i) a perfected first-priority lien (subject to certain exceptions) in substantially all of our and certain of our subsidiaries’ present and after acquired inventory (including as-extracted collateral), accounts, certain specified mixer trucks, deposit accounts, securities accounts, commodities accounts, letter of credit rights, cash and cash equivalents, general intangibles (other than intellectual property and equity in subsidiaries), instruments, documents, supporting obligations and related books and records and all proceeds and products of the foregoing and (ii) a perfected second-priority lien  (subject to certain exceptions) on substantially all other present and after acquired property (including, without limitation, material owned real estate).

Convertible Secured Notes due 2015

On August 31, 2010, we issued $55.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes.  The Convertible Notes are governed by an indenture, dated as of August 31, 2010 (the “Indenture”). Under the terms of the Indenture, the Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 9.5% per annum and will mature on August 31, 2015. Interest payments are payable quarterly in cash in arrears. Additionally, we recorded a discount of approximately $13.6 million related to an embedded derivative that was bifurcated and separately valued (see Note 7). This discount will be accreted over the term of the Convertible Notes and included in interest expense.
 
 
20


The requirement to meet a consolidated secured debt ratio under the Indenture beginning April 2012 could restrict our ability to borrow the amount available under the Credit Agreement. Commencing April 1, 2012, we must meet a consolidated secured debt ratio (as defined in the Indenture), as of the last day of each fiscal month as shown below:
 
   
Consolidated
 
Period
 
Secured Debt Ratio
 
April 1, 2012 — March 31, 2013
 
7.50 : 1.00
 
April 1, 2013 — March 31, 2014
 
7.00 : 1.00
 
April 1, 2014 — March 31, 2015
 
6.75 : 1.00
 
April 1, 2015  —  and thereafter
 
6.50 : 1.00
 

The consolidated secured debt ratio is the ratio of (a) our consolidated total indebtedness (as defined in the Indenture) on the date of determination that constitutes the Convertible Notes, any other pari passu lien obligations and any indebtedness incurred under the Credit Agreement (including any letters of credit issued thereunder) to (b) the aggregate amount of consolidated cash flow (as defined in the Indenture) for our most recent four fiscal quarters.  As of April 30, 2012, and based on consolidated cash flows for the four fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2012, our consolidated secured debt ratio was 4.93 to 1.00. The first date we were required to test the consolidated secured debt ratio was April 30, 2012. In the event that we are not able to meet this ratio in the future, we would need to seek an amendment to the Indenture to provide relief from this covenant.
 
The Convertible Notes are convertible, at the option of the holder, at any time on or prior to maturity, into shares of our common stock, at an initial conversion rate of 95.23809524 shares of Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes (the “Conversion Rate”).  The Conversion Rate is subject to adjustment to prevent dilution resulting from stock splits, stock dividends, combinations or similar events.  In connection with any such conversion, holders of the Convertible Notes to be converted shall also have the right to receive accrued and unpaid interest on such Convertible Notes to the date of conversion (the “Accrued Interest”).  We may elect to pay the Accrued Interest in cash or in shares of Common Stock in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.

In addition, if a “Fundamental Change of Control” (as defined in the Indenture) occurs prior to the maturity date, in addition to any conversion rights the holders of Convertible Notes may have, each holder of Convertible Notes will have (i) a make-whole provision calculated as provided in the Indenture pursuant to which each holder may be entitled to additional shares of Common Stock upon conversion (the “Make Whole Premium”), and (ii) an amount equal to the interest on such Convertible Notes that would have been payable from the date of the occurrence of such Fundamental Change of Control (the “Fundamental Change of Control Date”) through the third anniversary of the Effective Date, plus any accrued and unpaid interest from the Effective Date to the Fundamental Change of Control Date (the amount in this clause (ii), the “Make Whole Payment”).  We may elect to pay the Make Whole Payment in cash or in shares of Common Stock.
 
If the closing price of the Common Stock exceeds 150% of the Conversion Price (defined as $1,000 divided by the Conversion Rate) then in effect for at least 20 trading days during any consecutive 30-day trading period (the “Conversion Event”), we may provide, at our option, a written notice (the “Conversion Event Notice”) of the occurrence of the Conversion Event to each holder of Convertible Notes in accordance with the Indenture.  Except as set forth in an Election Notice (as defined below), the right to convert Convertible Notes with respect to the occurrence of the Conversion Event shall terminate on the date that is 46 days following the date of the Conversion Event Notice (the “Conversion Termination Date”), such that the holder shall have a 45-day period in which to convert its Convertible Notes up to the amount of the Conversion Cap (as defined below).  Any Convertible Notes not converted prior to the Conversion Termination Date as a result of the Conversion Cap shall be, at the holder’s election and upon written notice to the Company (the “Election Notice”), converted into shares of Common Stock on a date or dates prior to the date that is 180 days following the Conversion Termination Date.  The “Conversion Cap” means the number of shares of Common Stock into which the Convertible Notes are convertible and that would cause the related holder to “beneficially own” (as such term is used in the Exchange Act) more than 9.9% of the Common Stock at any time outstanding.
 
Any Convertible Notes not otherwise converted prior to the Conversion Termination Date or specified for conversion in an Election Notice shall be redeemable, in whole or in part, at our election at any time prior to maturity at par plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the Conversion Termination Date.
 
The Indenture contains certain covenants that restrict our ability to, among other things,
 
 
·
incur additional indebtedness or issue disqualified stock or preferred stock;

 
·
pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase or redeem our stock or subordinated indebtedness or make investments;

 
·
sell assets and issue capital stock of our restricted subsidiaries;
 
 
21

 
 
·
incur liens;

 
·
enter into transactions with affiliates; and

 
·
consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of our assets.

The Convertible Notes are guaranteed by each of our existing, and will be guaranteed by each of our future, direct or indirect domestic restricted subsidiaries. In connection with the Indenture, on August 31, 2010, we and certain of our subsidiaries entered into a Pledge and Security Agreement (the “Pledge and Security Agreement”) with the noteholder collateral agent. Pursuant to the Pledge and Security Agreement, the Convertible Notes and related guarantees are secured by first-priority liens on certain of the property and assets directly owned by the Company and each of the guarantors, including material owned real property, fixtures, intellectual property, capital stock of subsidiaries and certain equipment, subject to permitted liens (including a second-priority lien in favor of the Administrative Agent) with certain exceptions.  Obligations under the Revolving Facility and those in respect of hedging and cash management obligations owed to the lenders (and their affiliates) that are a party to the Revolving Facility (collectively, the “Revolving Facility Obligations”) are secured by a second-priority lien on such collateral.
 
The Convertible Notes and related guarantees are also secured by a second-priority lien on the assets of the Company and the guarantors securing the Revolving Facility Obligations on a first-priority basis, including, inventory (including as extracted collateral), accounts, certain specified mixer trucks, general intangibles (other than collateral securing the Convertible Notes on a first-priority basis), instruments, documents, cash, deposit accounts, securities accounts, commodities accounts, letter of credit rights and all supporting obligations and related books and records and all proceeds and products of the foregoing, subject to permitted liens and certain exceptions.

Cash Flows
 
Our net cash used in operating activities generally reflects the cash effects of transactions and other events used in the determination of net income or loss.  Net cash used in operating activities was $4.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $6.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  The change in the 2012 period was principally a result of higher profitability partially offset by less working capital reduction. Working capital did not decline in the first quarter of 2012 as it did in the first quarter of 2011 due to better than average weather in the first quarter of 2012 and improved volumes and pricing.

Our net cash provided by investing activities was $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to cash used in investing activities of $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  During the first quarter of 2012, we made capital expenditures of $0.5 million that was offset by $1.4 million in proceeds from disposals of excess land, vehicles and equipment. Capital expenditures were lower by approximately $1.3 million, and proceeds from disposals were approximately $0.9 million higher when compared to the first quarter of 2011.
 
Our net cash provided by financing activities was $4.7 million and $5.5 million for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The decrease in the 2012 period was primarily the result of $1.3 million of lower net borrowings and $0.5 million of lower payments for seller financed debt. During the first quarters of 2012 and 2011, we made note payments related to the acquisition of assets in our west Texas market in October 2010 of approximately $0.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively. During the first quarter of 2012 and 2011, we paid $0.75 million during each period related to the redemption of our interest in our former Michigan joint venture in September 30, 2010.

Cement and Other Raw Materials

We obtain most of the materials necessary to manufacture ready-mixed concrete and precast concrete products on a daily basis. These materials include cement, other cementitious materials (fly ash, blast furnace slag) and aggregates (stone, gravel and sand), in addition to certain chemical admixtures.  With the exception of chemical admixtures, each plant typically maintains an inventory level of these materials sufficient to satisfy its operating needs for a few days. Our inventory levels do not decline significantly or comparatively with declines in revenue during seasonally low periods. We generally maintain inventory at specified levels to maximize purchasing efficiencies and to be able to respond quickly to customer demand.

Typically, cement, other cementitious materials and aggregates represent the highest-cost materials used in manufacturing a cubic yard of ready-mixed concrete.  We purchase cement from a few suppliers in each of our major markets.  Chemical admixtures are generally purchased from suppliers under national purchasing agreements.
 
 
22

 
Overall, prices for cement and aggregates remained relatively flat in the first quarter of 2012, compared to the first quarter of 2011. Generally, we negotiate with suppliers on a company-wide basis and at the local market level to obtain the most competitive pricing available for cement and aggregates.  We do not expect to experience cement shortages.  Today, in most of our markets, we believe there is an adequate supply of aggregates. Fuel costs during the first quarter of 2012 remained at higher historical levels due to higher oil prices. While we can partially mitigate these higher fuel costs with higher prices for our products, fuel costs have risen more sharply than our prices.

Acquisitions and Divestitures

Our portfolio strategy may from time to time include strategic acquisitions and divestitures in various regions and markets and we may seek arrangements to finance any such acquisitions, which financing arrangements may include additional debt or equity capital. The following describes recent acquisitions, the redemption of our interest in our former Michigan joint venture and divestiture of certain assets.

Redemption of Superior Interest

In August 2010, we entered into a redemption agreement to have our 60% interest in our Michigan subsidiary, Superior Materials Holdings, LLC (“Superior”), redeemed by Superior. At the closing of the redemption on September 30, 2010, the Company and certain of our subsidiaries paid $640,000 in cash and issued a $1.5 million promissory note to Superior as partial consideration for certain indemnifications and other consideration provided by the minority owner and their new joint venture partner pursuant to the redemption agreement. In January 2011 and January 2012, we made payments of $750,000 each to complete payment of the note.

Other

In April 2011, we purchased the assets of a one-plant ready-mixed concrete operation in our west Texas market for $0.2 million in cash. In October 2010, we acquired three ready-mixed concrete plants and related assets in the west Texas market for approximately $3.0 million, plus inventory on hand at closing. We made cash payments of $0.4 million at closing and issued promissory notes for the remaining $2.6 million. We made cash payments on these notes of approximately $0.1 million and $0.6 million during the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

During the second quarter of 2010, we made the decision to dispose of some of our transport equipment in northern California and classified these assets as held for sale. These assets were recorded at the estimated fair value less costs to sell of approximately $0.8 million. In March 2011, we completed the sale of our transport equipment for approximately $0.9 million.

Risks and Uncertainties
 
Numerous factors could affect our future operating results. These factors are discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of the 2011 Form 10-K.

Critical Accounting Policies
 
We have outlined our critical accounting policies in Item 7 of Part II of the 2011 Form 10-K.  Our critical accounting policies involve the use of estimates in the recording of the allowance for doubtful accounts, realization of goodwill, accruals for self-insurance, accruals for income taxes, valuation of inventory, valuation and useful lives of property, plant and equipment. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of the 2011 Form 10-K for a discussion of these accounting policies.
 
 
23


Results of Operations
 
The following table sets forth selected historical statement of operations information (in thousands, except for selling prices) and that information as a percentage of sales for each of the periods indicated.
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(unaudited)
 
Revenue:
                       
Ready-mixed concrete and concrete-related  products
  $ 111,911       91.0 %   $ 78,080       89.7 %
Precast concrete products
    14,971       12.2       11,960       13.7  
Intercompany revenue
    (3,878 )     (3.2 )     (2,991 )     (3.4 )
Total revenue
  $ 123,004       100.0 %   $ 87,049       100.0 %
                                 
Cost of goods sold before depreciation, depletion and amortization:
                               
Ready-mixed concrete and concrete-related products
  $ 95,346       77.5 %   $ 71,723       82.4 %
Precast concrete products
    13,493       11.0       11,086       12.7  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    15,239       12.4       14,964       17.2  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    3,848       3.1       5,093       5.9  
Gain on sale of assets
    (597 )     (0.5 )     (72 )     (0.1 )
Loss from continuing operations
    (4,325 )     (3.5 )     (15,745 )     (18.1 )
Interest expense, net
    (2,869 )     (2.3 )     (2,628 )     (3.0 )
Derivative loss
    (3,391 )     (2.8 )     (6,247 )     (7.2 )
Other income, net
    545       0.4       257       0.3  
Loss before income taxes
    (10,040 )     (8.2 )     (24,363 )     (28.0 )
Income taxes
    190       0.1       351       0.4  
Net loss
  $ (10,230 )     (8.3 )%   $ (24,714 )     (28.4 )%
                                 
Ready-mixed concrete data:
                               
Average selling price per cubic yard
  $ 97.44             $ 91.61          
Sales volume in cubic yards
    1,014               726          

Revenue

Ready-mixed concrete and concrete-related products. Revenue from our ready-mixed concrete and concrete-related products segment increased $33.8 million, or 43.3%, to $111.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $78.1 million in the corresponding period of 2011.  Our ready-mixed sales volumes for the first quarter of 2012 were approximately 1,014,000 cubic yards, up 39.7% from the approximately 726,000 cubic yards of ready-mixed concrete we sold in the first quarter of 2011. Some of this volume increase was due to better than average weather in our markets during the first quarter of 2012 compared to worse than average weather during the first quarter of 2011. We also experienced an approximate 6.4% increase in the ready-mix average sales price per cubic yard during the first quarter of 2012, as compared to the first quarter of 2011. Our volume and average sales prices were higher in all of our major markets.

Precast concrete products. Revenue from our precast concrete products segment was up $3.0 million, or 25.2%, to $15.0 million for the first quarter of 2012 from $12.0 million during the corresponding period of 2011.  This increase reflects a rise in revenues from public works and infrastructure work in our northern and southern California markets and an increase in commercial work in our northern California and Phoenix, Arizona markets.

Cost of goods sold before depreciation, depletion and amortization

Ready-mixed concrete and concrete-related products. Cost of goods sold before depreciation, depletion and amortization for our ready-mixed concrete and concrete-related products segment increased $23.6 million, or 32.9%, to $95.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from $71.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  This increase was primarily due to a 39.7% increase in sales volumes and higher fuel costs during the three months ended March 31, 2012 partially offset by fixed costs being spread over higher volumes and greater efficiencies achieved.  As a percentage of ready-mixed concrete and concrete-related products revenue, cost of goods sold before depreciation, depletion and amortization was 85.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, as compared to 91.9% for the corresponding period of 2011. The decrease in this percentage was primarily due to fixed costs being spread over higher volumes and greater efficiencies achieved in driver productivity.
 
 
24


Precast concrete products. Cost of goods sold before depreciation, depletion and amortization for our precast concrete products segment increased $2.4 million, or 21.7%, to $13.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from $11.1 million for the corresponding period of 2011.  As a percentage of precast concrete products revenue, cost of goods sold before depreciation, depletion and amortization for precast concrete products was 90.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to 92.7% during the three months ended March 31, 2011.  This percentage decreased primarily due to increased plant efficiency, which was partially offset by lower margin projects in our Mid-Atlantic region.

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) increased approximately $0.2 million, or 1.8%, to $15.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from $15.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  There was approximately $1.1 million included in SG&A expenses during the first quarter of 2012 related to expenses associated with our previously announced corporate headquarters relocation to Euless, Texas on or about July 1, 2012. SG&A expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2011 included approximately $1.4 million of costs related to the departure our former President and Chief Executive Officer in August 2011.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization. Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense decreased $1.2 million, or 24.4%, to $3.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from $5.1 million in the corresponding period of 2011.  The decrease was primarily due to certain assets becoming fully depreciated during the later part of 2011.

Gain on sale of assets. We had a gain on sale of assets of $0.6 million during the first quarter of 2012, compared to a gain on sale of assets of $0.1 million during the first quarter of 2011. The gain in the first quarter of 2012 was primarily due to increased sales of excess land, vehicles and equipment when compared to the first quarter of 2011.

Interest expense, net.  Net interest expense increased by approximately $0.3 million to $2.9 million during the first quarter of 2012, compared to $2.6 million during the corresponding period of 2011. This rise was primarily due to increased borrowings under the Credit Agreement, higher non-cash amortization of deferred financing costs related to the Convertible Notes and higher non-cash accretion of the recorded discount on the Convertible Notes during the first quarter of 2012 as compared to the first quarter of 2011.

Derivative loss.  During the first quarter of 2012, we recorded a $3.4 million loss on derivatives compared to a $6.2 million loss during the corresponding period of 2011. All derivatives are required to be recorded on the balance sheet at their fair values in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  Each quarter, we determine the fair value of our derivative liabilities and changes result in income or loss. The key inputs in determining fair value of our derivative liabilities, which were $5.7 million at March 31, 2012, include our stock price, stock price volatility, risk free interest rates and interest rates for conventional debt of similarly situated companies. Changes in these inputs will impact the valuation of our derivatives and result in income or loss each quarterly period. During the three month period ended March 31, 2012, we recorded a loss from fair value changes in our embedded Convertible Notes derivative of approximately $2.3 million and a loss from fair value changes in our warrants of approximately $1.1 million. These losses were due primarily to an increase in the price of our common stock.

Income taxes.  We recorded income tax expense of approximately $0.2 million and $0.4 million for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Our effective tax rate differs substantially from the federal statutory rate primarily due to the application of a valuation allowance that reduced the recognized benefit of our deferred tax assets.  In addition, certain state income taxes are calculated on bases different than pre-tax income (loss).  This resulted in recording income tax expense in certain states that experience a pre-tax loss.

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the recognized value of deferred tax assets must be reduced to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized in future periods.  The ultimate realization of the benefit of deferred tax assets from deductible temporary differences or tax carryovers depends on the generation of sufficient taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible.  We considered the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment.  Based on these considerations, we relied upon the reversal of certain deferred tax liabilities to realize a portion of our deferred tax assets and established a valuation allowance as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 for other deferred tax assets because of uncertainty regarding their ultimate realization.  Our total net deferred tax liability as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2011 was approximately $1.1 million.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We do not currently have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources. From time to time, we may enter into noncancelable operating leases that would not be reflected on our balance sheet.  At March 31, 2012, we had $18.7 million of undrawn letters of credit outstanding.  We are also contingently liable for performance under $60.7 million in performance bonds relating to our ready-mixed concrete and precast concrete operations.
 
 
25

 
Inflation

We experienced minimal increases in operating costs during the first quarter of 2012 related to inflation. However, in non-recessionary conditions, cement prices and certain other raw material prices, including aggregates, have generally risen faster than regional inflationary rates.  When these price increases have occurred, we have been able to partially mitigate our cost increases with price increases we obtained for our products. We have continued to experience higher than historical average fuel costs due to higher diesel fuel prices. While we are able to pass some of this cost on in the form of higher prices for our products, the cost of fuel has risen more sharply than our prices.


We are exposed to certain risks relating to our ongoing business operations.  However, derivative instruments are not used to hedge these risks.  We are required to account for derivative instruments as a result of the issuance of warrants and Convertible Notes.  None of our derivatives manage business risk or are executed for speculative purposes.

All derivatives are required to be recorded on the balance sheet at their fair values.  Each quarter, we determine the fair value of our derivative liabilities, and changes result in income or loss. The key inputs in determining fair value of our derivative liabilities of $5.7 million and $2.3 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, include our stock price, stock price volatility, risk free interest rates and interest rates for conventional debt of similarly situated companies. Changes in these inputs will impact the valuation of our derivatives and result in income or loss each quarterly period. A 5% increase in the stock price, volatility and risk free interest rates would increase the value of our warrant derivative liability by approximately $0.7 million, resulting in a loss in the same amount. A 5% increase in the stock price, volatility and conventional debt interest rates would increase the value of our embedded Convertible Notes derivative liability by approximately $2.1 million, resulting in a loss in the same amount. During the three month period ended March 31, 2012, we recorded a loss from fair value changes in our embedded Convertible Notes derivative of approximately $2.3 million due primarily to an increase in the price of our common stock. Additionally, we recorded a loss from fair value changes in our warrants of approximately $1.1 million during the three month period ended March 31, 2012 also due primarily to the increase in the price of our common stock.

Borrowings under our Credit Agreement expose us to certain market risks.  Interest on amounts drawn varies based on the floating rates under the Credit Agreement. Based on the $20.7 million outstanding under this facility as of March 31, 2012, a one percent increase or decrease in the applicable rate would increase or decrease our annual interest expense by $0.2 million.

Our operations are subject to factors affecting the overall strength of the U.S. economy and economic conditions impacting financial institutions, including the level of interest rates, availability of funds for construction and level of general construction activity. A significant decrease in the level of general construction activity in any of our market areas has and may continue to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated revenues and earnings.
 
 
26

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of March 31, 2012, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), which are designed to provide reasonable assurance that we are able to record, process, summarize and report the information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Exchange Act within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and to ensure that it is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. During the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2011, a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting was identified and disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. This material weakness related to not maintaining effective review and approval practices over the analysis and application of accounting principles associated with significant, unusual and infrequently occurring transactions in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This control deficiency resulted in prior year audit adjustments related to the classification of cash activity between investing and financing activities on the consolidated statement of cash flows. Specifically, the adjustments resulted in the reclassification of $0.7 million of payments on the seller financed portion of an acquisition of assets in our west Texas market and a $0.8 million payment on the redemption of Superior, from investing activities to financing activities. As of March 31, 2012, and as described below, this material weakness was not remediated. As a result, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer concluded that, as of March 31, 2012, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective.

In light of the material weakness described above, the Company performed additional analysis and other post closing procedures to ensure our condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  Accordingly, management concluded that the financial statements included in this report fairly present in all material respects our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.

Status of Remediation of Material Weakness

We have developed controls surrounding the analysis and application of accounting principles associated with significant, unusual and infrequently occurring transactions. Specifically, we continue to obtain signed certifications from our financial and operating personnel regarding the existence of significant, unusual and infrequently occurring transactions. Once identified, we have developed controls related to the review of such transactions by corporate office financial personnel which includes a checklist to determine that the effect of such transactions have been considered in the balance sheet, statement of operations, statement of stockholders’ equity and statement of cash flows. We continue to evaluate the operating effectiveness of the controls put in place. These controls will be required to have operated for a sufficient period of time to provide reasonable assurance as to their effectiveness. The material weakness will be remediated when, in the opinion of management, the control procedures have been operating for a sufficient period of time and testing can be completed of the operating effectiveness.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

As described above, there were changes in our internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
27


PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 
The information set forth under the heading “Legal Proceedings” in Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies,” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I of this report is incorporated by reference into this Item 1.
 

 Items 2(a) and 2(b) are not applicable.  The following table provides information pursuant to Item 2(c) with respect to purchases by the company of shares of our common stock during the three month period ended March 31, 2012:
 
Calendar Month
 
Total Number of
Shares
Acquired(1)
   
Average Price Paid
Per Share
 
January 2012
    4,790       2.90  
February 2012
           
March 2012
           

 
(1)
Represents shares of our common stock acquired from employees who elected for us to make their required tax payments upon vesting of certain restricted shares by withholding a number of those vested shares having a value on the date of vesting equal to their tax obligations.

 
 
10.1* Indemnification Agreement, as of February 28, 2011, by and between U.S. Concrete, Inc. and Kent D. Canley (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 30, 2012 (Filed No. 001-34530)
   
10.2* Executive Severance Agreement, effective as of February 28, 2011, between U.S. Concrete, Inc. and Kent D. Canley (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 30, 2012 (File No. 001-34530)).
   
31.1
—Certification of Periodic Report pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a).
31.2
—Certification of Periodic Report pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a).
32.1
—Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
32.2
—Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
101.INS
Instance Document
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
* Incorporated by reference to the filing indicated.
 
28


 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
  U.S. CONCRETE, INC.  
       
Date:  May 11, 2012
By:
/s/ Kent D. Cauley  
    Kent D. Cauley  
   
Vice President and Corporate Controller
 
   
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
 
29

 
10.1* Indemnification Agreement, as of February 28, 2011, by and between U.S. Concrete, Inc. and Kent D. Canley (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 30, 2012 (Filed No. 001-34530)
   
10.2* Executive Severance Agreement, effective as of February 28, 2011, between U.S. Concrete, Inc. and Kent D. Canley (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 30, 2012 (File No. 001-34530)).
   
—Certification of Periodic Report pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a).
—Certification of Periodic Report pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a).
—Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
—Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
101.INS
Instance Document
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
* Incorporated by reference to the filing indicated.
 
30