Vulcan Reports Fourth Quarter And Full Year Results

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Vulcan Materials Company (NYSE: VMC), the nation's largest producer of construction aggregates, today announced results for the quarter ended December 31, 2020.

Tom Hill, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Our best-in-class aggregates business, along with the efforts and dedication of our employees, allowed us to overcome COVID-19 related disruptions in 2020. Most impressive, we delivered year-over-year gains in aggregates unit profitability throughout each quarter in 2020. Our ability to leverage Vulcan's four strategic disciplines enabled us to expand unit margins, deliver improved cash flows, and increase returns on invested capital. Our team's hard work along with Vulcan's leading market positions and strong financial footing will enable us to capitalize on an improving demand outlook in 2021."

Net earnings were $115 million in the fourth quarter, and Adjusted EBITDA was $311 million. Fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA increased 4 percent despite a 1 percent decline in total revenues. Effective cost management throughout the organization and aggregates price growth helped drive margin expansion.

Full year revenues were $4.86 billion, 1 percent lower than the prior year, while gross profit margins expanded across each segment driving an improvement of 150 basis points in the Company's EBITDA margin. Net earnings were $584 million, and Adjusted EBITDA was a record $1.324 billion.

Mr. Hill continued, "Construction employment gains in key markets are a positive signal that activity levels are recovering across our footprint, as compelling fundamentals in residential construction support growing demand in 2021. Shipments into private nonresidential continue to benefit from growth in heavy industrial projects such as data centers and warehouses, while construction starts in other categories remain below the prior year. Recent improvements in highway lettings and contract awards indicate growing confidence and visibility fueling advancement of planned projects, particularly in the second half of 2021. The pricing environment remains positive, and we continue to execute at a high level, positioning us well for 2021. We expect our 2021 Adjusted EBITDA will range between $1.340 billion to $1.440 billion."

Highlights as of December 31, 2020 include:


                                                                                  Fourth Quarter                   Full Year



       Amounts in millions, except per unit data                          2020     2019             2020     2019

    ---


       Total revenues                                                 $1,175.1 $1,186.2         $4,856.8 $4,929.1



       Gross profit                                                     $302.7   $293.1         $1,281.5 $1,255.9



       Aggregates segment



       Segment sales                                                    $956.5   $960.2         $3,944.3 $3,990.3



       Freight-adjusted revenues                                        $737.3   $720.6         $3,007.6 $3,014.2



       Gross profit                                                     $276.0   $274.5         $1,159.2 $1,146.6



       Shipments (tons)                                                   51.1     51.6            208.3    215.5



       Freight-adjusted sales price per ton                             $14.42   $13.96           $14.44   $13.99



       Gross profit per ton                                              $5.40    $5.32            $5.57    $5.32



       Asphalt, Concrete & Calcium segment gross profit                  $26.7    $18.6           $122.3   $109.3



       Selling, Administrative and General (SAG)                         $98.6    $95.8           $359.8   $370.5



       SAG as % of Total revenues                                         8.4%    8.1%            7.4%    7.5%



       Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes          $141.2   $166.0           $743.8   $757.7



       Net earnings                                                     $114.5   $141.1           $584.5   $617.7



       Adjusted EBIT                                                    $210.3   $202.8           $926.7   $895.4



       Adjusted EBITDA                                                  $311.2   $298.5         $1,323.5 $1,270.0



       Earnings from continuing operations per diluted share             $0.87    $1.07            $4.41    $4.67



       Adjusted earnings from continuing operations per diluted share    $1.07    $1.08            $4.68    $4.70

Reported earnings from continuing operations for the year were $588 million, or $4.41 per diluted share. Comparing adjusted earnings from continuing operations of $4.68 per diluted share in 2020 to $4.70 per diluted share in 2019, the prior year benefited from a lower tax rate due to certain tax benefits and credits that were higher than in 2020. The effect of the resulting higher tax rate in 2020 was $0.18 per diluted share.

Segment Results

Aggregates

Fourth quarter gross profit increased to $276 million due to growth in pricing and effective cost control, despite a 1 percent decline in shipments. Gains in unit profitability were widespread and marked the fourth consecutive quarter of growth in gross profit per ton. For the full year, gross profit per ton increased 5 percent, despite 3 percent lower volumes. This growth marks the tenth consecutive quarter of year-over-year improvement in the Company's trailing-twelve-month unit profitability.

The pricing environment continues to be positive across the Company's footprint. On a mix-adjusted basis, all of the Company's markets reported full year price growth. For the year, mix-adjusted pricing increased 3.1 percent (reported freight-adjusted sales price increased 3.2 percent) despite a 3 percent decline in shipments. For the quarter, mix-adjusted sales price increased 1.8 percent, and reported freight-adjusted pricing increased 3.3 percent.

Fourth quarter operating efficiencies and lower diesel fuel costs helped to mitigate increased spending to remove overburden ahead of future shipments and the timing of repair costs. The Aggregates segment earnings impact from lower diesel fuel cost was $8 million in the quarter. For the full year, freight-adjusted unit cost of sales increased 2 percent and 1 percent on a cash basis. Flexible operating plans, disciplined cost control, and lower diesel fuel costs mitigated the impact of operational disruptions caused by the pandemic during the year.

Asphalt, Concrete and Calcium

Fourth quarter gross profit increased sharply in each segment. Asphalt segment gross profit increased 53 percent to $17 million in the fourth quarter. The year-over-year improvement was driven by higher material margins (sales price less unit cost of raw materials). Segment earnings benefited from price discipline and effective cost containment, including lower liquid asphalt costs. Shipments in the current year's quarter were lower than the prior year, as prior year shipments included certain large projects in the Arizona and Tennessee markets.

Fourth quarter concrete segment gross profit increased 28 percent to $9 million as a result of higher material margins. Shipments decreased 12 percent versus the prior year, and average selling prices increased 2 percent compared to the prior year. Fourth quarter shipments were impacted by the lingering effects of cement supply shortages in Northern California.

Calcium segment gross profit was $1.2 million versus $0.8 million in the prior year quarter.

Full year segment earnings increased 12 percent collectively, driven by strong year-over-year improvement in asphalt. Each segment reported year-over-year margin expansion on lower revenues.

Selling, Administrative and General (SAG) and Other Nonoperating Expense

SAG expense was $99 million in the quarter and $360 million for the full year. As a percentage of total revenues, SAG expense was 7.4 percent in 2020. The Company remains focused on further leveraging its overhead cost structure.

Other nonoperating expense was $21 million, compared to income of $3 million in the prior year quarter. This year-over-year change resulted from a non-cash pension settlement charge of $23 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, recorded in the fourth quarter in connection with a voluntary lump sum distribution of benefits to certain fully vested plan participants. This action will benefit future expense and funding requirements.

Financial Position, Liquidity and Capital Allocation

Capital expenditures in the fourth quarter were $132 million and $361 million for the full year, most of which was directed toward core operating and maintenance projects. During the fourth quarter, the Company restarted planned growth projects that were put on hold in March 2020 as a result of the pandemic. In 2021, the Company expects to spend between $450 and $475 million on capital expenditures, including growth projects. The Company will continue to review its plans and will adjust as needed, while being thoughtful about preserving liquidity.

In 2020, the Company returned $180 million to shareholders through dividends, a 10 percent increase versus the prior year. For the year, the Company repurchased $26 million in common stock.

At year end, total debt to trailing-twelve month Adjusted EBITDA was 2.5 times or 1.6 times on a net debt basis reflecting $1.2 billion of cash on hand. Approximately $500 million will be used to pay off certain debt maturities due in March 2021. The Company's weighted-average debt maturity was 13 years, and the effective weighted-average interest rate was 4.1 percent.

Return on invested capital increased 40 basis points from the prior year to 14.3 percent. Operating cash flows were $1.1 billion, up 9 percent versus the previous year. Solid operating earnings growth coupled with disciplined capital management led to these results.

Outlook

Regarding the Company's outlook, Mr. Hill stated, "We are encouraged by the continued strength in residential construction activity, particularly single-family housing. Our expectation is also supported by the recent improvement in highway awards and construction employment trends in key markets. Data centers, distribution centers, and warehouses, which now comprise the largest share of new private nonresidential project awards, will continue to underpin demand in this end market. We believe these leading indicators, along with sustaining a positive pricing environment, can be a catalyst for further recovery in construction activity during 2021."

Management expectations for 2021 include:

    --  Aggregates shipments down 2 percent to up 2 percent versus 2020
    --  Year-over-year aggregates freight-adjusted price increase of 2 to 4
        percent
    --  Asphalt, Concrete and Calcium gross profit up mid-to-high single digits
    --  SAG expenses of $365 to $375 million
    --  Interest expense of approximately $130 million
    --  Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization expense of
        approximately $400 million
    --  An effective tax rate of approximately 21 percent
    --  Earnings from continuing operations of $4.80 to $5.40 per diluted share
    --  Adjusted EBITDA of $1.340 to $1.440 billion
    --  No major changes in COVID shelter-in-place restrictions

Mr. Hill concluded, "As we saw in 2020, demand for our products can be subject to market fluctuations outside of our control. That said, we remained focused on the factors within our control, including our pricing and cost actions, both of which contributed to further improvement in our industry-leading unit margins in 2020. We will carry that determination through 2021 and beyond. Our operating plans are underpinned by our four strategic disciplines (Commercial and Operational Excellence, Logistics Innovation and Strategic Sourcing), a healthy balance sheet, strong liquidity, and the engagement of our people."

Conference Call

Vulcan will host a conference call at 10:00 a.m. CT on February 16, 2021. A webcast will be available via the Company's website at www.vulcanmaterials.com. Investors and other interested parties may access the teleconference live by calling 833-962-1439, or 832-900-4623 if outside the U.S., approximately 10 minutes before the scheduled start. The conference ID is 5378297. The conference call will be recorded and available for replay at the Company's website approximately two hours after the call.

About Vulcan Materials Company

Vulcan Materials Company, a member of the S&P 500 Index with headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama, is the nation's largest producer of construction aggregates - primarily crushed stone, sand and gravel - and a major producer of aggregates-based construction materials, including asphalt and ready-mixed concrete. For additional information about Vulcan, go to www.vulcanmaterials.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT DISCLAIMER

This document contains forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical fact, including statements about Vulcan's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Generally, these statements relate to future financial performance, results of operations, business plans or strategies, projected or anticipated revenues, expenses, earnings (including EBITDA and other measures), dividend policy, shipment volumes, pricing, levels of capital expenditures, intended cost reductions and cost savings, anticipated profit improvements and/or planned divestitures and asset sales. These forward-looking statements are sometimes identified by the use of terms and phrases such as "believe," "should," "would," "expect," "project," "estimate," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "will," "can," "may" or similar expressions elsewhere in this document. These statements are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including but not limited to general business conditions, competitive factors, pricing, energy costs, and other risks and uncertainties discussed in the reports Vulcan periodically files with the SEC.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results, developments, and business decisions may vary significantly from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements. The following risks related to Vulcan's business, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements: general economic and business conditions; a pandemic, epidemic or other public health emergency, such as the recent outbreak of COVID-19; Vulcan's dependence on the construction industry, which is subject to economic cycles; the timing and amount of federal, state and local funding for infrastructure; changes in the level of spending for private residential and private nonresidential construction; changes in Vulcan's effective tax rate; the increasing reliance on information technology infrastructure, including the risks that the infrastructure does not work as intended, experiences technical difficulties or is subjected to cyber-attacks; the impact of the state of the global economy on Vulcan's businesses and financial condition and access to capital markets; the highly competitive nature of the construction industry; the impact of future regulatory or legislative actions, including those relating to climate change, wetlands, greenhouse gas emissions, the definition of minerals, tax policy or international trade; the outcome of pending legal proceedings; pricing of Vulcan's products; weather and other natural phenomena, including the impact of climate change and availability of water; energy costs; costs of hydrocarbon-based raw materials; healthcare costs; the amount of long-term debt and interest expense incurred by Vulcan; changes in interest rates; the impact of a discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR); volatility in pension plan asset values and liabilities, which may require cash contributions to the pension plans; the impact of environmental cleanup costs and other liabilities relating to existing and/or divested businesses; Vulcan's ability to secure and permit aggregates reserves in strategically located areas; Vulcan's ability to manage and successfully integrate acquisitions; the effect of changes in tax laws, guidance and interpretations; significant downturn in the construction industry may result in the impairment of goodwill or long-lived assets; changes in technologies, which could disrupt the way Vulcan does business and how Vulcan's products are distributed; and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the reports filed by Vulcan with the SEC. All forward-looking statements in this communication are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Vulcan disclaims and does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement in this document except as required by law.


                                                                                                                                                 
     Table A



       
                Vulcan Materials Company



       
                and Subsidiary Companies


                                                                                           
     (in thousands, except per share data)





                                                            Three Months Ended                     Twelve Months Ended



       
                Consolidated Statements of Earnings                       December 31                                         December 31




       (Condensed and unaudited)                                       2020                                     2019                       2020                  2019

    ---




       Total revenues                                            $1,175,120                               $1,186,152                 $4,856,826            $4,929,103



       Cost of revenues                                             872,379                                  893,071                  3,575,345             3,673,202

    ---


       Gross profit                                                 302,741                                  293,081                  1,281,481             1,255,901



       Selling, administrative and general expenses                  98,627                                   95,801                    359,772               370,548



       Gain on sale of property, plant & equipment



       and businesses                                                 1,681                                   12,770                      3,997                23,752



       Other operating expense, net                                 (9,366)                                (16,474)                  (29,975)             (31,647)

    ---


       Operating earnings                                           196,429                                  193,576                    895,731               877,458



       Other nonoperating income (expense), net                    (21,357)                                   3,289                   (17,540)                9,243



       Interest expense, net                                         33,884                                   30,835                    134,393               129,000

    ---


       Earnings from continuing operations



       before income taxes                                          141,188                                  166,030                    743,798               757,701



       Income tax expense                                            25,273                                   23,434                    155,803               135,198

    ---


       Earnings from continuing operations                          115,915                                  142,596                    587,995               622,503



       Loss on discontinued operations, net of tax                  (1,397)                                 (1,504)                   (3,515)              (4,841)

    ---


       Net earnings                                                $114,518                                 $141,092                   $584,480              $617,662

    ---




       Basic earnings (loss) per share



       Continuing operations                                          $0.87                                    $1.08                      $4.44                 $4.71



       Discontinued operations                                      ($0.01)                                 ($0.01)                   ($0.03)              ($0.04)



       Net earnings                                                   $0.86                                    $1.07                      $4.41                 $4.67





       Diluted earnings (loss) per share



       Continuing operations                                          $0.87                                    $1.07                      $4.41                 $4.67



       Discontinued operations                                      ($0.01)                                 ($0.01)                   ($0.02)              ($0.04)



       Net earnings                                                   $0.86                                    $1.06                      $4.39                 $4.63





       Weighted-average common shares outstanding



       Basic                                                        132,619                                  132,467                    132,578               132,300



       Assuming dilution                                            133,367                                  133,467                    133,245               133,385



       Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization         $100,894                                  $95,671                   $396,806              $374,596



       Effective tax rate from continuing operations                  17.9%                                   14.1%                     20.9%                17.8%

    ---


                                                                               
            Table B



       
                Vulcan Materials Company



       
                and Subsidiary Companies


                                                                             
       (in thousands)




       
                Consolidated Balance Sheets              December 31 
     
         December 31



       (Condensed and unaudited)                                    2020                 2019

    ---


       
                Assets



       Cash and cash equivalents                              $1,197,068             $271,589



       Restricted cash                                               945                2,917



       Accounts and notes receivable



       Accounts and notes receivable, gross                      558,848              573,241



       Allowance for doubtful accounts                           (2,551)             (3,125)

    ---


       Accounts and notes receivable, net                        556,297              570,116



       Inventories



       Finished products                                         378,389              391,666



       Raw materials                                              33,780               31,318



       Products in process                                         4,555                5,604



       Operating supplies and other                               31,861               29,720

    ---


       Inventories                                               448,585              458,308



       Other current assets                                       74,270               76,396



       Total current assets                                    2,277,165            1,379,326



       Investments and long-term receivables                      34,301               60,709



       Property, plant & equipment



       Property, plant & equipment, cost                       9,102,086            8,749,217



       Allowances for depreciation, depletion & amortization (4,676,087)         (4,433,179)

    ---


       Property, plant & equipment, net                        4,425,999            4,316,038



       Operating lease right-of-use assets, net                  423,128              408,189



       Goodwill                                                3,172,112            3,167,061



       Other intangible assets, net                            1,123,544            1,091,475



       Other noncurrent assets                                   230,656              225,995



       Total assets                                          $11,686,905          $10,648,793

    ---


       
                Liabilities



       Current maturities of long-term debt                      515,435                   25



       Trade payables and accruals                               273,080              265,159



       Other current liabilities                                 259,368              270,379



       Total current liabilities                               1,047,883              535,563



       Long-term debt                                          2,772,240            2,784,315



       Deferred income taxes, net                                706,050              633,039



       Deferred revenue                                          174,045              179,880



       Operating lease liabilities                               399,582              388,042



       Other noncurrent liabilities                              559,775              506,097



       Total liabilities                                      $5,659,575           $5,026,936

    ---


       
                Equity



       Common stock, $1 par value                                132,516              132,371



       Capital in excess of par value                          2,802,012            2,791,353



       Retained earnings                                       3,274,107            2,895,871



       Accumulated other comprehensive loss                    (181,305)           (197,738)



       Total equity                                           $6,027,330           $5,621,857



       Total liabilities and equity                          $11,686,905          $10,648,793

    ---


                                                                                                                             
            Table C



       
                Vulcan Materials Company



       
                and Subsidiary Companies


                                                                                                                           
       (in thousands)





                                                                                           Twelve Months Ended



       
                Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows                                                     December 31




       (Condensed and unaudited)                                                                     2020                            2019

    ---


       
                Operating Activities



       Net earnings                                                                                  $584,480                        $617,662



       Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities



       Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization                                        396,806                         374,596



       Noncash operating lease expense                                                             38,272                          35,344



       Net gain on sale of property, plant & equipment and businesses                             (3,997)                       (23,752)



       Contributions to pension plans                                                             (8,819)                        (8,882)



       Share-based compensation expense                                                            32,991                          31,843



       Deferred tax expense                                                                        62,018                          76,011



       Changes in assets and liabilities before initial



       effects of business acquisitions and dispositions                                         (39,710)                      (147,218)



       Other, net                                                                                       8,318                          28,518



       Net cash provided by operating activities                                               $1,070,359                        $984,122

    ---


       
                Investing Activities



       Purchases of property, plant & equipment                                                 (362,194)                      (384,094)



       Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment                                           11,461                          22,661



       Proceeds from sale of businesses                                                               968                           1,744



       Payment for businesses acquired, net of acquired cash                                     (43,223)                       (44,151)



       Other, net                                                                                      11,474                        (11,997)




       Net cash used for investing activities                                                  ($381,514)                     ($415,837)

    ---


       
                Financing Activities



       Proceeds from short-term debt                                                                    0                         366,900



       Payment of short-term debt                                                                       0                       (499,900)



       Payment of current maturities and long-term debt                                         (250,025)                           (23)



       Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt                                                   750,000                               0



       Debt issuance and exchange costs                                                          (15,394)                              0



       Settlements of interest rate derivatives                                                  (19,863)                              0



       Purchases of common stock                                                                 (26,132)                        (2,602)



       Dividends paid                                                                             (180,216)                      (163,973)



       Share-based compensation, shares withheld for taxes                                       (22,144)                       (38,522)



       Other, net                                                                                     (1,564)                           (63)



       Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities                                      $234,662                      ($338,183)

    ---


       Net increase in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash                              923,507                         230,102



       Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year                         274,506                          44,404



       Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year                            $1,198,013                        $274,506

    ---


                                                                                                                                                             
           Table D



       
                Segment Financial Data and Unit Shipments


                                                                                                        (in thousands, except per unit data)





                                                                         Three Months Ended                    Twelve Months Ended


                                                                                            December 31                                        December 31



                                                                                       2020                                    2019                     2020               2019




       
                Total Revenues



       Aggregates (1)                                                         $956,502                                $960,164               $3,944,286         $3,990,275



       Asphalt (2)                                                             194,665                                 206,331                  792,605            855,821



       Concrete                                                                 85,362                                  95,258                  383,617            395,627



       Calcium                                                                    2,451                                   2,118                    7,720              8,191

    ---


       Segment sales                                                        $1,238,980                              $1,263,871               $5,128,228         $5,249,914



       Aggregates intersegment sales                                          (63,860)                               (77,719)               (271,402)         (320,811)



       Total revenues                                                       $1,175,120                              $1,186,152               $4,856,826         $4,929,103

    ---


       
                Gross Profit



       Aggregates                                                             $275,994                                $274,516               $1,159,178         $1,146,649



       Asphalt                                                                   16,987                                  11,073                   75,233             63,023



       Concrete                                                                  8,562                                   6,664                   44,159             43,151



       Calcium                                                                       1,198                                     828                    2,911              3,078

    ---


       Total                                                                    $302,741                                $293,081               $1,281,481         $1,255,901

    ---


       
                Depreciation, Depletion, Accretion and Amortization



       Aggregates                                                              $80,757                                 $77,787                 $321,127           $305,046



       Asphalt                                                                    8,910                                   8,856                   34,956             35,199



       Concrete                                                                  3,940                                   3,958                   16,010             13,620



       Calcium                                                                       43                                      55                      189                232



       Other                                                                       7,244                                   5,015                   24,524             20,499



       Total                                                                    $100,894                                 $95,671                 $396,806           $374,596

    ---


       
                Average Unit Sales Price and Unit Shipments



       
                Aggregates



       Freight-adjusted revenues (3)                                          $737,313                                $720,584               $3,007,634         $3,014,157



       Aggregates - tons                                                        51,132                                  51,620                  208,295            215,465



       Freight-adjusted sales price 4                                           $14.42                                  $13.96                   $14.44             $13.99





       
                Other Products



       Asphalt Mix - tons                                                        2,882                                   3,041                   11,835             12,665



       Asphalt Mix - sales price                                                $57.70                                  $57.87                   $57.97             $57.79





       Ready-mixed concrete - cubic yards                                          656                                     744                    2,951              3,104



       Ready-mixed concrete - sales price                                      $128.93                                 $126.97                  $128.93            $126.38





       Calcium - tons                                                               88                                      78                      282                294



       Calcium - sales price                                                    $27.64                                  $27.30                   $27.32             $27.85

    ---



       
       (1) 
             Includes product sales (crushed stone, sand and gravel, sand, and other aggregates), as well as freight & delivery
                   costs that we pass along to our customers, and service revenues related to aggregates.



       
       (2) 
             Includes product sales, as well as service revenues from our asphalt construction paving business.



       
       (3) 
             Freight-adjusted revenues are Aggregates segment sales excluding freight & delivery revenues and immaterial
                   other revenues related to services, such as landfill tipping fees, that are derived from our aggregates business.


      
       
       4  
             Freight-adjusted sales price is calculated as freight-adjusted revenues divided by aggregates unit shipments.


                                                                                                                                                                                      
      Appendix 1



              
                1.   Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures





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







              
                Aggregates Segment Freight-Adjusted Revenues




                                                                                                                                                                                       
      (in thousands, except per ton data)





                                                                                                                                                      Three Months Ended                                                      Twelve Months Ended


                                                                                                                                                                         December 31                                            December 31



                                                                                                                                                 2020                              2019                 2020                                  2019




              
                Aggregates segment



              Segment sales                                                                                                             $956,502                          $960,164           $3,944,286                            $3,990,275


               Less:                                                                   
              Freight & delivery revenues (1)           205,034                           225,139              877,003                               921,064


                                                                                         
              Other revenues                             14,155                            14,441               59,649                                55,054




              Freight-adjusted revenues                                                                                                 $737,313                          $720,584           $3,007,634                            $3,014,157

    ---


              Unit shipment - tons                                                                                                        51,132                            51,620              208,295                               215,465



              Freight-adjusted sales price                                                                                                $14.42                            $13.96               $14.44                                $13.99

    ---




     
     (1) 
              At the segment level, freight & delivery revenues include intersegment freight & delivery (which are eliminated at the consolidated level) and freight to remote
             distribution sites.




              Aggregates segment incremental gross profit flow-through rate is not a GAAP measure and represents the year-over-year
    change in gross profit divided by the year-over-year change in segment sales excluding freight & delivery (revenues and costs).
    We present this metric as it is consistent with the basis by which we review our operating results. We believe that this presentation
    is consistent with our competitors and meaningful to our investors as it excludes revenues associated with freight & delivery,
    which are pass-through activities. Reconciliation of this metric to its nearest GAAP measure is presented below:





              
                Aggregates Segment Incremental Gross Profit Margin in Accordance with GAAP


                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
              (dollars in thousands)





                                                                                                                                                           Three Months Ended                               Twelve Months Ended


                                                                                                                                                                              December 31                                              December 31



                                                                                                                                                  2020                                  2019           2020                                          2019




              
                Aggregates segment



              Gross profit                                                                                                               $275,994                              $274,516     $1,159,178                                    $1,146,649



              Segment sales                                                                                                              $956,502                              $960,164     $3,944,286                                    $3,990,275



              Gross profit margin                                                                                                           28.9%                                28.6%         29.4%                                        28.7%

    ---


              Incremental gross profit margin                                                                          N/A                            N/A

    ---



       
                Aggregates Segment Incremental Gross Profit Flow-through Rate (Non-GAAP)


                                                                                                                                                                                    (dollars in thousands)





                                                                                                                        Three Months Ended          Twelve Months Ended


                                                                                                                                                            December 31                                                 December 31



                                                                                                                                      2020                          2019                                2020                      2019




       
                Aggregates segment



       Gross profit                                                                                                           $275,994                      $274,516                          $1,159,178                $1,146,649

    ---


       Segment sales                                                                                                          $956,502                      $960,164                          $3,944,286                $3,990,275



       Less:                                                       
              Freight & delivery revenues (1)                   205,034                       225,139                             877,003                   921,064


                                  Segment sales excluding freight &
                                   delivery                                                                    $751,468                    $735,025                      $3,067,283                          $3,069,211

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ---


       Gross profit margin excluding freight & delivery                                                                          36.7%                        37.3%                              37.8%                    37.4%

    ---


       Incremental gross profit flow-through rate                                                                                 9.0%                                                             N/A

    ---



     
     (1) 
              At the segment level, freight & delivery revenues include intersegment freight & delivery (which are eliminated at the consolidated level) and freight to remote
             distribution sites.



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





              
                Aggregates Segment Cash Gross Profit


                                                                                                                                                                                                                    (in thousands, except per ton data)





                                                                                                                                                  Three Months Ended                Twelve Months Ended


                                                                                                                                                                              
     
     
             December 31                                                              
     
     
     December 31



                                                                                                                                                                2020                                2019                                             2020                            2019




              
                Aggregates segment



              Gross profit                                                                                                                             $275,994                            $274,516                                       $1,159,178                      $1,146,649



              Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization                                                                                        80,757                              77,787                                          321,127                         305,046


                                                                          Aggregates segment cash gross
                                                                           profit                                                        $356,751                    $352,303                            $1,480,305                                       $1,451,695




              Unit shipments - tons                                                                                                                      51,132                              51,620                                          208,295                         215,465

    ---


              Aggregates segment cash gross profit per ton                                                                                                $6.98                               $6.82                                            $7.11                           $6.74

    ---



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
     Appendix 2



              
                Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures (Continued)





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





              
                EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
        (in thousands)





                                                                                                                                          Three Months Ended           Twelve Months Ended


                                                                                                                                                                               December 31                                                          December 31



                                                                                                                                                        2020                           2019                       2020                                        2019




              Net earnings                                                                                                                     $114,518                       $141,092                   $584,480                                    $617,662



              Income tax expense                                                                                                                 25,273                         23,434                    155,803                                     135,198



              Interest expense, net                                                                                                              33,884                         30,835                    134,393                                     129,000



              Loss on discontinued operations, net of tax                                                                                         1,397                          1,504                      3,515                                       4,841



              EBIT                                                                                                                               $175,072                       $196,865                   $878,191                                    $886,701



              Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization                                                                               100,894                         95,671                    396,806                                     374,596



              EBITDA                                                                                                                            $275,966                       $292,536                 $1,274,997                                  $1,261,297

    ---

                                                                       
              Gain on sale of businesses                            0                      (9,289)                               0                    (13,353)


                                                                       
              Property donation                                     0                       10,847                                0                      10,847


                                                                                  Charges associated with divested operations         269                        3,033                            6,935                       3,033


                                                                       
              Business development (1)                          9,447                        1,345                            7,334                       1,748


                                                                       
              COVID-19 direct incremental costs                 2,781                            0                           10,170                           0


                                                                       
              Pension settlement charge                        22,740                            0                           22,740                           0


                                                                       
              Restructuring charges                                 0                            0                            1,333                       6,457



              Adjusted EBITDA                                                                                                                  $311,203                       $298,472                 $1,323,509                                  $1,270,029

    ---

                                                                                  Depreciation, depletion, accretion and
                                                                                   amortization                                 (100,894)                    (95,671)                       (396,806)                  (374,596)



              Adjusted EBIT                                                                                                                    $210,309                       $202,801                   $926,703                                    $895,433

    ---


              Adjusted EBITDA margin                                                                                                              26.5%                         25.2%                     27.3%                                      25.8%

    ---



     
     (1) 
     Represents non-routine charges or gains associated with acquisitions including the cost impact of purchase accounting inventory valuations.



              Similar to our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA, we present Adjusted Diluted earnings per share (EPS) from
    continuing operations to provide a more consistent comparison of earnings performance from period to period.
    This metric is not defined by GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to earnings measures
    defined by GAAP. Reconciliation of this metric to its nearest GAAP measure is presented below:





              
                Adjusted Diluted EPS from Continuing Operations (Adjusted Diluted EPS)






                                                                                                                              Three Months Ended            Twelve Months Ended


                                                                                                                                                      
     
     
             December 31                      December 31



                                                                                                                                            2020                            2019           2020                2019




              Diluted EPS from continuing operations                                                                                  $0.87                           $1.07          $4.41               $4.67


                                                                       Items included in Adjusted EBITDA
                                                                        above                                            0.20                    0.01                            0.27           0.03



              Adjusted Diluted EPS                                                                                                    $1.07                           $1.08          $4.68               $4.70

    ---



              Net debt to Adjusted EBITDA is not a GAAP measure and should not be considered as an alternative to metrics
    defined by GAAP. We, the investment community and credit rating agencies use this metric to assess our leverage.
    Net debt subtracts cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash from total debt. Reconciliation to its nearest GAAP
    measure is presented below:





              
                Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA


                                                                                                                                                                              
     (in thousands)





                                                                                                                                                          Twelve Months Ended


                                                                                                                                                                                   December 31



                                                                                                                                                     2020                                    2019




              Debt



              Current maturities of long-term debt                                                                                          $515,435                                     $25



              Long-term debt                                                                                                               2,772,240                               2,784,315



              Total debt                                                                                                                  $3,287,675                              $2,784,340

    ---


              Less: Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash                                                                          1,198,013                                 274,506



              Net debt                                                                                                                     $2,089,662                              $2,509,834

    ---


              Adjusted EBITDA                                                                                                             $1,323,509                              $1,270,029

    ---


              Total debt to Adjusted EBITDA                                                                               
     
     2.5x 
     2.2x

    ---


              Net debt to Adjusted EBITDA                                                                                 
     
     1.6x 
     2.0x

    ---


                                                                                                                                                                         
         Appendix 3



              
                Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures (Continued)





              We define "Return on Invested Capital" (ROIC) as Adjusted EBITDA for the trailing-twelve months divided by average
    invested capital (as illustrated below) during the trailing 5-quarters. Our calculation of ROIC is considered a non-GAAP
    financial measure because we calculate ROIC using the non-GAAP metric EBITDA. We believe that our ROIC metric is
    meaningful because it helps investors assess how effectively we are deploying our assets. Although ROIC is a standard
    financial metric, numerous methods exist for calculating a company's ROIC. As a result, the method we use to calculate
    our ROIC may differ from the methods used by other companies.





              
                Return on Invested Capital


                                                                                                                                                                             
              (dollars in thousands)



                                                                                                                                                                         
         
                
                  TTM


                                                                                                                                                                       
       
            
                  December 31



                                                                                                                                                       2020                                                2019




              Adjusted EBITDA                                                                                                               $1,323,509                                          $1,270,029



              Average invested capital (1)


                                                                 Property, plant & equipment                                      $4,373,987                $4,281,342


                                                      
              Goodwill                                                          3,170,092                 3,165,685


                                                      
              Other intangible assets                                           1,104,044                 1,084,113


                                                                 Fixed and intangible assets                                      $8,648,123                $8,531,140





                                                      
              Current assets                                                   $1,845,743                $1,224,316


                                                                 Less: Cash and cash equivalents                                     698,944                    93,528


                                                      
              Less: Current tax                                                    18,545                    12,633


                                                      
              Adjusted current assets                                           1,128,254                 1,118,155




                                                      
              Current liabilities                                                 833,553                   599,319


                                                                 Less: Current maturities of long-
                                                                  term debt                                                          304,989                        24


                                                      
              Less: Short-term debt                                                     0                    89,700


                                                                 Adjusted current liabilities                                        528,564                   509,595


                                                                 Adjusted net working capital                                       $599,690                  $608,560






              Average invested capital                                                                                                      $9,247,813                                          $9,139,700

    ---




              Return on invested capital                                                                                                         14.3%                                              13.9%

    ---



     
     (1) 
     Average invested capital is based on a trailing 5-quarters.



              The following reconciliation to the mid-point of the range of 2021 Projected EBITDA excludes adjustments (as noted
    in Adjusted EBITDA above) as they are difficult to forecast (timing or amount). Due to the difficulty in forecasting
    such adjustments, we are unable to estimate their significance. This metric is not defined by GAAP and should not
    be considered as an alternative to earnings measures defined by GAAP.  Reconciliation of this metric to its nearest
    GAAP measure is presented below:





              
                2021 Projected EBITDA


                                                                                                                                  
       (in millions)



                                                                                                                                    
         Mid-point




              Net earnings                                                                                                                $680



              Income tax expense                                                                                                           180



              Interest expense, net                                                                                                        130



              Discontinued operations, net of tax                                                                                            0



              Depreciation, depletion, accretion and amortization                                                                          400



              Projected EBITDA                                                                                                          $1,390

    ---

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SOURCE Vulcan Materials Company