The following table shows the unrealized losses and fair value of the Company's investments with unrealized losses that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual trade lots of securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and elsewhere in this Form 10-Q report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) constitute "forward-looking statements". Except for historical information, the statements made in this report are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "should", "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "may", "hope", "forecast" or similar words. In particular, statements with respect to variations in future demand for our products in our market area or the future activity of federal and state highway programs and other major construction projects; the timing, scope, cost, benefits of, and source of funding for our proposed and recently completed capital improvements; our forecasted cement sales; the timing and source of funds for the repayment of our line of credit; our ability to pay dividends at the current level; the timing and/or collectability of retainage; our anticipated expenditures for benefit plans; our anticipated increase in solid fuels and electricity required to operate our facilities and equipment; and the impact of climate change on our business are all forward-looking statements. You should be aware that forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may affect the actual results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others:
general economic and business conditions;
competition;
raw material and other operating costs;
costs of capital equipment;
changes in business strategy or expansion plans;
demand for our Company's products;
cyclical and seasonal nature of our business;
the effect of weather on our business;
the effect of environmental and other government regulations;
the availability of credit at reasonable prices; and
the effect of federal and state funding on demand for our products.
We have described under the caption "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, and in other reports that we file with the SEC from time to time, additional factors that could cause actual results to be materially different from those described in the forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they were made.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Reference is made to the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Accounting Policies incorporated herein by reference to Item 7 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for accounting policies which are considered by management to be critical to an understanding of the Company's financial statements.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - OVERVIEW
Our products are used in residential, commercial and governmental construction. In recent years, the Company has spent substantial sums on major plant modifications designed to increase our cement production capacity to meet our customers' needs and to improve our production processes. We have postponed any further enhancement of our production processes other than those required to meet emission limitations included in the latest regulations issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
During the first quarter of 2012, the Company shut down its cement production facility and temporarily laid off the majority of its cement production employees due to the continued weakness anticipated in the construction industry. Mild weather during the layoff allowed some construction projects to continue through the winter, significantly increasing cement sales, reducing inventory at a faster rate than projected and shortening the length of layoff. Following a three week layoff, the employees were recalled to begin approximately three weeks of equipment repairs prior to resuming production. The favorable weather conditions also resulted in significant sales volume increases in our Ready-Mixed Concrete Business.
The Portland Cement Association (PCA) has adjusted its cement consumption forecast upward as a result of stronger than expected job creation and the beginning of a construction industry recovery. Their most recent forecast presented at the PCA Spring Meeting indicated a modest 3.7 percent growth in cement consumption is expected for 2012. Their forecast also anticipates a 7.6 percent jump in consumption in 2013 and a 14.1 percent increase in 2014. The forecast includes marginal improvements to nonresidential consumption, an upward revision to housing starts, and aggressive cement intensity gains (the amount of cement used per real dollar of construction activity). According to the forecast, all sectors of construction are expected to be positive during 2014-2015, which typically results in large gains in cement consumption.
During the remainder of 2012, the Company will evaluate inventory levels and sales forecasts to determine if reductions in cement production are warranted and can be scheduled around maintenance needs. In addition to costs that vary with the volume of production, our cost of sales includes certain fixed costs that do not vary with the volume of production. We have extremely limited ability to reduce these fixed costs in the short term. As a result, lower production levels which result from extended shutdowns generally have a negative impact on our gross profit margins.
The residential and commercial construction slowdown, which began during 2008 and continued through 2011, resulted in lower demand for cement and ready-mixed concrete. Based on sales forecasts and inventory levels, the Company elected to reduce cement production in the first quarter of 2011 to undertake plant repairs and maintenance, largely using our own production personnel. The Company normally performs repairs and maintenance every winter, but the decision to use employees or outside contractors is determined by anticipated sales demand, by whether we have the internal expertise and by our inventory target levels. The decline in volume and downward pressure on pricing of cement and ready-mixed concrete during 2011 adversely impacted our revenues, gross margins, and net profits.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - FIRST QUARTER OF 2012 COMPARED TO FIRST QUARTER OF 2011
Consolidated net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2012 increased by $10.6 million when compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011. Sales in our Cement Business were higher by $3.1 million and sales in our Ready-Mixed Concrete Business were higher by $7.5 million. Cement Business sales increased $3.3 million as a result of the 53.8% increase in volume sold which was slightly offset $0.2 million by price decreases. Ready-Mixed Concrete Business sales increased primarily as a result of the 87.1% increase in ready-mixed concrete cubic yards sold which increased sales by $5.9 million. Approximately 11.4% of the volume increase and $0.8 million of the sales increase is attributable to Kay Concrete Materials Company which was acquired by the Company in the second quarter of 2011. Sales in brick, block and other sundry items increased by $1.0 million and construction contract sales improved by $0.6 million.
Consolidated cost of sales for the three months ended March 31, 2012 increased by $6.4 million when compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011. Cost of sales in our Cement Business was lower by $0.4 million and cost of sales in our Ready-Mixed Concrete Business was higher by $6.8 million. Cement Business cost of sales decreased primarily due to dramatic reductions in production costs per ton resulting from the efficiencies of higher production levels which more than offset the $4.9 million increase due to the 53.8% increase in volume sold. Cement production during the first three months of 2012 increased by 102.9% from the production levels during the first quarter of 2011. Ready-Mixed Concrete Business cost of sales increased significantly but not in proportion to the increased volume of sales. The increase was primarily due to the 87.1% increase in cubic yards of ready-mixed concrete sold. The volume increase resulted in higher cost of sales of $6.4 million ($0.8 million of the increase is attributable to Kay Concrete Materials Company) which was offset by cost reductions of $1.2 million resulting from the much higher utilization of our equipment and employees. Construction contract costs increased by $0.7 million partially as a result of efforts to prepare for anticipated increases in construction contracts during 2012. Cost of sales in brick, block and other sundry items increased by $0.9 million.
Our overall gross profit rate for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was 1.8% versus (21.0)% for the three months ended March 31, 2011. As a result of the above sales and cost of sales factors, the gross profit rate for the Cement Business significantly improved from (50.5)% for the three months ended March 31, 2011 to 4.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The gross profit rate for the Ready-Mixed Concrete Business improved from (5.0)% for the three months ended March 31, 2011 to 0.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2012.
Sales of equity investments for the three months ended March 31 2012 and 2011 resulted in gains of approximately $0.4 million and $2.6 million, respectively.
The effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were 28.1% and 13.0%, respectively. The Company's effective tax rate differs from the federal and state statutory income tax rate primarily due to the effects of percentage depletion, domestic production activities deduction and valuation allowance. Taxes for the current year are estimated based on prior years' effective tax rates.
LIQUIDITY
The Company considers all liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less which we do not intend to roll over beyond three months to be cash equivalents. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, cash equivalents consisted primarily of money market investments and repurchase agreements with various banks. The FDIC, through the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act), has permanently raised the standard maximum deposit insurance amount (SMDIA) to fully guarantee all deposit accounts up to $250,000. In addition, the FDIC has adopted section 343 of the Dodd-Frank Act, effective December 31, 2010, which provides for unlimited deposit insurance for noninterest-bearing transaction accounts for two years starting December 31, 2010. This temporary unlimited coverage is in addition to, and separate from, the coverage of at least $250,000 available to depositors under the FDIC's general deposit insurance rules.
We are able to meet our cash needs primarily from a combination of operations, the sale of equity investments and bank loans.
Operating activities provided $0.9 million and used $5.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011, respectively. The $6.1 million increase in cash provided during 2012 over the corresponding period of 2011 is reflective of the improvement in overall sales volume combined with improvements in gross profit margins in 2012. The positive cash flow from operating activities generated during 2012 was also driven by the favorable changes in receivables and accounts payable and accrued liabilities partially offset by unfavorable changes in inventories and refundable income taxes. Net income for 2011 included realized gains of $2.6 million from the disposal of available-for-sale equity securities and is not indicative of the operating margins for the period. The cash used for operating activities during 2011 was driven by lower sales volumes, negative gross profit margins and an unfavorable change in inventories and refundable income taxes partially offset by a favorable changes in deferred income taxes related to unrealized holding gains.
Investing activities used $0.5 million and provided $2.3 million during the first quarter of 2012 and 2011, respectively. The difference between the two periods is primarily related to the $2.5 million decline in proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale equity investments during the three months ended March 31, 2012 from the same period in 2011.
Financing activities used $0.6 million and provided $3.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011, respectively. The difference is primarily due to the change in the line of credit balance for each period. The line of credit was used to cover operating expenses and for capital expenditures.
During 2011, Monarch's secured credit commitment with its lender, Bank of Oklahoma, N.A., consisted of a $17.8 million term loan maturing December 31, 2014 and a $15.0 million line of credit which matured December 31, 2011. The interest rates on the line of credit were variable and based on the lender's national prime rate less 0.50% with a 3.50% interest rate minimum or floor. Interest rates on the term loan were variable and based on the lender's national prime rate less 0.75% with a 3.00% interest rate minimum or floor. The agreement required Monarch to pledge its investment account to the lender as collateral for the term loan and revolving line of credit. The loan agreement also contained a financial covenant requiring the Company, as of the end of any fiscal quarter, to maintain a minimum tangible net worth before accumulated other comprehensive income of $95.0 million and a minimum tangible net worth after accumulated other comprehensive income of $90.0 million. The Company was in compliance with these requirements throughout 2011.
On December 31, 2011, Monarch entered into an amendment to the loan agreement with its current lender, BOKF, NA dba Bank of Oklahoma, to renew and modify the terms of Monarch's term loan and revolving line of credit. Interest rates on the line of credit and term loan remained unchanged from the prior agreement with the lender. The credit commitment consisted of a $17.8 million term loan maturing December 31, 2014 and a $15.0 million line of credit maturing February 3, 2012. In February 2012, the Company entered into a new credit agreement with its current lender, BOKF, NA dba Bank of Oklahoma, which amended and restated its existing credit agreement. The new agreement provides for a secured credit commitment consisting of an approximately $9.0 million term loan maturing December 31, 2014 and a line of credit which permits revolving borrowings and letters of credit up to an aggregate of $15.0 million maturing December 31, 2012. Interest rates on the Company's line of credit are variable and are based on the lender's prime rate less 0.50% with a 3.50% interest rate minimum or floor. Interest rates on the Company's term loan are variable and based on the lender's prime rate less 0.75% with a 3.00% interest rate minimum or floor. The new agreement requires the Company to pledge its investment account, receivable accounts and inventory to BOKF, NA dba Bank of Oklahoma as collateral for the term loan and revolving line of credit. The carrying value of receivables, inventory, and the investment account pledged as collateral was $15.3 million, $29.2 million, and $20.7 million, respectively as of March 31, 2012. Withdrawal of the proceeds of the sale of any equity securities from the pledged investment account must be used to reduce the obligations of the Company to the lender. The agreement contains a financial covenant requiring the Company, as of the end of any fiscal quarter, to maintain a minimum tangible net worth before accumulated other comprehensive income of $95.0 million and a minimum tangible net worth after accumulated other comprehensive income of $85.0 million. In addition, the agreement prohibits cash outlays for business acquisitions and the purchase of the Company's capital stock and restricts cash dividends and capital expenditures in any fiscal year to a maximum of $3.8 million and $11.5 million, respectively. The Company was in compliance with these requirements at the end of the first quarter of 2012.
As of March 31, 2012, we had $8.3 million outstanding on the term loan and $6.8 million outstanding on the line of credit leaving a balance available on the line of credit of $8.2 million. The annual weighted average interest rate we paid on the term loan during the first quarter of 2012 and 2011 was 3.25%. The annual weighted average interest rate we paid on the line of credit during the first quarter of 2012 and 2011 was 3.50%. As of March 31, 2012, the applicable interest rate was 3.25% on the term loan and 3.50% on the line of credit. The term loan, which originated in 2000, was used to help finance the expansion project at our cement manufacturing facility. The line of credit is used to cover operating expenses primarily during the first half of the year when we build inventory due to the seasonality of our business and for capital expenditures. Our Board of Directors has given management the authority to borrow a maximum of $50 million. We have not discussed additional financing with any banks or other financial institutions and any such financing would be prohibited under our credit agreement; therefore, no assurances can be given that we will be able to obtain this additional borrowing on favorable terms, if at all, or that our current lender would consent to such borrowing.
The Company has projects in the planning and design phases in addition to projects already in progress. For discussion of these projects, see "Capital Resources" below. We anticipate 2012 capital expenditures will exceed 2011 levels, but we do not anticipate the need for bank financing in addition to that available under the existing line of credit.
For several years the Company has paid a dividend in January, March, June and September. At the December 2011 Board of Directors' meeting, the Board declared two dividends, payable in January and March, each at $0.23 per share. Under the terms and conditions of our new credit agreement, the Company's ability to pay dividends is subject to its satisfaction of the requirements to maintain a minimum tangible net worth after accumulated other comprehensive income of $85.0 million, maintain a minimum tangible net worth before accumulated other comprehensive income of $95.0 million, and restrict cash dividends in any fiscal year to a maximum of $3.8 million. The requirements could impact the Company's ability to pay and the size of dividends in the future. Although dividends are declared at the Board's discretion and could be impacted by the requirements of the Company's loan agreement, we project future earnings will support the continued payment of dividends at the current level.
The Company was required to make a pension contribution for 2011. The Company's contribution was approximately $3.2 million. No estimates of required pension payments have been scheduled beyond 2012. Based on the pension laws currently in effect, any resulting increases in minimum funding requirements could cause a negative impact to our liquidity. See Note 7 for disclosures about 2012 pension contributions.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Total assets as of March 31, 2012 were $175.9 million, an increase of $2.3 million since December 31, 2011. Total inventories increased $1.4 million primarily due to increases in finished cement, building products and operating and maintenance supplies of $0.8 million, $0.4 million, and $0.4 million, respectively. These increases were partially offset by decreases in work in process of $0.5 million resulting from shutdown of the production facilities during the first quarter of 2012. During 2012 we experienced a net loss during the first quarter which resulted in an increase in refundable income taxes of $0.9 million over those at December 31, 2011. Prepaid expenses increased by $0.5 million primarily due to insurance deposits. Investments increased $3.2 million despite the sale of available-for-sale equity securities primarily due to the increase in the market value of remaining equities held. Receivables declined $0.7 million from December 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012 despite the month of March 2012's higher sales as compared to the month of December 2011's.
Accounts payable increased $2.2 million from December 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012 primarily due to maintenance costs and increased production volume in the Cement Business as well as increased sales volume in the Ready-Mixed Concrete Business for March 2012 over December 2011.
Cash dividends liability and prepayments held on account, components of accrued liabilities, decreased by $1.8 million and $0.5 million, respectively, from December 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012. The cash dividends liability decreased due to the timing of when dividends are declared and paid.
Indebtedness increased $1.2 million during the first three months of 2012 primarily due to increased utilization of our line of credit to fund the increases in inventories, approximately $1.6 million for cash expenditures for property, plant and equipment, and to fund temporary operating expenses.
Unrealized holding gain, which is included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, increased by $2.3 million, net of deferred tax, during the first quarter of 2012 primarily due to higher market prices for available-for-sale equity securities.
CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company regularly invests in miscellaneous equipment and facility improvements in both the Cement Business and Ready-Mixed Concrete Business. Capital expenditures included routine equipment purchases during the first three months of 2012. The expenditures in the Cement Business and Ready-Mixed Concrete Business were slightly disproportionate at approximately 40% and 60% of expenditures, respectively. During the first three months of 2012, cash expenditures for property, plant and equipment totaled approximately $1.6 million, excluding the amounts that are included in accounts payable.
The Company does not currently meet certain emission limitations included in the latest regulations issued by the EPA. For discussion on the regulations, see National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) discussed below under "Environmental Regulations". To comply with these new regulations, the Company will need to install additional pollution control equipment in its Cement Business. There is no proven technology that enables us to give 100% assurance that we can reach the limits required by the new regulations; however, we feel compliance is possible at our modern facility through the installation of additional pollution control equipment. We plan to use a step approach, beginning with the installation of additional dust collectors on one of our two kilns. Once they are installed, we will test for compliance to determine if other pollution control equipment is needed. If we are not in compliance, we will continue to install pollution control equipment, testing for compliance after each installation, until our emissions are within limits. Once we have successfully modified one kiln to meet the new emission standards, we will proceed with our second kiln. We have also initiated plans to modify our roller mill and related equipment at an estimated cost of $6.5 million dollars. Supplemental equipment (and estimated cost) which may be required includes additional dust collectors on both kilns ($3.7 million), upgraded dust collectors on both clinker coolers ($3.6 million), hydrated lime injection system ($0.4 million), and a chloride by-pass system ($7.0 million). To date, we have expended $3.9 million towards these projects related to NESHAP compliance. Cost estimates will be updated as the modifications are engineered and priced for our facility. We are hopeful that we can comply with the new regulations without having to install a chloride by-pass system. We have until September 2013 to comply and may be able to get a one year extension if we have shown continuous progress toward becoming compliant. Various court challenges and legislative actions are pending against the NESHAP regulations issued by the EPA. If any of these court challenges or legislative actions are successful in delaying or overruling the regulation, we will evaluate whether or not to complete the projects currently in process.
NESHAP regulations also require us to install analyzers capable of continuously monitoring certain pollutants. Analyzers capable of continuously monitoring these pollutants at the extremely low levels (i.e. emissions of particulate matter are limited to 3 parts per million) specified in the regulation do not currently exist. We are partnering with an analyzer manufacturer to assist in the development of the required technology and estimate we will spend approximately $1.0 million for these analyzers.
The Company plans to invest in other miscellaneous equipment and facility improvements in both the Cement Business and Ready-Mixed Concrete Business in 2012. These expenditures, plus the ones discussed in the above paragraphs related to NESHAP compliance, are expected to reach approximately $11.0 million during 2012 and will be funded with a mixture of cash from operations and temporary bank loans. We do not anticipate the need for additional bank financing beyond the amount available through our existing revolving line of credit.
MARKET RISK
Market risks relating to the Company's operations result primarily from changes in demand for our products. Construction activity has been adversely impacted by the global financial crisis even though interest rates are at historically low levels. A continuation of the financial crisis, including a scarcity of credit, or a significant increase in interest rates could lead to a further reduction in construction activities in both the residential and commercial market. Budget shortfalls during economic slowdowns could cause money to be diverted away from highway projects, schools, detention facilities and other governmental construction projects. Reduction in construction activity lowers the demand for cement, ready-mixed concrete, concrete products and sundry building materials. As demand decreases, competition to retain sales volume could create downward pressure on sales prices. The manufacture of cement requires a significant investment in property, plant and equipment and a trained workforce to operate and maintain this equipment. These costs do not materially vary with the level of production. As a result, by operating at or near capacity, regardless of demand, companies can reduce per unit production costs. The continual need to control production costs encourages overproduction during periods of reduced demand.
INFLATION
Inflation directly affects the Company's operating costs. The manufacture of cement requires the use of a significant amount of energy. The Company burns primarily solid fuels, such as coal and petroleum coke, and to a lesser extent natural gas, in its kilns. Increases above the rate of inflation in the cost of these solid fuels, natural gas, or in the electricity required to operate our cement manufacturing equipment could adversely affect our operating profits. Prices of the specialized replacement parts and equipment the Company must continually purchase tend to increase directly with the rate of inflation with the exception of equipment and replacement parts containing large amounts of steel. In recent years, steel prices have tended not to follow inflationary trends, but rather have been influenced by worldwide demand. Prices for diesel fuel used in the transportation of our raw materials and finished products also vary based on supply and demand and in some years exceed the rate of inflation adversely affecting our operating profits.
ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS
The Company's cement plant emissions are regulated by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the EPA. KDHE is responsible for the administration and enforcement of Kansas environmental regulations, which typically mirror national regulations.
A ruling promulgated by the EPA in 2009 required us to install carbon dioxide (CO2) Continuous Emission Monitors (CEMs) to track various aspects of the production process to effectively establish a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory for our cement manufacturing facility.
The EPA Administrator has made two important findings clearing the way for EPA to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. The "Endangerment Finding" clarifies EPA's belief that current and projected concentrations of six key greenhouse gases in the atmosphere pose a threat to human health and welfare. Further, the "Cause or Contribute Finding," associates the emissions of the six named GHGs with the threat to public health and welfare. At this time it is difficult to determine if the EPA will act on the "Endangerment Finding", what that action may involve and when it might be put into place.
We are currently not aware of any proposed or pending climate change regulations. There are many variables making it difficult to predict the overall cost of carbon legislation. It is equally difficult to determine when those costs will be realized, or even the feasibility of legislation being passed. We believe there is consensus in the industry that the costs of CO2 limits required through regulation or legislation could be substantial enough to fundamentally adversely change the cement manufacturing business.
On September 9, 2010, the EPA published modifications to the NESHAP regulation in the Federal Register. The compliance date for all U.S. cement plants is September 9, 2013. The final rule differs from the proposed rule by requiring more stringent emission limitations on mercury (Hg), total hydrocarbons (THC), hydrochloric acid (HCL), and particulate matter less than 10 microns in diameter (PM 10). Our current emission levels are below the proposed limitations for mercury and THC so additional control equipment is not required for these pollutants; however, we expect to incur increased costs for control equipment for PM 10 & HCL. There will also be additional costs for monitoring, testing, and increased maintenance labor. Initial estimated costs to comply are discussed above under "Capital Resources".
On October 6, 2011, The Cement Sector Regulatory Relief Act of 2011 was passed by the House of Representatives. In summary, the bill would force a review of the current NESHAP rule to be completed within 15 months, and it would extend the compliance date two years making the new date September 9, 2015. A companion bill, S 1610, has been introduced in the Senate, but PCA staff based in Washington indicate that there are not enough votes for passage.
On December 9, 2011 the D. C. District Circuit Court of Appeals issued its ruling on the PCA's legal challenge to the NESHAP ruling. Although the court, in its decision, expressed strong dissatisfaction with how EPA drafted the rule, it did not stay the rule. The court required the EPA to review and repropose the NESHAP rule, but it didn't set a deadline. Management has elected to proceed with equipment modifications as discussed in "Capital Resources" above rather than risk non-compliance with NESHAP should legislative or judicial relief not materialize. However, management will continue to evaluate whether to complete the modifications.
On September 9, 2010 the EPA published New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for nitrous oxide (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter (PM 10). The rule applies to new or modified sources. At this time, management does not anticipate that modifications necessitated to comply with NESHAP will trigger application of NSPS.
Although we are not aware of any proposed or pending climate change regulations, climate change regulation could result in (1) increased energy costs, (2) a shift toward carbon neutral fuels or carbon neutral offset strategies, and (3) increased labor costs to acquire the specialized technical expertise needed to comply with the environmental regulations. Demand for our products could decrease due to increased pollution control costs reflected in the price of our products. Conversely, demand could increase as others try to meet their government environmental mandates by using concrete products known for their sustainability benefits and energy efficiency.
In management's opinion, the physical impact of a warmer climate in our market area would increase the number of days with weather conducive for work to proceed on construction projects which in turn would create the potential for greater profitability. Conversely, legislation and regulatory attempts to interfere with a natural warming cycle could, if successful, have an adverse effect on profitability. In addition, differences in environmental regulations in the United States from those of other cement producing countries could affect our ability to continue to compete with the cost of cement imported from other countries.
SEASONALITY
Portland cement is the basic material used in the production of ready-mixed concrete that is used in highway, bridge and building construction. These construction activities are seasonal in nature. During winter months when the ground is frozen, groundwork preparation typically cannot be completed. Cold temperatures affect concrete set-time, strength and durability, limiting its use in winter months. Dry ground conditions are also required for construction activities to proceed. During the summer, winds and warmer temperatures tend to dry the ground quicker creating fewer delays in construction projects.
Variations in weather conditions from year-to-year significantly affect the demand for our products during any particular quarter; however, our Company's highest revenue and earnings historically occur in its second and third fiscal quarters, April through September.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The Company invests in equity investments which are subject to market fluctuations. The Company held $23.3 million of equity securities, primarily of publicly traded entities, as of March 31, 2012. The aggregate amount of securities carried at cost, for which the Company has not elected the fair value option, was $2.6 million as of March 31, 2012. The remaining $20.7 million in equity investments, which are stated at fair value, are not hedged and are exposed to the risk of changing market prices. The Company classifies all securities as "available-for-sale" for accounting purposes and marks them to market on the balance sheet at the end of each period unless they are securities for which the Company has not elected the fair value option. Securities carried at cost are adjusted for impairment, if conditions warrant. Management estimates that its publicly traded investments will generally be consistent with trends and movements of the overall stock market excluding any unusual situations. An immediate 10% change in the market price of our equity securities would have a $1.2 million effect, net of deferred tax, on comprehensive income. At March 31, 2012, the Company evaluated all of its equity investments for impairment. The results of those evaluations are discussed in Note 6 of Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company also has $15.1 million of bank loans as of March 31, 2012. Interest rates on the Company's term loan and line of credit are variable, subject to interest rate minimums or floors, and are based on the lender's National Prime rate less 0.75% and lender's National Prime rate less 0.50%, respectively.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-5(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company's reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including its President and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.
As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was carried out by the Company's management, including its President and Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-5(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based upon that evaluation, the Company's President and Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Financial Officer concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2012 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
There have been no material developments relating to the legal proceedings disclosed in Part I, Item 3 "Legal Proceedings" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Under Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and under the SEC's Item 104 of Regulation S-K, each operator of a coal or other mine is required to include disclosures regarding certain mine safety results in its periodic reports filed with the SEC. The operation of the Company's quarries is subject to regulation by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. The information required under Section 1503(a) and Item 104 of Regulation S-K regarding certain mining safety and health matters is presented in Exhibit 95 to this report.
Item 6. Exhibits
| 31.1 | Certificate of the President and Chairman of the Board pursuant to Section 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |
| 31.2 | Certificate of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |
| 32.1 | 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Certificate of the President and Chairman of the Board dated May 10, 2012. |
| 32.2 | 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Certificate of the Chief Financial Officer dated May 10, 2012. |
| 95 | Mine Safety Disclosures |
| 101.INS | XBRL Instance Document |
| 101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema |
| 101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase |
| 101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase |
| 101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase |
| 101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase |
S I G N A T U R E S
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.
| | | | | The Monarch Cement Company | |
| | | | | (Registrant) | |
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| Date May 10, 2012 | | | | /s/ Walter H. Wulf, Jr. | |
| | | | | Walter H. Wulf, Jr. | |
| | | | | President and | |
| | | | | Chairman of the Board | |
| | | | | (principal executive officer) | |
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| Date May 10, 2012 | | | | /s/ Debra P. Roe | |
| | | | | Debra P. Roe, CPA | |
| | | | | Chief Financial Officer and | |
| | | | | Assistant Secretary-Treasurer | |
| | | | | (principal financial officer and | |
| | | | | principal accounting officer) | |
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number | Description |
| 31.1 | Certificate of the President and Chairman of the Board pursuant to Section 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |
| 31.2 | Certificate of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |
| 32.1 | 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Certificate of the President and Chairman of the Board dated May 10, 2012. |
| 32.2 | 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Certificate of the Chief Financial Officer dated May 10, 2012. |
| 95 | Mine Safety Disclosures |
| 101.INS | XBRL Instance Document |
| 101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema |
| 101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase |
| 101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase |
| 101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase |
| 101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase |
