RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - THIRD QUARTER OF 2012 COMPARED TO THIRD QUARTER OF 2011
Consolidated net sales, for the three months ended September 30, 2012, increased by $3.7 million when compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011. Sales in our Cement Business increased $0.6 million and sales in our Ready-Mixed Concrete Business increased $3.1 million. Cement Business sales increased $0.5 million due to a 3.3% increase in volume sold and $0.1 million due to price increases. Ready-Mixed Concrete Business sales increased primarily due to a $2.6 million increase in construction contract sales. In addition, ready-mixed concrete sales increased $1.2 million due to a 7.5% increase in cubic yards sold which was slightly offset by $0.1 million due to price decreases. Brick, block, aggregates and other sundry items sales decreased $0.6 million.
Consolidated cost of sales, for the three months ended September 30, 2012, increased by $5.9 million when compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011. Cost of sales in our Cement Business decreased $1.1 million and cost of sales in our Ready-Mixed Concrete Business increased $7.0 million. Cement Business cost of sales increased $0.4 million due to the 3.3% increase in volume sold which was more than offset by a $1.5 million decrease related to lower production costs. Ready-Mixed Concrete Business cost of sales increased primarily due to a $5.7 million increase in construction contract costs. Ready-mixed concrete cost of sales increased $1.1 million due to the 7.5% increase in cubic yards of ready-mixed concrete sold and $1.1 million due to increases in production and delivery costs. These increases were partially offset by a $0.9 million decrease in brick, block, aggregates and other sundry item costs.
As a result of the above sales and cost of sales factors, our overall gross profit rate decreased from 15.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2011 to 8.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2012. This decline was driven by the decline in the gross profit rate for the Ready-Mixed Concrete Business which dropped from 11.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2011 to (5.0)% for the three months ended September 30, 2012 primarily as a result of the losses in the construction contract division in 2012. During the economic downturn we substantially reduced our workforce in the construction contract division keeping primarily key personnel on staff. In 2012, we significantly increased the number of construction contracts we were awarded, requiring a larger skilled workforce than we had in place. Finding the personnel with the needed skills proved challenging at best, requiring additional training of new personnel and, in some cases, contracting out work we had intended to perform in house in an attempt to meet construction deadlines. These factors resulted in cost overruns and a gross loss from operations in our Ready Mixed Concrete Business. The gross profit rate for the Cement Business improved from 20.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2011 to 30.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2012 which reflects the improvement in overall sales volume combined with efficiencies of higher production levels in 2012.
Gain on sale of equity investments was $3.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 while no equity investments were sold in the three months ended September 30, 2011. The Company recorded $0.4 million in impairment loss on equity investments due to impairments that were other-than-temporary for the three months ended September 30, 2011 while none were recorded in 2012. The impairment loss in 2011 was for investments in the general building materials industry.
The effective tax rates for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 27.9% and 28.0%, 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.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 2012 COMPARED TO THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 2011
Consolidated net sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, increased by $24.1 million when compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Sales in our Cement Business increased $4.6 million and sales in our Ready-Mixed Concrete Business increased $19.5 million. Cement Business sales increased $4.5 million primarily due to a 13.1% increase in volume sold and $0.1 million due to price increases. Ready-Mixed Concrete Business sales increased primarily due to a $6.0 million increase in construction contract sales. In addition, ready-mixed concrete sales increased $12.4 million due to a 35.4% increase in cubic yards sold and $0.7 million due to price increases. An additional increase of $0.4 million was the result of brick, block, aggregates and other sundry items sales improvements.
Consolidated cost of sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, increased by $17.8 million when compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Cost of sales in our Cement Business decreased $2.9 million and cost of sales in our Ready-Mixed Concrete Business increased $20.7 million. Cement Business cost of sales increased $4.1 million due to the 13.1% increase in volume sold which was more than offset by a $7.0 million decrease related to lower production costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 when compared to the same period in 2011 primarily resulting from the efficiencies of higher production levels. Ready-Mixed Concrete Business cost of sales increased primarily due to an $8.6 million increase in construction contract costs. Ready-mixed concrete cost of sales increased $12.0 million due to the 35.4% increase in cubic yards of ready-mixed concrete sold. A slight increase in cost of sales was the result of a $0.1 million increase in brick, block, aggregates and other sundry item costs.
Our overall gross profit rate improved from 7.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 to 11.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The gross profit rate for the Cement Business increased from 9.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 to 27.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and is reflective of the improvement in overall sales volume combined with efficiencies of higher production levels in 2012. The gross profit rate for the Ready-Mixed Concrete Business declined from 5.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 to 2.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. This decline in the Ready-Mixed Concrete Business was primarily driven by the losses in the construction contract division in 2012. For a discussion of these losses, see the gross profit paragraph above in "Results of Operations - Third Quarter of 2012 compared to Third Quarter of 2011".
Gain on sale of equity investments decreased by $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011 due to the significantly lower volume of shares sold in the first nine months of 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011. The Company recorded $0.4 million in impairment loss on equity investments due to impairments that were other-than-temporary for the first nine months ended September 30, 2011 while none were recorded in 2012. The impairment loss in 2011 was for investments in the general building materials industry.
The effective tax rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 27.9% and 28.0%, 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
Restricted cash contains $2.6 million of proceeds from the sale of pledged investment account equity securities which much be used to reduce our obligations to BOKF, NA dba Bank of Oklahoma per the covenants in our loan agreement. For a discussion of this agreement and its terms, see the paragraph below under "Liquidity" that discusses the agreement entered into on February 3, 2012.
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 September 30, 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 $5.3 million and $1.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively. The $4.0 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 refundable income taxes, accounts payable and accrued liabilities partially offset by unfavorable changes in receivables and inventories. Net income included realized gains of $4.2 million and $4.8 million for 2012 and 2011, respectively, from the disposal of available-for-sale equity securities net of any realized losses on impairment of equity securities. These equity securities gains are not indicative of the operating margins for the periods. The cash provided by operating activities during 2011 was driven by favorable changes in inventories, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and unfavorable changes in refundable income taxes, receivables, and prepaid expenses.
Investing activities provided $2.3 million and used $0.4 million during the first nine months of 2012 and 2011, respectively. The difference between the two periods is primarily related to the $1.3 million increase in proceeds, net of purchases, from the sale of available-for-sale equity investments and the $1.5 million decline in cash used for the acquisition of business and property, plant and equipment during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from the same period in 2011.
Financing activities used $7.7 million and $2.6 million during the first nine months of 2012 and 2011, respectively. The difference between the two periods is primarily due to the changes in the line of credit balance, restricted cash, and capital stock purchases. The line of credit was used to cover operating expenses and for capital expenditures. Restricted cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 consists of proceeds from the sale of equity securities in our pledged investment account still in the settlement process. These proceeds must be used to reduce the obligations of the Company to BOKF, NA dba Bank of Oklahoma per the covenants in our loan agreement. For a discussion of this agreement and its terms, see the paragraph below under "Liquidity" that discusses the agreement entered into on February 3, 2012. During 2011 $2.5 million of capital stock was purchased while none was purchased in 2012.
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 the investment account held at BOKF, NA, 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 $21.4 million, $29.8 million, and $20.0 million, respectively as of September 30, 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 each 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 third quarter of 2012.
As of September 30, 2012, we had $6.9 million outstanding on the term loan and $5.7 million outstanding on the line of credit leaving a balance available on the line of credit of $9.3 million. The annual weighted average interest rate we paid on the term loan during the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 and 2011 was 3.25%. The annual weighted average interest rate we paid on the line of credit during the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 and 2011 was 3.50%. As of September 30, 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 are currently in discussions with several banking institutions to provide financing for our National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) capital expenditures and replacement of our line of credit. No assurances can be given that we will be able to obtain this financing on favorable terms, if at all.
The Company has capital improvement 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 approximate 2011 levels and 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 August 2012 Board of Directors' meeting, the Board declared a dividend of $0.23 per share, payable in September. 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 10 of Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for disclosures about 2012 pension contributions.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Total assets as of September 30, 2012 were $178.8 million, an increase of $5.1 million since December 31, 2011. The $5.5 million increase in receivables was primarily due to a $1.8 million increase in unbilled revenue in accounts receivable and increases resulting from $2.8 million higher sales in the month of September 2012 compared to the month of December 2011. From year-to-year the weather conditions in these two months can vary significantly which impacts sales and resulting receivables at month-end. Increases in receivables and inventory are common during the first nine months of the year due to the seasonality of our business (see"Seasonality" below). Total inventories increased $2.0 million primarily due to increases in work-in-process and building products of $1.0 million and $0.4 million, respectively. Investments increased $2.6 million despite the sale of available-for-sale equity securities primarily due to the increase in the fair value of remaining equities held. Deferred Income Taxes asset declined $2.7 million primarily as a result of the increase in investments.
Higher production levels in the Cement Business and increased contract sales activity in the Ready-Mixed Concrete Business equally contributed to a $2.8 million increase in accounts payable from December 31, 2011 to September 20, 2012. Accrued liabilities decreased from December 31, 2011 to September 30, 2012 by $1.8 million primarily due to a decrease in cash dividends liability due to the timing of when dividends are declared and paid.
Indebtedness decreased $1.5 million during the first nine months of 2012 primarily due to payments on the Company's term loan.
Unrealized holding gain, net of deferred tax, which is included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, increased by $3.2 million during the first nine months of 2012 primarily due to higher market prices of 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 during the first nine months of 2012 included $2.7 million related to the Cement Business and $1.9 million related to the Ready-Mixed Concrete Business and included primarily routine equipment purchases. During the first nine months of 2012, cash expenditures for property, plant and equipment totaled approximately $4.6 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 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 $7.0 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 ($4.0 million), hydrated lime injection system ($0.4 million), and a chloride by-pass system ($7.0 million). To date, we have expended $5.4 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. Under proposed amendments to two 2010 air rules for portland cement manufacturing, we have until September 2015 to comply and may be able to get a one year extension if we have shown continuous progress toward becoming compliant.
NESHAP regulations also require us to install analyzers capable of continuously monitoring certain pollutants. 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 $8.0 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. In July 2012 the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit affirmed EPA's findings on these two rules. 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 other final GHG or climate change regulations or legislation. There are many variables making it difficult to predict the overall cost of GHG controls. It is equally difficult to determine when those costs will be realized, or even the feasibility of any additional regulations or legislation being enacted or finalized. 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 June 18, 2012, the EPA published amendments to two air rules for portland cement manufacturing that were initially published on September 9, 2010. Under the proposed amendments, the compliance date was extended by two years to September 9, 2015. Both the initial rule and the amended rule may require more stringent emission limitations on mercury (Hg), total hydrocarbons (THC), hydrochloric acid (HCL), and particulate matter less than 10 microns in diameter (PM 10). The June 18, 2012 EPA proposal relaxed standards for particulate matter from 0.04 pounds of PM per ton of clinker to 0.07 pounds per ton. Our current emission levels are below the proposed limitations for mercury and THC so additional control equipment would not be required for these pollutants; however, we expect to incur increased costs for control equipment for PM 10 and HCL. There will also be additional costs if the proposal is made final 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. On June 22, 2012, the EPA proposed amendments to the rule, which among other things extended the compliance deadline to September 9, 2015 and relaxed standards for particulate matter. EPA officials anticipate that their proposal will be challenged by environmental groups, which could delay publication of the final rule which under the settlement with the PCA must be finalized by the end of December 2012.
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 apart from the GHG controls noted above, 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 $22.7 million of equity securities, primarily of publicly traded entities, as of September 30, 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 September 30, 2012. The remaining $20.1 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 September 30, 2012, the Company evaluated all of its equity investments for impairment. The results of those evaluations are discussed in Note 9 of Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company also has $12.6 million of bank loans as of September 30, 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 September 30, 2012 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
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 November 9, 2012. |
32.2 | 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Certificate of the Chief Financial Officer dated November 9, 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) | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Date November 9, 2012 | | | | /s/ Walter H. Wulf, Jr. | |
| | | | Walter H. Wulf, Jr. | |
| | | | President and | |
| | | | Chairman of the Board | |
| | | | (principal executive officer) | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Date November 9, 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 November 9, 2012. |
32.2 | 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Certificate of the Chief Financial Officer dated November 9, 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 |