10-Q

 


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015
 
OR
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from ___________ to ___________
 
 
 
Commission File Number: 1-12911
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
State of Incorporation:
I.R.S. Employer Identification Number:
Delaware
77-0239383
 
Address of principal executive offices:
585 W. Beach Street
Watsonville, California 95076
(831) 724-1011
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. xYes o No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). xYes o No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). o Yes x No
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of October 22, 2015.
Class
 
Outstanding
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
 
39,382,715



 




Index

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXHIBIT 101.INS 
EXHIBIT 101.SCH 
EXHIBIT 101.CAL 
EXHIBIT 101.DEF
EXHIBIT 101.LAB 
EXHIBIT 101.PRE 

 
 

2
 
 
 
 



Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited - in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
 
September 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2014
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
 
 
 

Cash and cash equivalents ($41,052, $61,276 and $29,518 related to consolidated construction joint ventures (“CCJVs”)
 
$
221,785

 
$
255,961

 
$
167,174

Short-term marketable securities
 
17,607

 
25,504

 
27,950

Receivables, net ($36,527, $36,781 and $45,483 related to CCJVs)
 
456,688

 
310,934

 
417,628

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings ($365, $129 and $21,105 related to CCJVs)
 
56,971

 
36,411

 
62,823

Inventories
 
60,289

 
68,920

 
74,605

Real estate held for development and sale
 
11,609

 
11,609

 
11,773

Deferred income taxes
 
39,272

 
53,231

 
55,874

Equity in construction joint ventures
 
219,652

 
184,575

 
181,259

Other current assets
 
18,863

 
23,033

 
21,743

Total current assets
 
1,102,736

 
970,178

 
1,020,829

Property and equipment, net ($6,068, $11,969 and $16,172 related to CCJVs)
 
385,036

 
409,653

 
424,272

Long-term marketable securities
 
70,646

 
76,563

 
74,140

Investments in affiliates
 
33,077

 
32,361

 
34,177

Goodwill
 
53,799

 
53,799

 
53,799

Other noncurrent assets
 
73,412

 
77,940

 
75,826

Total assets
 
$
1,718,706

 
$
1,620,494

 
$
1,683,043

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 

 
 

 
 

Current liabilities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Current maturities of long-term debt
 
$
22

 
$
21

 
$
21

Current maturities of non-recourse debt
 
5,822

 
1,226

 
1,226

Accounts payable ($10,438, $18,009 and $22,951 related to CCJVs)
 
196,885

 
151,935

 
205,493

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings ($13,794, $32,830 and $23,138 related to CCJVs)
 
122,409

 
108,992

 
115,809

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities ($1,148, $2,714 and $3,110 related to CCJVs)
 
224,101

 
200,652

 
221,618

Total current liabilities
 
549,239

 
462,826

 
544,167

Long-term debt
 
270,105

 
270,105

 
270,127

Long-term non-recourse debt
 

 
5,516

 
5,822

Other long-term liabilities
 
41,211

 
44,495

 
45,887

Deferred income taxes
 
21,646

 
20,446

 
9,977

Commitments and contingencies
 


 


 


Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 3,000,000 shares, none outstanding
 

 

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 150,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 39,380,053 shares as of September 30, 2015, 39,186,386 shares as of December 31, 2014 and 39,152,255 shares as of September 30, 2014
 
394

 
392

 
391

Additional paid-in capital
 
137,974

 
134,177

 
132,396

Retained earnings
 
675,927

 
659,816

 
648,017

Total Granite Construction Incorporated shareholders’ equity
 
814,295

 
794,385

 
780,804

Non-controlling interests
 
22,210

 
22,721

 
26,259

Total equity
 
836,505

 
817,106

 
807,063

Total liabilities and equity
 
$
1,718,706

 
$
1,620,494

 
$
1,683,043

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

3
 
 
 
 



Table of Contents

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited - in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction
 
$
427,018

 
$
447,097

 
$
921,143

 
$
873,357

Large Project Construction
 
217,084

 
179,446

 
590,282

 
611,110

Construction Materials
 
107,274

 
93,221

 
229,442

 
201,014

Total revenue
 
751,376

 
719,764

 
1,740,867

 
1,685,481

Cost of revenue
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Construction
 
362,720

 
398,295

 
795,108

 
790,584

Large Project Construction
 
194,512

 
173,767

 
535,166

 
538,846

Construction Materials
 
93,246

 
81,010

 
203,818

 
185,536

Total cost of revenue
 
650,478

 
653,072

 
1,534,092

 
1,514,966

Gross profit
 
100,898

 
66,692

 
206,775

 
170,515

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
50,077

 
47,386

 
151,374

 
147,731

Gain on sales of property and equipment
 
(804
)
 
(3,004
)
 
(2,090
)
 
(6,891
)
Operating income
 
51,625

 
22,310

 
57,491

 
29,675

Other (income) expense
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Interest income
 
(591
)
 
(451
)
 
(1,561
)
 
(1,343
)
Interest expense
 
3,485

 
2,488

 
10,966

 
10,426

Equity in income of affiliates
 
(1,155
)
 
(1,109
)
 
(1,762
)
 
(2,310
)
Other expense (income), net
 
27

 
1,196

 
(1,409
)
 
(450
)
Total other expense
 
1,766

 
2,124

 
6,234

 
6,323

Income before provision for income taxes
 
49,859

 
20,186

 
51,257

 
23,352

Provision for income taxes
 
17,679

 
6,081

 
18,148

 
8,301

Net income
 
32,180

 
14,105

 
33,109

 
15,051

Amount attributable to non-controlling interests
 
(1,421
)
 
1,177

 
(1,297
)
 
(6,681
)
Net income attributable to Granite Construction Incorporated
 
$
30,759

 
$
15,282

 
$
31,812

 
$
8,370

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share attributable to common shareholders (see Note 12)
 
 
 
 

Basic
 
$
0.78

 
$
0.39

 
$
0.81

 
$
0.21

Diluted
 
$
0.77

 
$
0.38

 
$
0.80

 
$
0.21

Weighted average shares of common stock
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Basic
 
39,378

 
39,150

 
39,317

 
39,073

Diluted
 
39,897

 
39,813

 
39,863

 
39,790

Dividends per common share
 
$
0.13

 
$
0.13

 
$
0.39

 
$
0.39

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

4
 
 
 
 



Table of Contents

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(Unaudited - in thousands)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
Operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
33,109

 
$
15,051

 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
 
 
 
 

 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
 
48,517

 
49,968

 
Gain on sales of property and equipment
 
(2,090
)
 
(6,891
)
 
Change in deferred income taxes
 
14,967

 
1,795

 
Stock-based compensation
 
6,962

 
8,933

 
Equity in net income from unconsolidated joint ventures
 
(29,465
)
 
(27,001
)
 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 

 
Receivables
 
(148,791
)
 
(103,913
)
 
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, net
 
3,621

 
(44,126
)
 
Inventories
 
8,631

 
(12,131
)
 
Contributions to unconsolidated construction joint ventures
 
(55,394
)
 
(24,797
)
 
Distributions from unconsolidated construction joint ventures
 
41,558

 
46,991

 
Other assets, net
 
5,719

 
5,455

 
Accounts payable
 
48,034

 
43,710

 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities, net
 
16,493

 
123

 
Net cash used in operating activities
 
(8,129
)
 
(46,833
)
 
Investing activities
 
 

 
 

 
Purchases of marketable securities
 
(54,961
)
 
(49,975
)
 
Maturities of marketable securities
 
26,700

 
40,000

 
Proceeds from called marketable securities
 
45,000

 
25,000

 
Purchases of property and equipment
 
(26,144
)
 
(37,471
)
 
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
 
3,439

 
12,257

 
Other investing activities, net
 
598

 
(1,109
)
 
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(5,368
)
 
(11,298
)
 
Financing activities
 
 

 
 

 
Cash dividends paid
 
(15,326
)
 
(15,229
)
 
Purchases of common stock
 
(3,325
)
 
(4,751
)
 
(Distributions to) contributions from non-controlling partners, net
 
(1,740
)
 
15,156

 
Other financing activities, net
 
(288
)
 
1,008

 
Net cash used in financing activities
 
(20,679
)
 
(3,816
)
 
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
 
(34,176
)
 
(61,947
)
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
255,961

 
229,121

 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
221,785

 
$
167,174

 
Supplementary Information
 
 
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest
 
$
7,787

 
$
6,911

 
Income taxes
 
450

 
2,293

 
Other non-cash operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Performance guarantees
 
$
(10,700
)
 
$
21,332

 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
 

 
 

 
Restricted stock units issued, net of forfeitures
 
$
5,924

 
$
6,862

 
Accrued cash dividends
 
5,119

 
5,090

 
Accrued equipment purchases
 
3,245

 
(671
)
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

5
 
 
 
 



Table of Contents
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


1.
Basis of Presentation
The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Granite Construction Incorporated (“we,” “us,” “our,” “Company” or “Granite”) without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted, although we believe the disclosures which are made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. Further, the condensed consolidated financial statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all normal recurring adjustments necessary to state fairly our financial position at September 30, 2015 and 2014 and the results of our operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The December 31, 2014 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP.
Our operations are typically affected more by weather conditions during the first and fourth quarters of our fiscal year which may alter our construction schedules and can create variability in our revenues and profitability. Therefore, the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
We prepared the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements on the same basis as our annual consolidated financial statements, except as follows:
Change in Accounting Policy for Affirmative Claims
Unresolved contract modifications and claims to recover additional costs to which the Company believes it is entitled under the terms of the customers’ contracts are pending or have been submitted on certain projects. The owners or their authorized representatives and/or other third parties may be in partial or full agreement with the modifications or claims, or may have rejected or disagree entirely or partially as to such entitlement.
Effective January 1, 2015, we changed our accounting policy for recognizing revenue associated with affirmative claims with customers. Revenue is now recognized to the extent of costs incurred when it is probable that a claim settlement with a customer will result in additional revenue and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Prior to this change in accounting policy, we recognized revenue from affirmative claims with customers when the claims were settled, generally when a legally binding agreement was signed. We believe this change in accounting policy is preferable as it more accurately reflects the timing and amount of revenue earned on our projects, as well as providing better comparability to our industry peers.
Recognizing claim recoveries requires significant judgments and estimates. During the first quarter of 2015, we implemented new and refined internal controls and processes to enable the reasonable estimation of claims.
Given that these internal controls and processes were not fully implemented until the first quarter of 2015, and we do not believe that it is possible to objectively distinguish information about claims estimates in prior periods from information that subsequently became available, it is impractical to independently and objectively substantiate judgments and estimates that would have been made with respect to claims in prior periods. Therefore, it is not possible to reasonably determine the estimated amounts of and prior reporting periods in which past claims would have met the criteria for recognition under our new accounting policy. Accordingly, we have adopted this accounting policy change prospectively beginning on January 1, 2015.
The effect of adopting the new accounting policy for customer claims was an increase in revenue and gross profit of $35.0 million and $44.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 customer claim settlements had a gross profit impact of $23.2 million. There were no customer claim settlements during the three months ended September 30, 2014. Recognition of estimated recovery for affirmative claims increases costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings and may remain outstanding for more than twelve months.
Gross profit associated with claims against non-customers, such as vendors, designers or subcontractors, continues to be recognized when the claims are settled. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and three months ended September 30, 2014, there were no claim settlements with non-customers. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, gross profit from claim settlements with non-customers was $7.9 million.

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Table of Contents
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

The potential increase or decrease to gross profit from recoveries for contract modifications and claims may be material in future periods when claims, or a portion of such claims, against customers become probable and estimable, estimates are revised or when claims against other third parties are settled. In addition, the Company may incur additional costs when pursuing such potential recoveries or as a result of settlement.

2.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides guidance for revenue recognition. This ASU’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which deferred the effective date by one year to December 15, 2017 for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after that date. Therefore, the ASU will be effective commencing with our quarter ending March 31, 2018. We are currently assessing the potential impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements.
In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which provides guidance for consolidation of certain legal entities. The guidance changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. The ASU will be effective commencing with our quarter ending March 31, 2016. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The ASU will be effective commencing with our quarter ending March 31, 2016. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement, which provides guidance on accounting for fees paid by a customer in a cloud computing arrangement. A cloud computing arrangement that contains a software license will be accounted for consistently with the acquisition of other software licenses. If no software license is present in the contract, the entity should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The ASU will be effective commencing with our quarter ending March 31, 2016. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. Topic 330, Inventory, requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. Market could be replacement cost, net realizable value, or net realizable value less an approximately normal profit margin. The amendments to ASU No. 2015-11 require an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The ASU will be effective commencing with our quarter ending March 31, 2017. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements which permits debt issuance costs for line-of-credit arrangements to be deferred and presented as an asset and subsequently amortized ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. The ASU will be effective commencing with our quarter ending March 31, 2016. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments, which requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined, rather than retrospectively adjust previously issued financial statements. The ASU will be effective commencing with our quarter ending March 31, 2016. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

3.
Revisions in Estimates
Our profit recognition related to construction contracts is based on estimates of costs to complete each project. These estimates can vary significantly in the normal course of business as projects progress, circumstances develop and evolve, and uncertainties are resolved. We recognize revenue associated with unapproved change orders and, effective in the first quarter of 2015, affirmative claims against customers to the extent the related costs have been incurred, the amount can be reliably estimated and recovery is probable. Prior to 2015, we recognized revenue on affirmative claims against customers when we had a signed agreement. See Note 1 for further discussion.
We recognize revisions to estimated total costs as soon as the obligation to perform is determined. When we experience significant changes in our estimates of costs to complete, we undertake a process that includes reviewing the nature of the changes to ensure that there are no material amounts that should have been recorded in a prior period rather than as a revision in estimates for the current period. In our review of these changes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, we did not identify any amounts that should have been recorded in a prior period. We use the cumulative catch-up method applicable to construction contract accounting to account for revisions in estimates. Under this method, revisions in estimates are accounted for in their entirety in the period of change. There can be no assurance that we will not experience future changes in circumstances or otherwise be required to revise our profitability estimates.
Revenue in an amount equal to cost incurred is recognized if there is not sufficient information to determine the estimated profit on the project with a reasonable level of certainty. The gross profit impact from projects that reached initial profit recognition is not considered to be a change in estimate for purposes of the tables below and is therefore excluded. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the gross profit impact from projects that reached initial profit recognition was $8.3 million and $21.6 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the gross profit impact from projects that reached initial profit recognition was $21.4 million and $50.0 million, respectively.

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Table of Contents
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Construction
The net changes in project profitability from revisions in estimates, both increases and decreases that individually had an impact of $1.0 million or more on gross profit were net increases of $3.7 million and $9.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. The net changes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were net decreases of $1.0 million and $9.3 million, respectively. The projects are summarized as follows:

Increases
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
 
2014
 
 
2015
 
 
2014
Number of projects with upward estimate changes
 
1

 
 

 
 
7

 
 
2

Range of increase in gross profit from each project, net
$
5.1

 
$

 
$
1.0 - 5.0

 
$
1.1 - 1.2

Increase to project profitability
$
5.1

 
$

 
$
15.3

 
$
2.3


The increases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 were due to settlements of outstanding issues with contract owners and lower costs than anticipated, as well as estimated cost recovery from claims during the nine months. The increases during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were due to owner-directed scope changes and lower costs than originally anticipated.

Decreases
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
 
2014
 
 
2015
 
 
2014
Number of projects with downward estimate changes
 
1

 
 
1

 
 
3

 
 
5

Range of reduction in gross profit from each project, net
$
1.4

 
$
1.0

 
$
1.5 - 2.3

 
$
1.7 - 2.9

Decrease to project profitability
$
1.4

 
$
1.0

 
$
5.9

 
$
11.6


The decreases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were due to additional costs and lower productivity than originally anticipated.

Large Project Construction
The net changes in project profitability from revisions in estimates, both increases and decreases that individually had an impact of $1.0 million or more on gross profit were net increases of $5.1 million and $1.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. The net changes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were a net decrease of $8.5 million and a net increase of $25.9 million, respectively. Amounts attributable to non-controlling interests were $1.4 million and $0.3 million of the net increases for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, and were $1.8 million of the net decrease and $5.8 million of the net increase for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. The projects are summarized as follows:
Increases
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
 
2014
 
 
2015
 
 
2014
Number of projects with upward estimate changes
 
4

 
 
2

 
 
7

 
 
9

Range of increase in gross profit from each project, net
$
1.0 - 3.9

 
$
1.3 - 3.8

 
$
1.5 - 5.1

 
$
1.1 - 11.8

Increase to project profitability
$
9.4

 
$
5.1

 
$
19.9

 
$
43.0

The increases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 were due to settlements of outstanding issues with contract owners and owner-directed scope changes, as well as estimated cost recovery from claims during the nine months. The increases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were due to higher productivity than originally anticipated, owner-directed scope changes and settlements of outstanding issues with contract owners.

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Table of Contents
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Decreases
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
 
2014
 
 
2015
 
 
2014
Number of projects with downward estimate changes
 
2

 
 
3

 
 
5

 
 
3

Range of reduction in gross profit from each project, net
$
1.8 - 2.6

 
$
2.0 - 7.0

 
$
2.6 - 4.6

 
$
1.3 - 13.9

Decrease to project profitability
$
4.3

 
$
13.6

 
$
18.1

 
$
17.1

The decreases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were due to additional costs and lower productivity than originally anticipated.

4.
Marketable Securities
All marketable securities were classified as held-to-maturity as of the dates presented and the carrying amounts of held-to-maturity securities were as follows:
(in thousands)
 
September 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2014
U.S. Government and agency obligations
 
$
7,625

 
$
10,511

 
$
12,967

Commercial paper 
 
9,982

 
14,993

 
14,983

Total short-term marketable securities
 
17,607

 
25,504

 
27,950

U.S. Government and agency obligations
 
70,646

 
76,563

 
74,140

Total long-term marketable securities
 
70,646

 
76,563

 
74,140

Total marketable securities
 
$
88,253

 
$
102,067

 
$
102,090

Scheduled maturities of held-to-maturity investments were as follows:
(in thousands)
September 30,
2015
Due within one year
$
17,607

Due in one to five years
70,646

Total
$
88,253


5.
Fair Value Measurement
Fair value accounting standards describe three levels that may be used to measure fair value:
Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 - Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. 

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GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

The following tables summarize significant assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets on a recurring basis for each of the fair value levels (in thousands):
 
 
Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
September 30, 2015
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Cash equivalents
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Money market funds
 
$
50,006

 
$

 
$

 
$
50,006

Total assets
 
$
50,006

 
$

 
$

 
$
50,006

 
 
Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
December 31, 2014
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Cash equivalents
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Money market funds
 
$
60,618

 
$

 
$

 
$
60,618

Total assets
 
$
60,618

 
$

 
$

 
$
60,618

 
 
Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
September 30, 2014
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Cash equivalents  
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Money market funds
 
$
50,148

 
$

 
$

 
$
50,148

Total assets
 
$
50,148

 
$

 
$

 
$
50,148

A reconciliation of cash equivalents to consolidated cash and cash equivalents is as follows:
(in thousands)
 
September 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2014
Cash equivalents
 
$
50,006

 
$
60,618

 
$
50,148

Cash
 
171,779

 
195,343

 
117,026

Total cash and cash equivalents
 
$
221,785

 
$
255,961

 
$
167,174


In March 2014, we entered into an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $100.0 million which matures in June 2018 to convert the interest rate of our 2019 Notes (defined in Note 11) from a fixed rate of 6.11% to a floating rate of 4.15% plus six-month LIBOR. The interest rate swap is reported at fair value using Level 2 inputs, and gains or losses, including net periodic settlement amounts, are recorded in other (income) expense, net in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded net gains of $1.2 million and $2.5 million, respectively, and during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recorded net losses of $0.6 million and a net gain of $0.3 million, respectively. The fair value of the interest rate swap is recorded in other current assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and was $2.1 million, $0.3 million and less than $0.1 million as of September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
In March 2014, we entered into two diesel commodity swaps covering the periods from May 2014 to October 2014 and from May 2015 to October 2015 which represented roughly 25% of our forecasted purchases for diesel during these periods.  In May 2014, we entered into two natural gas commodity swaps covering the periods from June 2014 to October 2014 and from May 2015 to October 2015 representing roughly 25% of our forecasted purchases of natural gas during these periods. The commodity swaps are reported at fair value using Level 2 inputs, and gains or losses, including net periodic settlement amounts, are recorded in other (income) expense, net in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded losses of $0.4 million, and during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recorded losses of $0.6 million and $0.7 million, respectively. The fair values of the commodity swaps are recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and were $0.7 million, $1.7 million and $0.5 million as of September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively.

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Table of Contents
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

The carrying values and estimated fair values of our financial instruments that are not required to be recorded at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets are as follows: 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
(in thousands)
 
Fair Value Hierarchy
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
Assets:
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Held-to-maturity marketable securities
 
Level 1
 
$
88,253

 
$
88,313

 
$
102,067

 
$
101,808

 
$
102,090

 
$
101,711

Liabilities (including current maturities):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior notes payable1
 
Level 3
 
$
200,000

 
$
212,919

 
$
200,000

 
$
220,226

 
$
200,000

 
$
225,186

Credit Agreement loan1
 
Level 3
 
70,000

 
69,753

 
70,000

 
70,153

 
70,000

 
70,258

1The fair values of the senior notes payable and Credit Agreement (defined in Note 11) loan are based on borrowing rates available to us for long-term loans with similar terms, average maturities, and credit risk.
The carrying values of receivables, other current assets, and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. In addition, the fair value of non-recourse debt measured using Level 3 inputs approximates its carrying value due to its relative short-term nature and competitive interest rates. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, we did not record any fair value adjustments related to nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

6.
Receivables, net
Receivables, net at September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 are as follows:
(in thousands)
 
September 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2014
Construction contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Completed and in progress
 
$
300,188

 
$
191,094

 
$
274,203

Retentions
 
82,344

 
84,760

 
79,475

Total construction contracts
 
382,532

 
275,854

 
353,678

Construction Material sales
 
68,449

 
28,549

 
54,718

Other
 
5,979

 
6,822

 
9,740

Total gross receivables
 
456,960

 
311,225

 
418,136

Less: allowance for doubtful accounts
 
272

 
291

 
508

Total net receivables
 
$
456,688

 
$
310,934

 
$
417,628

Receivables include amounts billed and billable to clients for services provided as of the end of the applicable period and do not bear interest. To the extent costs have not been billed or are not contractually billable, such as claim recovery estimates, the contract balance is included in costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Included in other receivables at September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 were items such as notes receivable, fuel tax refunds and income tax refunds. No such receivables individually exceeded 10% of total net receivables at any of these dates.
Financing receivables consisted of retentions receivable and were included in receivables, net on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014. Certain construction contracts include retainage provisions. The balances billed but not paid by customers pursuant to these provisions generally become due upon completion and acceptance of the project work or products by the owners. No retention receivable individually exceeded 10% of total net receivables at any of the presented dates. As of September 30, 2015, the majority of the retentions receivable are expected to be collected within one year.

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GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

We segregate our retention receivables into two categories: escrow and non-escrow. The balances in each category were as follows:
(in thousands)
 
September 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2014
Escrow
 
$
21,590

 
$
28,692

 
$
26,128

Non-escrow
 
60,754

 
56,068

 
53,347

Total retention receivables
 
$
82,344

 
$
84,760

 
$
79,475

The escrow receivables include amounts due to Granite which have been deposited into an escrow account and bear interest. Typically, escrow retention receivables are held until work on a project is complete and has been accepted by the owner who then releases those funds, along with accrued interest, to us. There is minimal risk of not collecting on these amounts.
As of September 30, 2015, the non-escrow retention receivables aged over 90 days decreased to $0.1 million from $8.6 million at December 31, 2014. As of both dates, our allowance for doubtful accounts contained no material provision related to non-escrow retention receivables as we determined there were no significant collectability issues.

7.
Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures
We participate in various construction joint ventures, partnerships and a limited liability company of which we are a limited member (“joint ventures”). We also participate in various “line item” joint venture agreements under which each member is responsible for performing certain discrete items of the total scope of contracted work.
Due to the joint and several nature of the performance obligations under the related owner contracts, if any of the members fail to perform, we and the other members would be responsible for performance of the outstanding work. At September 30, 2015, there was approximately $5.6 billion of construction revenue to be recognized on unconsolidated and line item construction joint venture contracts of which $1.7 billion represented our share and the remaining $3.9 billion represented the other members’ share. We are not able to estimate amounts that may be required beyond the remaining cost of the work to be performed. These costs could be offset by billings to the customer or by proceeds from the other members and/or other guarantors.
Construction Joint Ventures
Generally, each construction joint venture is formed to complete a specific contract and is jointly controlled by the venture members. The associated agreements typically provide that our interests in any profits and assets, and our respective share in any losses and liabilities resulting from the performance of the contracts, are limited to our stated percentage interest in the venture. Under our contractual arrangements, we provide capital to these joint ventures in return for an ownership interest. In addition, members dedicate resources to the ventures necessary to complete the contracts and are reimbursed for their cost. The operational risks of each construction joint venture are passed along to the joint venture members. As we absorb our share of these risks, our investment in each venture is exposed to potential gains and losses.
We have determined that certain of these joint ventures are consolidated because they are variable interest entities (“VIEs”), and we are the primary beneficiary.
We continually evaluate whether there are changes in the status of the VIEs or changes to the primary beneficiary designation of the VIE. Based on our assessments during the three months ended September 30, 2015, we determined no change was required for existing construction joint ventures.

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GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Consolidated Construction Joint Ventures
The carrying amounts and classification of assets and liabilities of construction joint ventures we are required to consolidate are included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as follows:
(in thousands)
 
September 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2014
Cash and cash equivalents1 
 
$
41,052

 
$
61,276

 
$
29,518

Receivables, net
 
36,527

 
36,781

 
45,483

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings1
 
365

 
129

 
21,105

Other current assets
 
2,020

 
1,617

 
1,910

Total current assets
 
79,964

 
99,803

 
98,016

Property and equipment, net
 
6,068

 
11,969

 
16,172

Total assets2
 
$
86,032

 
$
111,772

 
$
114,188

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable 
 
$
10,438

 
$
18,009

 
$
22,951

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings1 
 
13,794

 
32,830

 
23,138

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 
 
1,148

 
2,714

 
3,110

Total liabilities2
 
$
25,380

 
$
53,553

 
$
49,199

1The volume and stage of completion of contracts from our consolidated construction joint ventures may cause fluctuations in cash and cash equivalents as well as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings and costs in excess of billings and estimated earnings between periods.
2The assets and liabilities of each consolidated joint venture relate solely to that joint venture. The decision to distribute joint venture cash and cash equivalents and assets must generally be made jointly by a majority of the members and, accordingly, these cash and cash equivalents and assets generally are not available for the working capital needs of Granite until distributed.
At September 30, 2015, we were engaged in three active consolidated construction joint venture projects with total contract values ranging from $0.6 million to $293.8 million. Our share of revenue remaining to be recognized on these consolidated joint ventures ranged from $0.2 million to $119.7 million. Our proportionate share of the equity in these joint ventures was between 50.0% and 65.0%. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, total revenue from consolidated construction joint ventures was $14.0 million and $39.0 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, total revenue from consolidated construction joint ventures was $23.8 million and $122.0 million, respectively. Total operating cash flows used in consolidated construction joint ventures were $16.8 million and $44.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures
We account for our share of construction joint ventures that we are not required to consolidate on a pro rata basis in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and as a single line item on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of September 30, 2015, these unconsolidated joint ventures were engaged in eleven active projects with total contract values ranging from $73.6 million to $3.4 billion. Our proportionate share of the equity in these unconsolidated joint ventures ranged from 20.0% to 50.0%. As of September 30, 2015, our share of the revenue remaining to be recognized on these unconsolidated joint ventures ranged from $3.2 million to $632.2 million.
As of September 30, 2015, one of our unconsolidated construction joint ventures was located in Canada and, therefore, the associated disclosures throughout this footnote include amounts that were translated from Canadian dollars to U.S. dollars using the spot rate in effect as of the reporting date for balance sheet items, and the average rate in effect during the reporting period for the results of operations. The associated foreign currency translation adjustments did not have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements for any of the dates or periods presented.

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Table of Contents
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

The following is summary financial information related to unconsolidated construction joint ventures:
(in thousands)
 
September 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2014
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents1
 
$
460,668

 
$
264,263

 
$
286,040

Other assets
 
818,609

 
573,898

 
538,012

Less partners’ interest
 
875,629

 
546,907

 
530,585

Granite’s interest
 
403,648

 
291,254

 
293,467

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
228,695

 
146,198

 
141,630

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings1
 
321,103

 
156,604

 
178,781

Other liabilities
 
88,905

 
55,289

 
61,061

Less partners’ interest
 
441,627

 
251,412

 
269,264

Granite’s interest
 
197,076

 
106,679

 
112,208

Equity in construction joint ventures2
 
$
206,572

 
$
184,575

 
$
181,259

1The volume and stage of completion of contracts from our unconsolidated construction joint ventures may cause fluctuations in cash and cash equivalents as well as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings and costs in excess of billings and estimated earnings between periods. The decision to distribute joint venture cash and cash equivalents and assets must generally be made jointly by all of the partners and, accordingly, these cash and cash equivalents and assets generally are not available for the working capital needs of Granite until distributed.
2As of September 30, 2015, this balance included $13.1 million of deficit in construction joint ventures that is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
530,215

 
$
313,945

 
$
1,439,766

 
$
1,055,276

Less partners’ interest and adjustments1
 
382,465

 
213,068

 
1,018,565

 
741,451

Granite’s interest
 
147,750

 
100,877

 
421,201

 
313,825

Cost of revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
424,492

 
338,848

 
1,270,793

 
982,014

Less partners’ interest and adjustments1
 
287,784

 
239,661

 
879,653

 
696,633

Granite’s interest
 
136,708

 
99,187

 
391,140

 
285,381

Granite’s interest in gross profit
 
$
11,042

 
$
1,690

 
$
30,061

 
$
28,444

1Partners’ interest represents amounts to reconcile total revenue and total cost of revenue as reported by our partners to Granite’s interest adjusted to reflect our accounting policies.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, unconsolidated construction joint venture net income was $19.5 million and $86.9 million, respectively, of which our share was $11.1 million and $29.7 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, unconsolidated construction joint venture net loss was $25.2 million and net income was $75.2 million, respectively, of which our share was net income of $1.8 million and $28.1 million, respectively. These joint venture net income amounts exclude our corporate overhead required to manage the joint ventures.

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Table of Contents
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Line Item Joint Ventures
The revenue for each line item joint venture member’s discrete items of work is defined in the contract with the project owner and each venture member bears the profitability risk associated with its own work. There is not a single set of books and records for a line item joint venture. Each member accounts for its items of work individually as it would for any self-performed contract. We include only our portion of these contracts in our condensed consolidated financial statements. As of September 30, 2015, we had five active line item joint venture construction projects with total contract values ranging from $42.4 million to $87.1 million of which our portion ranged from $28.5 million to $64.6 million. As of September 30, 2015, our share of revenue remaining to be recognized on these line item joint ventures ranged from $1.3 million to $39.8 million.

8.
Investments in Affiliates
Our investments in affiliates balance is related to our investments in unconsolidated non-construction entities that we account for using the equity method of accounting, including investments in real estate entities and a non-real estate entity. Our share of the operating results of the equity method investments is included in other expense (income) in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and as a single line item on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as investments in affiliates.
Our investments in affiliates balance consists of the following:
(in thousands)
 
September 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2014
Equity method investments in real estate affiliates
 
$
24,093

 
$
22,623

 
$
24,040

Equity method investment in other affiliate
 
8,984

 
9,738

 
10,137

Total investments in affiliates
 
$
33,077

 
$
32,361

 
$
34,177

The following table provides summarized balance sheet information for our affiliates accounted for under the equity method on a combined basis:
(in thousands)
 
September 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2014
Total assets
 
$
179,949

 
$
170,174

 
$
172,220

Net assets
 
106,239

 
97,639

 
103,651

Granite’s share of net assets
 
33,077

 
32,361

 
34,177

The equity method investments in real estate included $18.4 million, $16.5 million and $17.8 million in residential real estate in Texas as of September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively. The remaining balances were in commercial real estate in Texas. Of the $179.9 million in total assets as of September 30, 2015, real estate entities had total assets ranging from $1.7 million to $69.6 million and the non-real estate entity had total assets of $19.2 million.


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Table of Contents
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

9.
Property and Equipment, net
Balances of major classes of assets and allowances for depreciation and depletion are included in property and equipment, net on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as follows:
(in thousands)
 
September 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2014
Equipment and vehicles
 
$
762,121

 
$
767,313

 
$
771,934

Quarry property
 
171,924

 
172,081

 
169,982

Land and land improvements
 
111,058

 
110,235

 
118,985

Buildings and leasehold improvements
 
82,651

 
82,655

 
83,813

Office furniture and equipment
 
71,259

 
70,820

 
70,837

Property and equipment
 
1,199,013

 
1,203,104

 
1,215,551

Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion
 
813,977

 
793,451

 
791,279

Property and equipment, net
 
$
385,036

 
$
409,653

 
$
424,272


10.
Intangible Assets
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Indefinite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of goodwill and use rights. Use rights of $0.4 million are included in other noncurrent assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014.
The following table presents the goodwill balance by reportable segment:
(in thousands)
 
September 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2014
Construction
 
$
29,260

 
$
29,260

 
$
29,260

Large Project Construction
 
22,593

 
22,593

 
22,593

Construction Materials
 
1,946

 
1,946

 
1,946

Total goodwill
 
$
53,799

 
$
53,799

 
$
53,799

The results of operations and cash flows of our business are susceptible to fluctuations due to a variety of factors, including the size, frequency and profitability of contract awards. The Kenny Group Large Project Construction reporting unit is particularly susceptible to these fluctuations given its historically narrow end-market focus. A substantial decline in the actual and projected award rate may impact projected cash flows of any of our reporting units which could cause book value to exceed calculated fair value, resulting in the impairment of all or some portion of goodwill.

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Table of Contents
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Amortized Intangible Assets
The following is the breakdown of our amortized intangible assets that are included in other noncurrent assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):
September 30, 2015
 
Gross Value
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Book Value
Permits
 
$
29,713

 
$
(13,958
)
 
$
15,755

Acquired backlog
 
7,900

 
(7,513
)
 
387

Customer lists
 
4,398

 
(3,004
)
 
1,394

Trade name
 
4,100

 
(1,187
)
 
2,913

Covenants not to compete and other
 
2,459

 
(2,429
)
 
30

Total amortized intangible assets
 
$
48,570

 
$
(28,091
)
 
$
20,479

December 31, 2014
 
Gross Value
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Book Value
Permits
 
$
29,713

 
$
(13,115
)
 
$
16,598

Acquired backlog
 
7,900

 
(7,263
)
 
637

Customer lists
 
4,398

 
(2,785
)
 
1,613

Trade name
 
4,100

 
(863
)
 
3,237

Covenants not to compete and other
 
2,459

 
(2,428
)
 
31

Total amortized intangible assets
 
$
48,570

 
$
(26,454
)
 
$
22,116

September 30, 2014
 
Gross Value
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Book Value
Permits
 
$
29,713

 
$
(12,835
)
 
$
16,878

Acquired backlog
 
7,900

 
(7,226
)
 
674

Customer lists
 
4,398

 
(2,711
)
 
1,687

Trade name
 
4,100

 
(755
)
 
3,345

Covenants not to compete and other
 
2,459

 
(2,426
)
 
33

Total amortized intangible assets
 
$
48,570

 
$
(25,953
)
 
$
22,617

Amortization expense related to amortized intangible assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $0.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively. Amortization expense related to amortized intangible assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $0.6 million and $1.8 million, respectively. Based on the amortized intangible assets balance at September 30, 2015, amortization expense expected to be recorded in the future is as follows: $0.5 million for the remainder of 2015; $2.0 million in 2016; $1.8 million in 2017; $1.7 million in 2018; $1.7 million in 2019; and $12.7 million thereafter.


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Table of Contents
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

11.
Covenants and Events of Default
Our debt and credit agreements require us to comply with various affirmative, restrictive and financial covenants. Our failure to comply with any of these covenants, or to pay principal, interest or other amounts when due thereunder, would constitute an event of default under the applicable agreements. Under certain circumstances, the occurrence of an event of default under one of our debt or credit agreements (or the acceleration of the maturity of the indebtedness under one of our agreements) may constitute an event of default under one or more of our other debt or credit agreements. Default under our debt and credit agreements could result in (i) us no longer being entitled to borrow under the agreements; (ii) termination of the agreements; (iii) the requirement that any letters of credit under the agreements be cash collateralized; (iv) acceleration of the maturity of outstanding indebtedness under the agreements; and/or (v) foreclosure on any collateral securing the obligations under the agreements.
As of September 30, 2015, senior notes payable in the amount of $200.0 million were due to a group of institutional holders in five equal annual installments beginning in 2015 and bear interest at 6.11% per annum (“2019 Notes”). As of September 30, 2015, we were in compliance with the covenants contained in our note purchase agreement governing our 2019 Notes and the credit agreement governing the $215.0 million committed revolving credit facility, with a sublimit for letters of credit of $100.0 million, as well as the debt agreements related to our consolidated real estate entity. Granite entered into the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated October 28, 2015 (see Note 16). We have the ability and intent to draw on this amended and restated credit facility to pay the $40.0 million principal amount due on the 2019 Notes in the fourth quarter of 2015. We are not aware of any non-compliance by any of our unconsolidated real estate entities with the covenants contained in their debt agreements.

12.
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding and Net Income Per Share
Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential common shares include stock options and restricted stock units. The following table presents a reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding used in calculating basic and diluted net income per share as well as the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Numerator (basic and diluted):
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Net income allocated to common shareholders for basic calculation
 
$
30,759

 
$
15,282

 
$
31,812

 
$
8,370

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic 
 
39,378

 
39,150

 
39,317

 
39,073

Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units
 
519

 
663

 
546

 
717

Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted
 
39,897

 
39,813

 
39,863

 
39,790

Net income per share, basic
 
$
0.78

 
$
0.39

 
$
0.81

 
$
0.21

Net income per share, diluted
 
$
0.77

 
$
0.38

 
$
0.80

 
$
0.21



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Table of Contents
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

13.
Equity
The following tables summarize our equity activity for the periods presented (in thousands):
 
 
Granite Construction Incorporated
 
Non-controlling Interests
 
Total Equity
Balance at December 31, 2014
 
$
794,385

 
$
22,721

 
$
817,106

Purchases of common stock1
 
(3,366
)
 

 
(3,366
)
Other transactions with shareholders and employees2
 
6,816

 

 
6,816

Transactions with non-controlling interests, net
 

 
(1,808
)
 
(1,808
)
Net income
 
31,812

 
1,297

 
33,109

Dividends on common stock
 
(15,352
)
 

 
(15,352
)
Balance at September 30, 2015
 
$
814,295

 
$
22,210

 
$
836,505

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2013
 
$
781,940

 
$
4,404

 
$
786,344

Purchases of common stock3
 
(4,751
)
 

 
(4,751
)
Other transactions with shareholders and employees2
 
10,505

 

 
10,505

Transactions with non-controlling interests, net
 

 
15,174

 
15,174

Net income
 
8,370

 
6,681

 
15,051

Dividends on common stock
 
(15,260
)
 

 
(15,260
)
Balance at September 30, 2014
 
$
780,804

 
$
26,259

 
$
807,063

1Represents 103,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for restricted stock units vested under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.
2Amounts are comprised primarily of amortized restricted stock units.
3Represents 123,000 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for restricted stock units vested under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.


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GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

14.
Legal Proceedings
In the ordinary course of business, we and our affiliates are involved in various legal proceedings alleging, among other things, public liability issues or breach of contract or tortious conduct in connection with the performance of services and/or materials provided, the various outcomes of which cannot be predicted with certainty. We and our affiliates are also subject to government inquiries in the ordinary course of business seeking information concerning our compliance with government construction contracting requirements and various laws and regulations, the outcomes of which cannot be predicted with certainty.
Some of the matters in which we or our joint ventures and affiliates are involved may involve compensatory, punitive, or other claims or sanctions that, if granted, could require us to pay damages or make other expenditures in amounts that are not probable to be incurred or cannot currently be reasonably estimated. In addition, in some circumstances our government contracts could be terminated, we could be suspended, debarred or incur other administrative penalties or sanctions, or payment of our costs could be disallowed. While any of our pending legal proceedings may be subject to early resolution as a result of our ongoing efforts to settle, whether or when any legal proceeding will be resolved through settlement is neither predictable nor guaranteed.
Accordingly, it is possible that future developments in such proceedings and inquiries could require us to (i) adjust existing accruals, or (ii) record new accruals that we did not originally believe to be probable or that could not be reasonably estimated. Such changes could be material to our financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows in any particular reporting period. In addition to matters that are considered probable for which the loss can be reasonably estimated, we also disclose certain matters where the loss is considered reasonably possible and is reasonably estimable.
Liabilities relating to legal proceedings and government inquiries, to the extent that we have concluded such liabilities are probable and the amounts of such liabilities are reasonably estimable, are recorded in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. The aggregate liabilities recorded as of September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 related to these matters were approximately $9.2 million, $9.7 million and $9.9 million, respectively, and were primarily included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities. The aggregate range of possible loss related to (i) matters considered reasonably possible, and (ii) reasonably possible amounts in excess of accrued losses recorded for probable loss contingencies, was zero to $0.3 million as of September 30, 2015. Our view as to such matters could change in future periods.
Investigation Related to Grand Avenue Project Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (“DBE”) Issues: On March 6, 2009, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General served upon our wholly-owned subsidiary, Granite Construction Northeast, Inc. (“Granite Northeast”), a United States District Court, Eastern District of New York Grand Jury subpoena to produce documents. The subpoena sought all documents pertaining to the use of a DBE firm (the “Subcontractor”), and the Subcontractor’s use of a non-DBE subcontractor/consultant, on the Grand Avenue Bus Depot and Central Maintenance Facility for the Borough of Queens Project (the “Grand Avenue Project”), a Granite Northeast project, that began in 2004 and was substantially complete in 2008. The subpoena also sought any documents regarding the use of the Subcontractor as a DBE on any other projects and any other documents related to the Subcontractor or to the subcontractor/consultant. Granite Northeast produced the requested documents, together with other requested information. Subsequently, Granite Northeast was informed by the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) that it is a subject of an investigation, along with others, and that the DOJ believes that Granite Northeast’s claim of DBE credit for the Subcontractor was improper. In addition to the documents produced in response to the Grand Jury subpoena, Granite Northeast has provided requested information to the DOJ, along with other federal and state agencies (collectively the “Agencies”), concerning other DBE entities for which Granite Northeast has historically claimed DBE credit. The Agencies have informed Granite Northeast that they believe that the claimed DBE credit taken for some of those other DBE entities was improper. Granite Northeast has met several times since January 2013 with the DOJ and the Agencies’ representatives to discuss the government’s criminal investigation of the Grand Avenue Project participants, including Granite Northeast, and to discuss their respective positions on, and potential resolution of, the issues raised in the investigation. In connection with this investigation, Granite Northeast is subject to potential civil, criminal, and/or administrative penalties or sanctions, as well as additional future DBE compliance activities and the costs associated therewith. Granite believes that the incurrence of some form of penalty or sanction is probable, and has therefore recorded what it believes to be the most likely amount of liability it may incur in its condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2015. Granite and Granite Northeast expect to resolve issues that have been raised in the investigation by the DOJ and Agencies as soon as practicable. Such resolution of the matters under investigation could have additional consequences that could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or liquidity.


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GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

15.
Business Segment Information
Our reportable segments are: Construction, Large Project Construction and Construction Materials. 
The Construction segment performs various construction projects with a large portion of the work focused on new construction and improvement of streets, roads, highways, bridges, site work, underground, power-related facilities, utilities and other infrastructure projects. These projects are typically bid-build projects completed within two years with a contract value of less than $75 million.
The Large Project Construction segment focuses on large, complex infrastructure projects which typically have a longer duration than our Construction segment work. These projects include major highways, mass transit facilities, bridges, tunnels, waterway locks and dams, pipelines, canals, power-related facilities, utilities and airport infrastructure. This segment primarily includes bid-build, design-build, and construction management/general contractor contracts, together with various contract methods relating to Public Private Partnerships, generally with contract values in excess of $75 million.
The Construction Materials segment mines and processes aggregates and operates plants that produce construction materials for internal use and for sale to third parties. In addition, the Construction Materials segment includes real estate investment activity that was not material for any of the periods presented.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies contained in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K, except as disclosed in Note 1. We evaluate segment performance based on gross profit or loss, and do not include selling, general and administrative expenses and non-operating income or expense. Segment assets include property and equipment, intangibles, goodwill, inventory and equity in construction joint ventures.
Summarized segment information is as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
Construction
 
Large Project Construction
 
Construction Materials
 
Total
2015
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Total revenue from reportable segments
 
$
427,018

 
$
217,084

 
$
165,771

 
$
809,873

Elimination of intersegment revenue
 

 

 
(58,497
)
 
(58,497
)
Revenue from external customers
 
427,018

 
217,084

 
107,274

 
751,376

Gross profit
 
64,298

 
22,572

 
14,028

 
100,898

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
 
5,194

 
3,308

 
5,799

 
14,301

2014
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Total revenue from reportable segments
 
$
447,097

 
$
179,446

 
$
146,789

 
$
773,332

Elimination of intersegment revenue
 

 

 
(53,568
)
 
(53,568
)
Revenue from external customers
 
447,097

 
179,446

 
93,221

 
719,764

Gross profit
 
48,802

 
5,679

 
12,211

 
66,692

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
 
4,621

 
4,777

 
5,408

 
14,806


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GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
Construction
 
Large Project Construction
 
Construction Materials
 
Total
2015
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Total revenue from reportable segments
 
$
921,143

 
$
590,282

 
$
332,920

 
$
1,844,345

Elimination of intersegment revenue
 

 

 
(103,478
)
 
(103,478
)
Revenue from external customers
 
921,143

 
590,282

 
229,442

 
1,740,867

Gross profit
 
126,035

 
55,116

 
25,624

 
206,775

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
 
14,752

 
8,311

 
16,806

 
39,869

Segment assets
 
140,493

 
271,878

 
300,739

 
713,110

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Total revenue from reportable segments
 
$
873,357

 
$
611,110

 
$
286,698

 
$
1,771,165

Elimination of intersegment revenue
 

 

 
(85,684
)
 
(85,684
)
Revenue from external customers
 
873,357

 
611,110

 
201,014

 
1,685,481

Gross profit
 
82,773

 
72,264

 
15,478

 
170,515

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
 
12,865

 
12,001

 
16,267

 
41,133

Segment assets
 
150,070

 
247,694

 
322,504

 
720,268

A reconciliation of segment gross profit to consolidated income before provision for income taxes is as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Total gross profit from reportable segments
 
$
100,898

 
$
66,692

 
$
206,775

 
$
170,515

Selling, general and administrative expenses 
 
50,077

 
47,386

 
151,374

 
147,731

Gain on sales of property and equipment
 
(804
)
 
(3,004
)
 
(2,090
)
 
(6,891
)
Other expense
 
1,766

 
2,124

 
6,234

 
6,323

Income before provision for income taxes
 
$
49,859

 
$
20,186

 
$
51,257

 
$
23,352

16.
Subsequent Event
Granite entered into the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated October 28, 2015. The amended and restated credit facility provides for, among other things, (i) an increase to the committed revolving credit facility amount to $300.0 million from $215.0 million, of which $200.0 million is a revolving credit facility and $100.0 million is a term loan; and (ii) a revised maturity date of October 28, 2020. There were no material changes to the sublimit letters of credit nor were there significant changes to the affirmative, restrictive or financial covenant terms. We have the ability and intent to draw on this amended and restated credit facility to pay the $40.0 million principal amount due on our 2019 Notes in the fourth quarter of 2015.
In connection with entering into the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, we paid $1.9 million in closing fees that will be amortized over the life of the amended and restated credit facility along with fees from the original credit facility. Prior to amortization, the majority of the closing fees will be included in other noncurrent assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015.

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Table of Contents

Item 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Forward-Looking Disclosure
From time to time, Granite makes certain comments and disclosures in reports and statements, including in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, or statements made by its officers or directors, that are not based on historical facts, including statements regarding future events, occurrences, circumstances, activities, performance, outcomes and results, that may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are identified by words such as “future,” “outlook,” “assumes,” “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “appears,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “continue,” and the negatives thereof or other comparable terminology or by the context in which they are made. In addition, other written or oral statements which constitute forward-looking statements have been made and may in the future be made by or on behalf of Granite. These forward-looking statements are estimates reflecting the best judgment of senior management and reflect our current expectations regarding future events, occurrences, circumstances, activities, performance, outcomes and results. These expectations may or may not be realized. Some of these expectations may be based on beliefs, assumptions or estimates that may prove to be incorrect. In addition, our business and operations involve numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could result in our expectations not being realized or otherwise materially affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those more specifically described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” Due to the inherent risks and uncertainties associated with our forward-looking statements, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on them. The reader is also cautioned that the forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason.

Overview
We are one of the largest diversified heavy civil contractors and construction materials producers in the United States, engaged in the construction and improvement of streets, roads, highways, mass transit facilities, airport infrastructure, bridges, trenchless and underground utilities, power-related facilities, utilities, tunnels, dams and other infrastructure-related projects. We own aggregate reserves and plant facilities to produce construction materials for use in our construction business and for sale to third parties. We also operate a real estate investment business that we have been divesting over the past five years as part of our 2010 Enterprise Improvement Plan (“EIP”). Our permanent offices are located in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Nevada, New York, Texas, Utah and Washington. We have three reportable business segments: Construction, Large Project Construction and Construction Materials (see Note 15 of “Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements”).
In addition to business segments, we review our business by operating groups and by public and private market sectors. Our operating groups are defined as follows: (i) California; (ii) Northwest, which primarily includes offices in Alaska, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Washington; (iii) Heavy Civil, which primarily includes offices in California, Florida, New York and Texas; and (iv) Kenny, which primarily includes offices in Colorado and Illinois. Each of these operating groups may include financial results from our Construction and Large Project Construction segments. A project’s results are reported in the operating group that is responsible for the project, not necessarily the geographic area where the work is located. In some cases, the operations of an operating group include the results of work performed outside of that geographic region. Our California and Northwest operating groups include financial results from our Construction Materials segment.
Our construction contracts are obtained through competitive bidding in response to solicitations by both public agencies and private parties and on a negotiated basis as a result of solicitations from private parties. Project owners use a variety of methods to make contractors aware of new projects, including posting bidding opportunities on agency websites, disclosing long-term infrastructure plans, advertising and other general solicitations. Our bidding activity is affected by such factors as the nature and volume of advertising and other solicitations, contract backlog, available personnel, current utilization of equipment and other resources, our ability to obtain necessary surety bonds and competitive considerations. Our contract review process includes identifying risks and opportunities during the bidding process and managing these risks through mitigation efforts such as insurance and pricing. Contracts fitting certain criteria of size and complexity are reviewed by various levels of management and, in some cases, by the Executive Committee of our Board of Directors. Bidding activity, contract backlog and revenue resulting from the award of new contracts may vary significantly from period to period.
Our typical construction project begins with the preparation and submission of a bid to a customer. If selected as the successful bidder, we generally enter into a contract with the customer that provides for payment upon completion of specified work or units of work as identified in the contract.

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The four primary economic drivers of our business are (i) the overall health of the economy; (ii) federal, state and local public funding levels; (iii) population growth resulting in public and private development; and (iv) the need to replace or repair aging infrastructure. A stagnant or declining economy will generally result in reduced demand for construction and construction materials in the private sector. This reduced demand increases competition for private sector projects and will ultimately also increase competition in the public sector as companies migrate from bidding on scarce private sector work to projects in the public sector. Greater competition can reduce our revenues and/or have a downward impact on our gross profit margins. In addition, a stagnant or declining economy tends to produce less tax revenue for public agencies, thereby decreasing a source of funds available for spending on public infrastructure improvements. Some funding sources that have been specifically earmarked for infrastructure spending, such as diesel and gasoline taxes, are not as directly affected by a stagnant or declining economy, unless actual consumption is reduced. However, even these can be temporarily at risk as federal, state and local governments take actions to balance their budgets. Additionally, high fuel prices and more fuel efficient vehicles can have a dampening effect on consumption, resulting in overall lower tax revenue. Conversely, increased levels of public funding as well as an expanding or robust economy will generally increase demand for our services and provide opportunities for revenue growth and margin improvement.

Current Economic Environment and Outlook
Throughout 2015, market conditions have remained generally stable, but highly competitive. We continue to benefit from the impact of modest economic growth across the country. These market conditions, combined with our continued record Company backlog of $3.1 billion at September 30, 2015, give us confidence in our broad expectation of continued, steady growth.
In our Large Project Construction segment, the market remains robust, but highly competitive. Granite is a highly desired partner for all types of work, including Public-Private Partnerships. We continue to pursue significant bidding opportunities for our Large Project Construction segment. These include teaming arrangements with partners to bid on more than $16 billion of project opportunities through the end of 2016, our proportionate share of which is expected to be consistent with recent history.
We continue to benefit in our Construction and Construction Materials segments from private non-residential activity across diversified markets. However, the next catalyst for industry growth is related to improved dedicated funding and financing commitments at the federal, state, and local levels. Pent-up demand for infrastructure maintenance and investment continues to grow at the state and local level, but this very real demand cannot spur industry growth without a commitment for funding resources. As such, we believe that accelerated growth will be limited if there is a continued lack of long-term dedicated federal infrastructure investment.
As a result of schedule and scope changes associated with certain projects in our Large Project Construction segment, we are constantly evaluating the potential revision of estimated total costs and revenue in relation to those contracts. It is possible that any such contract estimate revisions could have a positive or negative material impact on our results of operations individually or in the aggregate.

Results of Operations
Our business is seasonal and can be affected by weather conditions in certain geographies. In addition, annual maintenance on our equipment and plants is typically performed during the first and second quarter, causing down time in operations. These factors can create variability in revenue and profit. Therefore, the results of operations of a given quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
The following table presents a financial summary on a comparative basis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Total revenue
$
751,376

 
$
719,764

 
$
1,740,867

 
$
1,685,481

Gross profit
100,898

 
66,692

 
206,775

 
170,515

Operating income
51,625

 
22,310

 
57,491

 
29,675

Total other expense
1,766

 
2,124

 
6,234

 
6,323

Net income attributable to Granite Construction Incorporated
30,759

 
15,282

 
31,812

 
8,370



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Table of Contents

Revenue
Total Revenue by Segment
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Construction
 
$
427,018

 
56.8
%
 
$
447,097

 
62.1
%
 
$
921,143

 
52.9
%
 
$
873,357

 
51.8
%
Large Project Construction
 
217,084

 
28.9

 
179,446

 
24.9

 
590,282

 
33.9

 
611,110

 
36.3

Construction Materials
 
107,274

 
14.3

 
93,221

 
13.0

 
229,442

 
13.2

 
201,014

 
11.9

Total
 
$
751,376

 
100.0
%
 
$
719,764

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,740,867

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,685,481

 
100.0
%
Construction Revenue
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
California:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Public sector
 
$
124,628

 
29.2
%
 
$
134,365

 
30.1
%
 
$
283,099

 
30.7
%
 
$
293,640

 
33.5
%
Private sector
 
34,105

 
8.0

 
27,649

 
6.2

 
78,989

 
8.6

 
63,345

 
7.3

Northwest:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Public sector
 
176,711

 
41.4

 
194,187

 
43.4

 
335,639

 
36.4

 
308,307

 
35.3

Private sector
 
30,035

 
7.0

 
39,794

 
8.9

 
79,855

 
8.7

 
82,693

 
9.5

Heavy Civil:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Public sector
 
7,195

 
1.7

 
8,652

 
1.9

 
22,284

 
2.4

 
14,507

 
1.7

Kenny:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Public sector
 
33,208

 
7.8

 
30,020

 
6.7

 
67,084

 
7.3

 
75,942

 
8.7

Private sector
 
21,136

 
4.9

 
12,430

 
2.8

 
54,193

 
5.9

 
34,923

 
4.0

Total
 
$
427,018

 
100.0
%
 
$
447,097

 
100.0
%
 
$
921,143

 
100.0
%
 
$
873,357

 
100.0
%
Construction revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 decreased by $20.1 million, or 4.5%, and increased $47.8 million, or 5.5%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014. The decrease during the quarter was primarily due to a decrease in California operating group public sector revenue from completion of projects in 2014 that were not replaced as well as decreases in both sectors of the Northwest operating group due to a decline in bidding success, partially offset by increases from new work in the Kenny operating group and the private sector of the California operating group. The increase during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was due to early season work in the Northwest operating group and new work in the Heavy Civil and Kenny operating groups as well as estimated cost recoveries on claims in the California and Northwest operating groups.

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Table of Contents

Large Project Construction Revenue
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Heavy Civil1
 
$
161,266

 
74.3
%
 
$
133,783

 
74.7
%
 
$
441,666

 
74.8
%
 
$
467,954

 
76.6
%
Northwest1
 
11,524

 
5.3

 
1,219

 
0.7

 
35,835

 
6.1

 
9,676

 
1.6

California1
 
6,938

 
3.2

 
15,142

 
8.3

 
17,880

 
3.0

 
49,950

 
8.1

Kenny
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Public sector
 
19,762

 
9.1

 
24,742

 
13.8

 
59,493

 
10.1

 
66,531

 
10.9

Private sector
 
17,594

 
8.1

 
4,560

 
2.5

 
35,408

 
6.0

 
16,999

 
2.8

Total
 
$
217,084

 
100.0
%
 
$
179,446

 
100.0
%
 
$
590,282

 
100.0
%
 
$
611,110

 
100.0
%
1For the periods presented, this Large Project Construction revenue was earned from the public sector.
Large Project Construction revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased by $37.6 million, or 21.0%, and decreased $20.8 million, or 3.4%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014. The increase during the quarter was due to entering the year with greater backlog than in 2014 in the Heavy Civil and Northwest operating groups as well as progress on projects in the Kenny operating group. The decrease during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was due to net decreases in settlements of outstanding issues with contract owners in 2015 relative to 2014, and profit recognition threshold met on certain large projects in 2014, as well as ongoing projects completing or nearing completion while new projects are still in the early stages of completion. These decreases were partially offset by increases from entering the year with greater backlog than in 2014 in the Northwest operating group as well as progress on projects in the Kenny operating group.
Construction Materials Revenue
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
California
 
$
69,279

 
64.6
%
 
$
52,275

 
56.1
%
 
$
146,487

 
63.8
%
 
$
116,458

 
57.9
%
Northwest
 
37,995

 
35.4

 
40,946

 
43.9

 
82,955

 
36.2

 
84,556

 
42.1

Total
 
$
107,274

 
100.0
%
 
$
93,221

 
100.0
%
 
$
229,442

 
100.0
%
 
$
201,014

 
100.0
%
Construction Materials revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased by $14.1 million, or 15.1%, and $28.4 million, or 14.1%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014 primarily due to stronger economic drivers in most of the Western states where we operate our plant facilities.

Contract Backlog
Our contract backlog consists of the unearned revenue on awarded contracts, including 100% of our consolidated joint venture contracts and our proportionate share of unconsolidated joint venture contracts. We generally include a project in our contract backlog at the time it is awarded and to the extent we believe funding is probable. Certain federal government contracts where funding is appropriated on a periodic basis are included in contract backlog at the time of the award. Existing contracts that include unexercised contract options and unissued task orders are included in contract backlog as task orders are issued or options are exercised. Substantially all of the contracts in our contract backlog may be canceled or modified at the election of the customer; however, we have not been materially adversely affected by contract cancellations or modifications in the past.

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Total Contract Backlog by Segment
(dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2015
 
June 30, 2015
 
September 30, 2014
Construction
 
$
866,567

 
28.1
%
 
$
831,067

 
27.7
%
 
$
817,365

 
27.5
%
Large Project Construction
 
2,222,085

 
71.9

 
2,169,736

 
72.3

 
2,154,289

 
72.5

Total
 
$
3,088,652

 
100.0
%
 
$
3,000,803

 
100.0
%
 
$
2,971,654

 
100.0
%
Construction Contract Backlog
(dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2015
 
June 30, 2015
 
September 30, 2014
California:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Public sector
 
$
319,448

 
36.8
%
 
$
330,071

 
39.7
%
 
$
307,351

 
37.6
%
Private sector
 
47,902

 
5.5

 
51,258

 
6.2

 
72,906

 
8.9

Northwest:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Public sector
 
189,887

 
21.9

 
252,816

 
30.4

 
227,417

 
27.8

Private sector
 
26,082

 
3.0

 
25,928

 
3.1

 
48,003

 
5.9

Heavy Civil:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Public sector
 
88,067

 
10.2

 
24,815

 
3.0

 
33,633

 
4.1

Kenny:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Public sector
 
121,893

 
14.1

 
75,778

 
9.1

 
62,698

 
7.7

Private sector
 
73,288

 
8.5

 
70,401

 
8.5

 
65,357

 
8.0

Total
 
$
866,567

 
100.0
%
 
$
831,067

 
100.0
%
 
$
817,365

 
100.0
%
Construction contract backlog of $866.6 million at September 30, 2015 was $35.5 million, or 4.3%, higher than at June 30, 2015 due to progress on existing projects and timing of new awards, and was $49.2 million, or 6.0%, higher than at September 30, 2014 due to improved success rates on bidding activity outside of the Northwest Group. Significant new awards during the three months ended September 30, 2015, included a $71.9 million dam project in Texas and a $60.3 million interstate reconstruction project in Illinois.
Large Project Construction Contract Backlog
(dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2015
 
June 30, 2015
 
September 30, 2014
Heavy Civil1
 
$
1,771,404

 
79.7
%
 
$
1,860,233

 
85.7
%
 
$
1,830,875

 
85.0
%
Northwest1
 
76,959

 
3.5

 
86,971

 
4.0

 
42,668

 
2.0

California1
 
7,006

 
0.3

 
11,416

 
0.5

 
30,130

 
1.4

Kenny:
 
 
 


 
 
 


 
 
 


Public sector2
 
291,731

 
13.1

 
118,537

 
5.5

 
165,542

 
7.7

Private sector
 
74,985

 
3.4

 
92,579

 
4.3

 
85,074

 
3.9

Total
 
$
2,222,085

 
100.0
%
 
$
2,169,736

 
100.0
%
 
$
2,154,289

 
100.0
%
1For the periods presented, this Large Project Construction contract backlog is related to contracts with public agencies.
2As of September 30, 2015, June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, $20.1 million, $22.5 million and $41.6 million, respectively, of Kenny public sector contract backlog was translated from Canadian dollars to U.S. dollars at the spot rate in effect at the date of reporting.
Large Project Construction contract backlog of $2.2 billion as of September 30, 2015 was $52.3 million, or 2.4%, higher than at June 30, 2015 and $67.8 million, or 3.1%, higher than at September 30, 2014. The increase compared to September 30, 2014 was from a $184.1 million Ohio canal interceptor tunnel project awarded late in the third quarter of 2015, our $696.6 million share of the I-4 Ultimate project in Florida awarded in late 2014, our $359.6 million share of the Rapid Bridge replacement project in Pennsylvania and the $152.4 million South East Connector Project in Nevada, the latter two both awarded in early 2015. Increases compared to both periods were partially offset by progress on existing projects.
Non-controlling partners’ share of Large Project Construction contract backlog as of September 30, 2015June 30, 2015, and September 30, 2014 was $80.1 million, $17.7 million and $28.0 million, respectively.


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Gross Profit
The following table presents gross profit by business segment for the respective periods:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Construction
 
$
64,298

 
$
48,802

 
$
126,035

 
$
82,773

Percent of  segment revenue
 
15.1
%
 
10.9
%
 
13.7
%
 
9.5
%
Large Project Construction
 
22,572

 
5,679

 
55,116

 
72,264

Percent of segment revenue
 
10.4

 
3.2

 
9.3

 
11.8

Construction Materials
 
14,028

 
12,211

 
25,624

 
15,478

Percent of segment revenue
 
13.1

 
13.1

 
11.2

 
7.7

Total gross profit
 
$
100,898

 
$
66,692

 
$
206,775

 
$
170,515

Percent of total revenue
 
13.4
%
 
9.3
%
 
11.9
%
 
10.1
%
Construction gross profit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased by $15.5 million, or 31.8%, and $43.3 million, or 52.3%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014. Construction gross profit as a percentage of segment revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased to 15.1% from 10.9% and to 13.7% from 9.5%, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2014. The increases were primarily due to better project execution resulting in reduced net project write-downs during the three and nine months, as well as $7.6 million of estimated cost recovery on claims during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
Large Project Construction gross profit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased by $16.9 million, or over 100%, and decreased by $17.1 million, or 23.7%, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2014. Large Project Construction gross profit as a percentage of segment revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased to 10.4% from 3.2% and decreased to 9.3% from 11.8%, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2014. The increases during the three months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the prior period were primarily due to net changes from revisions in estimates (see Note 3 of “Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements”) and improved execution on projects that were impacted by severe wet weather and slow start up in the first half of 2015. The decreases during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the prior period were due to net changes from revisions in estimates (see Note 3 of “Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements”), a $7.9 million decrease in year over year third-party claim recognition and a $28.4 million decrease in gross profit recognized on projects that reached initial profit recognition. These decreases were partially offset by job progression on jobs that were in the early stages of construction in the prior year, as well as gross profit from estimated cost recoveries on affirmative claims.
Construction Materials gross profit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased by $1.8 million, or 14.9%, and $10.1 million, or 65.6%, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2014. The increases were primarily due to improved operational efficiencies and increased volumes from overall improvement in the economy.
Revenue in an amount equal to cost incurred is recognized if there is not sufficient information to determine the estimated profit on the project with a reasonable level of certainty. Gross profit can vary significantly in periods where previously deferred profit is recognized on one or more projects or, conversely, if we have outstanding claims that are not probable or estimable or a higher percentage of projects are in their early stages with no associated gross profit recognition.


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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
The following table presents the components of selling, general and administrative expenses for the respective periods:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Selling
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Salaries and related expenses
 
$
8,383

 
$
10,490

 
$
31,324

 
$
33,015

Other selling expenses
 
2,068

 
3,484

 
5,998

 
7,849

Total selling1
 
10,451

 
13,974

 
37,322

 
40,864

General and administrative
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Salaries and related expenses
 
22,962

 
15,529

 
57,887

 
49,396

Restricted stock amortization
 
1,679

 
2,234

 
7,635

 
10,114

Other general and administrative expenses
 
14,985

 
15,649

 
48,530

 
47,357

Total general and administrative1
 
39,626

 
33,412

 
114,052

 
106,867

Total selling, general and administrative
 
$
50,077

 
$
47,386

 
$
151,374

 
$
147,731

Percent of revenue
 
6.7
%
 
6.6
%
 
8.7
%
 
8.8
%
1During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, $1.8 million and $3.3 million, respectively, were reclassified from general and administrative expenses to selling expenses for comparability purposes.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased $2.7 million, or 5.7%, and $3.6 million, or 2.5%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014.
Selling Expenses
Selling expenses include the costs for estimating and bidding, business development and materials facility permits. Selling expenses can vary depending on the volume of projects in process and the number of employees assigned to estimating and bidding activities. As projects are completed or the volume of work slows down, we temporarily redeploy project employees to bid on new projects, moving their salaries and related costs from cost of revenue to selling expenses. Selling expenses during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 decreased $3.5 million, or 25.2%, and $3.5 million, or 8.7%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014 primarily due to timing of bidding activity.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses include costs related to our operational offices that are not allocated to direct contract costs and expenses related to our corporate functions. These costs include variable cash and restricted stock performance-based incentives for select management personnel on which our compensation strategy heavily relies. The cash portion of these incentives is expensed annually when earned while the restricted stock portion is expensed as earned over the vesting period of the restricted stock award (generally three years). Other general and administrative expenses include travel and entertainment, outside services, information technology, depreciation, occupancy, training, office supplies, changes in the fair market value of our Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation plan liability and other miscellaneous expenses, none of which individually exceeded 10% of total general and administrative expenses.
General and administrative expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased $6.2 million, or 18.6%, and $7.2 million, or 6.7%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014, primarily due to increased incentive compensation and related costs associated with the higher net income during the periods.

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Table of Contents

Other Expense
The following table presents the components of other expense for the respective periods:
 

Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)

2015

2014

2015

2014
Interest income

$
(591
)

$
(451
)

$
(1,561
)

$
(1,343
)
Interest expense

3,485


2,488


10,966


10,426

Equity in income of affiliates

(1,155
)

(1,109
)

(1,762
)

(2,310
)
Other expense (income), net

27


1,196


(1,409
)

(450
)
Total other expense

$
1,766


$
2,124


$
6,234


$
6,323

The changes in other expense (income), net, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014 were primarily due to differences in gains and losses recognized on the interest and commodity rate swaps in the respective periods - see further discussion in Liquidity and Capital Resources below and in Note 5 of “Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.”
Income Taxes
The following table presents the provision for income taxes for the respective periods:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Provision for income taxes
 
$
17,679

 
$
6,081

 
$
18,148

 
$
8,301

Effective tax rate
 
35.5
%
 
30.1
%
 
35.4
%
 
35.5
%
We calculate our income tax provision at the end of each interim period by estimating our annual effective tax rate and applying that rate to our year-to-date ordinary earnings. The effect of changes in enacted tax laws, tax rates or tax status is recognized in the interim period in which the change occurs.
Our effective tax rate increased to 35.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2015 from 30.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2014 primarily due to a decrease in non-controlling interests. Our effective tax rate remained relatively unchanged for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.

Certain Legal Proceedings
As discussed in Note 14 of “Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements,” under certain circumstances the resolution of certain legal proceedings to which we are subject could have direct or indirect consequences that could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and/or liquidity.

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Table of Contents


Liquidity and Capital Resources
The timing differences between our cash inflows and outflows require us to maintain adequate levels of working capital. We believe our cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, available borrowing capacity and cash expected to be generated from operations will be sufficient to meet our expected working capital needs, capital expenditures, financial commitments, cash dividend payments, and other liquidity requirements associated with our existing operations for the next twelve months. As of September 30, 2015, we maintained a collateralized revolving credit facility of $215.0 million, of which $126.0 million was available at September 30, 2015, primarily to provide capital needs to fund growth opportunities, either internal or generated through acquisitions (see Credit Agreement discussion below for further information). Granite entered into the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated October 28, 2015. We do not anticipate using the amended and restated credit facility to fund future working capital needs associated with our existing operations. However, we have the ability and intent to draw on this amended and restated credit facility to pay $40.0 million principal amount due on our 2019 Notes (defined in Senior Notes Payable section below) in the fourth quarter of 2015. If we experience a prolonged change in our business operating results or make a significant acquisition, we may need to acquire additional sources of financing, which, if available, may be limited by the terms of our existing debt covenants, or may require the amendment of our existing debt agreements. There can be no assurance that sufficient capital will continue to be available in the future or that it will be available on terms acceptable to us.
We typically invoice our customers on a monthly basis. Our contracts frequently call for retention that is a specified percentage withheld from each payment until the contract is completed and the work accepted by the customer. Our revenue, gross margin and cash flows can differ significantly from period to period due to a variety of factors, including the projects’ stage of completion, the mix of early and late stage projects, our estimates of contract costs, outstanding contract change orders and claims and the payment terms of our contracts.
The following table presents our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, including amounts from our consolidated joint ventures, as of the respective dates:
(in thousands)

September 30,
2015

December 31,
2014

September 30,
2014
Cash and cash equivalents excluding consolidated joint ventures

$
180,733


$
194,685


$
137,656

Consolidated construction joint venture cash and cash equivalents1

41,052


61,276


29,518

Total consolidated cash and cash equivalents

221,785


255,961


167,174

Short-term and long-term marketable securities2

88,253


102,067


102,090

Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities

$
310,038


$
358,028


$
269,264

 
1The volume and stage of completion of contracts from our consolidated construction joint ventures may cause fluctuations in joint venture cash and cash equivalents between periods. These funds generally are not available for the working capital or other liquidity needs of Granite until distributed.
2See Note 4 of “Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for the composition of our marketable securities.
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and cash generated from operations. We may also from time to time access our amended and restated credit facility, issue and sell equity, debt or hybrid securities or engage in other capital markets transactions.
Our cash and cash equivalents consisted of deposits and money market funds held with established national financial institutions. Marketable securities consist of U.S. Government and agency obligations and commercial paper.
Consolidated joint ventures were responsible for $20.2 million, or 59.1%, of the $34.2 million decrease in cash and cash equivalents during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Granite’s portion of consolidated joint venture cash and cash equivalents was $26.1 million, $38.6 million and $18.1 million as of September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively. Granite’s portion of unconsolidated joint venture cash and cash equivalents was $140.1 million, $80.2 million and $89.8 million as of September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively. Cash and cash equivalents held by our joint ventures are primarily used to fulfill the working capital needs of each joint venture’s project, and generally cannot be distributed to any of the venture partners without the consent of the majority of the venture members.
Our principal uses of liquidity are paying the costs and expenses associated with our operations, servicing outstanding indebtedness, making capital expenditures and paying dividends on our capital stock. We may also from time to time prepay or repurchase outstanding indebtedness and acquire assets or businesses that are complementary to our operations, such as our acquisition of Kenny in December 2012.

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In March 2014, we entered into an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $100.0 million which matures in June 2018 to convert the interest rate of our 2019 Notes (defined in Senior Notes Payable section below) from a fixed rate of 6.11% to a floating rate of 4.15% plus six-month LIBOR. LIBOR floating rate is variable and subject to market changes over the life of the swap. The interest rate swap is reported at fair value using Level 2 inputs, and gains or losses, including net periodic settlement amounts, are recorded in other (income) expense, net in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded net gains of $1.2 million and $2.5 million, respectively, and during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recorded a net loss of $0.6 million and a net gain of $(0.3) million, respectively. The fair value of the interest rate swap is recorded in other current assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and was $2.1 million, $0.3 million and $0.1 million as of September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
In March 2014, we entered into two diesel commodity swaps covering the periods from May 2014 to October 2014 and from May 2015 to October 2015 which represented roughly 25% of our forecasted purchases for diesel during these periods.  In May 2014, we entered into two natural gas commodity swaps covering the periods from June 2014 to October 2014 and from May 2015 to October 2015 representing roughly 25% of our forecasted purchases of natural gas during these periods. The commodity swaps are reported at fair value using Level 2 inputs, and gains or losses, including net periodic settlement amounts, are recorded in other (income) expense, net in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded net losses of $0.4 million and during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recorded net losses of $0.6 million and $0.7 million, respectively. The fair values of the commodity swaps are recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and were $0.7 million, $1.7 million and $0.5 million as of September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
Cash Flows
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
Net cash used in:
 
 
 
 
Operating activities
 
$
(8,129
)
 
$
(46,833
)
Investing activities
 
(5,368
)
 
(11,298
)
Financing activities
 
(20,679
)
 
(3,816
)
Cash flows from operating activities result primarily from our earnings or losses, and are also impacted by changes in operating assets and liabilities. As a large construction and heavy civil contractor and construction materials producer, our operating cash flows are subject to seasonal cycles, as well as the cycles associated with winning, performing and closing projects. Additionally, operating cash flows are impacted by the timing related to funding construction joint ventures and the resolution of uncertainties inherent in the complex nature of the work that we perform, including claims settlements.
Cash used in operating activities of $8.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 represents a $38.7 million decrease from the cash used in operating activities during the same period in 2014. The favorable change was mainly attributable to a $57.7 million increase in cash from working capital and a $17.0 million increase in net income after adjusting for non-cash items, partially offset by a $36.0 million decrease in net cash from unconsolidated joint ventures.
Cash used in investing activities of $5.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 represents a $5.9 million change from the cash used in investing activities of $11.3 million during the same period in 2014. The change was primarily due to a decrease in purchases, net of sales proceeds of property and equipment.
Cash used in financing activities of $20.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 represents a $16.9 million increase from the cash used in financing activities during the same period in 2014. The change was primarily driven by a $16.9 million decrease in net contributions from non-controlling partners related to consolidated construction joint ventures partially offset by a $1.4 million decrease in the purchases of common stock.
Capital Expenditures
During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we had capital expenditures of $26.1 million compared to $37.5 million during the same period in 2014. Major capital expenditures are typically for aggregate and asphalt production facilities, aggregate reserves, construction equipment, buildings and leasehold improvements and investments in our information technology systems. The timing and amount of such expenditures can vary based on the progress of planned capital projects, the type and size of construction projects, changes in business outlook and other factors. We currently anticipate investing between $35.0 million and $45.0 million in capital expenditures during 2015. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we had capital expenditures of $43.4 million.

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Credit Agreement
As of September 30, 2015, we had a $215.0 million committed revolving credit facility, with a sublimit for letters of credit of $100.0 million (the “Credit Agreement”), which expires on October 11, 2016, of which $126.0 million was available at September 30, 2015. At September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, there was a revolving loan of $70.0 million outstanding under the Credit Agreement related to financing the Kenny acquisition, which is included in long-term debt on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. In addition, as of September 30, 2015, there were standby letters of credit totaling $19.1 million.
Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at LIBOR or a base rate (at our option), plus an applicable margin based on certain financial ratios calculated quarterly. LIBOR varies based on the applicable loan term, market conditions and other external factors. The applicable margin was 2.25% for loans bearing interest based on LIBOR and 1.25% for loans bearing interest at the base rate at September 30, 2015. Accordingly, the effective interest rate was between 2.53% and 4.50% at September 30, 2015. Borrowings at the base rate have no designated term and could be repaid without penalty any time prior to the Credit Agreement’s maturity date. Borrowings at a LIBOR rate have a term no less than one month and no greater than six months. Typically, at the end of such term, such borrowings could be paid off or rolled over at our discretion into either a borrowing at the base rate or a borrowing at a LIBOR rate with similar terms, not to exceed the maturity date of the Credit Agreement. Our obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries and are collateralized on an equivalent basis with the obligations under the 2019 Notes (defined below) by first priority liens (subject only to other liens permitted under the Credit Agreement) on substantially all of the assets of the Company and our subsidiaries that are guarantors or borrowers under the Credit Agreement.
The Credit Agreement provides for the release of the liens securing the obligations, at our option and expense, so long as certain conditions as defined by the terms in the Credit Agreement are satisfied (“Collateral Release Period”). However, if subsequent to exercising the option, our Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is less than 1.25 or our Consolidated Leverage Ratio is greater than 2.50, then we would be required to promptly re-pledge substantially all of the assets of the Company and our subsidiaries that are guarantors or borrowers under the Credit Agreement. As of September 30, 2015, the conditions for the exercise of the unsecured option were satisfied.
Granite entered into the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated October 28, 2015. The amended and restated credit facility provides for, among other things, (i) an increase to the committed revolving credit facility amount to $300.0 million from $215.0 million, of which $200.0 million is revolving credit facility and $100.0 million is a term loan; and (ii) a revised maturity date of October 28, 2020. There were no changes to the sublimit letters of credit nor were there significant changes to the affirmative, restrictive or financial covenant terms. We have the ability and intent to draw on this amended and restated credit facility to pay the $40.0 million principal amount due on our 2019 Notes (defined in Senior Notes Payable section below) in the fourth quarter of 2015.
Senior Notes Payable
As of September 30, 2015, senior notes payable in the amount of $200.0 million were due to a group of institutional holders in five equal annual installments beginning in 2015 and bear interest at 6.11% per annum (“2019 Notes”). In March 2014, we entered into an interest rate swap to convert the interest rate from a fixed rate of 6.11% to a floating rate of 4.15% plus six-month LIBOR (see Liquidity and Capital Resources section above for further discussion). The first installment of the 2019 Notes is included in long-term debt on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 as we have the ability and intent to pay this installment using borrowings under the amended and restated credit facility or by using another source of funding.
Our obligations under the note purchase agreement governing the 2019 Notes (the “2019 NPA”) are guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries and are collateralized on an equivalent basis with the amended and restated credit facility by liens on substantially all of the assets of the Company and subsidiaries that are guarantors or borrowers under the amended and restated credit facility. The 2019 NPA provides for the release of liens and re-pledge of collateral on substantially the same terms and conditions as those set forth in the amended and restated credit facility.


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Surety Bonds and Real Estate Mortgages
We are generally required to provide various types of surety bonds that provide an additional measure of security under certain public and private sector contracts. At September 30, 2015, approximately $2.8 billion of our contract backlog was bonded. Performance bonds do not have stated expiration dates; rather, we are generally released from the bonds after the owner accepts the work performed under contract. The ability to maintain bonding capacity to support our current and future level of contracting requires that we maintain cash and working capital balances satisfactory to our sureties.
Our real estate held for development and sale is subject to mortgage indebtedness. This indebtedness is non-recourse to Granite but is recourse to the real estate entity. The terms of this indebtedness are typically renegotiated to reflect the evolving nature of the real estate project as it progresses through acquisition, entitlement and development. Modification of these terms may include changes in loan-to-value ratios requiring the real estate entity to repay portions of the debt. As of September 30, 2015, the principal amount of debt of our consolidated real estate entity secured by a mortgage was $5.8 million which was included in current liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Covenants and Events of Default
Our debt and credit agreements require us to comply with various affirmative, restrictive and financial covenants, including the financial covenants described below. Our failure to comply with any of these covenants, or to pay principal, interest or other amounts when due thereunder, would constitute an event of default under the applicable agreements. Under certain circumstances, the occurrence of an event of default under one of our debt or credit agreements (or the acceleration of the maturity of the indebtedness under one of our agreements) may constitute an event of default under one or more of our other debt or credit agreements. Default under our debt and credit agreements could result in (i) us no longer being entitled to borrow under the agreements; (ii) termination of the agreements; (iii) the requirement that any letters of credit under the agreements be cash collateralized; (iv) acceleration of the maturity of outstanding indebtedness under the agreements and/or (v) foreclosure on any collateral securing the obligations under the agreements.
The most significant financial covenants under the terms of our Credit Agreement and 2019 NPA require the maintenance of a minimum Consolidated Tangible Net Worth, a minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio and a maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio. The calculations and terms of such financial covenants are defined in the amendments to the Credit Agreement and 2019 NPA, which were filed as Exhibits 10.31 and 10.32, respectively, to our Form 10-K filed March 3, 2014. Our amended and restated credit facility contains the same financial covenants as the Credit Agreement.
As of September 30, 2015 and pursuant to the definitions in the agreements, our Consolidated Tangible Net Worth was $787.0 million, which exceeded the minimum of $646.7 million and our Consolidated Leverage Ratio was 2.23, which did not exceed the maximum of 3.00. Our Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio was 8.61, which exceeded the minimum of 4.00.
As of September 30, 2015, we were in compliance with all covenants contained in the Credit Agreement and 2019 NPA, as amended, and the debt agreements related to our consolidated real estate entity. We are not aware of any non-compliance by any of our unconsolidated real estate entities with the covenants contained in their debt agreements.
Share Purchase Program
In 2007, our Board of Directors authorized us to purchase up to $200.0 million of our common stock at management’s discretion. As of September 30, 2015, $64.1 million remained available under this authorization. We did not purchase shares under the share purchase program in any of the periods presented. The specific timing and amount of any future purchases will vary based on market conditions, securities law limitations and other factors. Purchases under the share purchase program may be commenced, suspended or discontinued at any time and from time to time without prior notice.
Website Access
Our website address is www.graniteconstruction.com. On our website we make available, free of charge, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The information on our website is not incorporated into, and is not part of, this report. These reports, and any amendments to them, are also available at the website of the SEC, www.sec.gov.


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Item 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
There has been no significant change in our exposure to market risks since December 31, 2014.

Item 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management carried out, as of September 30, 2015, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2015, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that material information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms and that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. 
During the quarter ended September 30, 2015, there were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The description of the matters set forth in Part I, Item 1 of this Report under Note 14 of “Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes in the risk factors previously disclosed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.

Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
During the three months ended September 30, 2015, we did not sell any of our equity securities that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The following table sets forth information regarding the repurchase of shares of our common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2015:
Period
 
Total number of shares purchased1
 
Average price paid per share
 
Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs
 
Approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs2
 
July 1, 2015 through July 31, 2015
 
29

 
$
34.02

 

 
$
64,065,401

 
August 1, 2015 through August 31, 2015
 
373

 
$
33.47

 

 
$
64,065,401

 
September 1, 2015 through September 30, 2015
 
621

 
$
33.68

 

 
$
64,065,401

 
 
 
1,023

 
$
33.61

 

 
 
 
1The number of shares purchased is in connection with employee tax withholding for units vested under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.
2On October 24, 2007, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized us to purchase, at management’s discretion, up to $200.0 million of our common stock. Under this purchase program, the Company may purchase shares from time to time on the open market or in private transactions. The specific timing and amount of purchases will vary based on market conditions, securities law limitations and other factors. Purchases under the share purchase program may be commenced, suspended or discontinued at any time and from time to time without prior notice.

Item 3.
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.

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Item 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
The information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K (17CFR 229.104) is included in Exhibit 95 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Item 5.
OTHER INFORMATION
Not Applicable.

Item 6. EXHIBITS
††
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
 
 
 
 
Filed herewith
 
††
Furnished herewith

SIGNATURES
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.
 
 
 
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
November 2, 2015
 
By:  
/s/ Laurel J. Krzeminski
 
 
 
 
Laurel J. Krzeminski
 
 
 
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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