UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-K

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015

 

For the transition period from                to               

 

Commission file number: 1-36870

 

TopBuild Corp.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

(386) 304-2200

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act:

None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

☐ Yes            ☒ No

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. 

☐ Yes            ☒ No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

☒ Yes           ☐ 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.

☒ Yes           ☐ No

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporate by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.☒

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 

 

Large accelerated filer   ☐      Accelerated filer   ☐      Smaller reporting company   ☐      Non-accelerated filer ☒ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

☐ Yes            ☒ No

 

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant based on the closing price of $29.00 per share as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2015, was approximately $1.1 billion.

 

Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of February 26, 2016: 37,833,855

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2015, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

 

 

 

 

TOPBUILD CORP.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

PART I

 

Item 1.  BUSINESS

 

Overview

 

TopBuild Corp., headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida, is the leading installer and distributor of insulation products to the United States construction industry, based on revenue.  Prior to June 30, 2015, we operated as a subsidiary of Masco Corporation, which trades on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “MAS.”  We were incorporated in Delaware in February 2015 as Masco SpinCo Corp. and we changed our name to TopBuild Corp. on March 20, 2015.  On June 30, 2015, the separation from Masco (“Separation”) was completed and on July 1, 2015, we began trading on the NYSE under the symbol “BLD.”

 

Segment Overview

 

Installation (TruTeam)

 

We provide insulation installation services nationwide through our TruTeam contractor services business which has over 180 installation branches located in 44 states.

 

Various insulation applications we install include:

 

 

In addition to insulation products, which represented 73% of our installation segment’s sales, we also install other building products including rain gutters, garage doors, fireplaces, shower enclosures, and closet shelving. 

 

We handle every stage of the installation process including material procurement supplied by leading manufacturers, project scheduling and logistics, multi-phase professional installation, and installation quality assurance.  The amount of insulation in a new home is regulated by various building and energy codes. 

 

Our TruTeam customer base includes the largest single-family homebuilders in the United States (“U.S.”) as well as local/single-family custom builders, multi-family builders, commercial general contractors, remodelers, and individual homeowners. 

 

Through our Home Services subsidiary and our Environments For Living® program, we offer a number of services and tools designed to assist builders with applying the principles of building science to new home construction.  This includes pre-construction plan reviews that use industry-standard home-energy analysis software, various inspection services, and diagnostic testing.  We believe our Home Services subsidiary is one of the largest Home Energy Rating System Index (HERS) raters in the U.S. 

 

Distribution  (Service Partners)

 

We distribute insulation and other building products including rain gutters, fireplaces, closet shelving, and roofing materials through our Service Partners business, which has over 70 distribution centers in 35 states.

 

Our Service Partners customer base consists of thousands of insulation contractors of all sizes, gutter contractors, weatherization contractors, other contractors, dealers, metal building erectors, and modular home builders. 

 

For further information on our segments, see Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 7 - Segment Information.

 

Background

 

Demand for our insulation products and services is driven by new single-family residential and multi-family construction, remodeling and repair activity, commercial construction, building codes, and the growing need for energy efficiency.  Being a leader in both installation and distribution allows us to more effectively reach a broader set of customers, regardless of their size or geographic location within the U.S.  We recognize that competition for the installation and sale of insulation and other building products occurs in localized geographic markets throughout the country, and as such our operating model is based on branches building and maintaining local customer relationships.  At the same time, our local operations benefit from centralized functions such as information technology, credit, and purchasing. 

 

Competitive Advantages

 

The market for the distribution and installation of building products is highly fragmented and competitive.  Barriers to entry for local competitors are relatively low, increasing the risk that additional competitors will emerge.  Our ability to maintain our competitive position in our industry depends on a number of factors including our national scale, sales channels, diversified product lines, a strong local presence, and strong cash flows.

 

National scale.  With our national footprint, we provide products and services to each major construction line of business in the U.S.  Our national scale, together with our centralized TopBuild executive management team, allows us to compete locally by:

 

•Providing national and regional builders with broad geographic reach, while maintaining consistent policies and practices that enable reliable, high‑quality products and services across many geographies and building sites

•Establishing strong ties to major manufacturers of insulation and other building products that help ensure we are buying competitively, have availability of supply to our local branches and distribution centers and are driving efficiencies throughout our supply chain

•Providing consistent, customized support and geographic coverage to our customers

•Maintaining an operating capacity that allows us to ramp‑up rapidly, without major incremental investment, to target forecasted growth in housing starts and construction activity in each of our lines of business anywhere in the U.S.

•Leveraging investments in systems and processes and sharing best practices across both our installation and distribution businesses

Two avenues to reach the builder.  We believe having both an installation and distribution business provides a number of advantages to reaching our customers and driving share gains.  Our installation business customer base includes builders of all sizes.  Our branches go to market with the local brands that small builders recognize and value, and our national footprint is appealing to large builders who value consistency across a broad geography.  Our distribution business focuses on selling to small contractors who are particularly adept at cultivating the local relationships with small custom builders.  Being a leader in both installation and distribution allows us to more effectively reach a broader set of builder customers, regardless of their size or geographic location within the U.S., and leverage housing growth wherever it occurs.

Diversified lines of business.  In response to the housing downturn in prior years, we enhanced our ability to serve the residential repair/remodel and commercial construction markets.  Although the residential repair/remodel and commercial construction markets are affected by many of the same macroeconomic and local economic factors that drive residential new construction, residential repair/remodel and commercial construction have historically followed different cycles than

residential new construction.  We have thus positioned our business to benefit from a greater mix of residential repair/remodel activity and commercial construction activity than we have historically, which helps reduce volatility because we are less dependent on residential new construction, and also enables us to better respond to changes in customer demand.

Strong local presence.  Competition for the installation and sale of insulation and other building products to builders occurs in localized geographic markets throughout the country.  Builders in each local market have different options in terms of choosing among insulation installers and distributors for their projects, and value local relationships, quality and timeliness.  Our installation branches are locally branded businesses that are recognized within the communities in which they operate.  Our distribution centers service primarily local contractors, lumberyards, retail stores and others who, in turn, service local homebuilders and other customers.  Our branch‑ and distribution center‑based operating model, in which individual branches and distribution centers maintain local customer relationships, enables us to develop local, long‑tenured relationships with these customers, build local reputations for quality, service and timeliness and provide specialized products and personalized services tailored to a geographic region.  At the same time, our local operations benefit from centralized functions such as information technology, credit and purchasing, and the resources and scale efficiencies of an installation and distribution business that has a presence across the U.S.

Reduced exposure to residential housing cyclicality.  During industry downturns many insulation contractors, who buy directly from manufacturers during industry peaks, return to purchasing through distributors for small, “Less Than Truckload” shipments, reduced warehousing needs, and access to purchases on credit.  This drives incremental customers to Service Partners during these points in the business cycle.  As a result, our leadership position in both installation and distribution helps to reduce exposure to cyclical swings in our lines of business.

Strong cash flow, low capital investment, and favorable working capital fund organic growth.  Over the last several years, we have reduced fixed costs.  As a result, we can achieve profitability at lower levels of demand as compared to historical periods.  For further discussion on our cash flows and liquidity, see Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources.

 

Major Customers

 

We have a diversified portfolio of customers and no single customer accounted for 3% or more of our total revenues.  Our top ten customers accounted for approximately 10% of our total sales in 2015. 

 

Backlog

 

Due to our customers’ need for timely installation of our products, our installation jobs are scheduled and completed within a short timeframe.  We do not consider backlog material to our business.

 

Suppliers

 

Our businesses depend on our ability to obtain an adequate supply of high quality products and components from manufacturers and other suppliers.  We rely heavily on third party suppliers for our products and key components.  We source the majority of our building products from four primary U.S. based residential fiberglass insulation manufacturers: Owens Corning, Knauf, CertainTeed, and Johns Manville.  Failure by our suppliers to provide us with an adequate supply of high quality products on commercially reasonable terms, or to comply with applicable legal requirements, could have a material, adverse effect on our financial condition or operating results.  We believe we have good relationships with our suppliers.

 

Employees

 

At December 31, 2015, we had approximately 8,000 employees.  Approximately 490 of our employees are currently covered by collective bargaining or other similar labor agreements.

 

Executive Management

 

See Item 10, Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance. 

 

Legislation and Regulation

 

We are subject to U.S., state and local regulations, particularly those pertaining to health and safety (including protection of employees and consumers), labor standards/regulations, contractor licensing, and environmental issues.  In addition to complying with current effective requirements and requirements that will become effective at a future date, even more stringent requirements could eventually be imposed on our industries. Additionally, some of our products and services may require certification by industry or other organizations. Compliance with these regulations and industry standards may require us to alter our distribution and installation processes and our sourcing, which could adversely impact our competitive position. Further, if we do not effectively and timely comply with such regulations and industry standards, our operating results could be negatively affected.

 

Additional Information

 

We make available free of charge on our website, www.topbuild.com, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and our Current Reports on Form 8-K as soon as reasonably practicable after these reports are filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).  

 

Item 1A.  RISK FACTORS

 

There are a number of business risks and uncertainties that could affect our business.  These risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results to differ from past performance or expected results.  We consider the following risks and uncertainties to be most relevant to our business activities.  Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that we currently believe to be immaterial, also may impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations.  We urge investors to consider carefully the risk factors described below in evaluating the information contained in this Report.

 

Our historical financial information is not necessarily indicative of our future financial condition or future results of operations, nor does it reflect what our financial condition or results of operations would have been as an independent public company during the periods presented prior to the Separation.

 

Our historical financial information included in this Report is not necessarily indicative of our future financial condition, future results of operations or future cash flows, nor does it reflect what our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows would have been as an independent public company during the periods presented prior to the Separation.  In particular, the historical financial information included in this Report is not necessarily indicative of our future financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows primarily because of the following factors:

 

 

 

 

We have limited history operating as an independent public company.  We have incurred significant costs to create the corporate infrastructure necessary to operate as an independent public company, and may continue to do so.

 

We currently pay Masco for certain support services on a transitional basis and Masco will continue to provide some of these services to us, generally through June 30, 2016, with a possible extension of 12 months, pursuant to the Transition Services Agreement.  Any interruption in these services could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.  In addition, at the end of this transition period, we will need to perform these functions ourselves or hire third parties to perform these functions on our behalf.  The costs associated with performing or outsourcing these functions may exceed the amounts reflected in our historical financial statements or that we have agreed to pay Masco during the transition period.  A significant increase in the costs of performing or outsourcing these functions could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

 

Our business relies on residential new construction activity, and to a lesser extent on residential repair/remodel and commercial construction activity, all of which are cyclical and not fully recovered from the housing crisis.

 

Our business relies on residential new construction activity and, to a lesser but significant extent on residential repair/remodel and commercial construction activity in the U.S., which is cyclical.  Macroeconomic and local economic conditions, including consumer confidence levels, fluctuations in home prices, unemployment and underemployment levels, student loan debt, household formation rates, the age and volume of the housing stock, the availability of home equity loans and mortgages and the interest rates for such loans, and other factors, affect consumers’ discretionary spending on both residential new construction projects and residential repair/remodel activity.  The commercial construction market is affected by macroeconomic and local economic factors such as interest rates, credit availability for commercial construction projects, material costs, employment rates, office vacancy rates, and office absorption rates.  Adverse changes or uncertainty regarding these and other factors could result in a decline in spending on residential new construction, residential repair/remodel, and commercial construction projects, which could adversely affect our results of operations and our financial position.

 

While improving, residential new construction, residential repair/remodel, and commercial construction activity (including consumer spending for big ticket remodeling projects) continue to be below historical average levels, which has affected our operating results.  While markets have stabilized from the downturn in recent years, there remains significant uncertainty regarding the timing and extent of a full recovery in residential new construction and residential repair/remodel activity and the resulting demand levels for building products we install and/or distribute.  In addition to the influence of cyclical macroeconomic and local conditions discussed above, other factors that pose challenges for the markets to return to historical levels of activity include:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Given these challenges, the present recovery may not continue or gain further momentum and activity in our lines of business may not return to historic levels, which would have a significant adverse effect on the growth potential of our business, and on our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.

 

We may not be successful in integrating acquisitions.

 

Part of our strategy to grow our business is dependent on our ability to make acquisitions that result in an increase in revenues and operating profit. 

 

Our acquisition strategy requires that we successfully integrate acquired companies into our business practices as well as our procurement, management, and our enterprise-wide information technology systems.  We may not be successful in implementing our business practices or systems.  Any such difficulties, or increased costs associated with such integration, could affect our financial performance and operations.

 

If we are unable to integrate acquisitions, it could have a material adverse effect on our growth strategy, business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

We are dependent on third‑party suppliers and manufacturers providing us with an adequate supply of high quality products, and the loss of a key supplier or manufacturer could negatively affect our operating results.

 

Our installation and distribution businesses depend on our ability to obtain an adequate supply of high quality products and components from manufacturers and other suppliers.  We rely heavily on third‑party suppliers for our products and key components.  Failure by our suppliers to provide us with an adequate supply of high quality products on commercially reasonable terms, or to comply with applicable legal requirements, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or operating results.  We procure our materials, primarily fiberglass insulation, from leading manufacturers in the industry.  While we believe that we have strong relationships with our suppliers, the fiberglass insulation industry has encountered both shortages and periods of significant oversupply during past housing market cycles, leading to volatility in prices and allocations of supply.  This volatility of selling prices and materials availability has in the past had, and may in the future have, a significant impact on our results of operation.  While we do not believe we depend on any sole or limited source of supply, we do source the majority of our building products, primarily insulation, from a limited number of large suppliers.  Any re-sourcing of building products to one or more new supplier could, therefore, take time and involve significant costs.  Accordingly, the loss of a key supplier, or a substantial decrease in the availability of products or components from our suppliers, could disrupt our business and adversely impact our operating results.

 

The long‑term performance of our businesses relies on our ability to attract, develop, and retain talented personnel, including sales representatives, branch managers, installers, and truck drivers, while controlling our labor costs.

 

To be successful, we must attract, develop, and retain highly qualified and talented personnel who have the experience, knowledge, and expertise to successfully implement our key business strategies.  We also must attract, develop, and retain our sales and labor force while maintaining labor costs.  We compete for employees, including branch managers, sales people, regional management, and executive officers, with a broad range of employers in many different industries, and we invest significant resources in recruiting, developing, motivating, and retaining them.  The failure to attract and retain key employees, or to develop effective succession planning to assure smooth transitions of those employees and their knowledge, customer relationships, and expertise could negatively affect our competitive position and operating results.  Further, as the economy continues to recover, if we are unable to cost‑effectively recruit, train, and retain sufficient skilled sales and labor personnel, including sales representatives, branch managers, installers, and truck drivers, we may not be able to adequately satisfy increased demand for our products and services, which could impact our operating results.  In

the past, we have also experienced challenges securing personnel for certain of our labor force due to lack of proper immigration status.

 

Our ability to control labor costs and attract qualified labor is subject to numerous external factors including prevailing wage rates, labor shortages, the impact of legislation or regulations governing wages and hours, labor relations, immigration, healthcare benefits, and other insurance costs.  In addition, we compete with other companies to recruit and retain qualified installers and truck drivers in a tight labor market, and we invest significant resources in training and motivating them to maintain a high level of job satisfaction.  These positions generally have high turnover rates, which can lead to increased training and retention costs.  If we are unable to attract or retain qualified employees, it could adversely impact our operating results.

 

Because we operate our business through highly dispersed locations across the U.S., our operations may be materially adversely affected by inconsistent practices and the operating results of individual branches and distribution centers may vary.

 

We operate our business through a network of dispersed branch locations and distribution facilities throughout the U.S., supported by corporate executives and services in our headquarters, with branch and regional management retaining responsibility for day‑to‑day operations and adherence to applicable local laws.  Our operating structure can make it difficult for us to coordinate procedures across our operations.  In addition, our branches and distribution facilities may require significant oversight and coordination from headquarters to support their growth.  Inconsistent implementation of corporate strategy and policies at the local or regional level could materially and adversely affect our overall profitability, business, results of operations, financial condition, and prospects.

 

In addition, the operating results of a specific individual branch or distribution facility may differ from that of another branch or distribution facility for a variety of reasons including business apportionment, management practices, competitive landscape, regulatory requirements, and local economic conditions.  As a result, certain of our branches or distribution facilities may experience higher or lower levels of growth than other branches or distribution facilities.  Therefore, our overall financial performance and results of operations may not be indicative of the performance and results of operations of any individual branch or distribution facility.

 

Our profit margins could decrease due to changes in the costs of the products we install and/or distribute.

 

The principal building products that we install and distribute have been subject to price changes in the past, some of which have been significant.  Our results of operations for individual quarters can be, and have been, hurt by a delay between the time building product cost increases are implemented and the time we are able to increase prices for our installation or distribution services, if at all.  Our supplier purchase prices may depend on our purchasing volume or other arrangements with any given supplier.  While we have been able to achieve cost savings through volume purchasing or other arrangements with suppliers in the past, we may not be able to continue to receive advantageous pricing for the products we distribute and install.  If we are unable to maintain pricing consistent with prior periods, our costs could increase and our margins may be adversely affected, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

 

Increases in fuel costs could adversely affect our results of operations.

 

The price of oil has fluctuated over the last few years, creating volatility in our fuel costs.  We do not currently hedge our fuel costs.  Increases in fuel costs can negatively impact our costs to deliver our products to our customers and thus increase our cost of sales.  If we are unable to increase the selling price of our products to our customers to cover any increases in fuel costs, results of operations may be adversely affected.

 

We face significant competition.

 

The market for the distribution and installation of building products is highly fragmented and competitive.  Barriers to entry for local competitors are relatively low, increasing the risk that additional competitors will emerge.  We face significant pricing pressure from competitors in both our installation and distribution businesses.  In addition to price, we

believe that competition in our industry is based largely on customer service and the quality and timeliness of installation services and distribution product deliveries in each local market.  Our installation competitors include national contractors, regional contractors, and local contractors, and we face many or all of these competitors for each project on which we bid.  Our insulation distribution competitors include specialty insulation distributors (one multi‑regional, several regional, and numerous local).  In some instances, our insulation distribution business sells products to companies that may compete directly with our installation service business.  We also compete with broad line building products distributors, big box retailers, and insulation manufacturers. 

 

Our ability to maintain our competitive position in our industry and grow our businesses depends upon successfully maintaining our relationships with major suppliers and customers; cost‑effectively recruiting and retaining our sales and labor force including key sales representatives, branch managers, installers, and truck drivers in a tight labor market; delivering superior customer service and quality installations; implementing growth strategies; leveraging our scale; and managing our cost structure, none of which is assured. If we are unable to compete effectively, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows would be materially and adversely affected.

 

Our business is seasonal and is susceptible to adverse weather conditions and natural disasters.

 

Our industry is seasonal.  We normally experience stronger sales during the third and fourth calendar quarters, corresponding with the peak season for residential new construction and residential repair/remodel activity.  Sales during the winter weather months are seasonally slower due to the lower construction activity.  Historically, the installation of insulation lags housing starts by several months.

 

In addition, to the extent that hurricanes, severe storms, earthquakes, droughts, floods, fires, other natural disasters, or similar events occur in the geographic areas in which we operate, our business may be adversely affected. 

 

Severe weather and natural disasters can cause delays or halts and increased costs in the construction of new homes, residential repair/remodeling projects, and commercial construction projects.  We may underestimate the impact of seasonality in any given period.  Severe weather is often unpredictable, which contributes to earnings volatility and makes forecasting our results of operation more difficult.  Severe weather and seasonality may have an adverse impact on our business, including our financial position, cash flows from operations, and results of operations.

 

In addition, we may experience business interruptions and property or other damage due to severe weather or natural disasters.  If insurance is unavailable to us or is unavailable on acceptable terms, or if our insurance is not adequate to cover business interruption or losses resulting from adverse weather or natural disasters, our business and results of operations will be adversely affected.  In addition, damage to homes or commercial sites caused by adverse weather or a natural disaster can cause our insurance costs to increase.

 

Claims and litigation could be costly.

 

We are, from time to time, involved in various claims, litigation matters, and regulatory proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of our business and which could have a material adverse effect on us.  These matters may include contract disputes, automobile liability and other personal injury claims, warranty disputes, environmental claims or proceedings, other tort claims, employment and tax matters, and other proceedings and litigation, including class actions.

 

We rely on our suppliers to provide us with the building products that we install and/or distribute.  Due to the difficulty of controlling the quality of products sourced from our suppliers, we are exposed to risks relating to the quality of such products and to limitations on our recourse against such suppliers.

 

In addition, we are exposed to potential claims by our employees or others based on job related hazards.  For example, certain types of insulation, particularly spray foam applications, require our employees to handle potentially hazardous or toxic substances.  While we place significant focus on employee safety and our employees who handle potentially hazardous or toxic materials, including but not limited to lead‑based paint, receive specialized training and wear protective clothing, there is still a risk that they, or others, may be exposed to these substances.  Exposure to these substances could

result in significant injury to our employees and others, including site occupants, and damage to our property or the property of others, including natural resource damage, for which we may be liable.

 

We have also experienced class action lawsuits in recent years predicated upon claims for antitrust, product liability, construction defects, competition, and wage and hour issues.  We have generally denied liability and have vigorously defended these cases.  Due to their scope and complexity, however, these lawsuits can be particularly costly to defend and resolve, and we have and may continue to incur significant costs as a result of these types of lawsuits.

 

Our builder and contractor customers are subject to construction defect and warranty claims in the ordinary course of their business.  Our contractual arrangements with these customers may include our agreement to defend and indemnify them against various liabilities.  These claims, often asserted several years after completion of construction, can result in complex lawsuits or claims against the builders, contractors, and many of their subcontractors, including us, and may require us to incur defense and indemnity costs even when our services or distributed products are not the principal basis for the claims.

 

Although we intend to defend all claims and litigation matters vigorously, given the inherently unpredictable nature of claims and litigation, we cannot predict with certainty the outcome or effect of any claim or litigation matter.

 

We expect to maintain insurance against some, but not all, of these risks of loss resulting from claims and litigation.  We may elect not to obtain insurance if we believe the cost of available insurance is excessive relative to the risks presented.  The levels of insurance we maintain may not be adequate to fully cover any and all losses or liabilities.  If any significant accident, judgment, claim, or other event is not fully insured or indemnified against, it could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

We may not be able to identify new products and new product lines and integrate them into our distribution network, which may impact our ability to compete.  Our expansion into new markets may present competitive, distribution, and regulatory challenges that differ from current ones.

 

Our business depends in part on our ability to identify future products and product lines that complement existing products and product lines and that respond to our customers’ needs.  We may not be able to compete effectively unless our product selection keeps up with trends in the markets in which we compete or trends in new products.  In addition, our ability to integrate new products and product lines into our distribution network could affect our ability to compete.  The success of new products and new product lines will depend on market demand and there is a risk that new products and new product lines will not deliver expected results, which could negatively impact our future sales and results of operations.  Our expansion into new markets may present competitive, distribution, and regulatory challenges that differ from current ones.  We may be less familiar with new product categories and may face different or additional risks, as well as increased or unexpected costs, compared to existing operations.  Growth into new markets may also bring us into direct competition with companies with whom we have little or no past experience as competitors and may not be supported by our historical product suppliers.  To the extent we are reliant upon expansion into new geographic, industry, and product markets for growth and do not meet the new challenges posed by such expansion, our future sales growth could be negatively impacted, our operating costs could increase, and our business operations and financial results could be negatively affected.

 

We may be adversely affected by any natural or man‑made disruptions to our facilities.

 

We currently maintain a broad network of distribution facilities and installation branches throughout the U.S.  Any widespread disruption to our facilities resulting from fire, earthquake, weather‑related events, an act of terrorism, or any other cause could damage a significant portion of our inventory and supply stock, and could materially impair our ability to provide installation and/or distribution services for our customers.  Moreover, we could incur significantly higher costs and longer lead times associated with our installation and distribution services to our customers during the time that it takes for us to reopen or replace a damaged facility.  If any of these events were to occur, our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.

 

We are subject to competitive pricing pressure from our customers.

 

Residential homebuilders historically have exerted significant pressure on their outside suppliers to keep prices low because of their market share, and ability to leverage such market share, in the highly fragmented building products supply and services industry.  The housing industry downturn resulted in significantly increased pricing pressures from homebuilders and other customers.  These pricing pressures have adversely affected our operating results and cash flows.  In addition, consolidation among homebuilders, and changes in homebuilders’ purchasing policies or payment practices could result in additional pricing pressure.  Moreover, during the housing downturn, several of our homebuilder customers defaulted on amounts owed to us or extended their payable days as a result of their financial condition.  If such payment failures or delays were to recur, it could significantly adversely affect our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.

 

The development of alternatives to distributors in the supply chain could cause a decrease in our sales and operating results and limit our ability to grow our business.

 

Our distribution customers could begin purchasing more of their product needs directly from manufacturers, which would result in decreases in our net sales and earnings.  Our suppliers could invest in infrastructure to expand their own local sales force and sell more products directly to our distribution customers, which also would negatively impact our business.  In addition, our distribution customers may elect to establish their own building products manufacturing and distribution facilities, or give advantages to manufacturing or distribution intermediaries in which they have an economic stake.  These changes in the supply chain could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.

 

Union organizing activity and work stoppages could delay or reduce availability of products that we install and increase our costs.

 

Approximately 490 of our employees are currently covered by collective bargaining or other similar labor agreements that expire on various dates from May 2016 through June 2019.  Any inability by us to negotiate collective bargaining arrangements could cause strikes or other work stoppages, and new contracts could result in increased operating costs.  If any such strikes or other work stoppages occur, or if other employees become represented by a union, we could experience a disruption of our operations and higher labor costs.  Further, if a significant number of additional employees were to unionize, including in the wake of any future legislation that makes it easier for employees to unionize, these risks would increase.  In addition, certain of our suppliers have unionized work forces, and certain of the products we install and/or distribute are transported by unionized truckers.  Strikes, work stoppages, or slowdowns could result in slowdowns or closures of facilities where the products that we install and/or distribute are manufactured, or could affect the ability of our suppliers to deliver such products to us.  Any interruption in the production or delivery of these products could delay or reduce availability of these products and increase our costs.

 

If we are required to take significant non‑cash charges, our financial resources could be reduced and our financial flexibility may be negatively affected.

 

We have recorded significant goodwill and other intangible assets related to prior business combinations on our balance sheet.  The valuation of these assets is largely dependent upon the expectations for future performance of our businesses.  Expectations about the growth of residential new construction, residential repair/remodel, and commercial construction activity may impact whether we are required to recognize non‑cash, pre‑tax impairment charges for goodwill and other indefinite‑lived intangible assets or other long‑lived assets.  If the value of our goodwill, other intangible assets, or long‑lived assets is further impaired, our earnings and stockholders’ equity would be adversely affected.

 

Compliance with government regulation and industry standards could impact our operating results.

 

We are subject to federal, state, and local government regulations, particularly those pertaining to health and safety, including protection of employees and consumers; employment laws, including immigration and wage and hour regulations; contractor licensing; and environmental issues.  In addition to complying with current requirements, even more stringent requirements could be imposed in the future.  Compliance with these regulations and industry standards is costly and may require us to alter our installation and distribution processes, product sourcing, or business practices, and

makes recruiting and retaining labor in a tight labor market more challenging.  Compliance with these regulations and industry standards could also divert our attention and resources to compliance activities, and could cause us to incur higher costs.  Further, if we do not effectively and timely comply with such regulations and industry standards, our results of operations could be negatively affected and we could become subject to substantial penalties or other legal liability.

 

If we encounter difficulties with our information technology systems, we could experience problems with customer service, inventory, collections, and cost control.

 

Our operations are dependent upon our information technology systems, which encompass all of our major business functions.  We rely upon such information technology systems to manage customer orders on a timely basis, to coordinate our installation and distribution activities across locations, and to manage invoicing.  If we experience problems with our information technology systems we could experience, among other things, delays in receiving customer orders, placing orders with suppliers, and scheduling production, installation services, or shipments.  Any failure by us to properly maintain and protect our information systems could thus adversely impact our ability to attract and serve customers, and could cause us to incur higher operating costs and experience delays in the execution of our business strategies.

 

Since we rely heavily on information technology, both in serving our customers and in our enterprise infrastructure, in order to achieve our objectives, we may be vulnerable to damage or intrusion from a variety of cyber‑attacks including computer viruses, worms, or other malicious software programs that gain access to our systems.  Despite the precautions we take to mitigate the risks of such events, an attack on our enterprise information technology system could result in theft or disclosure of our proprietary or confidential information, or a breach of confidential customer or employee information.  Such events could have an adverse impact on revenue, harm our reputation, and cause us to incur legal liability and costs, which could be significant, to address and remediate such events and related security concerns.

 

Our business relies significantly on the expertise of our employees, and we generally do not have an intellectual property position that is protected by patents.

 

Our business is significantly dependent upon our expertise in installation and distribution logistics, including significant expertise in the application of building science to our installation services.  We rely on a combination of trade secrets and contractual confidentiality provisions and, to a much lesser extent, copyrights and trademarks, to protect our proprietary rights.  Accordingly, our intellectual property position is more vulnerable than it would be if it were protected primarily by patents.  If we fail to protect our proprietary rights successfully, our competitive position could suffer, which could harm our operating results.  We may be required to spend significant resources to monitor and protect our proprietary rights, and in the event a misappropriation or breach of our proprietary rights occurs our competitive position in the market may be harmed.  In addition, competitors may develop competing technologies and expertise that renders our expertise obsolete or less valuable.

 

Changes in building codes and consumer preferences could affect our ability to market our service offerings and our profitability.  Moreover, if we do not respond to evolving customer preferences or changes in building standards, or if we do not maintain or expand our leadership in building science, our business, results of operation, financial condition, and cash flow would be adversely affected.

 

Each of our lines of business is impacted by local and state building codes and consumer preferences, including a growing focus on energy efficiency.  Recently, building codes and consumer preferences have begun to shift towards environmentally friendly and energy‑efficient building products.  In addition, state and local governments may change building codes periodically for perceived safety or other reasons.  Our competitive advantage is due, in part, to our ability to respond to changes in consumer preferences and building codes.  In particular, our Environments For Living® program is designed to make homes more energy‑efficient, comfortable, and durable.  However, if our installation and distribution services do not adequately or quickly adapt to changing preferences and building standards, we may lose market share to competitors, which would adversely affect our business, results of operation, financial condition, and cash flows.  Further, our growth prospects could be harmed if consumer preferences and building standards evolve more slowly than we anticipate towards energy‑efficient service offerings, which are more profitable than minimum code service offerings.

 

The volatile and challenging economic environment of recent years has caused shifts in consumer preferences and purchasing practices, and changes in the business models and strategies of our customers.  This has led to a shift in the quantity, type, and prices of products demanded by our customers.  For example, demand has increased for multi‑family housing units such as apartments and condominiums, which are typically smaller, with correspondingly less insulation, than single‑family houses.  These shifts have negatively impacted our sales and profitability, and it is uncertain whether these shifts represent long‑term changes in preferences.

 

We may have future capital needs and may not be able to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms.

 

Economic and credit market conditions, the performance of the construction industry, and our financial performance, as well as other factors including restrictions under the Tax Matters Agreement related to the Separation, may constrain our financing abilities.  Our ability to secure additional financing and to satisfy our financial obligations will depend upon our future operating performance; the availability of credit; economic conditions; and financial, business, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.  Any worsening of current housing market or other construction industry conditions, and the macroeconomic and local economic factors that affect our industry, could require us to seek additional capital and may have a material adverse effect on our ability to secure such capital on favorable terms, if at all.  In addition, from and until the second anniversary of the Separation, the Tax Matters Agreement generally will prohibit us and our affiliates from taking certain actions that could cause the Separation and certain related transactions to fail to qualify as tax‑free transactions, which includes certain issuances of our common stock.

 

Restrictions in our existing credit facility, or any other indebtedness we may incur in the future, could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, ability to make distributions to shareholders, and the value of our common stock.

 

Our existing term loan and revolving credit facility, or any future credit facility or other indebtedness we enter into, may limit our ability to, among other things:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our revolving credit facility contains, and any future credit facility or other debt instrument we may enter into will also likely contain, covenants requiring us to maintain certain financial ratios and meet certain tests, such as a fixed charge coverage ratio, a leverage ratio, and a minimum test.  (See Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.)  Our ability to comply with those financial ratios and tests can be affected by events beyond our control, and we may not be able to comply with those ratios and tests when required to do so under the applicable debt instruments.

 

The provisions of our credit facility or other debt instruments may affect our ability to obtain future financing and pursue attractive business opportunities and our flexibility in planning for, and reacting to, changes in business conditions.  In addition, a failure to comply with the provisions of our existing credit facility, any future credit facility, or other debt instruments could result in a default or an event of default that could enable our lenders or other debt holders to declare the outstanding principal of that debt, together with accrued and unpaid interest, to be immediately due and payable.  If the payment of our debt is accelerated, our assets may be insufficient to repay such debt in full, and our stockholders could experience a partial or total loss of their investment.

 

Any adverse credit rating could increase our costs of borrowing money and limit our access to capital markets and commercial credit.

 

We do not currently intend to seek credit ratings from Moody’s Investor Service, Standard & Poor’s, or another rating service.  However, if Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, or another rating service rates our credit, such rating could be below investment grade.  Further, an initial credit rating could be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a ratings agency if, in its judgment, the circumstances warrant.  If any such ratings are lowered, or are otherwise below investment grade, our borrowing costs could increase and our funding sources could decrease.  Actual or anticipated changes or downgrades in future ratings, including any announcement that our ratings are under review for a downgrade, could adversely affect our business, cash flows, financial condition, and operating results.

 

We may be affected by significant restrictions due to the Separation in order to avoid triggering significant tax‑related liabilities.

 

The Tax Matters Agreement generally will prohibit us from taking certain actions that could cause the Separation and certain related transactions to fail to continue to qualify as tax‑free transactions, including the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If we take any of the actions above and such actions result in tax‑related losses to Masco, then we generally will be required to indemnify Masco for such tax‑related losses.  Due to these restrictions and indemnification obligations under the Tax Matters Agreement, we may be limited in our ability to pursue strategic transactions, equity or convertible debt financings, or other transactions that may otherwise be in our best interests.  Our potential indemnity obligation to Masco might discourage, delay, or prevent a change of control that our stockholders may consider favorable to our ability to pursue strategic transactions, equity or convertible debt financings, or other transactions that may otherwise be in our best interests.

 

In connection with the Separation, Masco indemnified us for certain liabilities and we indemnify Masco for certain liabilities.  If we are required to act under these indemnities to Masco, we may need to divert cash to meet those obligations, which could adversely affect our financial results.  Moreover, the Masco indemnity may not be sufficient to insure us against the full amount of liabilities for which it will be allocated responsibility, and Masco may not be able to satisfy its indemnification obligations to us in the future.

Pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement and other agreements with Masco, Masco agreed to indemnify us for certain liabilities, and we agreed to indemnify Masco for certain liabilities.  Indemnities that we may be required to provide Masco are not subject to any cap, may be significant, and could negatively affect our business, particularly indemnities relating to our actions that could affect the tax‑free nature of the Separation.  Third parties could also seek to hold us responsible for any of the liabilities that Masco has agreed to retain, and under certain circumstances, we may be subject to continuing contingent liabilities of Masco following the Separation, such as certain shareholder litigation claims.  Further, Masco may not be able to fully satisfy its indemnification obligations or such indemnity obligations may not be sufficient to cover our liabilities.  Moreover, even if we ultimately succeed in recovering from Masco any amounts for which we are held liable, we may be temporarily required to bear these losses ourselves.  Each of these risks could negatively affect our business, results of operations, liquidity, and financial condition.

Some of our directors and officers may have actual or potential conflicts of interest because of their equity ownership in Masco, and some of our directors may have actual or potential conflicts of interest because they also serve on the Masco board of directors.

Because of their current or former positions with Masco, some of our directors and executive officers may own shares of Masco common stock or have options to acquire shares of Masco common stock, and such holdings may be significant for some of these individuals compared to their total assets.  In addition, one of our directors, Mr. Dennis Archer, serves on the Masco board of directors.  This ownership or service on both boards of directors may create, or may create the appearance of, conflicts of interest when these directors and officers are faced with decisions that could have different implications for Masco and us.  For example, potential conflicts of interest could arise in connection with the resolution of any dispute that may arise between Masco and us regarding the terms of the agreements governing the Separation and the relationship between the companies.

Compliance with and changes in tax laws could adversely affect our performance.

 

We are subject to extensive tax liabilities imposed by multiple jurisdictions including income taxes; indirect taxes  which include excise and duty, sales and use, and gross receipts taxes; payroll taxes; franchise taxes; withholding taxes; and ad valorem taxes.  New tax laws and regulations, and changes in existing tax laws and regulations, are continuously being enacted or proposed which could result in increased expenditures for tax liabilities in the future.  Many of these liabilities are subject to periodic audits by the respective taxing authority.  Subsequent changes to our tax liabilities as a result of these audits may subject us to interest and penalties.

 

Risks Relating to Our Common Stock

 

The price of our common stock may fluctuate substantially, and your investment may decline in value.

 

The market price of our common stock could fluctuate significantly due to a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Future sales of our common stock, or the perception in the public markets that these sales may occur, may depress our stock price.

 

The market price of our common stock could decline significantly as a result of sales of a large number of shares of our common stock.  These sales, or the perception that these sales might occur, could depress the market price of our common stock.

 

All of our shares of common stock, other than those held by our “affiliates”, are freely tradable without restriction or registration under the Securities Act.  Shares held by our affiliates, which include our directors and executive officers, can be sold subject to volume, manner of sale, and notice provisions under Rule 144.  We estimate that our directors and executive officers, who may be considered “affiliates” for purposes of Rule 144, beneficially own less than 1% of our common stock.

 

In the future, we may issue shares of our common stock in connection with investments or acquisitions.  The amount of shares of our common stock issued in connections with an investment or acquisition could constitute a material portion of our then-outstanding shares of our common stock.

 

Provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, and certain provisions of Delaware law, could delay or prevent a change in control.

 

The existence of some provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and Delaware law could discourage, delay, or prevent a change in control that a stockholder may consider favorable.  These include provisions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In addition, we are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which may have an anti‑takeover effect with respect to transactions not approved in advance by our board of directors, including discouraging takeover attempts that could have resulted in a premium over the market price for shares of our common stock.

 

These provisions apply even if a takeover offer may be considered beneficial by some stockholders and could delay or prevent an acquisition that our board of directors determines is not in our and our stockholders’ best interests.

 

Our bylaws designate a state or federal court located within the State of Delaware as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a preferred judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, or other employees.

 

Our bylaws provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer, or other employee to us or our stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of Delaware General Corporation Law, our certificate of incorporation (including any certificate of designations for any class or series of our preferred stock), or our bylaws, in each case, as amended from time to time, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine, shall be a state or federal court located within the State of Delaware, in all cases subject to the court’s having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock is deemed to have received notice of, and consented to, the foregoing provision.  This forum selection provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable or cost‑effective for disputes with us or our directors, officers, or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers, and employees.

 

Item 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

None.

 

Item 2.  PROPERTIES

 

We operate over 180 installation branch locations and over 70 distribution centers in the United States, most of which are leased.  We currently lease a 63,404 square foot facility for our corporate and TruTeam (Installation segment) headquarters located at 260 Jimmy Ann Drive, Daytona Beach, Florida, 32114.  Our existing headquarters lease will be terminated when we move into our new, 65,700 square foot corporate office, currently under construction at 75 N. Williamson Boulevard in Daytona Beach, FL 32114.  The new office is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2016.  The lease on our new corporate office will expire approximately 12 years after substantial completion of the landlord’s work, assuming no exercise of any options set forth in the lease.  Additionally, we also lease a 17,510 square foot facility for our Service Partners (Distribution Segment) corporate headquarters located at 1029 Technology Park Drive, Glen Allen, Virginia, 23059.  Our Service Partners headquarters lease expires on May 31, 2020, assuming no exercise of any options set forth in the lease.  We believe that our facilities have sufficient capacity and are adequate for our installation and distribution requirements.

 

Item 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

None.

 

Item 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

PART II

 

Item 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Market Information.  Our common stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol “BLD”.  The following table presents the high and low sales prices of our common stock for each quarter starting July 1, 2015, the date on which our stock began trading “regular way” on the NYSE:

 

 

As of February 26, 2016, there were approximately 3,500 holders of our issued and outstanding common stock.

 

Dividends.  No dividends were paid during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.  Our credit agreement, in certain circumstances, limits the amount of dividends we may distribute.  We do not anticipate declaring any such cash dividends to holders of our common stock in the foreseeable future.

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.  During the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2015, we did not repurchase any of our equity securities.

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans.    The information required by this item will be set forth under the heading “Compensation of Executive Officers” in our 2016 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Performance Graph and Table.  The following graph and table compares the cumulative total return of our common stock from July 1, 2015, the date on which our stock began trading “regular way” on the NYSE, through December 31, 2015, with the total cumulative return of the Russel 2000 Index and the Standard and Poor’s Industrials Index (“S&P 500 Industrials Index).  The graph and table assumes an initial investment of $100 in our common stock and each of the two indices at the close of business on July 1, 2015, and reinvestment of dividends.

 

 

 

 

Item 6.  SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following table sets forth selected historical financial data that should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our financial statements and notes thereto, included in this Report.  The Consolidated Statements of Operations data for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, and the Consolidated Balance Sheet data as of December 31, 2015, and 2014, are derived from our audited financial statements included in this Report.  The Consolidated Statements of Operations data for the year ended December 31, 2012, and the Consolidated Balance Sheet data as of December 31, 2013, were derived from our audited financial statements not included in this report.  The Consolidated Statements of Operations data for the year ended December 31, 2011, and the Consolidated Balance Sheet data as of December 31, 2012, and 2011, are derived from our unaudited financial statements not included in this Report.  The selected historical financial data in this section is not intended to replace our historical financial statements and the related notes thereto.  Prior to the Separation, our historical financial results included allocations of general and corporate expense from Masco and as such our historical results are not necessarily indicative of future results.  For more information, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies: Basis of Presentation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The financial and business analysis below provides information which we believe is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.  This financial and business analysis should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes.

 

The following discussion and certain other sections of this Report contain statements reflecting our views about our future performance.  Forward‑looking statements can be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “assume,” “seek,” “appear,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “forecast,” and similar references to future periods.  These views involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and, accordingly, our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in such forward‑looking statements.  We caution you against relying on any of these forward‑looking statements.  In addition to the various factors included in the “Executive Summary,” “Competitive Advantages,” “Strategy,” “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates,” and “Material Trends in Our Business” sections, our future performance may be affected by our reliance on residential new construction, residential repair/remodel, and commercial construction; our reliance on third‑party suppliers and manufacturers; our ability to attract, develop and retain talented personnel; our ability to maintain consistent practices across our locations; our ability to maintain our competitive position; and our ability to realize the expected benefits of the Separation. These and other factors are discussed in detail under the caption “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Report.  Any forward‑looking statement made by us speaks only as of the date on which it was made.  Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them.  Unless required by law, we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward‑looking statements as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

 

Executive Summary

 

We are the leading installer and distributor of insulation products to the United States (“U.S.”) construction industry, based on revenue.  Demand for our products and services is driven primarily by residential new construction, residential repair/remodel, and commercial construction activity throughout the U.S.  A number of local and national factors influence activity in each of our lines of business, including demographic trends, interest rates, employment levels, business investment, supply and demand for housing stock, availability of credit, foreclosure rates, consumer confidence, and general economic conditions. 

 

Activity in the construction industry is seasonal, typically peaking in the summer months.  Because installation of insulation historically lags housing starts by several months, we generally see a corresponding benefit in our operating results during the third and fourth quarters.

 

Competitive Advantages

 

We believe we are well positioned to organically grow our business as a result of a number of competitive advantages including:

 

National Scale.  Our national scale enables us to drive supply chain efficiencies and provide the tools necessary for our branches and distribution centers to effectively compete locally.  Given the highly fragmented homebuilding industry, our leadership positions in installation, distribution, and building science services allow us to tailor our approach to each local market, which differs in characteristics such as customer mix, competitive activity, building codes, and labor availability.  Moreover, serving multiple lines of business provides additional revenue growth potential with which to leverage our fixed costs, and reduces our exposure to the cyclical swings in residential new construction.  

 

Strong Local Presence.    Competition for the installation and sale of insulation and other building products to builders occurs in localized geographic markets across the country.  Builders in each local market have different options in terms of choosing among insulation installers and distributors for their projects and value local relationships, quality, and timeliness.  Our national footprint includes over 180 installation services branches which are locally branded businesses that are recognized within the communities in which they operate.  We have over 70 distribution centers primarily serving local contractors, lumberyards, retails stores, and others who, in turn, service local homebuilders and other customers. 

Through both businesses we have developed local, long-tenured relationships with a reputation for quality, service, and timeliness.

 

Two Avenues to Reach the Builder.  Being a leader in both installation and distribution allows us to more effectively reach a broader set of builder customers, regardless of their size or geographic location with the United States, and leverage housing growth wherever it occurs.

 

Strategy

 

Our long-term strategy is to grow net sales, income, and operating cash flows and remain the leading insulation installer and distributor by revenue.  In order to achieve these goals we plan to:

 

 

 

 

Our operating results depend heavily on residential new construction activity and, to a lesser extent, on residential repair/remodel and commercial construction activity, all of which are cyclical.  We are also dependent on third-party suppliers and manufacturers providing us with an adequate supply of high-quality products. 

 

We are optimistic on housing and expect the current moderate pace of improvement to continue for several years.  The U.S. housing market has grown from approximately 587,000 housing starts in 2010 to approximately 1,111,400 housing starts in 2015, well below the 50-year historical average of approximately 1.5 million starts per year.  We believe that while the current headwinds of credit availability, student debt, and labor shortages within the construction industry are moderating the rate of recovery, they are also extending the recovery cycle.  We believe there is pent-up demand for housing, and this demand will eventually be satisfied with higher levels of new construction. 

 

2015 Results

 

In 2015 our results were positively affected by increased sales volume of residential new construction and commercial construction activity and increased selling prices.  Our sales volume increased across our businesses.  Compared to 2014, our Installation segment contributed sales volume increases of 4.5 percent and our Distribution segment contributed sales volume increases of 0.6 percent to our total sales increase, prior to intercompany eliminations.  Selling price increases, primarily in our Installation segment, increased our sales by 1.9 percent compared to 2014.  Our operating results were positively affected by increased sales volume and a more favorable relationship between selling prices and commodity costs.  We also benefitted from our past business rationalizations and other cost savings initiatives, including headcount reductions.    

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Prior to the Separation, we largely funded our growth through cash provided by our operations combined with support from Masco through its operating cash flows, its long‑term bank debt, and its issuance of securities in the financial markets, including issuances for certain mergers and acquisitions. 

 

Subsequent to the Separation, we have had access to liquidity through our cash from operations and available borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility.  Cash flows are seasonally stronger in the third and fourth quarters as a result of increased new construction activity.

 

On June 9, 2015, we entered into a Credit Agreement with a bank group.  The credit agreement consists of a senior secured term loan facility of $200 million, which was used to finance a $200 million cash distribution to Masco in connection with the Separation, and a senior secured revolving facility, which provides for borrowing and/or standby letter of credit issuances of up to $125 million.  Together, the term loan facility and revolving facility are referred to as the “credit facility.”  Additional borrowing capacity under the credit facility may be accessed by the Company in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100 million without the consent of the lenders, subject to certain conditions (including existing or new lenders providing commitments in respect of such additional borrowing capacity).  For additional information, see Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 5 - Long-term Debt. 

 

Undrawn capacity under our credit facility provides additional borrowing capacity for working capital and other general corporate purposes.  As of December 31, 2015, we had standby letters of credit outstanding of approximately $55.1 million.  The standby letters of credit were issued to secure financial obligations related to our workers compensation, general insurance, and auto liability programs.  Our historical financial statements for periods prior to the Separation include letter of credit costs, as Masco allocated these costs to us in related party interest expense.

 

We had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $112.8 million and $3.0 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Our cash and cash equivalents consist of AAA-rated money market funds as well as cash held in our demand deposit accounts.

 

The following table summarizes our total liquidity, in thousands:

 

 

We believe that our cash flows from operations, combined with our current cash levels and available borrowing capacity, will be adequate to support our ongoing operations and to fund our debt service requirements, capital expenditures, and working capital for at least the next 12 months.

 

Cash Flows

 

Significant sources and (uses) of cash and cash equivalents for the years ending December 31 are as follows, in thousands:

 

 

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, our working capital was 6.2 percent and 6.5 percent of net sales, respectively.  One of our objectives in managing working capital is to reduce working capital as a percentage of net sales.  This can be accomplished by a number of factors including timelier collections of accounts receivables or improving payment terms with our suppliers.  The reduction in working capital as a percentage of net sales in 2015, compared with 2014, was primarily the result of increased sales and improved supplier terms.  The reduction in working capital as a percentage of net sales in 2014, compared with 2013, was the result of increased sales, improved management of accounts receivable and inventory, and improved terms with suppliers.

 

Cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2015, decreased $15.9 million from the comparable period ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to changes in deferred income taxes, the recognition of a non-cash employee benefit policy change, reduced depreciation, the non-recurring impact of improved supplier terms received in 2014, and amortization expense related to a software system which was fully depreciated in 2014, partially offset by an increase in net income driven by increased sales volume of residential new construction and commercial construction activity.  Cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2014, increased $47.2 million from the comparable period ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to an increase in net income of $22.1 million driven by increased sales volume of residential new construction and commercial construction activity.  In addition, cash from operations in 2014 benefited from improved working capital of $20.3 million.

 

Net cash used for investing activities was $12.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, which was primarily comprised of $13.6 million in purchases of property and equipment, partially offset by $0.8 million of proceeds from the sale of property and equipment.  Net cash used for investing activities was $11.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, which was primarily comprised of $13.1 million in purchases of property and equipment partially offset by $1.0 million of proceeds from the sale of property and equipment.  Net cash used for investing activities was $14.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, which was primarily comprised of $14.0 million in purchases of property and equipment, partially offset by $0.3 million of proceeds from the sale of property and equipment.

 

Net cash from (for) financing activities was $66.1 million, $(60.7) million, and $(18.1) million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.  During the year ended December 31, 2015, we received $200.0 million in proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt which was remitted to our Former Parent in connection with the Separation. Additionally, we received a transfer from our Former Parent of $73.0 million, partially offset by repayments of our long-term debt and payment of debt issuance costs.  During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we made transfers of $60.7 million and $18.1 million, respectively, to our Former Parent.

 

Costs of environmental responsibilities and compliance with existing environmental laws and regulations have not had, nor do we expect them to have, a material effect on our capital expenditures, financial position, or results of operations.

 

Results of Operations

 

We report our financial results in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).  However, we believe that certain non‑GAAP performance measures and ratios, used in managing the business, may provide users of this financial information with additional meaningful comparisons between current results and results in prior periods.  Non‑GAAP performance measures and ratios should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, our reported results.

 

The following table sets forth our net sales, and our gross and operating profit and margins, as reported in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for, in thousands:

 

2015, 2014, and 2013 Comparison

Sales and Operations

Net sales for 2015 increased 6.9 percent, or $104.5 million, to $1,616.6 million.  The increase was driven by sales volume growth in both Installation and Distribution segments.  Our sales benefited from increased volume in residential new construction and commercial construction activity, increased insulation sales driven by changing building code requirements, and increased selling prices.

Net sales for 2014 increased 7.1 percent, or $100.6 million. The increase was driven by sales volume growth in the Installation and Distribution segments, primarily due to increased residential new construction and commercial construction activity and, to a lesser extent, residential repair/remodel activity.  In addition, 2014 benefited from increased insulation sales volume driven by changing building code requirements and increased selling prices.

Our gross profit margins were 22.1 percent, 21.9 percent, and 21.4 percent for 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.  Our increases in gross profit margins reflect increased sales volume and the related absorption of fixed costs, a more favorable relationship between selling prices and material costs, and benefits associated with business rationalization and cost savings initiatives.

Selling, general, and administrative expense as a percent of sales was 17.0 percent, 19.2 percent, and 19.7 percent for 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.  Reduced selling, general, and administrative expense as a percent of sales is a result of increasing sales volume and price, benefits associated with business rationalizations, and other cost savings initiatives.

Our selling, general, and administrative expense includes allocations of Masco general corporate expense for the periods prior to the Separation of $13.6 million, $21.9 million, and $22.1 million in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.  Such expense may not be indicative of our general corporate expense in the future.

During the fourth quarter of 2015, we modified our vacation policy from being granted based on prior year service to being earned on a per pay period approach.  This employee benefit policy change resulted in a $9.9 million expense reduction, which is reflected as a $6.1 million reduction of cost of sales and a $3.8 million reduction of selling, general, and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.  This item is reflected as a non-cash employee benefit policy change in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Operating margins, as reported for 2015, 2014, and 2013 were 5.2 percent, 2.7 percent, and 1.7 percent, respectively.  Operating margins, before general corporate expense, for 2015, 2014, and 2013 were 6.6 percent, 4.1 percent and 3.3 percent, respectively.  Improvements in operating margins in 2015, 2014, and 2013 were positively affected by increased sales volume, a more favorable relationship between selling prices and commodity costs, and benefits associated with business rationalizations and other cost savings initiatives.

Other Income (Expense), Net

Interest expense was $9.5 million in 2015 of which $3.2 million was incurred under the TopBuild credit facility while $6.3 million was allocated by Masco prior to the Separation.  Interest expenses was $12.4 million and $13.4 million in  2014 and 2013, respectively, and was exclusively related to a Masco allocation.  Such expense may not be indicative of our interest expense in the future.

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations

Income (loss) from continuing operations was $79.1 million, $10.5 million, and $(11.6) million in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

 

Income Tax Benefit (Expense) from Continuing Operations

 

Our effective tax rates for income (loss) from continuing operations were (7) percent, 63 percent, and 207 percent in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.  Compared to our normalized tax rate of 38 percent, the variance in the effective tax rates in 2015, 2014, and 2013 was primarily due to changes in the U.S. Federal and certain state valuation allowances.

 

Material Trends in Our Business

 

We believe there are several meaningful trends that indicate U.S. housing demand will recover to levels consistent with the historical average of the past 50 years.  These trends include low interest rates relative to historical averages, the aging of housing stock, population growth, and household formation.  We expect these trends to also drive long‑term growth in repair/remodel expenditures and commercial construction activity. 

 

We normally experience stronger sales during the third and fourth calendar quarters, corresponding with the peak season for residential new construction and residential repair/remodel activity.  Sales during the winter weather months are seasonally slower due to lower construction activity.  Historically, the installation of insulation lags housing starts by several months.

 

2015, 2014, and 2013 Business Segment Results

 

The following table sets forth our net sales and operating profit information by business segment,  in thousands:

 

 

 

 

 

2015, 2014, and 2013 Business Segment Results Discussion

 

Changes in operating profit margins in the following business segment results discussion exclude general corporate expense, net in 2015, 2014, and 2013, as applicable.

 

The construction industry is expanding both in residential new home and commercial construction, and is subject to inflationary pressures on costs.  We are seeing the impact of this growth with increases in the cost of building materials. We realized higher material costs, principally for insulation, in each of the three years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013.  Insulation is the largest commodity we purchase in our business segments.  We have been successful to date in achieving price increases to more than offset the increased commodity costs.

 

Installation

 

Sales

 

Sales increased $94.2 million or 9.8 percent in 2015 compared to 2014.  Such increases were primarily due to increased sales volume, which increased sales by 7.4 percent.  Increased sales volume is primarily related to a higher level of activity in residential new construction and commercial construction and changing building code requirements.  Sales also increased by 2.3 percent due to increased selling prices.  Such increases were partially offset by a greater number of multi-family housing starts versus single-family housing starts, the former of which uses less insulation per unit.

 

Sales increased $58.8 million or 6.5 percent in 2014 compared to 2013.  Such increases were primarily due to increased sales volume, which increased sales 3.8 percent.  Increased sales volume was primarily driven by a higher level of activity in residential new construction and commercial construction and changing building code requirements.  Sales also increased by 3.4 percent due to increased selling prices.  Such increases were partially offset by a greater number of multi-family housing starts versus single-family housing starts, the former of which uses less insulation per unit.

 

Operating Results

 

Operating profit increased $31.3 million in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to increased sales volume and a more favorable relationship between selling prices and commodity costs.  Operating profit was also positively affected by cost savings initiatives including process improvements, sourcing savings, and an employee benefit policy change.  These changes were partially offset by a less favorable product mix due to higher multi-family housing starts (which use less insulation per unit) than in the prior years, as well as higher insurance costs.  

 

Operating profit increased $17.8 million in 2014 compared to 2013, primarily due to increased sales volume and a more favorable relationship between selling prices and commodity costs.  Such increases were partially offset by a greater number of multi-family housing starts versus single-family housing starts, the former of which uses less insulation per unit.

 

Distribution

 

Sales

 

Net sales increased $17.6 million or 2.8 percent in 2015 compared to 2014.  Such increases were primarily due to increased sales volume, which increased sales by 1.6 percent.  Increased sales volume was driven by a higher level of activity in residential new construction and commercial construction, including metal building insulation.  Sales volume increases were partially offset in the first quarter of 2015 by an acceleration of sales in the fourth quarter of 2014, following the announcement of a price increase for fiberglass insulation.  We also saw lower roofing sales due to consolidation in the industry.  Sales increased by 1.3% due to increased selling prices.

 

Net sales increased $50.7 million or 8.8 percent in 2014 compared to 2013.  Such increases were primarily due to increased sales volume, which increased sales by 7.6 percent driven by a higher level of activity in residential new construction and commercial construction, including metal building insulation.  Sales also increased by 1.7% due to increased selling prices.

 

Operating Results

 

Operating profit increased $3.4 million in 2015 compared to 2014 due to increased sales volume and a more favorable product mix, including increased sales of higher margin insulation products compared to lower margin roofing products.  This segment also benefited from a more favorable relationship between selling prices and commodity costs.

 

Operating profit increased by $5.9 million in 2014 compared to 2013, primarily due to increased sales volume, partially offset by a less favorable relationship between selling prices and material costs.

 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

Litigation

 

We are subject to claims, charges, litigation, and other proceedings in the ordinary course of our business, including those arising from or related to contractual matters, intellectual property, personal injury, environmental matters, product liability, product recalls, construction defect, insurance coverage, personnel and employment disputes, antitrust issues and other matters, including class actions.  We believe we have adequate defenses in these matters, and that the likelihood that the outcome of these matters would have a material adverse effect on us is remote.  However, there is no assurance that we will prevail in these matters, and we could in the future incur judgments, enter into settlements of claims, or revise our expectations regarding the outcome of these matters, which could materially impact our results of operations.

 

Other Commitments

 

We enter into contracts, which include customary indemnifications that are standard for the industries in which we operate.  Such indemnifications include customer claims against builders for issues relating to our products and workmanship.  In conjunction with divestitures and other transactions, we occasionally provide customary indemnifications relating to various items including the enforceability of trademarks, legal and environmental issues, and asset valuations.  We evaluate the probability that amounts may be incurred, and appropriately record an estimated liability when probable.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

We prepare our Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP.  The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates. 

 

Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.  However, certain of our accounting policies considered critical are those we believe are both most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and operating results and require our most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.  Judgments and uncertainties affecting the application of those policies may result in materially different amounts being reported under different conditions or using different assumptions.  We consider the following policies to be most critical in understanding the judgments that are involved in preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements. 

 

Revenue Recognition and Receivables

 

We recognize revenue for our Installation segment using the percentage of completion method of accounting based on the amount of material installed and associated labor costs at our customers’ locations compared to the total expected cost for the contract.  The amount of revenue recognized for our Installation segment which had not been billed as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, was $23.7 million and $23.6 million, respectively.  Revenue from our distribution segment is recognized when title to products and risk of loss transfers to our customers.  We record estimated reductions to revenue for customer programs and incentive offerings, including special pricing and other volume‑based incentives.  We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts receivable for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments.  In addition, we monitor our customer receivable balances and the credit worthiness of our customers on an on‑going basis.  During downturns in our markets, declines in the financial condition and creditworthiness of customers impact the credit risk of the receivables involved and we have incurred additional bad debt expense related to customer defaults.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

We record the excess of purchase cost over the fair value of net tangible assets of acquired companies as goodwill or other identifiable intangible assets.  We perform our annual impairment testing of goodwill in the fourth quarter of each year, or as events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.  We complete the impairment testing of goodwill utilizing a discounted cash flow method. We selected this methodology because we believe that it is comparable to what would be used by other market participants.  Our operating segments are reporting units that engage in business activities for which discrete financial information, including long range forecasts, are available.  We have identified our segments as our reporting units and complete the impairment testing of goodwill at the operating segment level, as defined by accounting guidance.  Fair value for our reporting units is determined using a discounted cash flow method which includes significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs).

 

Determining market values using a discounted cash flow method requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions, including long‑term projections of cash flows, market conditions, and appropriate discount rates.  Our judgments are based on historical experience, current market trends, consultations with external valuation specialists, and other information.  While we believe that the estimates and assumptions underlying the valuation methodology are

reasonable, changes to estimates and assumptions could result in different outcomes.  In estimating future cash flows, we rely on internally generated long range forecasts for sales and operating profits, including capital expenditures, and generally a one to three percent long‑term assumed annual growth rate of cash flows for periods after the long range forecast.  We generally develop these forecasts based upon, among other things, recent sales data for existing products, and estimated U.S. housing starts.

 

When necessary, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that a reporting unit’s recorded goodwill exceeds its implied fair value.

 

In 2015 and 2014 we did not recognize any impairment charges for goodwill.  As of December 31, 2015, net goodwill reflected $762.0 million of accumulated impairment losses, relating primarily to impairment charges taken in 2008‑2010 following the substantial decrease in U.S. housing starts after the financial crisis of 2007‑2008.

 

A ten percent decrease in the estimated fair value of our reporting units at October 31, 2015, our measurement date, would not have resulted in any additional analysis of goodwill impairment for any reporting unit.

 

Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized using the straight‑line method over their estimated useful lives.  We evaluate the remaining useful lives of amortizable identifiable intangible assets at each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining periods of amortization.

 

Income Taxes

 

Accounting guidance for income taxes requires that the future realization of deferred tax assets depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income in future periods.  Possible sources of taxable income include taxable income in carryback periods, the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences recorded as a deferred tax liability, tax planning strategies that generate future income or gains in excess of anticipated losses in the carryforward period, and projected future taxable income.

 

If, based upon all available evidence, both positive and negative, it is more likely than not (more than 50 percent likely) such deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recorded.  Significant weight is given to positive and negative evidence that is objectively verifiable.  A company’s three year cumulative loss position is significant negative evidence in considering whether deferred tax assets are realizable and the accounting guidance restricts the amount of reliance we can place on projected taxable income to support the recovery of deferred tax assets.

 

In a prior period, we had recorded a valuation allowance against our U.S. Federal and certain state deferred tax assets as a non‑cash charge to income tax expense.  In reaching this conclusion, we considered the significant decline in residential new construction, high level of foreclosure activity, and the slower than anticipated recovery in the U.S. housing market which led to U.S. operating losses, causing us to be in a three‑year cumulative U.S. loss position.

 

During the years ended December, 31, 2010, 2011, and 2012, objective and verifiable negative evidence, such as continued U.S. operating losses and significant impairment charges for U.S. goodwill in 2010, continued to outweigh positive evidence necessary to reduce the valuation allowance.  As a result, we recorded increases in the valuation allowance against our U.S. Federal and certain state deferred tax assets as a non-cash charge to income tax expense during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011, and 2012.

 

A return to sustainable profitability in the U.S. is required before we would change our judgment regarding the need for a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets.

 

Although the strengthening in residential new construction activity resulted in profitability for our operations in 2013 and 2014, we continued to record a full valuation allowance against the U.S. Federal and certain state deferred tax assets.  We arrived at this conclusion due to the Company’s (i) low amount of profit in 2013 and 2014, (ii) continued the three year cumulative loss position throughout the year ended December 31, 2014, and (iii) lack of taxable income after evaluating the four sources of taxable income generally allowed under ASC 740 in determining whether or not a deferred asset may be realized.

 

In the fourth quarter of 2015 we recorded a $35.5 million tax benefit ($13.5 million of Federal and $22.0 million of State & local net of federal benefit) from the release of the valuation allowance against its U.S. Federal and certain state deferred tax assets due primarily to a return to sustainable profitability in our U.S. operations.  In reaching this conclusion, we considered the Company’s strong results in the third and fourth quarters reflecting (i) continued improvement in both new home construction and repair/remodel activity in the U.S. and (ii) the Company’s ability to function as a standalone business.  We also considered our progress on strategic initiatives to reduce costs and expand the breadth of our market positions, which contributed to the continued improvement in our operations over the past few years.

 

The reduction in the valuation allowance in 2015 resulted in a net positive income tax benefit of $5.0 million and a negative effective tax rate of 7% for the year.  Excluding the valuation allowance release of $35.5 million, our effective tax rate would have been 41% for the year ended December 31, 2015, comprised of a 35% U.S. Federal statutory rate and 6% of State and local taxes, net of U.S. Federal tax benefit and Other, net.  This rate is higher than would normally be expected due to various nondeductible expenses related to the Separation transaction and other adjustments primarily related to the Separation.

 

For the activity through the first six months of 2015, we will file tax returns as a member of the Masco consolidated group for federal and certain state jurisdictions.  As a result, certain tax attributes, primarily the net operating loss carryforwards, are treated as an asset of the Masco group and may be utilized by the Masco group through the end of December 31, 2015, Masco’s tax year-end.  It is anticipated that all of our U.S. Federal net operating loss carryforward and certain state net operating loss carryforwards will be utilized by the Masco consolidated group.  In accordance, the deferred tax assets relating to the net operating loss carryforwards for federal and certain state jurisdictions were transferred to Masco, in the amount of $401 million, with a similar transfer of the related valuation allowance.

 

Due to the fact that TopBuild’s current income tax expense is based on a full year, notwithstanding that it was a member of Masco’s consolidated group through June 30, 2015, an adjustment of $2.6 million was required to made to equity to record the appropriate current income tax payable on a standalone basis.

 

Current accounting guidance allows the recognition of only those income tax positions that have a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being sustained upon examination by taxing authorities.  We believe that there is an increased potential for volatility in our effective tax rate because this threshold allows changes in the income tax environment and the inherent complexities of income tax law in a substantial number of jurisdictions to affect the computation of the liability for uncertain tax positions to a greater extent.

 

While we believe we have adequately assessed for our uncertain tax positions, amounts asserted by taxing authorities could vary from our assessment of uncertain tax positions.  Accordingly, provisions for tax-related matters, including interest and penalties, could be recorded in income tax expense in the period revised assessments are made.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

Recently issued accounting pronouncements and their expected or actual effect on our reported results of operations are addressed in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, other than operating leases, letters of credit issued under our revolving credit facility, and performance and license bonds, we had no material off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

The following table provides payment obligations related to current contracts at December 31, 2015, in thousands:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

Prior to the Separation, we participated in Masco’s centralized cash management program and were funded through an intercompany loan arrangement whereby Masco provided daily liquidity, as needed, to fund our operations.  As a result of this intercompany funding arrangement, prior to the Separation, we had no external indebtedness that exposed us to interest rate risk.  Our historical financial statements include standby letter of credit costs, as Masco allocated these costs to TopBuild in related party interest expense allocations.

 

On June 9, 2015, we entered into a credit agreement.  The credit agreement consists of a senior secured term loan facility in the amount of $200 million and a senior secured revolving facility in the amount of $125 million. 

 

Interest payable on both the term loan facility and revolving facility are based on a variable interest rate.  As of December 31, 2015, we had $195.0 million outstanding under our term loan facility.  As a result, we are exposed to market risks related to fluctuations in interest rates on our outstanding indebtedness.  For additional information on our credit agreement and how our interest rate is determined, see Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 5 - Long-Term Debt.  Based on the current interest rate of 2.42 percent under the senior secured term loan facility, a 100 basis point increase in the interest rate would result in a $1.9 million increase in our annual interest expense for the year ending December 31, 2016.  There was no outstanding balance under the revolving facility as of December 31, 2015.

Item 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

Report of Independent Registered Certified Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of TopBuild Corp.:

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(i) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of TopBuild Corp. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index appearing under Item 15(a)(ii) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 

Orlando, Florida

March 3, 2016

TOPBUILD CORP.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands except share amounts)

 

 

 

See notes to our consolidated financial statements.