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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 28, 2015

OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number 0-22684
 
UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 Michigan
 
38-1465835
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
   (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
 
 2801 East Beltline NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan
49525
 (Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (616) 364-6161

NONE
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)
 
Indicate by checkmark 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 checkmark 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 ☐
Non-Accelerated Filer ☐
Smaller reporting company ☐

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
 
 Class
 
Outstanding as of March 28, 2015
Common stock, no par value
 
 20,119,879
 


UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION.
Page No.
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements.
 
     
  3
 
      
  4
 
 
  5
     
  6
   
  7
     
Item 2.
14
 
                  
Item 3.
24
     
Item 4.
25
     
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION.
 
     
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings – NONE.
     
Item 1A.
26
     
Item 2.
26
     
Item 3.
Defaults upon Senior Securities – NONE.
 
     
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures – NONE.
 
     
Item 5.
26
     
Item 6.
29
 
UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
 
(in thousands, except share data)
 
   
March 28,
2015
   
December 27,
2014
   
March 29,
2014
 
ASSETS
           
CURRENT ASSETS:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
22,888
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Restricted cash
   
710
     
405
     
720
 
Accounts receivable, net
   
260,926
     
195,912
     
242,433
 
Inventories:
                       
Raw materials
   
221,360
     
183,770
     
168,310
 
Finished goods
   
183,351
     
156,278
     
143,700
 
Total inventories
   
404,711
     
340,048
     
312,010
 
Refundable income taxes
   
-
     
11,934
     
-
 
Deferred income taxes
   
6,267
     
6,284
     
6,850
 
Other current assets
   
13,717
     
18,423
     
20,339
 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
   
709,219
     
573,006
     
582,352
 
                         
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
   
1,163
     
1,079
     
1,307
 
OTHER ASSETS
   
8,511
     
9,565
     
11,757
 
GOODWILL
   
184,064
     
183,062
     
160,945
 
INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS
   
2,340
     
2,340
     
2,340
 
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
   
6,709
     
6,479
     
6,664
 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
                       
Property, plant and equipment
   
620,146
     
604,398
     
587,159
 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
   
(364,684
)
   
(356,129
)
   
(345,740
)
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
   
255,462
     
248,269
     
241,419
 
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
1,167,468
   
$
1,023,800
   
$
1,006,784
 
                         
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                       
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
                       
Cash overdraft
 
$
21,585
   
$
621
   
$
12,151
 
Accounts payable
   
114,225
     
89,105
     
91,015
 
Accrued liabilities:
                       
Compensation and benefits
   
52,011
     
62,143
     
35,596
 
Income taxes
   
4,218
     
-
     
458
 
Other
   
23,097
     
23,591
     
21,000
 
Current portion of long-term debt
   
21
     
-
     
-
 
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
   
215,157
     
175,460
     
160,220
 
                         
LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion
   
187,020
     
98,645
     
143,471
 
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
   
30,751
     
30,933
     
26,627
 
OTHER LIABILITIES
   
19,558
     
19,202
     
16,044
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES
   
452,486
     
324,240
     
346,362
 
                         
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
                       
Controlling interest shareholders' equity:
                       
Preferred stock, no par value; shares authorized 1,000,000; issued and outstanding, none
                       
Common stock, no par value; shares authorized 40,000,000; issued and outstanding, 20,119,879, 19,984,451, and 20,048,764.
 
$
20,120
   
$
19,984
   
$
20,049
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
167,786
     
162,483
     
159,278
 
Retained earnings
   
512,421
     
502,334
     
469,028
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
491
     
1,348
     
2,864
 
Employee stock notes receivable
   
(278
)
   
(455
)
   
(540
)
Total controlling interest shareholders' equity
   
700,540
     
685,694
     
650,679
 
Noncontrolling interest
   
14,442
     
13,866
     
9,743
 
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
   
714,982
     
699,560
     
660,422
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
$
1,167,468
   
$
1,023,800
   
$
1,006,784
 

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
 
(in thousands, except share data)
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 28,
2015
   
March 29,
2014
 
         
NET SALES
 
$
633,025
   
$
553,998
 
                 
COST OF GOODS SOLD
   
553,443
     
487,986
 
                 
GROSS PROFIT
   
79,582
     
66,012
 
                 
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
   
61,705
     
53,908
 
NET LOSS (GAIN) ON DISPOSITION OF ASSETS AND IMPAIRMENT CHARGES
   
14
     
(524
)
                 
EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS
   
17,863
     
12,628
 
                 
INTEREST EXPENSE
   
1,173
     
1,066
 
INTEREST INCOME
   
(135
)
   
(290
)
EQUITY IN EARNINGS (LOSS) OF INVESTEE
   
(83
)
   
(51
)
     
955
     
725
 
                 
EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
   
16,908
     
11,903
 
                 
INCOME TAXES
   
6,104
     
4,235
 
                 
NET EARNINGS
   
10,804
     
7,668
 
               
LESS NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTEREST
   
(642
)
   
(452
)
               
NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTROLLING INTEREST
 
$
10,162
   
$
7,216
 
                 
EARNINGS PER SHARE - BASIC
 
$
0.51
   
$
0.36
 
                 
EARNINGS PER SHARE - DILUTED
 
$
0.51
   
$
0.36
 
                 
NET EARNINGS
   
10,804
     
7,668
 
                 
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENT
   
(1,003
)
   
(696
)
                 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
   
9,801
     
6,972
 
               
LESS COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTEREST
   
(498
)
   
(358
)
                 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTROLLING INTEREST
 
$
9,303
   
$
6,614
 
 
See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.
 
UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
   
Controlling Interest Shareholders' Equity
         
   
Common Stock
   
Additional Paid-In Capital
   
Retained Earnings
   
Accumulat-ed Other Comprehen-sive Earnings
   
Employees Stock Notes Receivable
   
Noncontrolling Interest
   
Total
 
Balance at December 28, 2013
 
$
19,948
   
$
156,129
   
$
461,812
   
$
3,466
   
$
(732
)
 
$
9,111
   
$
649,734
 
Net earnings
                   
7,216
                     
452
     
7,668
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                           
(602
)
           
(94
)
   
(696
)
Noncontrolling interest associated with business acquisitions
                                           
975
     
975
 
Distributions to noncontrolling interest
                                     
(701
)
   
(701
)
Issuance of 2,172 shares under employee stock plans
   
2
     
97
                                     
99
 
Issuance of 63,019 shares under stock grant programs
   
63
     
523
                                     
586
 
Issuance of 35,303 shares under deferred compensation plans
   
36
     
(35
)
                                   
1
 
Expense associated with share-based compensation arrangements
           
495
                                     
495
 
Accrued expense under deferred compensation plans
           
2,069
                                     
2,069
 
Payments received on employee stock notes receivable
                                   
192
             
192
 
Balance at March 29, 2014
 
$
20,049
   
$
159,278
   
$
469,028
   
$
2,864
   
$
(540
)
 
$
9,743
   
$
660,422
 
                                                         
Balance at December 27, 2014
 
$
19,984
   
$
162,483
   
$
502,334
   
$
1,348
   
$
(455
)
 
$
13,866
   
$
699,560
 
Net earnings
                   
10,162
                     
642
     
10,804
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                           
(857
)
           
(146
)
   
(1,003
)
Noncontrolling interest associated with business acquisitions
                                           
1,019
     
1,019
 
Distributions to noncontrolling interest
                                     
(939
)
   
(939
)
Issuance of 12,015 shares under employee stock plans
   
12
     
457
                                     
469
 
Issuance of 75,063 shares under stock grant programs
   
75
     
1,782
     
1
                             
1,858
 
Issuance of 49,863 shares under deferred compensation plans
   
50
     
(50
)
                                   
-
 
Repurchase of 1,513 shares
   
(1
)
           
(76
)
           
77
             
-
 
Tax benefits from non-qualified stock options exercised
           
66
                                     
66
 
Expense associated with share-based compensation arrangements
           
378
                                     
378
 
Accrued expense under deferred compensation plans
           
2,670
                                     
2,670
 
Payments received on employee stock notes receivable
                                   
100
             
100
 
Balance at March 28, 2015
 
$
20,120
   
$
167,786
   
$
512,421
   
$
491
   
$
(278
)
 
$
14,442
   
$
714,982
 

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements
UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
   
March 28,
2015
   
March 29,
2014
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
       
Net earnings
 
$
10,804
   
$
7,668
 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings attributable to controlling interest:
               
Depreciation
   
8,996
     
7,691
 
Amortization of intangibles
   
983
     
586
 
Expense associated with share-based compensation arrangements
   
378
     
495
 
Expense associated with stock grant plans
   
27
     
29
 
Deferred income taxes (credit)
   
(193
)
   
(150
)
Equity in earnings of investee
   
(83
)
   
(51
)
Net (gain) loss on sale of impairment of property, plant and equipment
   
14
     
(602
)
Changes in:
               
Accounts receivable
   
(63,148
)
   
(61,825
)
Inventories
   
(64,422
)
   
(23,980
)
Accounts payable and cash overdraft
   
45,219
     
29,222
 
Accrued liabilities and other
   
10,880
     
(2,743
)
NET CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
   
(50,545
)
   
(43,660
)
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
   
(15,102
)
   
(8,994
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
   
50
     
785
 
Acquisitions, net of cash received
   
(2,585
)
   
(4,191
)
Advances of notes receivable
   
(1,273
)
   
(2,462
)
Collections on notes receivable
   
5,790
     
473
 
Cash restricted as to use
   
(305
)
   
-
 
Other, net
   
(16
)
   
(36
)
NET CASH FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
   
(13,441
)
   
(14,425
)
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Borrowings under revolving credit facilities
   
140,303
     
106,318
 
Repayments under revolving credit facilities
   
(52,718
)
   
(47,547
)
Debt issuance costs
   
(9
)
   
-
 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
   
469
     
99
 
Distributions to noncontrolling interest
   
(939
)
   
(701
)
Repurchase of common stock
   
(78
)
   
-
 
Other, net
   
-
     
(8
)
NET CASH FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
   
87,028
     
58,161
 
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
   
(154
)
   
(76
)
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
   
22,888
     
-
 
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR
   
-
     
-
 
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
 
$
22,888
   
$
-
 
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
               
Interest paid
 
$
374
   
$
281
 
Income taxes paid (refunded)
   
(9,709
)
   
1,681
 
                 
NON-CASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Other receivables exchanged for notes receivable
   
-
     
2,768
 
Notes receivable exchanged for property
   
389
     
-
 
                 
NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Common stock issued under deferred compensation plans
   
2,526
     
1,894
 
 
See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements
UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated condensed financial statements (the "Financial Statements") include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and partnerships, and have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Accordingly, the Financial Statements do not include all of the information and footnotes normally included in the annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

In our opinion, the Financial Statements contain all material adjustments necessary to present fairly our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented.  All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.  These Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the annual consolidated financial statements, and footnotes thereto, included in our Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2014.

Seasonality has a significant impact on our working capital from January to August which historically results in negative or modest cash flows from operations in our first and second quarters. Conversely, we experience a substantial decrease in working capital from September to December which typically results in significant cash flow from operations in our third and fourth quarters.  For comparative purposes, we have included the March 29, 2014 balances in the accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed balance sheets.

B. FAIR VALUE

We apply the provisions of ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, to assets and liabilities measured at fair value.  Assets measured at fair value are as follows:

   
March 28,
2015
   
March 29,
2014
 
(in thousands)  
Quoted Prices in Active Markets
(Level 1)
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets
(Level 1)
 
 
Money market funds
 
$
62
   
$
162
 
Mutual funds:
               
Domestic stock funds
   
244
     
833
 
International stock funds
   
70
     
577
 
Target funds
   
238
     
198
 
Bond funds
   
172
     
152
 
Total mutual funds
   
724
     
1,760
 
                 
   
$
786
   
$
1,922
 
 
UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
 
We maintain money market and mutual funds in our non-qualified deferred compensation plan.  These funds are valued at prices quoted in an active exchange market and are included in “Other Assets”.  We have elected not to apply the fair value option under ASC 825, Financial Instruments, to any of our financial instruments except for those expressly required by U.S. GAAP.

We did not maintain any Level 2 or 3 assets or liabilities at March 28, 2015 or March 29, 2014.

C. REVENUE RECOGNITION

Revenue is recognized at the time the product is shipped to the customer. Generally, title passes at the time of shipment.  In certain circumstances, the customer takes title when the shipment arrives at the destination.  However, our shipping process is typically completed the same day.

Earnings on construction contracts are reflected in operations using percentage-of-completion accounting, under either cost to cost or units of delivery methods, depending on the nature of the business at individual operations.  Under percentage-of-completion using the cost to cost method, revenues and related earnings on construction contracts are measured by the relationships of actual costs incurred related to the total estimated costs.  Under percentage-of-completion using the units of delivery method, revenues and related earnings on construction contracts are measured by the relationships of actual units produced related to the total number of units.  Revisions in earnings estimates on the construction contracts are recorded in the accounting period in which the basis for such revisions becomes known.  Projected losses on individual contracts are charged to operations in their entirety when such losses become apparent.

Our construction contracts are generally entered into with a fixed price and completion of the projects can range from 6 to 18 months in duration.  Therefore, our operating results are impacted by, among many other things, labor rates and commodity costs.  During the year, we update our estimated costs to complete our projects using current labor and commodity costs and recognize losses to the extent that they exist.

The following table presents the balances of percentage-of-completion accounts which are included in “Other current assets” and “Accrued liabilities: Other”, respectively (in thousands):

   
March 28,
 2015
   
December 27,
 2014
   
March 29,
2014
 
             
Cost and Earnings in Excess of Billings
 
$
4,314
   
$
5,244
   
$
7,296
 
Billings in Excess of Cost and Earnings
   
3,710
     
4,682
     
1,307
 
 
UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
 
D. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The computation of earnings per share (“EPS”) is as follows (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 28,
2015
   
March 29,
2014
 
Numerator:
       
Net earnings attributable to controlling interest
 
$
10,162
   
$
7,216
 
Adjustment for earnings allocated to non-vested restricted common stock
   
(123
)
   
(63
)
Net earnings for calculating EPS
 
$
10,039
   
$
7,153
 
Denominator:
               
Weighted average shares outstanding
   
20,092
     
20,058
 
Adjustment for non-vested restricted common stock
   
(244
)
   
(176
)
Shares for calculating basic EPS
   
19,848
     
19,882
 
Effect of dilutive stock options
   
29
     
23
 
Shares for calculating diluted EPS
   
19,877
     
19,905
 
Net earnings per share:
               
Basic
 
$
0.51
   
$
0.36
 
Diluted
 
$
0.51
   
$
0.36
 

No options were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS for the quarters ended March 28, 2015 or March 29, 2014.

E. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, AND GUARANTEES

We are self-insured for environmental impairment liability, including certain liabilities which are insured through a wholly owned subsidiary, Ardellis Insurance Ltd., a licensed captive insurance company.

We own and operate a number of facilities throughout the United States that chemically treat lumber products.  In connection with the ownership and operation of these and other real properties, and the disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances, we may, under various federal, state, and local environmental laws, ordinances, and regulations, be potentially liable for removal and remediation costs, as well as other potential costs, damages, and expenses.  Environmental reserves, calculated with no discount rate, have been established to cover remediation activities at wood preservation facilities in Stockertown, PA; Elizabeth City, NC; Auburndale, FL; and Medley, FL. In addition, a reserve was established for our facility in Thornton, CA to remove certain lead containing materials which existed on the property at the time of purchase.  During 2009, a subsidiary entered into a consent order with the State of Florida to conduct additional testing at our Auburndale, FL facility. We admitted no liability and the costs are not expected to be material.
 
UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
 
On a consolidated basis, we have reserved approximately $3.5 million on March 28, 2015 and March 29, 2014, representing the estimated costs to complete future remediation efforts. These amounts are included in Other Liabilities within the condensed balance sheet and have not been reduced by an insurance receivable.

In addition, on March 28, 2015, we were parties either as plaintiff or defendant to a number of lawsuits and claims arising through the normal course of our business.  In the opinion of management, our consolidated financial statements will not be materially affected by the outcome of these contingencies and claims.

On March 28, 2015, we had outstanding purchase commitments on capital projects of approximately $6.6 million.

We provide a variety of warranties for products we manufacture. Historically, warranty claims have not been material.  We distribute products manufactured by other companies, some of which are no longer in business.  While we do not warrant these products, we have received claims as a distributor of these products when the manufacturer no longer exists or has the ability to pay.  Historically, these costs have not had a material affect on our consolidated financial statements.

As part of our operations,  we supply building materials and labor to residential and multi-family construction projects or we jointly bid on contracts with framing companies for such projects. In some instances we are required to post payment and performance bonds to insure the project owner that our products and installation services are completed in accordance with our contractual obligations.  We have agreed to indemnify the surety for claims made against the bonds.  As of March 28, 2015 we had approximately $7.1 million in outstanding payment and performance bonds, which expire during the next two years.  In addition, approximately $13.6 million in payment and performance bonds are outstanding for completed projects which are still under warranty.

On March 28, 2015, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $26.4 million, primarily related to certain insurance contracts and industrial development revenue bonds described further below.

In lieu of cash deposits, we provide irrevocable letters of credit in favor of our insurers to guarantee our performance under certain insurance contracts.  We currently have irrevocable letters of credit outstanding totaling approximately $16.5 million for these types of insurance arrangements.  We have reserves recorded on our balance sheet, in accrued liabilities, that reflect our expected future liabilities under these insurance arrangements.
 
UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
 
We are required to provide irrevocable letters of credit in favor of the bond trustees for all of the industrial development revenue bonds that we have issued.  These letters of credit guarantee principal and interest payments to the bondholders.  We currently have irrevocable letters of credit outstanding totaling approximately $9.8 million related to our outstanding industrial development revenue bonds.  These letters of credit have varying terms but may be renewed at the option of the issuing banks.

Certain wholly owned domestic subsidiaries have guaranteed the indebtedness of Universal Forest Products, Inc. in certain debt agreements, including the Series 2012 Senior Notes and our revolving credit facility.  The maximum exposure of these guarantees is limited to the indebtedness outstanding under these debt arrangements and this exposure will expire concurrent with the expiration of the debt agreements.

Many of our wood treating operations utilize "Subpart W" drip pads, defined as hazardous waste management units by the Environmental Protection Agency.  The rules regulating drip pads require that the pad be “closed” at the point that it is no longer intended to be used for wood treating operations or to manage hazardous waste.  Closure involves identification and disposal of contaminants which are required to be removed from the facility.  The cost of closure is dependent upon a number of factors including, but not limited to, identification and removal of contaminants, cleanup standards that vary from state to state, and the time period over which the cleanup would be completed.  Based on our present knowledge of existing circumstances, it is considered probable that these costs will approximate $0.6 million.  As a result, this amount is recorded in other long-term liabilities on March 28, 2015.

We did not enter into any new guarantee arrangements during the first quarter of 2015 which would require us to recognize a liability on our balance sheet.
11

UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
 
F. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

We completed the following acquisitions in fiscal 2015 and 2014 which were accounted for using the purchase method (in thousands):

Company
Name
Acquisition
 Date
Purchase
 Price
 
Intangible
Assets
   
Net
Tangible
Assets
 
Operating
Segment
Business Description
Rapid Wood Mfg., LLC (“Rapid Wood”)
February 2, 2015
$1,638
(asset purchase)
 
$
789
   
$
849
 
Western
Division
A supplier of lumber products to the region’s manufactured housing and recreational vehicle industries based in Caldwell, Idaho.  Rapid Wood had annual sales of $2.3 million.
Integra Packaging Proprietary, Ltd (“Integra Packaging”)
January 16, 2015
$1,102
(51.94% stock purchase)
 
$1,406
(The Company portion of Intangible Assets $730 or 51.94%)
   
$715
(The Company portion of Net Tangible Assets $372 or 51.94%)
 
Other
An Australian-based manufacturer and distributor of industrial wood specialty packaging products.  Integra Packaging had annual sales of $12.4 million.
Bigs Packaging and Lumber, LLC (“Bigs Packaging”)
November 13, 2014
$20,000 (asset purchase) + $3,976 earnout accrual
 
$
15,031
   
$
8,945
 
Western
Division
A Texas-based manufacturer of industrial wood and packaging solutions.  Bigs Packaging had annual sales of $50.0 million.
Packnet Ltd (“Packnet”)
November 24, 2014
$7,506 (80% asset purchase)
 
$7,885
(The Company portion of Intangible Assets $6,308 or 80%)
   
$1,498
(The Company portion of Net Tangible Assets $1,198 or 80%)
 
Western
Division
A supplier of industrial packaging and services based in Eagan, MN.  Packnet had annual sales of $9.0 Million.
High Level Components, LLC (“High Level”)
March 31, 2014
$2,944
(asset purchase)
 
$
-
   
$
3,232
 
North
Division
A building component manufacturer based in Locust, NC.  High Level had annual sales of $6.8 million.
Upshur Forest Products, LLC (“Upshur”)
March 28, 2014
$1,774
(50% asset purchase; 51% voting majority)
 
$1,577
(The Company portion of Intangible Assets $788 or 50%)
   
$1,971
(The Company portion of Net Tangible Assets $986 or 50%)
 
Western
Division
A sawmill located in Gilmer, TX.  Upshur had annual sales of $8.9 million.
Container Systems, Inc. (“CSI”)
March 14, 2014
$2,417 (asset purchase)
 
$
-
   
$
2,417
 
South
Division
A manufacturer of crates and containers for industrial applications and the moving-and-storage industry, located in Franklinton, NC.  CSI had annual sales of $3.0 million.

The intangible assets, including contingent consideration, for each acquisition were finalized and allocated to their respective identifiable intangible asset and goodwill accounts during 2014 or the first quarter of 2015, except for Integra, Rapid Wood, and Bigs Packaging.
 
UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
 
G. SEGMENT REPORTING

ASC 280, Segment Reporting (“ASC 280”), defines operating segments as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.

Due to recent changes in management structure, we have revised our operating segments.  Our operating segments currently consist of the North, South, Western, Alternative Materials, and International divisions.  Prior year amounts have been reclassified to these segments.  Our Alternative Materials and International divisions have been included in the “All Other” column of the table below.  The “Corporate” column includes unallocated administrative costs and certain incentive compensation expense.
 
   
Three Months Ended March 28, 2015
 
   
North
   
South
   
Western
   
All
Other
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Net sales to outside customers
 
$
179,499
   
$
164,195
   
$
257,579
   
$
31,752
   
$
-
   
$
633,025
 
Intersegment net sales
   
9,809
     
7,199
     
9,627
     
3,896
     
-
     
30,531
 
Segment operating profit
   
2,710
     
6,002
     
10,519
     
(1,146
)
   
(222
)
   
17,863
 
 
 
   
Three Months Ended March 29, 2014
 
   
North
   
South
   
Western
   
All
Other
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Net sales to outside customers
 
$
156,634
   
$
143,360
   
$
225,400
   
$
28,604
   
$
-
   
$
553,998
 
Intersegment net sales
   
9,542
     
4,814
     
11,042
     
3,845
     
-
     
29,243
 
Segment operating profit
   
1,223
     
6,273
     
8,845
     
(1,090
)
   
(2,623
)
   
12,628
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
H. INCOME TAXES

Effective tax rates differ from statutory federal income tax rates, primarily due to provisions for state and local income taxes and permanent tax differences.  Our effective tax rate was 36.1% in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 35.6% for same period of 2014.  The increase is primarily due to the recognition of a $145,000 non-taxable life insurance benefit in 2014 as well as a decrease of $70,000 in 2015 of state tax credits which the State of California is phasing out beginning in 2015.  This increase is partially offset by a lower state effective income tax rate in 2015.
 
UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Universal Forest Products, Inc. is a holding company that provides capital, management and administrative resources to subsidiaries that supply wood, wood composite and other products to three robust markets: retail, construction and industrial.  Founded in 1955, the Company is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., with affiliates throughout North America and Australia. For more about Universal Forest Products, go to www.ufpi.com.

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended, that are based on management’s beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the markets we serve, the economy and the Company itself. Words like “anticipates,” “believes,” “confident,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “likely,” “plans,” “projects,” “should,” variations of such words, and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. These statements do not guarantee future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect facts, circumstances, events, or assumptions that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made. Actual results could differ materially from those included in such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements are the following: fluctuations in the price of lumber; adverse or unusual weather conditions; adverse economic conditions in the markets we serve; government regulations, particularly involving environmental and safety regulations; and our ability to make successful business acquisitions. Certain of these risk factors as well as other risk factors and additional information are included in the Company's reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We are pleased to present this overview of 2015.
 
OVERVIEW
 
Our results for the first quarter of 2015 were impacted by the following:

Our overall sales increased primarily due to a 14% increase in our unit sales while our overall selling prices remained flat due to the commodity lumber market (see Historical Lumber Prices).  Our 14% increase in unit sales was driven by market share gains and solid demand in the Retail market, strong organic growth on sales to the Industrial market, and growth due to businesses we acquired after the first quarter of 2014.   

· Our operating profit percentage increased to 2.8% from 2.3% comparing 2015 to 2014 primarily due to our growth in sales to the Industrial market and improved profitability on sales to the Construction market.
 
UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
 
HISTORICAL LUMBER PRICES

We experience significant fluctuations in the cost of commodity lumber products from primary producers ("Lumber Market"). The following table presents the Random Lengths framing lumber composite price:

   
Random Lengths Composite
Average $/MBF
 
 
2015
   
2014
 
         
January
 
$
375
   
$
395
 
February
   
358
     
394
 
March
   
336
     
387
 
                 
First quarter average
 
$
356
   
$
392
 
                 
First quarter percentage change
   
(9.2
%)        
 
In addition, a Southern Yellow Pine ("SYP") composite price, which we prepare and use, is presented below.  Sales of products produced using this species, which primarily consists of our preservative-treated products, may comprise approximately 50% of our sales volume.

   
Random Lengths SYP
Average $/MBF
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
         
January
 
$
408
   
$
375
 
February
   
399
     
398
 
March
   
393
     
406
 
                 
First quarter average
 
$
400
   
$
393
 
                 
First quarter percentage change
   
1.8 
%        
 
IMPACT OF THE LUMBER MARKET ON OUR OPERATING RESULTS

We generally price our products to pass lumber costs through to our customers so that our profitability is based on the value-added manufacturing, distribution, engineering, and other services we provide.  As a result, our sales levels (and working capital requirements) are impacted by the lumber costs of our products.  Lumber costs are a significant percentage of our cost of goods sold.
 
UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
 
Our gross margins are impacted by (1) the relative level of the Lumber Market (i.e. whether prices are higher or lower from comparative periods), and (2) the trend in the market price of lumber (i.e. whether the price of lumber is increasing or decreasing within a period or from period to period). Moreover, as explained below, our products are priced differently.  Some of our products have fixed selling prices, while the selling prices of other products are indexed to the reported Lumber Market with a fixed dollar adder to cover conversion costs and profits.  Consequently, the level and trend of the Lumber Market impact our products differently.

Below is a general description of the primary ways in which our products are priced.

Ÿ Products with fixed selling prices.  These products include value-added products such as deck components and fencing sold to retail building materials customers, as well as trusses, wall panels and other components sold to the residential construction market, and most industrial packaging products.  Prices for these products are generally fixed at the time of the sales quotation for a specified period of time or are based upon a specific quantity.  In order to maintain margins and reduce any exposure to adverse trends in the price of component lumber products, we attempt to lock in costs with our suppliers for these sales commitments.  Also, the time period and quantity limitations generally allow us to re-price our products for changes in lumber costs from our suppliers.

Ÿ Products with selling prices indexed to the reported Lumber Market with a fixed dollar "adder" to cover conversion costs and profits.  These products primarily include treated lumber, remanufactured lumber, and trusses sold to the manufactured housing industry.  For these products, we estimate the customers' needs and we carry anticipated levels of inventory.  Because lumber costs are incurred in advance of final sale prices, subsequent increases or decreases in the market price of lumber impact our gross margins.  For these products, our margins are exposed to changes in the trend of lumber prices.  As a result of the decline in the housing market and our sales to residential and commercial builders, a greater percentage of our sales fall into this general pricing category.  Consequently, we believe our profitability may be impacted to a much greater extent to changes in the trend of lumber prices.

Changes in the trend of lumber prices have their greatest impact on the following products:

Ÿ Products with significant inventory levels with low turnover rates, whose selling prices are indexed to the Lumber Market.  In other words, the longer the period of time these products remain in inventory, the greater the exposure to changes in the price of lumber. This would include treated lumber, which comprises approximately 15% of our total sales.  This exposure is less significant with remanufactured lumber, trusses sold to the manufactured housing market, and other similar products, due to the higher rate of inventory turnover.  We attempt to mitigate the risk associated with treated lumber through vendor consignment inventory programs.  (Please refer to the “Risk Factors” section of our annual report on form 10-K, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.)
 
UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
 
Ÿ Products with fixed selling prices sold under long-term supply arrangements, particularly those involving multi-family construction projects.  We attempt to mitigate this risk through our purchasing practices by locking in costs.

In addition to the impact of the Lumber Market trends on gross margins, changes in the level of the market cause fluctuations in gross margins when comparing operating results from period to period. This is explained in the following example, which assumes the price of lumber has increased from period one to period two, with no changes in the trend within each period.

   
Period 1
   
Period 2
 
         
Lumber cost
 
$
300
   
$
400
 
Conversion cost
   
50
     
50
 
= Product cost
   
350
     
450
 
Adder
   
50
     
50
 
= Sell price
 
$
400
   
$
500
 
Gross margin
   
12.5
%
   
10.0
%

As is apparent from the preceding example, the level of lumber prices does not impact our overall profits, but does impact our margins.  Gross margins are negatively impacted during periods of high lumber prices; conversely, we experience margin improvement when lumber prices are relatively low.
 
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

We completed two business acquisitions during the first quarter of 2015 and five during all of 2014.  Each of the acquisitions was accounted for using the purchase method.  The annual revenue of these acquisitions is approximately $92 million.  These business combinations were not significant to our operating results individually or in aggregate, and thus pro forma results for 2015 and 2014 are not presented.

See Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Note F, "Business Combinations" for additional information.
 
UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the components of our Unaudited  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings as a percentage of net sales.

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 28, 2015
   
March 29, 2014
 
         
Net sales
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
Cost of goods sold
   
87.4
     
88.1
 
Gross profit
   
12.6
     
11.9
 
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
   
9.7
     
9.7
 
Net gain on disposition of assets
   
-
     
(0.1
)
Earnings from operations
   
2.8
     
2.3
 
Other expense, net
   
0.2
     
0.1
 
Earnings before income taxes
   
2.7
     
2.2
 
Income taxes
   
1.0
     
0.8
 
Net earnings
   
1.7
     
1.4
 
Less net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest
   
(0.1
)
   
(0.1
)
Net earnings attributable to controlling interest
   
1.6
%
   
1.3
%
 
Note: Actual percentages are calculated and may not sum to total due to rounding.

GROSS SALES

We design, manufacture and market wood and wood-alternative products for national home centers and other retailers, structural lumber and other products for the manufactured housing industry, engineered wood components for residential and commercial construction, and specialty wood packaging, components and packing materials for various industries.  Our strategic long-term sales objectives include:

Ÿ Diversifying our end market sales mix by increasing sales of specialty wood packaging to industrial users, increasing our penetration of the concrete forming market, increasing our sales of engineered wood components for custom home, multi-family, military and light commercial construction, and increasing our market share with independent retailers.

Ÿ Expanding geographically in our core businesses, domestically and internationally.

Ÿ Increasing sales of “value-added” products, which primarily consist of fencing, decking, lattice, and other specialty products sold to the retail building materials market, specialty wood packaging, engineered wood components, and “wood alternative” products. Engineered wood components include roof trusses, wall panels, and floor systems.  Wood alternative products consist primarily of composite wood and plastics. Although we consider the treatment of dimensional lumber with certain chemical preservatives a value-added process, treated lumber is not presently included in the value-added sales totals.

Ÿ Developing new products and expanding our product offering for existing customers.  New product sales were $38.6 million in the first quarter of 2015 compared to $29.0 million during the first quarter of 2014.
 
UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
 
Ÿ Maximizing unit sales growth while achieving return on investment goals.

The following table presents, for the periods indicated, our gross sales and percentage change in gross sales by market classification.
 
(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Market Classification
 
March 28, 2015
   
March 29, 2014
   
% Change
 
Retail
 
$
229,885
   
$
200,984
     
14.4
 
Industrial
   
211,162
     
171,651
     
23.0
 
Construction
   
200,722
     
189,562
     
5.9
 
Total Gross Sales
   
641,769
     
562,197
     
14.2
 
Sales Allowances
   
(8,744
)
   
(8,199
)
       
Total Net Sales
 
$
633,025
   
$
553,998
     
14.3
 

During 2015, certain customers were reclassified to a different market.  Prior year information has been restated to reflect these changes.

Gross sales in the first quarter of 2015 increased 14.2% compared to the same period of 2014, due to a 14% increase in unit sales as selling prices remained flat due to the Lumber Market.  Businesses we acquired since the first quarter of 2014 contributed 5% to our unit sales growth.

Changes in our gross sales by market are discussed below.

Retail:

Gross sales to the retail building materials market increased over 14% in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, due to an increase in unit sales.  Within this market, sales to our big box customers increased 14.0% while our sales to other retailers increased 14.9%.  Our unit sales increased primarily due to market share gains in certain core product lines, our new product sales initiative, and an improvement in customer and consumer demand.

Industrial:

Gross sales to the industrial market increased 23% in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, resulting from a 22% increase in unit sales and a 1% rise in selling prices.  Businesses we acquired since the first quarter of 2014 contributed 14% to our unit sales growth.  The remaining 8% organic growth was due to a combination of new customers and increased sales to existing customers as we increased market share and demand improved.
 
UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
Construction:

Gross sales to the construction market increased almost 6% in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 2014.  The increase was due to a 6% increase in unit sales while our selling prices remained flat.  By comparison, production of HUD-code homes in January and February 2015 were up 11.5% compared to 2014, as modular home production remained flat, and national housing starts increased approximately 8.2% in the period from December 2014 through February 2015 (our sales trail housing starts by about a month) compared to the same period of 2014.  Our increase in unit sales was primarily driven by a 5% increase in unit sales to the manufactured housing market and a 17% increase in unit sales related to commercial construction.  Our unit sales related to residential construction increased 2% as we continue to be selective in the business that we pursue.

Value-Added and Commodity-Based Sales:

The following table presents, for the periods indicated, our percentage of value-added and commodity-based sales to total sales.  Value-added products generally carry higher gross margins than our commodity-based products.

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 28,
2015
   
March 29,
2014
 
         
Value-Added
   
57.6
%
   
57.7
%
Commodity-Based
   
42.4
%
   
42.3
%

COST OF GOODS SOLD AND GROSS PROFIT

Our gross profit percentage increased to 12.6% from 11.9% comparing the first quarter of 2015 to the same period of 2014.  Our gross profit dollars increased by $13.6 million, or 20.6%, which compares favorably with our 14% increase in unit sales.  The improvement in our profitability in the first quarter of 2015 is attributable to the following factors:

· Over $7.4 million of our gross profit increase is attributable to our growth in sales to the Industrial market.

· Our growth in sales to the Construction market added $4.2 million to our gross profits due in part to our efforts to be more selective in the business that we pursue.

· Our growth in sales to the Retail market added approximately $1.1 million to our gross profits.
 
UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
 
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses increased by approximately $7.8 million, or 14.5%, in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, while we reported a 14% increase in unit sales.  The increase in SG&A was primarily due to increases in compensation and benefit costs tied to an increase in headcount and incentive compensation resulting from an increase in our profitability.  Businesses we acquired since the first quarter of 2014 added almost $3 million to our SG&A costs.  SG&A expenses continue to be a focal point for management.

INTEREST, NET

Net interest costs were higher in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, due to additional interest expense resulting from higher debt levels in 2015.

INCOME TAXES

Effective tax rates differ from statutory federal income tax rates, primarily due to provisions for state and local income taxes and permanent tax differences.  Our effective tax rate was 36.1% in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 35.6% for same period of 2014.  The increase is primarily due to the recognition of a $145,000 non-taxable life insurance benefit in 2014 as well as a decrease of $70,000 in 2015 of state tax credits which the State of California is phasing out beginning in 2015.  This increase is partially offset by a lower state effective income tax rate in 2015.

SEGMENT REPORTING

The following table presents, for the periods indicated, our net sales and earnings from operations by reportable segment.
 
   
Net Sales
   
Earnings from Operations
 
(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 28,
2015
   
March 29,
2014
   
% Change
   
March 28,
2015
   
March 29,
2014
   
% Change
 
North
 
$
179,499
   
$
156,634
     
14.6
   
$
2,710
   
$
1,223
     
121.6
 
South
   
164,195
     
143,360
     
14.5
     
6,002
     
6,273
     
(4.3
)
Western
   
257,579
     
225,400
     
14.3
     
10,519
     
8,845
     
18.9
 
All Other
   
31,752
     
28,604
     
11.0
     
(1,146
)
   
(1,090
)
   
(5.1
)
Corporate1
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(222
)
   
(2,623
)
   
91.5
 
Total
 
$
633,025
   
$
553,998
     
14.3
   
$
17,863
   
$
12,628
     
41.5
 
 
1
 Corporate earnings from operations represents unallocated administrative costs and certain incentive compensation expense.

North

Net sales to the North reportable segment increased in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 2014 due to an increase in sales to retail and manufactured housing customers.
 
UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
 
Earnings from operations for the North reportable segment increased in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to an increase in overall unit sales, improved profitability on our sales to the Construction market, and improved profitability in our Great Lakes region due to an increase in gross margin within the Retail market.

South

Net sales to the South reportable segment increased in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to an increase in sales to the Retail and Industrial markets.

Earnings from operations for the South reportable segment decreased in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to a decrease in gross margin primarily within the Retail and Industrial markets.  The decrease was primarily due to a less favorable Lumber Market and certain large-scale business accepted at a lower margin.

Western

Net sales to the Western reportable segment increased in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to an increase in sales to the Retail and Industrial markets, which were offset by a decrease in sales to Manufactured Housing customers within the Construction market.

Earnings from operations for the Western reportable segment increased in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to the increase in unit sales.
 
All Other

Net sales to all other segments increased in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to an increase in sales to the Retail and Industrial markets.

Earnings from operations for all other segments decreased in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to our Universal Consumer Products operations.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET TRANSACTIONS

We have no significant off-balance sheet transactions other than operating leases.
 
UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The table below presents, for the periods indicated, a summary of our cash flow statement (in thousands):
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 28, 2015
   
March 29, 2014
 
Cash from operating activities
 
(50,545
)
 
(43,660
)
Cash from investing activities
   
(13,441
)
   
(14,425
)
Cash from financing activities
   
87,028
     
58,161
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
   
(154
)
   
(76
)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
   
22,888
     
-
 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
   
-
     
-
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
22,888
   
$
-
 

In general, we financed our growth in the past through a combination of operating cash flows, our revolving credit facility, industrial development bonds (when circumstances permit), and issuance of long-term notes payable at times when interest rates are favorable.  We have not issued equity to finance growth except in the case of a large acquisition.  We manage our capital structure by attempting to maintain a targeted ratio of debt to equity and debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.  We believe this is one of many important factors to maintaining a strong credit profile, which in turn helps ensure timely access to capital when needed.

Seasonality has a significant impact on our working capital from January to August which historically results in negative or modest cash flows from operations in our first and second quarters. Conversely, we experience a substantial decrease in working capital from September to December which typically results in significant cash flow from operations in our third and fourth quarters.

Due to the seasonality of our business and the effects of the Lumber Market, we believe our cash cycle (days of sales outstanding plus days supply of inventory less days payables outstanding) is a good indicator of our working capital management.  Our cash cycle increased to 65 days in the first three months of 2015 from 62 days in the first three months of 2014.  Consistent with our historical pattern, our working capital needs are subject to inclement weather and lower inventory turnover.  In addition, we carried higher levels of safety stock inventory in 2015 due to industry transportation challenges.

Cash used in operating activities was $50.5 million in the first three months of 2015, which was comprised of net earnings of $10.8 million and $10.1 million of non-cash expenses, offset by a $71.4 million increase in working capital since the end of 2014 due to the seasonality of our business.

Purchases of property, plants, and equipment comprised most of our cash used in investing activities during the first three months of 2015 and totaled $15.1 million.  We currently plan to spend up to $45 million in 2015.  Outstanding purchase commitments on existing capital projects totaled approximately $6.6 million on March 28, 2015.  We intend to fund capital expenditures and purchase commitments through our operating cash flows for the balance of the year.  Additionally, we collected $5.8 million of outstanding notes receivables during the first three months of 2015.  Finally, cash flows used in investing activities also included $2.7 million used for acquisitions.  See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements, Note F “Business Combinations”.
 
UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
 
On March 28, 2015, we had $102.0 million outstanding on our $295 million revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facility also supports letters of credit totaling approximately $9.8 million on March 28, 2015.  Financial covenants on the unsecured revolving credit facility and unsecured notes include minimum interest tests and a maximum leverage ratio. The agreements also restrict the amount of additional indebtedness we may incur and the amount of assets which may be sold.  We were in compliance with all our covenant requirements on March 28, 2015.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS AND REGULATIONS

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements, Note E, "Commitments, Contingencies, and Guarantees."
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

In preparing our consolidated financial statements, we follow accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  These principles require us to make certain estimates and apply judgments that affect our financial position and results of operations. We continually review our accounting policies and financial information disclosures.  There have been no material changes in our policies or estimates since December 27, 2014.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

We are exposed to market risks related to fluctuations in interest rates on our variable rate debt, which consists of a revolving credit facility and industrial development revenue bonds.  We do not currently use interest rate swaps, futures contracts or options on futures, or other types of derivative financial instruments to mitigate this risk.

For fixed rate debt, changes in interest rates generally affect the fair market value, but not earnings or cash flows.  Conversely, for variable rate debt, changes in interest rates generally do not influence fair market value, but do affect future earnings and cash flows.  We do not have an obligation to prepay fixed rate debt prior to maturity, and as a result, interest rate risk and changes in fair market value should not have a significant impact on such debt until we would be required to refinance it.

We are subject to fluctuations in the price of lumber.  We experience significant fluctuations in the cost of commodity lumber products from primary producers (the "Lumber Market").  A variety of factors over which we have no control, including government regulations, transportation, environmental regulations, weather conditions, economic conditions, and natural disasters, impact the cost of lumber products and our selling prices.  While we attempt to minimize our risk from severe price fluctuations, substantial, prolonged trends in lumber prices can affect our sales volume, our gross margins, and our profitability.  We anticipate that these fluctuations will continue in the future.  (See “Impact of the Lumber Market on Our Operating Results.”)
 
UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
 
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures.

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.  With the participation of management, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a – 15e and 15d – 15e) as of the quarter ended March 28, 2015 (the “Evaluation Date”), have concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

(b) Changes in Internal Controls.  During the quarter ended March 28, 2015, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

None.

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
 
(a) None.
 
(b)  None.

(c)
Issuer purchases of equity securities.

Fiscal Month
 
(a)
   
(b)
   
(c)
   
(d)
 
                 
December 28 – January 31, 2015(1)
              $
2,883,216
 
February 1 – 28, 2015
   
1,513
   
$
51.32
           
2,881,703
 
March 1 – 28, 2015
                      $
2,881,703
 
(a)
Total number of shares purchased.
(b) Average price paid per share.
(c) Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs.
(d) Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs.
 
(1) On November 14, 2001, the Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program (which succeeded a previous program) allowing us to repurchase up to 2.5 million shares of our common stock.  On October 14, 2011, our Board authorized an additional 2 million shares to be repurchased under our share repurchase program.  The total number of shares that may be repurchased under the program is approximately 3 million shares.

Item 5.  Other Information.

None.

UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION


Item 6.  Exhibits.

The following exhibits (listed by number corresponding to the Exhibit Table as Item 601 in Regulation S-K) are filed with this report:

31 Certifications.
 
(a) Certificate of the Chief Executive Officer of Universal Forest Products, Inc., pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).

(b) Certificate of the Chief Financial Officer of Universal Forest Products, Inc., pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).
 
32 Certifications.

(a) Certificate of the Chief Executive Officer of Universal Forest Products, Inc., pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).

(b) Certificate of the Chief Financial Officer of Universal Forest Products, Inc., pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).

101 Interactive Data File.

(INS) XBRL Instance Document.

(SCH) XBRL Schema Document.

(CAL) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

(LAB) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

(PRE) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

(DEF) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.


Indicates a compensatory arrangement.
 
UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
  UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
 
Date: May 1, 2015
By:
/s/ Matthew J. Missad
  Matthew J. Missad,
  Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer
 
Date: May 1, 2015
By:
/s/ Michael R. Cole
  Michael R. Cole,
  Chief Financial Officer,
  Principal Financial Officer and
  Principal Accounting Officer


EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit No. Description

31 Certifications.
 
(a) Certificate of the Chief Executive Officer of Universal Forest Products, Inc., pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).

(b) Certificate of the Chief Financial Officer of Universal Forest Products, Inc., pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).
 
32 Certifications.

(a) Certificate of the Chief Executive Officer of Universal Forest Products, Inc., pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).

(b) Certificate of the Chief Financial Officer of Universal Forest Products, Inc., pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).

101 Interactive Data File.

(INS) XBRL Instance Document.

(SCH) XBRL Schema Document.

(CAL) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

(LAB) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

(PRE) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

(DEF) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
 

Indicates a compensatory arrangement.
 
 
29