UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
 
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2020
 
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _________ to _________.

Commission File Number: 001-37921
 
FORTERRA, INC.
 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
37-1830464
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

511 East John Carpenter Freeway, 6th Floor, Irving, TX 75062
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(469) 458-7973
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class
 
Trading Symbol
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share
 
FRTA
 
Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

     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 [X] No [ ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).  Yes [X] No [ ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer o
 
Accelerated filer
x
 
Non-accelerated filer
 o
 
Smaller reporting company
x
 
Emerging growth company
o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [ ] No [X]
 
There were 65,112,843 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the registrant outstanding as of April 27, 2020.
 





TABLE OF CONTENTS

  
 
Page
Part I
Financial Information
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
 
 
Part II
Other Information
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5.
Other Information
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements
 
FORTERRA, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share data)

 
 
Three months ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
 
 
(unaudited)
Net sales
 
$
330,876

 
$
291,858

Cost of goods sold
 
272,134

 
250,053

Gross profit
 
58,742

 
41,805

Selling, general & administrative expenses
 
(54,240
)
 
(51,391
)
Impairment and exit charges
 
(824
)
 
(231
)
Other operating income, net
 
330

 
579

 
 
(54,734
)
 
(51,043
)
Income (loss) from operations
 
4,008

 
(9,238
)
 
 
 
 
 
Other income (expense)
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
(20,745
)
 
(24,665
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 
(50
)
 

Earnings from equity method investee
 
2,799

 
1,567

Loss before income taxes
 
(13,988
)
 
(32,336
)
Income tax (expense) benefit
 
(78
)
 
7,297

Net loss
 
$
(14,066
)
 
$
(25,039
)
 
 
 
 
 
Loss per share:
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted
 
$
(0.22
)
 
$
(0.39
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted
 
64,804

 
64,004


See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements


1



FORTERRA, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(in thousands)

 
 
Three months ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
 
 
(unaudited)
Net loss
 
$
(14,066
)
 
$
(25,039
)
Change in other postretirement benefit plans, net of tax
 
(681
)
 
373

Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
(5,699
)
 
1,508

Comprehensive loss
 
$
(20,446
)
 
$
(23,158
)

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements


2



FORTERRA, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)

 
March 31,
2020
 
December 31,
2019
ASSETS
(unaudited)
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
182,411

 
$
34,800

Receivables, net
228,631

 
205,801

Inventories
259,273

 
238,483

Prepaid expenses
12,041

 
11,021

Other current assets
14,024

 
8,890

Total current assets
696,380

 
498,995

Non-current assets
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
464,165

 
475,575

Operating lease right-of-use assets
58,763

 
60,253

Goodwill
507,681

 
508,826

Intangible assets, net
132,252

 
142,674

Investment in equity method investee
51,232

 
50,034

Other long-term assets
2,147

 
3,701

Total assets
$
1,912,620

 
$
1,740,058

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
Trade payables
$
125,321

 
$
102,426

Accrued liabilities
77,384

 
88,839

Deferred revenue
11,769

 
9,527

Current portion of long-term debt
12,510

 
12,510

Current portion of tax receivable agreement
13,145

 
13,145

Total current liabilities
240,129

 
226,447

Non-current liabilities
 
 
 
Long-term debt
1,258,150

 
1,085,793

Long-term finance lease liabilities
137,261

 
137,365

Long-term operating lease liabilities
53,416

 
54,411

Deferred tax liabilities
34,899

 
28,929

Other long-term liabilities
21,334

 
21,906

Long-term tax receivable agreement
64,240

 
64,240

Total liabilities
1,809,429

 
1,619,091

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)


 


Equity
 
 
 
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 190,000 shares authorized; 65,077 and 64,741 shares issued and outstanding
19

 
19

Additional paid-in-capital
247,042

 
244,372

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(13,443
)
 
(7,063
)
Retained deficit
(130,427
)
 
(116,361
)
Total shareholders' equity
103,191

 
120,967

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
1,912,620

 
$
1,740,058


See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements


3



FORTERRA, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
(in thousands, except share data)
(unaudited)
 
 
Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Additional Paid-in-Capital
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Retained Deficit
 
Total Shareholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2019
 
64,740,667

 
$
19

 
$
244,372

 
$
(7,063
)
 
$
(116,361
)
 
$
120,967

Share-based compensation expense
 

 

 
2,864

 

 

 
2,864

Stock-based plan activity
 
336,752

 

 
(194
)
 

 

 
(194
)
Comprehensive loss:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss
 

 

 

 

 
(14,066
)
 
(14,066
)
Change in other postretirement benefit plans, net of tax
 

 

 

 
(681
)
 

 
(681
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 

 

 

 
(5,699
)
 

 
(5,699
)
Balance at March 31, 2020
 
65,077,419

 
$
19

 
$
247,042

 
$
(13,443
)
 
$
(130,427
)
 
$
103,191



 
 
Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Additional Paid-in-Capital
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Retained Deficit
 
Total Shareholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2018
 
64,205,604

 
$
18

 
$
234,931

 
$
(10,740
)
 
$
(115,987
)
 
$
108,222

Cumulative effect of accounting changes, net of tax
 

 

 

 

 
6,957

 
6,957

Share-based compensation expense
 

 

 
1,529

 

 

 
1,529

Stock-based plan activity
 
57,106

 

 
(26
)
 

 

 
(26
)
Comprehensive loss:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss
 

 

 

 

 
(25,039
)
 
(25,039
)
Change in other postretirement benefit plans, net of tax
 

 

 

 
373

 

 
373

Foreign currency translation adjustment
 

 

 

 
1,508

 

 
1,508

Balance at March 31, 2019
 
64,262,710

 
$
18

 
$
236,434

 
$
(8,859
)
 
$
(134,069
)
 
$
93,524


See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements


4



FORTERRA, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
 
 
Three months ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
(unaudited)
Net loss
 
$
(14,066
)
 
$
(25,039
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation & amortization expense
 
22,501

 
24,392

(Gain) / loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
 
36

 
(53
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 
50

 

Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs
 
1,871

 
1,999

Stock-based compensation expense
 
2,864

 
1,529

Earnings from equity method investee
 
(2,799
)
 
(1,567
)
Distributions from equity method investee
 
1,600

 
1,500

Unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net
 
746

 
2,092

Unrealized foreign currency loss / (gain), net
 
335

 
(260
)
Provision (recoveries) for doubtful accounts
 
(132
)
 
487

Deferred taxes
 
5,970

 
(5,927
)
Other non-cash items
 
1,106

 
387

Change in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Receivables, net
 
(23,371
)
 
(8,145
)
Inventories
 
(21,842
)
 
(20,100
)
Other current assets
 
(6,572
)
 
(2,860
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
11,406

 
(12,447
)
Other assets & liabilities
 
1,072

 
57

NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
(19,225
)
 
(43,955
)
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets
 
(4,278
)
 
(22,949
)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
 

 
174

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
(4,278
)
 
(22,775
)
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
Payments on term loans
 
(8,071
)
 
(3,128
)
Proceeds from revolver
 
180,000

 
42,000

Other financing activities
 
(341
)
 
(183
)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
171,588

 
38,689

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 
(474
)
 
423

Net change in cash and cash equivalents
 
147,611

 
(27,618
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
 
34,800

 
35,793

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
182,411

 
$
8,175

 
 
 
 
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:
Cash interest paid
 
$
17,138

 
$
18,987

Income taxes paid (refunds received), net
 
(99
)
 
1,209

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

5


FORTERRA, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements




1. Description of the business

Forterra, Inc. (“Forterra” or the ‘‘Company’’) is involved in the manufacturing, sale and distribution of building products in the United States (“U.S.”) and Eastern Canada. Forterra’s primary products are concrete drainage pipe, precast concrete structures, and water transmission pipe used in drinking and wastewater systems. These products are used in the infrastructure, residential and non-residential sectors of the construction industry.
 

2. Summary of significant accounting policies

General

The Company's condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and include the accounts and results of operations of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The condensed consolidated balance sheets and the condensed consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), cash flows and equity for the periods presented herein reflect all adjustments that are of a normal recurring nature and are necessary for a fair statement of the results of the periods shown. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

The results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2020. Seasonal changes and other conditions can affect the sales volumes of the Company's products. The financial results for any interim period do not necessarily indicate the expected results for the year.

These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2019 as provided in Forterra, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the SEC on February 27, 2020 (the “2019 10-K”). The Company has continued to follow the accounting policies set forth in those financial statements, except as supplemented and documented below. Certain prior year numbers were reclassified to conform with current year presentation. Such reclassification had no impact on the previously reported results of operations.

Use of estimates

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the reporting date, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. These estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions that the Company may undertake in the future. The more significant estimates made by management relate to fair value estimates for assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations; estimates for accrued liabilities for environmental cleanup, bodily injury and insurance claims; estimates for commitments and contingencies; and estimates for the realizability of deferred tax assets, the tax receivable agreement obligation, inventory reserves, allowance for doubtful accounts and impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets.

Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company had an individual customer within its Water Pipe & Products segment that accounted for approximately 18% and 14% of the Company's total net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and receivables at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 representing 18% and 13% of the Company's total receivables, net, respectively.


6


FORTERRA, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements



Credit Losses

Trade accounts receivable. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the Company’s assessment of the collectibility of customer accounts. The Company regularly reviews the allowance by considering factors such as historical experience, credit quality, the age of the accounts receivable balances, and current economic conditions that may affect a customer’s ability to pay.

The Company's exposure to credit losses may increase if one or more of its customers are adversely affected by changes in laws or other government recommendations or mandates, economic pressures or uncertainty associated with local or global economic recessions, disruption or other impacts associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 ("COVID-19") pandemic, or other customer-specific factors. Although the Company has historically not experienced significant credit losses, it is possible that there could be a material adverse impact from potential adjustments of the carrying amount of trade receivables as customers are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recent Accounting Guidance Adopted

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13, Financial Instruments–Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The standard replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology under current U.S. GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires the use of a forward-looking expected credit loss model for accounts receivables, loans, and other financial instruments. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2020 using a modified retrospective approach, which did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The amendments in the ASU provide optional guidance for a limited time to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. The new guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments apply only to contracts and hedging relationships that reference London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") or another reference rate expected to be discontinued due to reference rate reform. The guidance was effective upon issuance and generally can be applied through December 31, 2022. The effects of this standard on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements are not expected to be material.

Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (Topic 740). The new guidance simplifies the accounting for income taxes by eliminating certain exceptions related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period, hybrid taxes, and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences.  It also clarifies and simplifies other aspects of the accounting for income taxes.  For public companies, the amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption is permitted in interim or annual periods with any adjustments reflected as of the beginning of the annual period that includes that interim period.  Additionally, entities that elect early adoption must adopt all the amendments in the same period.  Amendments are to be applied prospectively, except for certain amendments that are to be applied either retrospectively or with a modified retrospective approach through a cumulative effect adjustment recorded to retained earnings.  The effects of this standard on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements are not expected to be material.


3. Acquisitions

On March 1, 2019, the Company acquired certain assets of Texas limited liability companies Houston Buckner Precast, LLC, Buckner Precast, LLC, Montgomery 18905 E. Industrial, LLC, and 1763 Old Denton Road,

7


FORTERRA, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements



LLC (altogether "Buckner") for consideration of $11.8 million in cash, inclusive of a working capital adjustment.  The acquired Buckner assets did not meet the definition of a business and, as such, the transaction was accounted for as an asset acquisition pursuant to the guidance in subsection 805-50 of ASC 805, Business Combinations. The assets operate as part of the Company’s Drainage Pipe & Products segment.     


4. Receivables, net
    
Receivables consist of the following (in thousands):

 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2020
 
2019
Trade receivables
$
198,358

 
$
178,698

Amounts billed but not yet paid under retainage provisions
3,711

 
3,093

Other receivables
28,385

 
26,078

Total receivables
230,454

 
207,869

Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts
(1,823
)
 
(2,068
)
Receivables, net
$
228,631

 
$
205,801



5. Inventories

Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2020
 
2019
Finished goods
$
176,908

 
$
161,440

Raw materials
81,774

 
76,237

Work in process
591

 
806

Total inventories
$
259,273

 
$
238,483



6. Investment in equity method investee

The Company owns 50% of the Common Unit voting shares of Concrete Pipe & Precast LLC ("CP&P") and consequently, has recorded its investment in the Common Unit voting shares in accordance with ASC 323, Investments Equity Method and Joint Ventures, under the equity method of accounting.

The Company's investment in the joint venture was $51.2 million at March 31, 2020, which is included within the Drainage Pipe & Products segment. At March 31, 2020, the difference between the amount at which the Company's investment is carried and the amount of the Company's share of the underlying equity in net assets of CP&P was approximately $13.0 million. The basis difference is primarily attributed to the value of land and equity method goodwill associated with the investment.


8


FORTERRA, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements



The following reflects the Company's distribution and earnings in the equity investment (in thousands):

 
 
Three months ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2020
2019
Distribution received from CP&P
 
$
(1,600
)
$
(1,500
)
Share of earnings in CP&P
 
2,816

1,585

Amortization of excess fair value of investment
 
(18
)
(18
)
    
Selected financial data for CP&P on a 100% basis is as follows (in thousands):

 
 
Three months ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2020
2019
Net sales
 
$
34,758

$
28,249

Gross profit
 
10,537

7,954

Income from operations
 
5,620

3,180

Net income
 
5,557

3,117



7. Property, plant and equipment, net

Property, plant and equipment, net, consist of the following (in thousands):

 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2020
 
2019
Machinery and equipment
$
408,063

 
$
398,127

Land, buildings and improvements
240,894

 
240,403

Other equipment
8,666

 
8,660

Construction-in-progress
18,630

 
29,157

Total property, plant and equipment
676,253

 
676,347

Less: accumulated depreciation
(212,088
)
 
(200,772
)
Property, plant and equipment, net
$
464,165

 
$
475,575


Depreciation expense totaled $12.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, and $12.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, which is included in cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.


9


FORTERRA, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements




8. Goodwill and other intangible assets, net

    The Company has recorded goodwill in connection with its acquisition of businesses. The following table summarizes the changes in goodwill by operating segment for the three months ended March 31, 2020 (in thousands):
 
Drainage Pipe & Products
 
Water Pipe & Products
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2019
$
190,466

 
$
318,360

 
$
508,826

Foreign currency and other adjustments
(1,145
)
 

 
(1,145
)
Balance at March 31, 2020
$
189,321

 
$
318,360

 
$
507,681



Intangible assets other than goodwill at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 included the following (in thousands):
 
Net carrying value as of March 31, 2020
 
Net carrying value as of December 31, 2019
Customer relationships
$
93,277

 
$
100,869

Trade names
18,453

 
19,626

Patents
7,012

 
7,673

Non-compete agreements
7,186

 
8,070

Developed technology
5,887

 
5,980

Other
437

 
456

Total intangible assets
$
132,252

 
$
142,674


Amortization expense totaled $10.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, and $11.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. All of the Company's intangible assets are amortizable.


9. Fair value measurement

The Company's financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, derivative instruments, accounts payable, long-term debt, operating and finance lease liabilities, accrued liabilities and the tax receivable agreement obligation. The carrying value of the Company's trade receivables, other receivables, trade payables, the asset-based revolver and accrued liabilities approximates fair value due to their short-term maturity or other terms related to these financial instruments. The Company may adjust the carrying amount of certain non-financial assets to fair value on a non-recurring basis when they are impaired.
 

10


FORTERRA, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements



The estimated carrying amount and fair value of the Company’s financial instruments measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows for the dates indicated (in thousands):
 
Fair value measurements at March 31, 2020 using
 
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Total Fair Value March 31, 2020
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Derivative liability
$

$
488

$

$
488

 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value measurements at December 31, 2019 using
 
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Total Fair Value December 31, 2019
Assets:
 
 
 
 
Derivative asset
$

$
258

$

$
258


Liabilities and assets classified as level 2 which are recorded at fair value are valued using observable market inputs. The fair values of derivative assets and liabilities are determined using quantitative models that utilize multiple market inputs including interest rates and exchange rates to generate continuous yield or pricing curves and volatility factors to value the position. The majority of market inputs are actively quoted and can be validated through external sources, including brokers, market transactions and third-party pricing services. The fair values of derivative assets and liabilities include adjustments for market liquidity, counter-party credit quality, and other instrument-specific factors, where appropriate. In addition, the Company incorporates within its fair value measurements a valuation adjustment to reflect the credit risk associated with the net position. Positions are netted by counter-parties, and fair value for net long exposures is adjusted for counter-party credit risk while the fair value for net short exposures is adjusted for the Company’s own credit risk.
 
The estimated carrying amount and fair value of the Company’s financial instruments and liabilities for which fair value is only disclosed is as follows (in thousands):

 
 
Fair value measurements at March 31, 2020 using
 
 
Carrying Amount March 31, 2020
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Total Fair Value March 31, 2020
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Term Loan
$
1,091,949

$

$
926,343

$

$
926,343

Tax receivable agreement payable
77,385



48,505

48,505


 
 
Fair value measurements at December 31, 2019 using
 
 
Carrying Amount December 31, 2019
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Total Fair Value December 31, 2019
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Term Loan
$
1,098,303

$

$
1,102,295

$

$
1,102,295

Tax receivable agreement payable
77,385



47,625

47,625



11


FORTERRA, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements



The fair value of debt is valued using a market approach based on indicative quoted prices for the Company's debt instruments traded in over-the-counter markets and, therefore, is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. See Note 11, Debt and deferred financing costs, for a further discussion of Company debt.

The determination of the fair value of the Company's tax receivable agreement payable was determined using a discounted cash flow methodology with level 3 inputs as defined by ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. The determination of fair value required significant judgment, including estimates of the timing and amounts of various tax attributes. These estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions that the Company may undertake in the future. Actual results could differ from these estimates. See Note 14, Commitments and contingencies, for a further discussion of the Company's tax receivable agreement.


10.    Accrued liabilities

Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2020
 
2019
Accrued payroll and employee benefits
$
24,496

 
$
32,815

Short-term finance leases
16,395

 
16,542

Short-term operating leases
8,605

 
8,784

Accrued taxes
6,770

 
5,354

Warranty
5,412

 
5,536

Accrued rebates
5,724

 
9,895

Environmental obligation
731

 
718

Other miscellaneous accrued liabilities
9,251

 
9,195

Total accrued liabilities
$
77,384

 
$
88,839



11. Debt and deferred financing costs

The Company’s debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2020
 
2019
Term Loan, net of debt issuance costs and original issuance discount of $23,281 and $25,055, respectively
$
1,091,949

 
$
1,098,303

Revolver, net of debt issuance costs of $1,289
178,711

 

Total debt
$
1,270,660

 
$
1,098,303

  Less: current portion debt
(12,510
)
 
(12,510
)
Total long-term debt
$
1,258,150

 
$
1,085,793


Forterra has a $300 million asset based revolving credit facility for working capital and general corporate purposes (“Revolver”) and a $1.1 billion senior term loan facility (“Term Loan”).

The Term Loan provided for a $1.25 billion senior secured term loan. Subject to the conditions set forth in the term loan agreement, the Term Loan may be increased by (i) up to the greater of $285.0 million and 1.0x consolidated EBITDA (defined below) of Forterra and its restricted subsidiaries for the four quarters most recently ended prior to such incurrence plus (ii) the aggregate amount of any voluntary prepayments, plus (iii) an additional amount, provided certain financial tests are met.


12


FORTERRA, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements



The Term Loan matures on October 25, 2023 and is subject to quarterly amortization equal to 0.25% of the initial principal amount. Interest accrues on outstanding borrowings thereunder at a rate equal to LIBOR (with a floor of 1.0%) or an alternate base rate, in each case plus a margin of 3.00% or 2.00%, respectively. The weighted average interest rates for the Term Loan were 4.7% and 5.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019, respectively.

During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company repurchased $5.0 million of the Term Loan before its maturity at a market value of $4.9 million. Consequently, the Company wrote off a proportionate share of debt issuance costs of $0.1 million and recognized a net loss of $0.1 million on the early extinguishment of debt which was included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Outstanding borrowings under the Term Loan are guaranteed by Forterra and each of its direct and indirect material wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries except certain excluded subsidiaries (the "Guarantors"). The Term Loan is secured by substantially all of the assets of Forterra, the borrower and the Guarantors; provided that the obligations under the Term Loan are not secured by any liens on more than 65% of the voting stock of the Canadian subsidiaries or assets of the Canadian subsidiaries. The Term Loan contains customary representations and warranties, and affirmative and negative covenants, that, among other things, restrict the ability of Forterra and its restricted subsidiaries to incur additional debt, incur or permit liens on assets, make investments and acquisitions, consolidate or merge with any other company, engage in asset sales and pay dividends and make distributions. The Term Loan does not contain any financial covenants. Obligations under the Term Loan may be accelerated upon certain customary events of default (subject to grace periods, as appropriate).
    
The Revolver provides for an aggregate principal amount of up to $300.0 million, with up to $280.0 million to be made available to the U.S. borrowers and up to $20.0 million to be made available to the Canadian borrowers (the allocation may be modified periodically at the Company's request). Subject to the conditions set forth in the revolving credit agreement related to the Revolver (the "Revolving Credit Agreement"), the Revolver may be increased by up to the greater of (i) $100.0 million and (ii) such amount as would not cause the aggregate borrowing base to be exceeded by more than $50.0 million. Borrowings under the Revolver may not exceed a borrowing base equal to the sum of (i) 100% of eligible cash, (ii) 85% of eligible accounts receivable and (iii) the lesser of (a) 75% of eligible inventory and (b) 85% of the orderly liquidation value of eligible inventory, with the U.S. and Canadian borrowings being subject to separate borrowing base limitations. The advance rates for accounts receivable and inventory are subject to increase by 2.5% during certain periods. As of March 31, 2020, the Revolver had $180.0 million outstanding borrowings, and the weighted average interest rate was 2.06% for borrowings during the period. As of December 31, 2019, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Revolver.

The Revolver matures on October 25, 2021. The Revolver also provides for the issuance of letters of credit of up to an agreed sublimit. Interest accrues on outstanding borrowings at a rate equal to LIBOR or CDOR plus a margin ranging from 1.25% to 1.75% per annum, or at an alternate base rate, Canadian prime rate or Canadian base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.25% to 0.75% per annum, in each case, based upon the average excess availability under the Revolver for the most recently completed calendar quarter. The obligations of the borrowers under the Revolver are guaranteed by Forterra and its direct and indirect wholly-owned restricted subsidiaries other than certain excluded subsidiaries; provided that the obligations of the U.S. borrowers are not guaranteed by the Canadian subsidiaries. The Revolver is secured by substantially all of the assets of the borrowers; provided that the obligations of the U.S. borrowers are not secured by any liens on more than 65% of the voting stock of the Canadian subsidiaries or assets of the Canadian subsidiaries.

In addition, Forterra pays a facility fee of between 20.0 and 32.5 basis points per annum based upon the utilization of the total Revolver. Availability under the Revolver, based on draws, outstanding letters of credit of $15.4 million, as well as allowable borrowing base as of March 31, 2020, was $72.1 million.

The Revolver and the Term Loan contain customary representations and warranties, and affirmative and negative covenants, including representations, warranties, and covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of Forterra and its restricted subsidiaries to incur additional debt, incur or permit liens on assets, make

13


FORTERRA, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements



investments and acquisitions, consolidate or merge with any other company, engage in asset sales and pay dividends and make distributions. The Revolver contains a financial covenant restricting Forterra from allowing its fixed charge coverage ratio to drop below 1.00:1.00 during a compliance period, which is triggered when the availability under the Revolver falls below a threshold set forth in the Revolving Credit Agreement. Obligations under the Revolver and the Term Loan may be accelerated upon certain customary events of default (subject to grace periods, as appropriate). The fixed charge coverage ratio is the ratio of consolidated earnings before interest, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA’’) less cash payments for capital expenditures and income taxes to consolidated fixed charges (interest expense plus scheduled payments of principal on indebtedness).

As of March 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all applicable covenants under the Revolver and the Term Loan.

As of March 31, 2020, scheduled maturities of long-term debt were as follows (in thousands):

 
Total
 
Term Loan
 
Revolver
2020
$
9,383

 
$
9,383

 
$

2021
192,510

 
12,510

 
180,000

2022
12,510

 
12,510

 

2023
1,080,827

 
1,080,827

 

 
$
1,295,230

 
$
1,115,230

 
$
180,000



12. Derivatives and hedging

The Company uses derivatives to manage selected foreign exchange and interest rate exposures. The Company does not use derivative instruments for speculative trading purposes, and cash flows from derivative instruments are included in net cash provided by (used in) operating activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

On March 30, 2020, Forterra entered into an interest rate swap transaction with a notional value of $400 million. Under the terms of the swap transaction, Forterra agreed to pay a fixed rate of interest of 1.08% and receive floating rate of interest indexed to one-month LIBOR, subject to a minimum of 1.00%, with monthly settlement terms with the swap counterparty. The swap has a 30-month term and expires on September 30, 2022. The interest rate swap is not designated as a cash flow hedge, therefore all changes in the fair value of the instrument are captured as a component of interest expense in the statements of operations. Accordingly, cash flows from the monthly interest rate swap settlements are included in net cash provided by (used in) operating activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

    On February 9, 2017, Forterra entered into interest rate swap transactions with a combined notional value of $525 million.  Under the terms of the swap transactions, Forterra agreed to pay a fixed rate of interest of 1.52% and receive floating rate interest indexed to one-month LIBOR with monthly settlement terms with the swap counterparties.  The swaps were not designated as cash flow hedges, had a three-year term, and expired on March 31, 2020.

The Company elects to present all derivative assets and derivative liabilities on a net basis on its condensed consolidated balance sheets when a legally enforceable International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) Master Agreement exists. An ISDA Master Agreement is an agreement between two counterparties, which may have multiple derivative transactions with each other governed by such agreement, and such ISDA Master Agreement generally provides for the net settlement of all or a specified group of these derivative transactions, through a single payment, in a single currency, in the event of a default on, or affecting any, one derivative transaction or a termination event affecting all, or a specified group of, derivative transactions. At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company’s derivative instruments fall under an ISDA master netting agreement.

14


FORTERRA, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements




The following table presents the fair values of derivative assets and liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):
 
March 31, 2020
 
Derivative Assets
 
Derivative Liabilities
 
Notional Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Notional Amount
 
Fair Value
Interest rate swaps
$

 
$

 
$
400,000

 
$
488

Total derivatives, gross
 
 

 
 
 
488

Less: Legally enforceable master netting agreements
 
 

 
 
 

Total derivatives, net


 
$

 
 
 
$
488


 
December 31, 2019
 
Derivative Assets
 
Derivative Liabilities
 
Notional Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Notional Amount
 
Fair Value
Interest rate swaps
$
525,000

 
$
258

 
$

 
$

Total derivatives, gross
 
 
258

 
 
 

Less: Legally enforceable master netting agreements
 
 

 
 
 

Total derivatives, net
 
 
$
258

 
 
 
$


The following table presents the effect of derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
 
 
Three months ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2020
2019
Derivatives not designated as hedges
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
 
 
Loss on derivatives not designated as hedges included in interest expense
 
(746
)
(2,092
)


13.    Leases

The Company leases land and buildings, office spaces, vehicles, machinery and equipment under various lease agreements. A large portion of the Company’s leases were the result of the 2016 sale and leaseback of land and buildings related to certain production facilities. These leases have an initial term of 25 years, followed by one optional renewal term of approximately ten years that may be exercised at the Company’s discretion. These leases, with the exception of certain land leases, are classified as finance leases. The Company’s operating leases are mainly comprised of land and buildings, office spaces, vehicles, machinery and equipment leases, and have remaining terms of one to 25 years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to 10 years.

We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Leases with an initial term of less than 12 months
are not recorded on the balance sheet. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use, or ROU,
assets, accrued liabilities, and long-term operating lease liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in property, plant and equipment, accrued liabilities, and long-term finance lease liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

    

15


FORTERRA, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements



14. Commitments and contingencies

Legal matters

The Company is involved in legal proceedings and litigation in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations, or liquidity. Other than routine litigation incidental to the Company's business and those matters described below, there are no material legal proceedings to which the Company is a party or to which any of the Company’s properties are subject.

Earnout Dispute

On March 13, 2015, through an indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Lone Star Fund IX (U.S.), L.P. (which is referred to, along with its affiliates and associates, but excluding Forterra and other companies that it owns as a result of its investment activity, as "Lone Star") acquired the building products business of HeidelbergCement AG, ("HC"), in the United States and Eastern Canada, (the "Acquisition"). The Acquisition purchase agreement included an earnout, which provided for the payment of contingent consideration of up to $100.0 million, if and to the extent the 2015 financial results of the businesses acquired by Lone Star in the Acquisition, including the Company and HC's former building products business in the United Kingdom, exceeded a specified Adjusted EBITDA target for fiscal year 2015, as calculated pursuant to the terms of the purchase agreement. If such Adjusted EBITDA calculation exceeded the specified target, LSF9 Concrete Holdings Ltd. ("LSF9") and, as a result of the internal reorganization transaction effected prior to the Company's initial public offering ("IPO"), the Company would be required to pay the U.S. affiliate of HC an amount equal to a multiple of such excess Adjusted EBITDA, with any payment capped at $100.0 million. In April 2016, the Company provided an earnout statement to affiliates of HC demonstrating that no payment was required. On June 13, 2016, HC provided notification that it disputed, among other things, the Company’s calculation of Adjusted EBITDA under the purchase agreement and asserting that a payment should be made in the amount of $100.0 million. The Company does not believe HC’s position has merit and is vigorously opposing HC's assertions. On October 5, 2016, affiliates of HC filed a lawsuit in the Delaware Court of Chancery seeking specific performance and claiming access to the Company's books, records, and personnel; seeking a declaratory judgment concerning the scope of the neutral accounting expert’s authority; and in the alternative, claiming a breach of contract and seeking the $100.0 million and other damages (the "Delaware Action"). On December 8, 2017, the court granted the defendants' Motion to Dismiss the First Amended Complaint in the Delaware Action, finding that the earnout dispute should be heard before a neutral accounting arbitrator as set forth in the purchase agreement and that any claims that were required to be brought as indemnification claims under the purchase agreement were time-barred by the contractual limitations period. Following the dismissal of the Delaware Action, the Company and HC jointly engaged a neutral accounting expert to act as an arbitrator in the dispute as required by the purchase agreement. After briefing certain preliminary matters for the arbitrator and the production of additional documents, the parties began briefing the issues on the merits for the neutral accounting arbitrator, which was completed in April 2020. The arbitrator will have an opportunity to ask written questions of both parties, and a final hearing on the dispute is currently scheduled to be held on June 23 and 24, 2020, subject to any potential delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a written decision from the neutral accounting arbitrator expected within 60 days thereafter. As of March 31, 2020, no liability for this contingency has been accrued as payment of any earnout is not considered probable. However, the outcome of this matter is uncertain, and no assurance can be given to the ultimate outcome of the resulting proceedings. If the Company is unsuccessful in resolving the dispute, it could recognize a material charge to its earnings.

Securities Action and Derivative Actions

Beginning on August 14, 2017, four plaintiffs filed putative class action complaints in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York against various defendants. On July 27, 2018, an order was entered consolidating the lawsuits into a single action (the "Securities Action") and transferring the venue of the case from the Eastern District of New York to the Northern District of Texas. Pursuant to an agreed scheduling order, plaintiffs in the Securities Action filed their Consolidated Amended Complaint on November 30, 2018.


16


FORTERRA, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements



The Securities Action is brought by two plaintiffs individually and on behalf of all persons that purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's common stock issued pursuant to and/or traceable to the IPO and is brought against the Company, certain of its current and former officers and directors, Lone Star and certain of its affiliates, and certain banks that acted as underwriters of the IPO (collectively, the “Securities Defendants”). The Securities Action generally alleges that the Company's registration statement on Form S-1 filed in connection with the IPO (the "Registration Statement") contained false or misleading statements and/or omissions of material facts. Specifically, plaintiffs allege the Registration Statement (1) made false and/or misleading statements about the Company's ability to generate organic growth through cross-selling initiatives amongst the Company's various businesses while failing to disclose that the Company had not adequately integrated acquisitions, had not begun rolling out its cross-selling initiative, and that its businesses were submitting competing bids against one another, and (2) made false or misleading statements regarding the existence of certain accounting practices and alleged material weaknesses in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting, including the existence of and accounting for bill and hold transactions, the lack of sufficient accounting personnel, the lack of effective internal controls to ensure costs were properly and accurately accrued, resulting in misstated costs and profits in the Company's 2016 financial statements, and the making of inventory accounting entries without adequate substantiation or documentation. The Securities Action asserts claims under Section 11 and Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the "Securities Act") and seeks (1) class certification under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, (2) damages suffered by plaintiffs and other class members, (3) prejudgment and post-judgment interest, (4) reasonable counsel fees and expert fees, and other costs and expenses reasonably incurred, and (5) other relief the court deems appropriate.

On February 15, 2019, the Securities Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss all claims in the case based on plaintiffs' failure to state a claim. Briefing on the motion to dismiss was completed on May 1, 2019, and the court has not yet ruled on the motion. A mediation of the Securities Action occurred in August 2019. On November 4, 2019, the parties to the Securities Action entered into a settlement agreement that is intended to fully and finally resolve all claims in the Securities Action. On January 4, 2020, the court issued an order granting preliminary approval for the settlement and providing for notice. Approval of the settlement in the Securities Action is set for final hearing on July 21, 2020, but approval cannot be guaranteed. The terms of the settlement are expected to be paid by the Company's insurance.

On July 31, 2018, a putative shareholder derivative complaint captioned Maloney v. Bradley, et al., was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, alleging that certain of the Company’s current and former directors and officers had breached their fiduciary duties, committed constructive fraud, wasted corporate assets, and that certain of them had been unjustly enriched (the "Maloney Texas Action"). On July 30, 2019, the court in the Maloney Texas Action granted the defendants' motion to dismiss on the grounds that the case should have been brought in Delaware according to the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. On September 23, 2019, the same plaintiff filed a putative shareholder derivative complaint captioned Maloney v. Bradley, et al. in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, naming as defendants certain of the Company’s current and former directors and officers (the "Maloney Delaware Action"). The complaint alleges the defendants violated Sections 14A and 20(A) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, breached their fiduciary duties, and wasted corporate assets, and also asserts unjust enrichment claims against certain defendants. The complaint seeks, on behalf of the Company, unspecified damages, an order directing the return of certain payments to the defendants and imposing a constructive trust thereon, certain injunctive relief, reasonable costs and attorneys' fees, and punitive damages.

On January 15, 2019, a putative shareholder derivative complaint captioned Lee v. Bradley, et al., was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, naming as defendants certain of the Company’s current and former directors and officers (the "Lee Action"). The complaint alleges the defendants violated Section 14A of the Securities and Exchange Act of1934, as amended, and related rules by failing to make certain disclosures in the Company's proxy solicitation in advance of the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and that defendants breached their fiduciary duties, wasted corporate assets, and committed constructive fraud. The complaint also asserts unjust enrichment claims against certain defendants. The complaint seeks, on behalf of the Company, unspecified damages, an order directing the return of certain payments to the defendants, certain injunctive relief, and reasonable costs and attorneys' fees. On April 18, 2019, the court entered an agreed stipulation staying the Lee Action until the court in the Securities Action rules on the motion to dismiss in that case.

17


FORTERRA, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements



On December 11, 2019, the court in the Lee Action entered a Stipulation and Order consolidating the Lee Action and the Maloney Delaware Action into a single case (the "Consolidated Lee Action"), and providing a schedule for filing of an amended complaint and motions to dismiss, which has been further extended by agreement of the parties given the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Company and other defendants are vigorously defending the Consolidated Lee Action. Given the stage of the proceedings, the Company cannot reasonably estimate at this time the possible loss or range of loss, if any, that may arise from the Consolidated Lee Action.
 
Long-term Incentive Plan

Following the Acquisition, Lone Star implemented a cash-based long term incentive plan (the “LTIP”) which entitles the participants in the LTIP to a potential cash payout upon a monetization event as defined by the LTIP. Potential monetization events include the sale, transfer or otherwise disposition of all or a portion of the Company or successor entities of LSF9, an initial public offering where Lone Star reduces its ownership interest in the Company or successor entities of LSF9, or through certain cash distribution as defined in the LTIP. Before the payout of any cash the LTIP requires Lone Star realize in cash the full return of their investment plus a specified internal rate of return, which is calculated by comparing the return to Lone Star over the timeline of its investment in the Company and certain successor entities of LSF9. As of March 31, 2020, no such monetization events that meet the required return for an LTIP payment have occurred, and therefore no amounts were accrued in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. While no payments have occurred thus far, payments under the LTIP could be significant depending upon future monetization events. The timing and amount of such payments are unknown and are dependent upon future monetization events and market conditions that are outside of the control of the Company or the participants of the plan. Subsequent to the IPO, Forterra became directly liable for any payment obligations triggered under the LTIP, but LSF9 or one of its affiliates will remain obligated to make payments to the Company in amounts equal to any payment obligations triggered under the LTIP as and when such payment obligations are triggered.

Leases

The Company leases certain property and equipment for various periods under non-cancelable operating and finance leases.

Tax receivable agreement

The Company has a tax receivable agreement (the "TRA") with Lone Star that provides for, among other things, the payment by the Company to Lone Star of 85% of the amount of certain covered tax benefits, which may reduce the actual liability for certain taxes that the Company might otherwise be required to pay. The tax benefits subject to the TRA include: (i) all depreciation and amortization deductions, and any offset to taxable income and gain or increase to taxable loss, resulting from the tax basis that the Company had in its assets as of the time of the consummation of the IPO, (ii) the utilization of the Company's and its subsidiaries’ net operating losses and tax credits, if any, attributable to periods prior to the IPO, (iii) deductions in respect of payments made, funded or reimbursed by an initial party to the tax receivable agreement (other than the Company or one of its subsidiaries) or an affiliate thereof to participants under the LTIP, (iv) deductions in respect of transaction expenses attributable to the acquisition of USP Holdings, Inc. and (v) certain other tax benefits attributable to payments made under the tax receivable agreement.

For purposes of the TRA, the aggregate reduction in income tax payable by the Company will be computed by comparing the Company's actual income tax liability with its hypothetical liability had it not been able to utilize the related tax benefits. The agreement will remain in effect for the period of time in which any such related tax benefits remain. The Company accounts for potential payments under the TRA as a contingent liability, with amounts accrued when considered probable and reasonably estimable. The liability recorded by the Company for the TRA at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was $77.4 million and $77.4 million, respectively. The timing and amount of future tax benefits associated with the TRA are subject to change, and additional payments may be required which could be materially different from the current accrued liability. The Company

18


FORTERRA, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements



anticipates that it will have sufficient taxable income in future periods to realize the full value of the obligation recorded. Future tax receivable agreement payments related to the tax basis of assets at the time of the IPO will be recorded as a reduction to the liability and will be recorded as a financing activity in the consolidated statement of cash flows. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, no payments were made on the TRA to Lone Star.


15. Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share (EPS) is calculated by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive securities include employee stock options and shares of restricted stock. Diluted EPS reflects the assumed exercise, vesting or conversion of all dilutive securities.

The calculations of the basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 are presented below (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 
 
For the three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
2019
Net loss
 
$
(14,066
)
$
(25,039
)
Less: Earnings allocated to unvested restricted stock awards
 


Earnings (loss) allocated to common shareholders
 
$
(14,066
)
$
(25,039
)
 
 
 
 
Common stock:
 
 
 
Weighted average basic shares outstanding
 
64,804

64,004

Effect of dilutive securities
 


Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
 
64,804

64,004

 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
Net loss
 
$
(0.22
)
$
(0.39
)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
Net loss
 
$
(0.22
)
$
(0.39
)

As detailed further below, potential dilutive shares of common stock were anti-dilutive as a result of the Company's net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019. As a result, basic weighted average shares were used in the calculations of basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share for those periods. 

The number of stock options and restricted shares that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would result in an anti-dilutive effect on per share amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019 were 233,736 and 3,322,403, respectively.


16. Income taxes
    
The Company recorded income tax expense of $0.1 million and income tax benefit of $7.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019, respectively.
 
The income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2020 differs from the expense computed at the federal statutory rate primarily due to the unfavorable federal and state valuation allowance.


19


FORTERRA, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements



The income tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2019 differs from the benefit computed at the federal statutory rate primarily due to the state benefit on the current period loss.

The Company evaluates the recoverability of its deferred tax assets quarterly to determine if valuation allowances are required or should be adjusted. The Company assesses whether valuation allowances should be established against deferred tax assets based on consideration of all available evidence, both positive and negative, using a “more likely than not” criterion. The analysis used in determining the valuation allowance involves considerable judgment and assumptions. The Company's history of pretax losses limits its ability to rely on projections of future pretax income, therefore, realization of deferred tax assets is based primarily on reversal of taxable temporary differences.
    
After consideration of all evidence, including the analysis of the reversal pattern of the taxable and deductible temporary differences in the future, the Company increased the federal and state valuation allowance
by $3.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

The Company's quarterly provision for income taxes has historically been calculated using the annual effective rate method, which applies an estimated annual effective tax rate to pre-tax income or loss. However, when the result of the expected annual effective tax rate is not deemed reliable and distorts the income tax provision for an interim period, the Company calculates the income tax provision or benefit using the actual year-to-date effective tax rate (the "discrete method"), which results in an income tax provision or benefit based solely on the year-to-date pre-tax income or loss as adjusted for permanent differences on a pro rata basis. The Company has recorded its interim income tax provision using the discrete method, as allowed under ASC 740-270, Accounting for Income Taxes - Interim Reporting for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

On March 27, 2020, the U.S. government enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act"), that, among other things, increased the net interest expense deduction limit from 30% to 50% of adjusted taxable income for tax years beginning January 1, 2019 and 2020, and changed the depreciable life of the qualified improvement property from 39 years to 15 years, thereby making it eligible for 100% bonus depreciation, which the Company intends to claim. The Company also plans to take advantage of deferral of the employer portion of the social security taxes that would otherwise be due in 2020, but will be delayed with 50% due by December 31, 2021 and the remaining 50% by December 31, 2022.


17. Segment reporting

Segment information is presented in accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting, which establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments. It also establishes standards for related disclosures about products and geographic areas. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise that engage in business activities that earn revenues, incur expenses and prepare separate financial information that is evaluated regularly by the Company’s chief operating decision maker (CODM) in order to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company's Chief Executive Officer is its CODM. The Corporate and Other segment includes expenses related to certain executive salaries, interest costs related to the Company's credit agreements, acquisition-related costs, and other corporate costs that are not directly attributable to the Company's operating segments. The Company's segments follow the same accounting policies as the Company.

Net sales from the major products sold to external customers include drainage pipe and precast products and concrete and steel water transmission pipe.

The Company’s three geographic areas consist of the United States, Canada, and Mexico for which it reports net sales, fixed assets and total assets. For purposes of evaluating segment profit, the CODM reviews EBITDA as a basis for making the decisions to allocate resources and assess performance.

20


FORTERRA, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements



    
The following tables set forth the disaggregation of revenue earned from contracts with customers based on the Company's reportable segments as well as other financial information attributable to the Company's reportable segments for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):

 
 
For the three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
Net sales:
 
 
 
 
Drainage Pipe & Products
 
$
170,234

 
$
163,734

Water Pipe & Products
 
160,642

 
128,124

Corporate and Other
 

 

Total
 
$
330,876

 
$
291,858

 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization:
 
 
 
 
Drainage Pipe & Products
 
$
8,245

 
$
9,202

Water Pipe & Products
 
13,879

 
14,875

Corporate and Other
 
377

 
315

Total
 
$
22,501

 
$
24,392

 
 
 
 
 
Segment EBITDA and reconciliation to income (loss) before income taxes:
 
 
 
 
Drainage Pipe & Products
 
$
26,052

 
$
25,066

Water Pipe & Products
 
22,873

 
8,741

Corporate and Other
 
(19,667
)
 
(17,086
)
Less: Interest expense
 
(20,745
)
 
(24,665
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
(22,501
)
 
(24,392
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
$
(13,988
)
 
$
(32,336
)
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures:
 
 
 
 
Drainage Pipe & Products
 
$
3,030

 
$
7,929

Water Pipe & Products
 
1,181

 
2,277

Corporate and Other
 
139

 
1,768

Total
 
$
4,350

 
$
11,974

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
Total assets:
 
 
 
 
Drainage Pipe & Products
 
$
825,998

 
$
819,373

Water Pipe & Products
 
880,077

 
862,542

Corporate and Other
 
206,545

 
58,143

Total
 
$
1,912,620

 
$
1,740,058







21


FORTERRA, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements



        
The Company has an investment in an equity method investee included in the Drainage Pipe & Products segment for which earnings from equity method investee were $2.8 million and $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019, respectively, and with the following balances (in thousands):

 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2020
 
2019
Investment in equity method investee
$
51,232

 
$
50,034



Disaggregated revenue by geographic location is provided in the tables below. The Company has operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The economic characteristics of the Company's customers do not significantly vary across geographic locations or product lines. The Company has both revenues and long-lived assets in each country; and those assets and revenues are recorded within geographic location as follows (in thousands):

Property, plant, and equipment, net:
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2020
 
2019
United States
$
415,142

 
$
422,486

Canada
39,883

 
43,754

Mexico
9,140

 
9,335

 
$
464,165

 
$
475,575


Net sales:
 
For the three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
2019
United States
 
$
315,380

$
276,737

Canada
 
13,486

13,100

Mexico
 
2,010

2,021

 
 
$
330,876

$
291,858



18. Related party transactions

Tax receivable agreement

The Company has a TRA with Lone Star that provides for, among other things, the payment by the Company to Lone Star of 85% of the amount of certain covered tax benefits, which may reduce the actual liability for certain taxes that the Company might otherwise be required to pay. See Note 14, Commitments and contingencies, for additional information on the tax receivable agreement.

CP&P

The Company sold certain goods and services to its joint venture, CP&P, including spare parts for repairs, and property rentals. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, Forterra sold $0.5 million of product to CP&P and purchased goods and services from CP&P for an amount of $0.1 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, Forterra sold $5 thousand of product to CP&P and purchased $126 thousand of goods and services from CP&P.
   


    

22


FORTERRA, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements




19. Subsequent Event

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a pandemic, and the President of the United States declared the COVID-19 outbreak a national emergency. The rapid spread of the pandemic and the continuously evolving responses to combat it have had an increasingly negative impact on the global economy and financial markets. In view of the rapidly changing business environment, unprecedented market volatility and heightened degree of uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts, the Company is currently unable to fully determine the pandemic's future impact on its business. However, the Company is monitoring the progression of the pandemic and its potential effect on our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements relate to matters such as our industry, business strategy, goals and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, capital expenditures, liquidity, capital resources and other financial and operating information. We have used the words “approximately,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “future,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will” and similar terms and phrases to identify forward-looking statements. All of our forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those that we are expecting, including:

the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, demand for our products and our business, financial condition and results of operations, including the measures taken by governmental authorities in response;

government funding of infrastructure and related construction activities;

the level of construction activity, particularly in the residential construction and non-residential construction markets;

the highly competitive nature of our industry and our ability to effectively compete;

the availability and price of the raw materials we use in our business;

our dependence on key customers and the absence of long-term agreements with these customers;

the level of construction activity in Texas;

disruption at one or more of our manufacturing facilities or in our supply chain;

construction project delays and our inventory management;

the seasonality of our business and its susceptibility to adverse weather;

our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions;

labor disruptions and other union activity;

compliance with applicable regulations;

a tightening of mortgage lending or mortgage financing requirements;


23



the ability to implement our growth strategy;

our current dispute with HeidelbergCement related to the payment of an earnout;

compliance with environmental laws and regulations;

energy costs;

changes in tax laws could adversely affect us;

compliance with health and safety laws and regulations;

our dependence on key executives and key management personnel;

our ability and that of our customers with which we work to retain and attract additional skilled and non-skilled technical or sales personnel;

credit and non-payment risks of our customers;

warranty and related claims;

legal and regulatory claims;

our contract backlog;

our ability to maintain sufficient liquidity and ensure adequate financing or guarantees for large projects;

delays or outages in our information technology systems and computer networks;

security breaches in our information technology systems and other cybersecurity incidents; and

additional factors discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC.
   
 
The forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are based on historical performance and management’s current plans, estimates and expectations in light of information currently available to us and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we have anticipated. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to changes in global, regional or local political, economic, business, competitive, market, regulatory and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, as well as the other factors described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our 2019 10-K filed with the SEC on February 27, 2020, as supplemented in Item 1A. "Risk Factors" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The COVID-19 pandemic may also precipitate or exacerbate these and other unknown risks and uncertainties. Additional factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may also emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should any of our assumptions prove to be incorrect, our actual results may vary in material respects from what we may have expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We caution that you should not place undue reliance on any of our forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by us speaks only as of the date on which we make it. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.




24



Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the SEC on February 27, 2020, or the 2019 10-K.

This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. See the section entitled “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions associated with those statements.

Unless otherwise specified or where the context otherwise requires, references in this Report to “our,” “we,” “us,” “Forterra”, the “Company” and “our business” refer to Forterra, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries.

Overview

Our Company

We are a manufacturer of pipe and precast products in the United States and Eastern Canada for a variety of water-related infrastructure applications, including water transmission, distribution and drainage. We provide critical infrastructure components for a broad spectrum of construction projects across infrastructure, residential and non-residential markets. Our suite of products ranges from large diameter pipe that transports water to and from treatment centers and manages drainage along major transportation corridors, to smaller diameter pipe that delivers potable water to, and removes wastewater from, end users in residential and commercial settings.

Our Segments

Our operations are organized into the following reportable segments:

Drainage Pipe & Products - We are a producer of concrete drainage pipe and precast products.

Water Pipe & Products - We are a producer of ductile iron pipe, or DIP, and concrete pressure pipe.

Corporate and Other - Corporate, general and administrative expenses not allocated to our revenue-generating segments such as certain shared services, executive and other administrative functions.
    


COVID-19 Pandemic
 
The emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, has adversely affected many industries as well as the economies and financial markets of many countries, including the United States and Canada, and caused a significant deceleration of economic activity. While the COVID-19 pandemic did not materially adversely affect our financial results and business operations in our first fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2020, economic and health conditions in the United States and eastern Canada have changed rapidly since the end of the quarter. In the short-term, we anticipate demand for our products could decrease. Some of the decrease in demand will likely be driven by the slowdown in our end-markets, especially the residential housing market. How long this decrease in demand lasts will depend on the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, the length of time it takes for normal economic and operating conditions to resume, any additional governmental actions that may be taken, including extensions of restrictions that are currently in place, and numerous other uncertainties.

 

25



Under the various local and state orders restricting business operations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our operations have been exempted as essential business or critical infrastructure, and our manufacturing facilities have continued to operate. In connection with continuing to operate our manufacturing facilities, we have taken a number of actions designed to safeguard the health of our employees, implementing enhanced safety and health protocols consistent with guidelines promulgated by the United States Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, as well as applicable orders from local and state authorities. However, all employees whose jobs allow them to work from home are doing so, and all non-essential business travel has been eliminated. We have also increased the availability of paid leave for our employees to encourage them to stay home if they are ill, both for their own protection and the protection of their coworkers.

In addition, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken proactive steps to enhance our financial flexibility, liquidity and cash flow, including, but not limited to, limiting capital expenditures to essential maintenance and projects that have the ability to pay for themselves in the short term; temporarily reducing cash compensation for the executive management team and independent members of our board of directors; implementing a hiring freeze and deferring annual employee compensation increases; minimizing overtime hours worked; and drawing down $180.0 million of cash under our revolving credit facility. Looking ahead, we have also formulated contingency plans that would allow us to further decrease costs and cash expenditures in the event that demand for our products declines meaningfully.

The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to affect our operations in the second quarter of 2020 and may continue to do so thereafter. The impacts of COVID-19 on our end markets have largely been related to project delays on residential and non-residential projects, as well as a few delays on municipal and infrastructure projects in localized areas that have been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. To date in the second quarter, we have experienced a continuation of the demand we saw in the first quarter in our Water Pipe & Products segment, with shipment volumes at or above the same period in 2019. We expect Water Pipe & Products volumes to remain at or slightly below those levels into some or all of May. In our Drainage Pipe & Products segment, volumes to date in the second quarter are approximately 13% below the same period in the prior year, a decrease we believe is driven primarily by continued poor weather in Texas and secondarily by COVID-19 related residential project delays. We expect volumes to remain at or slightly above these levels into some or all of May. At this time, we are unable to project demand and shipment levels beyond May due to the longer-term uncertainty surrounding the direct and indirect impacts of the pandemic.
    
Due to the above circumstances and as described generally in this Form 10-Q, our results of operations for the three month period ended March 31, 2020 were not significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are, therefore, not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected in future quarters or for the full fiscal year. Due to the fluidity and unprecedented and uncertain nature of the pandemic, we cannot predict the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business or that of our customers and participants in our supply chain, or on economic conditions generally, including the effects on infrastructure and related construction activity. The ultimate scope and extent of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is highly uncertain and will depend on future developments, and such effects could exist for an extended period of time even after the pandemic might end.

For additional information on risk factors that could impact our results, please refer to “Risk Factors” in Part II, Item 1A of this Form 10-Q.
     
Principal Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations

Our financial performance and results of operations are influenced by a variety of factors, including conditions in the residential, non-residential and infrastructure construction markets, general economic conditions, changes in cost of goods sold, and seasonality and weather conditions. Some of the more important factors are discussed in the 2019 10-K, to which there were no material changes during the period covered by this report with the exception of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which are discussed above.


26



Principal Components of Results of Operations

Net Sales

Net sales consist of the consideration which we expect to be entitled to for the sale of products in the ordinary course of business and include the billable costs of delivery of our products to customers. Net sales include any outbound freight charged to the end user. Revenue for certain contracts related to our structural precast products that are designed and engineered specifically for the customer is recognized over time using an acceptable input method which utilizes our cost incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion to measure progress.

Cost of Goods Sold

Cost of goods sold includes raw materials (cement, aggregates, scrap, steel and clay) and supplies, labor (including contract labor), freight (including outbound freight for delivery of products to end users and other charges such as inbound freight), energy, depreciation and amortization, repairs and maintenance and other cost of goods sold.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses include expenses for sales, marketing, legal, accounting and finance services, human resources, customer support, treasury and other general corporate services. Selling, general and administrative expenses also include transaction costs directly related to any business combinations and other costs incurred with respect to cost savings initiatives.

Impairment and Exit Charges

Impairment and exit charges are primarily comprised of severance and other charges incurred to consolidate certain plants in an effort to optimize our portfolio, as well as asset impairment charges.

Other Operating Income, Net

The remaining categories of operating income and expenses consist of scrap income (associated with scrap from the manufacturing process or remaining scrap after plants are closed), insurance gains, rental income and the gain or loss generated on the sale of assets including property, plant and equipment.

Interest Expense

Interest expense represents interest on indebtedness, including finance lease obligations, the amortization of deferred financing costs, as well as the gain and loss associated with our interest rate swaps.

Earnings from Equity Method Investee

Earnings from equity method investee represents our share of the income of the CP&P joint venture we entered into with Americast, Inc. CP&P is engaged primarily in the manufacture, marketing, sale and distribution of concrete pipe and precast products in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and South Carolina with sales to contiguous states. See Note 6, Investment in Equity Method Investee, to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information on CP&P.

Income Tax Benefit

Income tax benefit consists of federal, state, provincial, local and foreign taxes based on income in the jurisdictions in which we operate.



27



Results of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 as Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2019

Total Company

The following table summarizes certain financial information relating to our operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019 (in thousands).

 Statements of Income Data:
Three months ended March 31, 2020
 
Three months ended March 31, 2019
 
% Change
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Net sales
$
330,876

 
$
291,858

 
13.4
 %
 Cost of goods sold
272,134

 
250,053

 
8.8
 %
 Gross profit
58,742

 
41,805

 
40.5
 %
 Selling, general and administrative expenses
(54,240
)
 
(51,391
)
 
5.5
 %
 Impairment and exit charges
(824
)
 
(231
)
 
*
 Other operating income, net
330

 
579

 
(43.0
)%
 
(54,734
)
 
(51,043
)
 
7.2
 %
 Income from operations
4,008

 
(9,238
)
 
*
 Other income (expenses)
 
 
 
 
 
 Interest expense
(20,745
)
 
(24,665
)
 
(15.9
)%
 Loss on extinguishment of debt
(50
)
 

 
*
 Earnings from equity method investee
2,799

 
1,567

 
78.6
 %
 Loss before income taxes
(13,988
)
 
(32,336
)
 
(56.7
)%
 Income tax (expense) benefit
(78
)
 
7,297

 
*
 Net loss
$
(14,066
)
 
$
(25,039
)
 
*
* Represents positive or negative change in excess of 100%

Net Sales

Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2020 were $330.9 million, an increase of $39.0 million, or 13.4%, from $291.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2019. The increase primarily came from the Water Pipe & Products segment driven by both higher average selling prices and higher shipments compared to prior year.

Cost of Goods Sold

Cost of goods sold were $272.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, an increase of $22.0 million, or 8.8%, from $250.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2019. The increase was primarily in the Water Pipe & Products segment driven by the higher shipment volume.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased by $16.9 million, or 40.5%, to $58.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2020 from $41.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2019. Most of the increase in gross profit related to our Water Pipe & Products segment driven by higher average selling prices, higher shipments, as well as a slight decline in raw material cost compared to prior year.


28



Selling, General and Administrative Expenses    

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $54.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, an increase of $2.8 million, or 5.5%, from $51.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2019. The year-over-year increase is due primarily to higher staff costs as we expand our sales and marketing teams as well as production support teams in both businesses.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $20.7 million, a decrease of $4.0 million or 15.9% from $24.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2019. The decrease was primarily due to lower LIBOR in the first quarter of 2020 compared to prior year.

Income Tax (Expense) Benefit

Income tax expense in the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $0.1 million, a change of $7.4 million from an income tax benefit of $7.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2019. The change is primarily due to the smaller pretax loss during the three months ended March 31, 2020, as well as additional expense related to the federal and state valuation allowance.
Segments

For the three months ended March 31,


(in thousands)
2020

2019

% Change
Net sales:





Drainage Pipe & Products
$
170,234


$
163,734


4.0
%
Water Pipe & Products
160,642


128,124


25.4
%
Corporate and Other




*
Total
$
330,876


$
291,858


13.4
%









Gross profit (loss):








Drainage Pipe & Products
32,555


31,433


3.6
%
Water Pipe & Products
26,160


10,735


*
Corporate and Other
27


(363
)

*
Total
$
58,742


$
41,805


40.5
%









Segment EBITDA(1):








Drainage Pipe & Products
26,052


25,066


3.9
%
Water Pipe & Products
22,873


8,741


*
Corporate and Other
(19,667
)

(17,086
)

15.1
%

(1)
For the purposes of evaluating segment performance, the Company’s chief operating decision maker reviews earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) as a basis for making the decisions to allocate resources and assess performance. Our discussion below includes the primary drivers of EBITDA. See Note 17, Segment Reporting, to the condensed consolidated financial statements for segment EBITDA reconciliation to income (loss) before income taxes.
*
Represents positive or negative change in excess of 100%.


29



Drainage Pipe & Products

Net Sales
    
Net sales in the three months ended March 31, 2020 were $170.2 million, an increase of $6.5 million or 4.0% from $163.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2019. The increase was driven by higher average selling prices partially offset by lower shipments due primarily to unfavorable weather in the first quarter of 2020 as compared to 2019, as well as a sales volume decline in the Houston residential market due primarily to regulatory changes and lower crude oil price.

Gross Profit

Gross profit in the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $32.5 million, a slight increase of $1.1 million or 3.6% from $31.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2019. The increase was primarily due to higher average selling prices, partially offset by slightly increased input costs such as freight and labor.

Water Pipe & Products

Net Sales

Net sales in the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $160.6 million, an increase of $32.5 million or 25.4% from $128.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2019. The increase was due primarily to higher average selling prices, as well as higher shipment volume.

Gross Profit

Gross profit in the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $26.2 million, an increase of $15.5 million from $10.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2019. The increase was primarily due to higher average selling prices, manufacturing efficiencies and lower raw material cost as well as higher volumes.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We believe our available cash and cash equivalents, borrowing availability under our $300.0 million asset-based revolving credit facility, or the Revolver, and funds generated from operations are our most significant sources of liquidity. While we believe these sources will be sufficient to finance our working capital requirements, planned capital expenditures that are essential, debt service obligations and other cash requirements for at least the next 12 months, our future liquidity will depend in part upon our operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions, including those related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and financial, business and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. As a result, in March 2020 we borrowed approximately $180.0 million under the Revolver as a precautionary measure to strengthen our liquidity position and provide financial flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we have also delayed some non-essential capital expenditures to preserve liquidity. See "Risk Factors" in Part II, Item 1A of this Form 10-Q.

We are currently engaged in a dispute with HeidelbergCement regarding the earnout provision in the purchase agreement entered into in connection with the original acquisition of our business. HeidelbergCement has asserted that a payment should be made in the amount of $100.0 million. Resolution is expected to be determined by a neutral accountant pursuant to the terms of the purchase agreement. If it is determined that we are required to make a significant payment to HeidelbergCement, we may not have sufficient cash to make such payment and may be required to incur additional indebtedness. This dispute is discussed in greater detail in Note 14, Commitments and contingencies, to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had approximately $182.4 million and $34.8 million of cash and cash equivalents, respectively, of which $3.1 million and $12.6 million, respectively, were held by foreign subsidiaries. All of the cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were readily convertible as of such dates into currencies used in the Company’s operations, including the U.S. dollar. 

30




We have a tax receivable agreement with Lone Star that provides for the payment by us to Lone Star of specified amounts in respect of any cash savings as a result of the utilization of certain tax benefits. The actual utilization of the relevant tax benefits as well as the timing of any payments under the tax receivable agreement will vary depending upon a number of factors, including the amount, character and timing of our and our subsidiaries’ taxable income in the future. However, we expect that the payments we make under the tax receivable agreement could be substantial. The tax receivable agreement also includes provisions which restrict the incurrence of debt and that require that we make an accelerated payment to Lone Star equal to the present value of all future payments due under the tax receivable agreement, in each case under certain circumstances. Because of the foregoing, our obligations under the tax receivable agreement could have a substantial negative impact on our liquidity and could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing certain mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations or other changes of control. See Note 14, Commitments and contingencies, to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding the tax receivable agreement. Our forecasted payments under the tax receivable agreement in 2020, pertaining to the 2019 tax year, are expected to be in the range of $8 to $10 million. We expect that future annual payments under the tax receivable agreement will decline each year in accordance with our tax basis depreciation and amortization schedule unless future unplanned transactions result in an acceleration of our tax benefits under the agreement.

During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we voluntarily prepaid $5.0 million of our senior term loan and as of March 31, 2020, we had $1.1 billion outstanding balance under our senior term loan, or, as amended, the Term Loan, and $180.0 million in borrowings outstanding under the Revolver. Availability under the Revolver, based on draws, outstanding letters of credit of $15.4 million, as well as allowable borrowing base as of March 31, 2020, was $72.1 million.

The Revolver provides for an aggregate principal amount of up to $300.0 million, with up to $280.0 million to be made available to the U.S. borrowers and up to $20.0 million to be made available to the Canadian borrowers. Subject to the conditions set forth in the revolving credit agreement, the Revolver may be increased by up to the greater of (i) $100.0 million and (ii) such amount as would not cause the aggregate borrowing base to be exceeded by more than $50.0 million. Borrowings under the Revolver may not exceed a borrowing base equal to the sum of (i) 100% of eligible cash, (ii) 85% of eligible accounts receivable and (iii) the lesser of (a) 75% of eligible inventory and (b) 85% of the orderly liquidation value of eligible inventory, with the U.S. and Canadian borrowings being subject to separate borrowing base limitations. The Revolver matures on October 25, 2021.

The Term Loan provides for a $1.25 billion senior secured term loan. Subject to the conditions set forth in the term loan agreement, the Term Loan may be increased by (i) up to the greater of $285.0 million and 1.0x consolidated EBITDA of Forterra, Inc. and its restricted subsidiaries for the four quarters most recently ended prior to such incurrence plus (ii) the aggregate amount of any voluntary prepayments, plus (iii) an additional amount, provided certain financial tests are met. The Term Loan matures on October 25, 2023 and is subject to quarterly amortization equal to 0.25% of the initial principal amount. Interest will accrue on outstanding borrowings thereunder at a rate equal to LIBOR (with a floor of 1.0%) or an alternate base rate, in each case plus a margin of 3.00% or 2.00%, respectively.

Our credit agreement does not provide a mechanism to facilitate the adoption of an alternative benchmark rate for use in place of LIBOR. We plan to monitor the expected phase-out of LIBOR and may seek to renegotiate the benchmark rate with our lenders in the future.

The Revolver and the Term Loan contain customary representations and warranties, and affirmative and negative covenants, that, among other things, restrict our ability to incur additional debt, incur or permit liens on assets, make investments and acquisitions, consolidate or merge with any other company, engage in asset sales and pay dividends and make distributions. The Revolver contains a financial covenant restricting us from allowing its fixed charge coverage ratio to drop below 1.00:1.00 during a compliance period, which is triggered when the availability under the Revolver falls below a threshold. The fixed charge coverage ratio is the ratio of consolidated earnings before interest, depreciation, and amortization, less cash payments for capital expenditures and income taxes to consolidated fixed charges (interest expense plus scheduled payments of principal on indebtedness). The Term Loan does not contain any financial covenants. Obligations under the Revolver and the Term Loan may be

31



accelerated upon certain customary events of default (subject to grace periods, as appropriate). As of March 31, 2020, we were in compliance with all applicable covenants under the Revolver and the Term Loan.
    
The following table sets forth a summary of the net cash provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities for the periods presented (in thousands):
 
 
 
For the three months ended
 
March 31, 2020
 
March 31, 2019
 Statement of Cash Flows data:
 
 
 
 Net cash used in operating activities
$
(19,225
)
 
$
(43,955
)
 Net cash used in investing activities
(4,278
)
 
(22,775
)
 Net cash provided by financing activities
171,588

 
38,689


Net Cash Used in Operating Activities

Net cash used in operating activities was $19.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $44.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2019. Changes between the periods are primarily due to the change in income from operations, as well as the timing of settlements of our receivables and payables.

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $4.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2020, due to capital expenditures. Net cash used in investing activities was $22.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2019, primarily due to capital expenditures of $12.1 million and the acquisition of Buckner assets of $10.8 million.

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities was $171.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2020 primarily consisting of additional borrowings of $180.0 million under the Revolver, partially offset by $8.1 million repayments of principal on the Term Loan. Net cash used in financing activities was $38.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 due primarily to proceeds from the Revolver, partially offset by $3.1 million repayments of principal on the Term Loan.

Capital Expenditures

Under normal circumstances, our annual sustaining capital expenditures would average $45.0 million to $55.0 million. However, as a precautionary measure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and in order to preserve liquidity, we are delaying some non-essential capital spending projects. Our spending outlook for the year remains uncertain until more is known regarding the extent and duration of the pandemic and its impacts, as well as post-pandemic economic conditions in our business and industry. Total capital expenditures were $4.3 million and $12.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019, respectively. The majority of our planned capital spending now is related to equipment, such as plant and mobile equipment, upgrade and expansion of existing facilities, and environmental and permit compliance projects.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

In the ordinary course of our business, we are required to provide surety bonds and standby letters of credit to secure performance commitments. As of March 31, 2020, outstanding stand-by letters of credit amounted to $15.4 million.


32



Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates  

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The accounting policies that we believe are critical to or require subjective and/or complex judgments that could potentially affect 2020 reported results are discussed in greater detail in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the 2019 10-K. There have been no significant changes to those accounting policies or our assessment of which accounting policies we would consider to be critical accounting policies.

Recent Accounting Guidance Adopted

A summary of recent accounting pronouncements and our assessment of any expected impact of these pronouncements, if known, is included in Note 2 to the audited consolidated financial statements included the 2019 10-K and Note 2, Summary of significant accounting policies, to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

In the normal course of business, we are exposed to financial risks such as changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity price risk associated with our input costs. We utilize derivative instruments to manage selected foreign exchange and interest rate exposures. See Note 12, Derivatives and hedging to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Interest Rate Risk

Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our long-term debt. The interest expense associated with our long-term debt will vary with market rates. During March 2020, the Company entered into an interest rate swap transaction with a notional value of $400 million to limit our exposure to interest rate increases related to a portion of our floating rate indebtedness.  We agreed to pay a fixed rate of interest of 1.08% and receive floating rate of interest indexed to one-month LIBOR, subject to a minimum of 1.00%, with monthly settlement terms with the swap counterparty. The swap has a 30-month term and expires on September 30, 2022. Previously, we had two interest rate swap transactions with a combined notional value of $525 million, in which we agreed to pay a fixed rate of interest of 1.52% and received floating rate interest indexed to one-month LIBOR with monthly settlement terms with the swap counterparties.  The swaps expired on March 31, 2020. At March 31, 2020, we estimate that a 1% increase in the rates relating to our floating rate debt would increase annual interest requirements by approximately $9.0 million.

Borrowings under our Term Loan and our Revolver may use LIBOR as a benchmark for establishing the applicable interest rate. LIBOR is the subject of recent regulatory guidance and proposals for reform, which are expected to ultimately lead to the discontinuation of LIBOR or to cause LIBOR to become unavailable as a benchmark rate. The consequences of these developments with respect to LIBOR cannot be entirely predicted but could result in a significant increase in the cost of our variable rate indebtedness causing a negative impact on our financial position, liquidity and results of operations. We plan to carefully monitor the situation and may seek to renegotiate the benchmark for establishing the applicable interest rate with our lenders in the future.
 
Foreign Currency Risk

Approximately 4.7% of our net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2020, were made in countries outside of the U.S. As a result, we are exposed to movements in foreign exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and other currencies. Based upon our net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2020, we estimate that a 1% change in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies would affect net sales by approximately $0.2 million. This may differ from actual results depending on the levels of net sales outside of the U.S.


33



Commodity Price Risk

We are subject to commodity price risks with respect to price changes mainly in the electricity and natural gas markets and other raw material costs, such as cement, aggregates, steel and clay. Price fluctuations on our key inputs have a significant effect on our financial performance. The markets for most of these commodities are cyclical and are affected by factors such as the global economic conditions, changes in or disruptions to industry production capacity, changes in inventory levels and other factors beyond our control.

Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to a concentration of credit risk consist principally of accounts receivable. We provide our products to customers based on an evaluation of the financial condition of our customers, generally without requiring collateral. Exposure to losses on receivables is principally dependent on each customer's financial condition. We monitor the exposure for credit losses and maintain allowances for anticipated losses. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to our accounts receivable are limited due to the large number of customers comprising our customer base and their dispersion among many different geographies.

At March 31, 2020, we had an individual customer within our Water Pipe & Products segment that accounted for more than 10% of total net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The customer represented approximately 18% of our total net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2020, and amounts receivable from the customer at March 31, 2020 represented approximately 18% of our total receivables, net.

The COVID-19 pandemic may increase our risk of, or exposure to, credit losses. See Note 2, Summary of significant accounting policies, to the condensed consolidated financial statements.


Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) as of March 31, 2020.

Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of March 31, 2020.
    
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
    
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


34



Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls

Our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our system of internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed or operated, can provide only reasonable, but not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the system of internal control are met. The design of our control system reflects the fact that there are resource constraints, and that the benefits of such control system must be considered relative to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control failures and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the intentional acts of individuals, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is also based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that the design of any particular control will always succeed in achieving its objective under all potential future conditions.



35



PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The information set forth in Note 14, Commitments and contingencies, to the condensed consolidated financial statements is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Our business faces many risks and uncertainties that we cannot control. The risk factors described in Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" 2019 10-K, as supplemented below, should be carefully considered, together with the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this Quarterly Report on Form 10 Q. The potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic could also impact or amplify many of the risk factors included in our 2019 10-K. However, given the unpredictable and unprecedented nature of the pandemic, the potential impact it could have remains uncertain. Additionally, other risks that we do not presently know about or that we presently believe are not material could also adversely affect us.

Our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and stock price have been and in the future may be adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our operations and business have been adversely affected and could in the future be materially and adversely affected, whether directly or indirectly, by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting weakening of economic conditions in the United States and eastern Canada. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in local, state, provincial and federal governments implementing increasingly stringent measures in geographies where we operate to help control the spread of the virus, including restrictions on movement such as quarantines, “shelter in place,” “stay at home” orders, and travel restrictions, as well as restricting or prohibiting outright some or all forms of commercial and business activity, and other restrictions, including closures of school and childcare facilities. Although we have continued to operate our facilities consistent with applicable local, state, provincial and federal orders, any changes in these governmental orders, including extending the duration thereof, or any further, more severe, actions taken by governmental authorities or that we may choose to take whether required or not could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
 
Our customers have been and could continue to be negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including as a result of project delays and other adverse impacts on demand, which could result in adverse impacts on our sales and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Similarly, our suppliers and other parts of our supply chain could experience disruptions and other adverse impacts as a result of the pandemic that could cause us to be unable to obtain key raw materials and supplies on a timely or cost-effective basis, or in some cases, at all, any of which could result in our being unable to service our customers' demands, and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

The COVID-19 pandemic, including any actions we have taken in response, has disrupted our internal operations, including by heightening the risk that a significant portion of our workforce will suffer illness or otherwise not be permitted or be unable to work, and required that certain of our employees work remotely, which has heightened certain risks, including those related to cybersecurity and internal controls. Additionally, we cannot predict whether these conditions and concerns will continue or whether we will experience more significant or frequent disruptions in the future, including the complete closure or one or more of our facilities. In addition, in the event demand for our products is significantly reduced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic impacts, we may need to assess different corporate actions and cost-cutting measures, including reducing our workforce or closing one or more facilities, and these actions could cause us to incur costs and expose us to other risks and inefficiencies, including whether we would be able to rehire our workforce or recommence operations at a given facility if our business experiences a subsequent recovery.
    
The COVID-19 pandemic has also adversely affected economies worldwide and significantly disrupted financial and other capital markets, causing a significant deceleration of economic activity. This slowdown has decreased demand for a wide variety of goods and services, diminished trade levels, reduced production and led

36



to widespread corporate downsizing, causing a sharp increase in unemployment. The impact of this outbreak on the U.S. and world economies is uncertain and, unless until the outbreak is contained, these adverse impacts could worsen, impacting all segments of the global economy, and result in a significant recession or worse. Although we have taken certain precautionary measures to preserve liquidity, including borrowing under our Revolver and suspending non-essential capital expenditures, a prolonged period of generating lower cash from operations or other pressures on our liquidity could adversely affect our financial condition, the achievement of our strategic objectives or require us to seek additional capital. Conditions in the financial and capital markets have been extremely volatile and may limit or entirely restrict the availability of funding or increase the cost of funding, which could adversely affect our business, financial position and results of operations.

Considerable uncertainty still surrounds the COVID-19 virus and its potential effects, and the extent and effectiveness of responses taken on local, national and global levels. No fully effective vaccines or treatments have been developed and one may not be discovered early enough to protect against a worsening of the pandemic or to prevent COVID-19 from becoming endemic. While we expect the pandemic and related events will continue to have a negative effect on us, the unpredictable and unprecedented nature and fluidity of current circumstances makes it impractical to identify all potential risks or estimate the full extent and scope of the impact on our business and industry, as well as national, regional and global markets and economies. However, our ability to conduct our business in the manner previously or currently expected could be materially and adversely affected, and any of the foregoing risks and uncertainties as well as those that have not yet manifested themselves or been identified could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

None.


37



Item 6. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

Exhibit No.
  
Description of Exhibit
 
 
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
^
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document.
*
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
*
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document.
*
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document.
*
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document.
*
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document.
*
 

*
Filed herewith
#
Denotes management compensatory plan or arrangement
^
Exhibit 32.1 shall not be deemed filed with the SEC, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing with the SEC under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any filings.




38



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
FORTERRA, INC.
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Karl Watson, Jr.
 
April 30, 2020
By:
Karl Watson, Jr.
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Charles R. Brown, II
 
April 30, 2020
By:
Charles R. Brown, II
 
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 




Exhibit


EXHIBIT 31.1
 
SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION
 
I, Karl Watson, Jr., certify that:
 
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Forterra, Inc.;
 
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4. 
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
Date:
April 30, 2020
/s/ Karl Watson, Jr.
 
 
Karl Watson, Jr.
 
 
Chief Executive Officer



Exhibit


EXHIBIT 31.2
 
SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION
 
I, Charles R. Brown II, certify that:
 
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Forterra, Inc.;
 
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. 
Date:
April 30, 2020
/s/ Charles R. Brown, II
 
 
Charles R. Brown, II
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief
 
 
Financial Officer


Exhibit


EXHIBIT 32.1
CERTIFICATION
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2020 of Forterra, Inc. (the “Company”) as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), and pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, each of the undersigned officers of the Company certifies to his knowledge that:
the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date:
April 30, 2020
/s/ Karl Watson, Jr.
 
 
Karl Watson, Jr.
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 

 
Date:
April 30, 2020
/s/ Charles R. Brown, II
 
 
Charles R. Brown, II
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief
 
 
Financial Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.



        
v3.20.1
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of goodwill by operating segment
The following table summarizes the changes in goodwill by operating segment for the three months ended March 31, 2020 (in thousands):
 
Drainage Pipe & Products
 
Water Pipe & Products
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2019
$
190,466

 
$
318,360

 
$
508,826

Foreign currency and other adjustments
(1,145
)
 

 
(1,145
)
Balance at March 31, 2020
$
189,321

 
$
318,360

 
$
507,681

Schedule of intangible assets
Intangible assets other than goodwill at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 included the following (in thousands):
 
Net carrying value as of March 31, 2020
 
Net carrying value as of December 31, 2019
Customer relationships
$
93,277

 
$
100,869

Trade names
18,453

 
19,626

Patents
7,012

 
7,673

Non-compete agreements
7,186

 
8,070

Developed technology
5,887

 
5,980

Other
437

 
456

Total intangible assets
$
132,252

 
$
142,674


v3.20.1
Derivatives and hedging (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of fair values of derivative assets and liabilities in condensed consolidated balance sheets
The following table presents the fair values of derivative assets and liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):
 
March 31, 2020
 
Derivative Assets
 
Derivative Liabilities
 
Notional Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Notional Amount
 
Fair Value
Interest rate swaps
$

 
$

 
$
400,000

 
$
488

Total derivatives, gross
 
 

 
 
 
488

Less: Legally enforceable master netting agreements
 
 

 
 
 

Total derivatives, net


 
$

 
 
 
$
488


 
December 31, 2019
 
Derivative Assets
 
Derivative Liabilities
 
Notional Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Notional Amount
 
Fair Value
Interest rate swaps
$
525,000

 
$
258

 
$

 
$

Total derivatives, gross
 
 
258

 
 
 

Less: Legally enforceable master netting agreements
 
 

 
 
 

Total derivatives, net
 
 
$
258

 
 
 
$

Schedule of effect of derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated statements of operations
The following table presents the effect of derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
 
 
Three months ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2020
2019
Derivatives not designated as hedges
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
 
 
Loss on derivatives not designated as hedges included in interest expense
 
(746
)
(2,092
)
v3.20.1
Document and Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Apr. 27, 2020
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]    
Entity Registrant Name Forterra, Inc.  
Entity Central Index Key 0001678463  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2020  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2020  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Small Business true  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   65,112,843
v3.20.1
Derivatives and hedging
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Derivatives and hedging
Derivatives and hedging

The Company uses derivatives to manage selected foreign exchange and interest rate exposures. The Company does not use derivative instruments for speculative trading purposes, and cash flows from derivative instruments are included in net cash provided by (used in) operating activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

On March 30, 2020, Forterra entered into an interest rate swap transaction with a notional value of $400 million. Under the terms of the swap transaction, Forterra agreed to pay a fixed rate of interest of 1.08% and receive floating rate of interest indexed to one-month LIBOR, subject to a minimum of 1.00%, with monthly settlement terms with the swap counterparty. The swap has a 30-month term and expires on September 30, 2022. The interest rate swap is not designated as a cash flow hedge, therefore all changes in the fair value of the instrument are captured as a component of interest expense in the statements of operations. Accordingly, cash flows from the monthly interest rate swap settlements are included in net cash provided by (used in) operating activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

    On February 9, 2017, Forterra entered into interest rate swap transactions with a combined notional value of $525 million.  Under the terms of the swap transactions, Forterra agreed to pay a fixed rate of interest of 1.52% and receive floating rate interest indexed to one-month LIBOR with monthly settlement terms with the swap counterparties.  The swaps were not designated as cash flow hedges, had a three-year term, and expired on March 31, 2020.

The Company elects to present all derivative assets and derivative liabilities on a net basis on its condensed consolidated balance sheets when a legally enforceable International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) Master Agreement exists. An ISDA Master Agreement is an agreement between two counterparties, which may have multiple derivative transactions with each other governed by such agreement, and such ISDA Master Agreement generally provides for the net settlement of all or a specified group of these derivative transactions, through a single payment, in a single currency, in the event of a default on, or affecting any, one derivative transaction or a termination event affecting all, or a specified group of, derivative transactions. At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company’s derivative instruments fall under an ISDA master netting agreement.

The following table presents the fair values of derivative assets and liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):
 
March 31, 2020
 
Derivative Assets
 
Derivative Liabilities
 
Notional Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Notional Amount
 
Fair Value
Interest rate swaps
$

 
$

 
$
400,000

 
$
488

Total derivatives, gross
 
 

 
 
 
488

Less: Legally enforceable master netting agreements
 
 

 
 
 

Total derivatives, net


 
$

 
 
 
$
488


 
December 31, 2019
 
Derivative Assets
 
Derivative Liabilities
 
Notional Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Notional Amount
 
Fair Value
Interest rate swaps
$
525,000

 
$
258

 
$

 
$

Total derivatives, gross
 
 
258

 
 
 

Less: Legally enforceable master netting agreements
 
 

 
 
 

Total derivatives, net
 
 
$
258

 
 
 
$



The following table presents the effect of derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
 
 
Three months ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2020
2019
Derivatives not designated as hedges
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
 
 
Loss on derivatives not designated as hedges included in interest expense
 
(746
)
(2,092
)
v3.20.1
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]    
Common shares, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.001 $ 0.001
Common shares, authorized (in shares) 190,000,000 190,000,000
Common shares, issued (in shares) 65,077,000 64,741,000
Common shares, outstanding (in shares) 65,077,000 64,741,000
v3.20.1
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net

    The Company has recorded goodwill in connection with its acquisition of businesses. The following table summarizes the changes in goodwill by operating segment for the three months ended March 31, 2020 (in thousands):
 
Drainage Pipe & Products
 
Water Pipe & Products
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2019
$
190,466

 
$
318,360

 
$
508,826

Foreign currency and other adjustments
(1,145
)
 

 
(1,145
)
Balance at March 31, 2020
$
189,321

 
$
318,360

 
$
507,681




Intangible assets other than goodwill at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 included the following (in thousands):
 
Net carrying value as of March 31, 2020
 
Net carrying value as of December 31, 2019
Customer relationships
$
93,277

 
$
100,869

Trade names
18,453

 
19,626

Patents
7,012

 
7,673

Non-compete agreements
7,186

 
8,070

Developed technology
5,887

 
5,980

Other
437

 
456

Total intangible assets
$
132,252

 
$
142,674


Amortization expense totaled $10.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, and $11.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. All of the Company's intangible assets are amortizable.
v3.20.1
Summary of significant accounting policies
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of significant accounting policies
Summary of significant accounting policies

General

The Company's condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and include the accounts and results of operations of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The condensed consolidated balance sheets and the condensed consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), cash flows and equity for the periods presented herein reflect all adjustments that are of a normal recurring nature and are necessary for a fair statement of the results of the periods shown. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

The results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2020. Seasonal changes and other conditions can affect the sales volumes of the Company's products. The financial results for any interim period do not necessarily indicate the expected results for the year.

These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2019 as provided in Forterra, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the SEC on February 27, 2020 (the “2019 10-K”). The Company has continued to follow the accounting policies set forth in those financial statements, except as supplemented and documented below. Certain prior year numbers were reclassified to conform with current year presentation. Such reclassification had no impact on the previously reported results of operations.

Use of estimates

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the reporting date, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. These estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions that the Company may undertake in the future. The more significant estimates made by management relate to fair value estimates for assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations; estimates for accrued liabilities for environmental cleanup, bodily injury and insurance claims; estimates for commitments and contingencies; and estimates for the realizability of deferred tax assets, the tax receivable agreement obligation, inventory reserves, allowance for doubtful accounts and impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets.

Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company had an individual customer within its Water Pipe & Products segment that accounted for approximately 18% and 14% of the Company's total net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and receivables at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 representing 18% and 13% of the Company's total receivables, net, respectively.

Credit Losses

Trade accounts receivable. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the Company’s assessment of the collectibility of customer accounts. The Company regularly reviews the allowance by considering factors such as historical experience, credit quality, the age of the accounts receivable balances, and current economic conditions that may affect a customer’s ability to pay.

The Company's exposure to credit losses may increase if one or more of its customers are adversely affected by changes in laws or other government recommendations or mandates, economic pressures or uncertainty associated with local or global economic recessions, disruption or other impacts associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 ("COVID-19") pandemic, or other customer-specific factors. Although the Company has historically not experienced significant credit losses, it is possible that there could be a material adverse impact from potential adjustments of the carrying amount of trade receivables as customers are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recent Accounting Guidance Adopted

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13, Financial Instruments–Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The standard replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology under current U.S. GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires the use of a forward-looking expected credit loss model for accounts receivables, loans, and other financial instruments. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2020 using a modified retrospective approach, which did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The amendments in the ASU provide optional guidance for a limited time to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. The new guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments apply only to contracts and hedging relationships that reference London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") or another reference rate expected to be discontinued due to reference rate reform. The guidance was effective upon issuance and generally can be applied through December 31, 2022. The effects of this standard on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements are not expected to be material.

Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (Topic 740). The new guidance simplifies the accounting for income taxes by eliminating certain exceptions related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period, hybrid taxes, and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences.  It also clarifies and simplifies other aspects of the accounting for income taxes.  For public companies, the amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption is permitted in interim or annual periods with any adjustments reflected as of the beginning of the annual period that includes that interim period.  Additionally, entities that elect early adoption must adopt all the amendments in the same period.  Amendments are to be applied prospectively, except for certain amendments that are to be applied either retrospectively or with a modified retrospective approach through a cumulative effect adjustment recorded to retained earnings.  The effects of this standard on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements are not expected to be material.
v3.20.1
Receivables, net
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Receivables [Abstract]  
Receivables, net
Receivables, net
    
Receivables consist of the following (in thousands):

 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2020
 
2019
Trade receivables
$
198,358

 
$
178,698

Amounts billed but not yet paid under retainage provisions
3,711

 
3,093

Other receivables
28,385

 
26,078

Total receivables
230,454

 
207,869

Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts
(1,823
)
 
(2,068
)
Receivables, net
$
228,631

 
$
205,801

v3.20.1
Derivatives and hedging - Schedule of Fair Values of Derivative Assets and Liabilities in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative Assets    
Fair Value $ 0 $ 258
Less: Legally enforceable master netting agreements 0 0
Total derivatives, net 0 258
Derivative Liabilities    
Fair Value 488 0
Less: Legally enforceable master netting agreements 0 0
Total derivatives, net 488 0
Interest rate swaps    
Derivative Assets    
Notional Amount 0 525,000
Fair Value 0 258
Derivative Liabilities    
Notional Amount 400,000 0
Fair Value $ 488 $ 0
v3.20.1
Debt and deferred financing costs - Schedule of Debt (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Oct. 25, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Total debt $ 1,270,660 $ 1,098,303  
Less: current portion debt (12,510) (12,510)  
Total long-term debt 1,258,150 1,085,793  
Senior Notes | Term Loan      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Total debt 1,091,949 1,098,303 $ 1,100,000
Debt issuance costs and original issuance discount 23,281 25,055  
Revolving Line of Credit | Revolver      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Total debt 178,711 $ 0  
Debt issuance costs and original issuance discount $ 1,289    
v3.20.1
Related party transactions (Details) - Affiliated Entities - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2019
CP&P Joint Venture    
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Sales of products to related party $ 500 $ 5
Purchased goods and services from related party $ 100 $ 126
Lone Star    
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Payment of certain covered tax benefits buy the Company, percentage 85.00%  
v3.20.1
Earnings per share (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]    
Net loss $ (14,066) $ (25,039)
Less: Earnings allocated to unvested restricted stock awards 0 0
Earnings (loss) allocated to common shareholders $ (14,066) $ (25,039)
Common stock:    
Weighted average basic shares outstanding (in shares) 64,804 64,004
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares) 0 0
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding (in shares) 64,804 64,004
Basic earnings (loss) per share:    
Net loss (in dollars per share) $ (0.22) $ (0.39)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:    
Net loss (in dollars per share) $ (0.22) $ (0.39)
v3.20.1
Inventories (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]    
Finished goods $ 176,908 $ 161,440
Raw materials 81,774 76,237
Work in process 591 806
Total inventories $ 259,273 $ 238,483
v3.20.1
Property, plant and equipment, net (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Total property, plant and equipment $ 676,253   $ 676,347
Less: accumulated depreciation (212,088)   (200,772)
Property, plant and equipment, net 464,165   475,575
Depreciation expense 12,200 $ 12,800  
Machinery and equipment      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Total property, plant and equipment 408,063   398,127
Land, buildings and improvements      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Total property, plant and equipment 240,894   240,403
Other equipment      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Total property, plant and equipment 8,666   8,660
Construction-in-progress      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Total property, plant and equipment $ 18,630   $ 29,157
v3.20.1
Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
The Company's condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and include the accounts and results of operations of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Consolidation
All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Reclassifications
Certain prior year numbers were reclassified to conform with current year presentation. Such reclassification had no impact on the previously reported results of operations.
Use of Estimates
Use of estimates

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the reporting date, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. These estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions that the Company may undertake in the future. The more significant estimates made by management relate to fair value estimates for assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations; estimates for accrued liabilities for environmental cleanup, bodily injury and insurance claims; estimates for commitments and contingencies; and estimates for the realizability of deferred tax assets, the tax receivable agreement obligation, inventory reserves, allowance for doubtful accounts and impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets.
Credit Losses
Credit Losses

Trade accounts receivable. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the Company’s assessment of the collectibility of customer accounts. The Company regularly reviews the allowance by considering factors such as historical experience, credit quality, the age of the accounts receivable balances, and current economic conditions that may affect a customer’s ability to pay.

The Company's exposure to credit losses may increase if one or more of its customers are adversely affected by changes in laws or other government recommendations or mandates, economic pressures or uncertainty associated with local or global economic recessions, disruption or other impacts associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 ("COVID-19") pandemic, or other customer-specific factors. Although the Company has historically not experienced significant credit losses, it is possible that there could be a material adverse impact from potential adjustments of the carrying amount of trade receivables as customers are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recent Accounting Guidance Adopted and Not Yet Adopted
Recent Accounting Guidance Adopted

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13, Financial Instruments–Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The standard replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology under current U.S. GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires the use of a forward-looking expected credit loss model for accounts receivables, loans, and other financial instruments. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2020 using a modified retrospective approach, which did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The amendments in the ASU provide optional guidance for a limited time to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. The new guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments apply only to contracts and hedging relationships that reference London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") or another reference rate expected to be discontinued due to reference rate reform. The guidance was effective upon issuance and generally can be applied through December 31, 2022. The effects of this standard on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements are not expected to be material.

Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (Topic 740). The new guidance simplifies the accounting for income taxes by eliminating certain exceptions related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period, hybrid taxes, and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences.  It also clarifies and simplifies other aspects of the accounting for income taxes.  For public companies, the amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption is permitted in interim or annual periods with any adjustments reflected as of the beginning of the annual period that includes that interim period.  Additionally, entities that elect early adoption must adopt all the amendments in the same period.  Amendments are to be applied prospectively, except for certain amendments that are to be applied either retrospectively or with a modified retrospective approach through a cumulative effect adjustment recorded to retained earnings.  The effects of this standard on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements are not expected to be material.

v3.20.1
Income taxes
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income taxes
Income taxes
    
The Company recorded income tax expense of $0.1 million and income tax benefit of $7.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019, respectively.
 
The income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2020 differs from the expense computed at the federal statutory rate primarily due to the unfavorable federal and state valuation allowance.

The income tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2019 differs from the benefit computed at the federal statutory rate primarily due to the state benefit on the current period loss.

The Company evaluates the recoverability of its deferred tax assets quarterly to determine if valuation allowances are required or should be adjusted. The Company assesses whether valuation allowances should be established against deferred tax assets based on consideration of all available evidence, both positive and negative, using a “more likely than not” criterion. The analysis used in determining the valuation allowance involves considerable judgment and assumptions. The Company's history of pretax losses limits its ability to rely on projections of future pretax income, therefore, realization of deferred tax assets is based primarily on reversal of taxable temporary differences.
    
After consideration of all evidence, including the analysis of the reversal pattern of the taxable and deductible temporary differences in the future, the Company increased the federal and state valuation allowance
by $3.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

The Company's quarterly provision for income taxes has historically been calculated using the annual effective rate method, which applies an estimated annual effective tax rate to pre-tax income or loss. However, when the result of the expected annual effective tax rate is not deemed reliable and distorts the income tax provision for an interim period, the Company calculates the income tax provision or benefit using the actual year-to-date effective tax rate (the "discrete method"), which results in an income tax provision or benefit based solely on the year-to-date pre-tax income or loss as adjusted for permanent differences on a pro rata basis. The Company has recorded its interim income tax provision using the discrete method, as allowed under ASC 740-270, Accounting for Income Taxes - Interim Reporting for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

On March 27, 2020, the U.S. government enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act"), that, among other things, increased the net interest expense deduction limit from 30% to 50% of adjusted taxable income for tax years beginning January 1, 2019 and 2020, and changed the depreciable life of the qualified improvement property from 39 years to 15 years, thereby making it eligible for 100% bonus depreciation, which the Company intends to claim. The Company also plans to take advantage of deferral of the employer portion of the social security taxes that would otherwise be due in 2020, but will be delayed with 50% due by December 31, 2021 and the remaining 50% by December 31, 2022.
v3.20.1
Segment reporting (Details)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
USD ($)
geographic_area
Mar. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Number of geographic areas | geographic_area 3    
Net sales $ 330,876 $ 291,858  
Depreciation and amortization 22,501 24,392  
Less: Interest expense (20,745) (24,665)  
Loss before income taxes (13,988) (32,336)  
Capital expenditures 4,350 11,974  
Total assets 1,912,620   $ 1,740,058
Earnings from equity method investee 2,799 1,567  
Investment in equity method investee 51,232   50,034
Property, plant and equipment, net 464,165   475,575
United States      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Net sales 315,380 276,737  
Property, plant and equipment, net 415,142   422,486
Canada      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Net sales 13,486 13,100  
Property, plant and equipment, net 39,883   43,754
Mexico      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Net sales 2,010 2,021  
Property, plant and equipment, net 9,140   9,335
Drainage Pipe & Products      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Earnings from equity method investee 2,800 1,600  
Investment in equity method investee 51,232   50,034
Operating Segments | Drainage Pipe & Products      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Net sales 170,234 163,734  
Depreciation and amortization 8,245 9,202  
Segment EBITDA and reconciliation to income (loss) before income taxes 26,052 25,066  
Capital expenditures 3,030 7,929  
Total assets 825,998   819,373
Operating Segments | Water Pipe & Products      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Net sales 160,642 128,124  
Depreciation and amortization 13,879 14,875  
Segment EBITDA and reconciliation to income (loss) before income taxes 22,873 8,741  
Capital expenditures 1,181 2,277  
Total assets 880,077   862,542
Corporate and Other      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Net sales 0 0  
Depreciation and amortization 377 315  
Segment EBITDA and reconciliation to income (loss) before income taxes (19,667) (17,086)  
Capital expenditures 139 $ 1,768  
Total assets $ 206,545   $ 58,143
v3.20.1
Commitments and contingencies (Details)
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2018
plaintiff
Aug. 14, 2017
plaintiff
Oct. 05, 2016
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Jun. 13, 2016
USD ($)
Mar. 13, 2015
USD ($)
LTIP              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Amount accrued for long-term incentive plan       $ 0      
Payments for long-term incentive plan       $ 0      
Lone Star | Affiliated Entities              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Certain covered tax benefits paid by related party, percentage       85.00%      
Accrued liabilities related to tax receivable agreement       $ 77,400,000 $ 77,400,000    
Payments of liability related to tax receivable agreement       0      
Heidelberg Cement Hanson Building Products              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Business acquisition, possible maximum earn out           $ 100,000,000.0 $ 100,000,000.0
Delaware Action | Pending Litigation              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Loss contingency, damages sought     $ 100,000,000.0        
Loss contingency liability       $ 0      
Securities Action and Derivative Actions              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Loss contingency, number of plaintiffs | plaintiff 2 4          
v3.20.1
Investment in equity method investee - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Investment in equity method investee $ 51,232 $ 50,034
Drainage Pipe & Products    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Investment in equity method investee $ 51,232 $ 50,034
CP&P Joint Venture | Drainage Pipe & Products    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Equity method investment, ownership percentage 50.00%  
Investment in equity method investee $ 51,200  
Company's share of the underlying equity net assets of the investee $ 13,000  
v3.20.1
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net - Goodwill by Operating Segment (Details)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]  
Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 508,826
Foreign currency and other adjustments (1,145)
Balance at March 31, 2020 507,681
Drainage Pipe & Products  
Goodwill [Roll Forward]  
Balance at December 31, 2019 190,466
Foreign currency and other adjustments (1,145)
Balance at March 31, 2020 189,321
Water Pipe & Products  
Goodwill [Roll Forward]  
Balance at December 31, 2019 318,360
Foreign currency and other adjustments 0
Balance at March 31, 2020 $ 318,360
v3.20.1
Subsequent event
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Subsequent Events [Abstract]  
Subsequent event
Subsequent Event

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a pandemic, and the President of the United States declared the COVID-19 outbreak a national emergency. The rapid spread of the pandemic and the continuously evolving responses to combat it have had an increasingly negative impact on the global economy and financial markets. In view of the rapidly changing business environment, unprecedented market volatility and heightened degree of uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts, the Company is currently unable to fully determine the pandemic's future impact on its business. However, the Company is monitoring the progression of the pandemic and its potential effect on our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
v3.20.1
Earnings per share
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Earnings per share
Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share (EPS) is calculated by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive securities include employee stock options and shares of restricted stock. Diluted EPS reflects the assumed exercise, vesting or conversion of all dilutive securities.

The calculations of the basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 are presented below (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 
 
For the three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
2019
Net loss
 
$
(14,066
)
$
(25,039
)
Less: Earnings allocated to unvested restricted stock awards
 


Earnings (loss) allocated to common shareholders
 
$
(14,066
)
$
(25,039
)
 
 
 
 
Common stock:
 
 
 
Weighted average basic shares outstanding
 
64,804

64,004

Effect of dilutive securities
 


Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
 
64,804

64,004

 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
Net loss
 
$
(0.22
)
$
(0.39
)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
Net loss
 
$
(0.22
)
$
(0.39
)

As detailed further below, potential dilutive shares of common stock were anti-dilutive as a result of the Company's net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019. As a result, basic weighted average shares were used in the calculations of basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share for those periods. 

The number of stock options and restricted shares that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would result in an anti-dilutive effect on per share amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019 were 233,736 and 3,322,403, respectively.
v3.20.1
Fair value measurement (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Schedule of estimated carrying amount and fair value of financial instruments measured and recorded at fair value on recurring basis
The estimated carrying amount and fair value of the Company’s financial instruments measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows for the dates indicated (in thousands):
 
Fair value measurements at March 31, 2020 using
 
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Total Fair Value March 31, 2020
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Derivative liability
$

$
488

$

$
488

 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value measurements at December 31, 2019 using
 
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Total Fair Value December 31, 2019
Assets:
 
 
 
 
Derivative asset
$

$
258

$

$
258

Schedule of carrying and fair value amounts for financial instruments
The estimated carrying amount and fair value of the Company’s financial instruments and liabilities for which fair value is only disclosed is as follows (in thousands):

 
 
Fair value measurements at March 31, 2020 using
 
 
Carrying Amount March 31, 2020
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Total Fair Value March 31, 2020
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Term Loan
$
1,091,949

$

$
926,343

$

$
926,343

Tax receivable agreement payable
77,385



48,505

48,505


 
 
Fair value measurements at December 31, 2019 using
 
 
Carrying Amount December 31, 2019
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Total Fair Value December 31, 2019
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Term Loan
$
1,098,303

$

$
1,102,295

$

$
1,102,295

Tax receivable agreement payable
77,385



47,625

47,625



v3.20.1
Earnings per share (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Schedule of calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share
The calculations of the basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 are presented below (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 
 
For the three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
2019
Net loss
 
$
(14,066
)
$
(25,039
)
Less: Earnings allocated to unvested restricted stock awards
 


Earnings (loss) allocated to common shareholders
 
$
(14,066
)
$
(25,039
)
 
 
 
 
Common stock:
 
 
 
Weighted average basic shares outstanding
 
64,804

64,004

Effect of dilutive securities
 


Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
 
64,804

64,004

 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
Net loss
 
$
(0.22
)
$
(0.39
)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
Net loss
 
$
(0.22
)
$
(0.39
)

v3.20.1
Property, plant and equipment, net
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment, net

Property, plant and equipment, net, consist of the following (in thousands):

 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2020
 
2019
Machinery and equipment
$
408,063

 
$
398,127

Land, buildings and improvements
240,894

 
240,403

Other equipment
8,666

 
8,660

Construction-in-progress
18,630

 
29,157

Total property, plant and equipment
676,253

 
676,347

Less: accumulated depreciation
(212,088
)
 
(200,772
)
Property, plant and equipment, net
$
464,165

 
$
475,575



Depreciation expense totaled $12.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, and $12.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, which is included in cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
v3.20.1
Description of the business
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Description of the business
Description of the business

Forterra, Inc. (“Forterra” or the ‘‘Company’’) is involved in the manufacturing, sale and distribution of building products in the United States (“U.S.”) and Eastern Canada. Forterra’s primary products are concrete drainage pipe, precast concrete structures, and water transmission pipe used in drinking and wastewater systems. These products are used in the infrastructure, residential and non-residential sectors of the construction industry.
v3.20.1
Acquisitions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
Acquisitions
Acquisitions

On March 1, 2019, the Company acquired certain assets of Texas limited liability companies Houston Buckner Precast, LLC, Buckner Precast, LLC, Montgomery 18905 E. Industrial, LLC, and 1763 Old Denton Road, LLC (altogether "Buckner") for consideration of $11.8 million in cash, inclusive of a working capital adjustment.  The acquired Buckner assets did not meet the definition of a business and, as such, the transaction was accounted for as an asset acquisition pursuant to the guidance in subsection 805-50 of ASC 805, Business Combinations. The assets operate as part of the Company’s Drainage Pipe & Products segment.
v3.20.1
Debt and deferred financing costs
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Debt and deferred financing costs
Debt and deferred financing costs

The Company’s debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2020
 
2019
Term Loan, net of debt issuance costs and original issuance discount of $23,281 and $25,055, respectively
$
1,091,949

 
$
1,098,303

Revolver, net of debt issuance costs of $1,289
178,711

 

Total debt
$
1,270,660

 
$
1,098,303

  Less: current portion debt
(12,510
)
 
(12,510
)
Total long-term debt
$
1,258,150

 
$
1,085,793



Forterra has a $300 million asset based revolving credit facility for working capital and general corporate purposes (“Revolver”) and a $1.1 billion senior term loan facility (“Term Loan”).

The Term Loan provided for a $1.25 billion senior secured term loan. Subject to the conditions set forth in the term loan agreement, the Term Loan may be increased by (i) up to the greater of $285.0 million and 1.0x consolidated EBITDA (defined below) of Forterra and its restricted subsidiaries for the four quarters most recently ended prior to such incurrence plus (ii) the aggregate amount of any voluntary prepayments, plus (iii) an additional amount, provided certain financial tests are met.

The Term Loan matures on October 25, 2023 and is subject to quarterly amortization equal to 0.25% of the initial principal amount. Interest accrues on outstanding borrowings thereunder at a rate equal to LIBOR (with a floor of 1.0%) or an alternate base rate, in each case plus a margin of 3.00% or 2.00%, respectively. The weighted average interest rates for the Term Loan were 4.7% and 5.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019, respectively.

During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company repurchased $5.0 million of the Term Loan before its maturity at a market value of $4.9 million. Consequently, the Company wrote off a proportionate share of debt issuance costs of $0.1 million and recognized a net loss of $0.1 million on the early extinguishment of debt which was included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Outstanding borrowings under the Term Loan are guaranteed by Forterra and each of its direct and indirect material wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries except certain excluded subsidiaries (the "Guarantors"). The Term Loan is secured by substantially all of the assets of Forterra, the borrower and the Guarantors; provided that the obligations under the Term Loan are not secured by any liens on more than 65% of the voting stock of the Canadian subsidiaries or assets of the Canadian subsidiaries. The Term Loan contains customary representations and warranties, and affirmative and negative covenants, that, among other things, restrict the ability of Forterra and its restricted subsidiaries to incur additional debt, incur or permit liens on assets, make investments and acquisitions, consolidate or merge with any other company, engage in asset sales and pay dividends and make distributions. The Term Loan does not contain any financial covenants. Obligations under the Term Loan may be accelerated upon certain customary events of default (subject to grace periods, as appropriate).
    
The Revolver provides for an aggregate principal amount of up to $300.0 million, with up to $280.0 million to be made available to the U.S. borrowers and up to $20.0 million to be made available to the Canadian borrowers (the allocation may be modified periodically at the Company's request). Subject to the conditions set forth in the revolving credit agreement related to the Revolver (the "Revolving Credit Agreement"), the Revolver may be increased by up to the greater of (i) $100.0 million and (ii) such amount as would not cause the aggregate borrowing base to be exceeded by more than $50.0 million. Borrowings under the Revolver may not exceed a borrowing base equal to the sum of (i) 100% of eligible cash, (ii) 85% of eligible accounts receivable and (iii) the lesser of (a) 75% of eligible inventory and (b) 85% of the orderly liquidation value of eligible inventory, with the U.S. and Canadian borrowings being subject to separate borrowing base limitations. The advance rates for accounts receivable and inventory are subject to increase by 2.5% during certain periods. As of March 31, 2020, the Revolver had $180.0 million outstanding borrowings, and the weighted average interest rate was 2.06% for borrowings during the period. As of December 31, 2019, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Revolver.

The Revolver matures on October 25, 2021. The Revolver also provides for the issuance of letters of credit of up to an agreed sublimit. Interest accrues on outstanding borrowings at a rate equal to LIBOR or CDOR plus a margin ranging from 1.25% to 1.75% per annum, or at an alternate base rate, Canadian prime rate or Canadian base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.25% to 0.75% per annum, in each case, based upon the average excess availability under the Revolver for the most recently completed calendar quarter. The obligations of the borrowers under the Revolver are guaranteed by Forterra and its direct and indirect wholly-owned restricted subsidiaries other than certain excluded subsidiaries; provided that the obligations of the U.S. borrowers are not guaranteed by the Canadian subsidiaries. The Revolver is secured by substantially all of the assets of the borrowers; provided that the obligations of the U.S. borrowers are not secured by any liens on more than 65% of the voting stock of the Canadian subsidiaries or assets of the Canadian subsidiaries.

In addition, Forterra pays a facility fee of between 20.0 and 32.5 basis points per annum based upon the utilization of the total Revolver. Availability under the Revolver, based on draws, outstanding letters of credit of $15.4 million, as well as allowable borrowing base as of March 31, 2020, was $72.1 million.

The Revolver and the Term Loan contain customary representations and warranties, and affirmative and negative covenants, including representations, warranties, and covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of Forterra and its restricted subsidiaries to incur additional debt, incur or permit liens on assets, make investments and acquisitions, consolidate or merge with any other company, engage in asset sales and pay dividends and make distributions. The Revolver contains a financial covenant restricting Forterra from allowing its fixed charge coverage ratio to drop below 1.00:1.00 during a compliance period, which is triggered when the availability under the Revolver falls below a threshold set forth in the Revolving Credit Agreement. Obligations under the Revolver and the Term Loan may be accelerated upon certain customary events of default (subject to grace periods, as appropriate). The fixed charge coverage ratio is the ratio of consolidated earnings before interest, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA’’) less cash payments for capital expenditures and income taxes to consolidated fixed charges (interest expense plus scheduled payments of principal on indebtedness).

As of March 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all applicable covenants under the Revolver and the Term Loan.

As of March 31, 2020, scheduled maturities of long-term debt were as follows (in thousands):

 
Total
 
Term Loan
 
Revolver
2020
$
9,383

 
$
9,383

 
$

2021
192,510

 
12,510

 
180,000

2022
12,510

 
12,510

 

2023
1,080,827

 
1,080,827

 

 
$
1,295,230

 
$
1,115,230

 
$
180,000

v3.20.1
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Current assets    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 182,411 $ 34,800
Receivables, net 228,631 205,801
Inventories 259,273 238,483
Prepaid expenses 12,041 11,021
Other current assets 14,024 8,890
Total current assets 696,380 498,995
Non-current assets    
Property, plant and equipment, net 464,165 475,575
Operating lease right-of-use assets 58,763 60,253
Goodwill 507,681 508,826
Intangible assets, net 132,252 142,674
Investment in equity method investee 51,232 50,034
Other long-term assets 2,147 3,701
Total assets 1,912,620 1,740,058
Current liabilities    
Trade payables 125,321 102,426
Accrued liabilities 77,384 88,839
Deferred revenue 11,769 9,527
Current portion of long-term debt 12,510 12,510
Current portion of tax receivable agreement 13,145 13,145
Total current liabilities 240,129 226,447
Non-current liabilities    
Long-term debt 1,258,150 1,085,793
Long-term finance lease liabilities 137,261 137,365
Long-term operating lease liabilities 53,416 54,411
Deferred tax liabilities 34,899 28,929
Other long-term liabilities 21,334 21,906
Long-term tax receivable agreement 64,240 64,240
Total liabilities 1,809,429 1,619,091
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)
Equity    
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 190,000 shares authorized; 65,077 and 64,741 shares issued and outstanding 19 19
Additional paid-in-capital 247,042 244,372
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (13,443) (7,063)
Retained deficit (130,427) (116,361)
Total shareholder's equity 103,191 120,967
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 1,912,620 $ 1,740,058
v3.20.1
Derivatives and hedging - Additional Information (Details) - Interest Rate Swap - USD ($)
Mar. 30, 2020
Feb. 09, 2017
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative [Line Items]        
Derivative notional amount     $ 0 $ 525,000,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument        
Derivative [Line Items]        
Derivative notional amount $ 400,000,000 $ 525,000,000    
Derivative, term of contract 30 months 3 years    
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | LIBOR        
Derivative [Line Items]        
Derivative, fixed interest rate to pay interest 1.08% 1.52%    
Derivative, floating interest rate received (minimum) 1.00%      
v3.20.1
Accrued liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]    
Accrued payroll and employee benefits $ 24,496 $ 32,815
Short-term finance leases 16,395 16,542
Short-term operating leases 8,605 8,784
Accrued taxes 6,770 5,354
Warranty 5,412 5,536
Accrued rebates 5,724 9,895
Environmental obligation 731 718
Other miscellaneous accrued liabilities 9,251 9,195
Total accrued liabilities $ 77,384 $ 88,839
v3.20.1
Receivables, net (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]    
Receivables, gross $ 230,454 $ 207,869
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts (1,823) (2,068)
Receivables, net 228,631 205,801
Trade receivables    
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]    
Receivables, gross 198,358 178,698
Amounts billed but not yet paid under retainage provisions    
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]    
Receivables, gross 3,711 3,093
Other receivables    
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]    
Receivables, gross $ 28,385 $ 26,078
v3.20.1
Investment in equity method investee - Selected Financial Data from the Investee (Details) - CP&P Joint Venture - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2019
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Net sales $ 34,758 $ 28,249
Gross profit 10,537 7,954
Income from operations 5,620 3,180
Net income $ 5,557 $ 3,117
v3.20.1
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2019
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Amortization expense $ 10.3 $ 11.6
v3.20.1
Earnings per share - Additional Information (Details) - shares
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2019
Stock Options and Restricted Shares    
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]    
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) 233,736 3,322,403
v3.20.1
Receivables, net (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Receivables [Abstract]  
Schedule of receivables, net and allowance for doubtful accounts
Receivables consist of the following (in thousands):

 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2020
 
2019
Trade receivables
$
198,358

 
$
178,698

Amounts billed but not yet paid under retainage provisions
3,711

 
3,093

Other receivables
28,385

 
26,078

Total receivables
230,454

 
207,869

Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts
(1,823
)
 
(2,068
)
Receivables, net
$
228,631

 
$
205,801

v3.20.1
Segment reporting
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Segment reporting
Segment reporting

Segment information is presented in accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting, which establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments. It also establishes standards for related disclosures about products and geographic areas. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise that engage in business activities that earn revenues, incur expenses and prepare separate financial information that is evaluated regularly by the Company’s chief operating decision maker (CODM) in order to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company's Chief Executive Officer is its CODM. The Corporate and Other segment includes expenses related to certain executive salaries, interest costs related to the Company's credit agreements, acquisition-related costs, and other corporate costs that are not directly attributable to the Company's operating segments. The Company's segments follow the same accounting policies as the Company.

Net sales from the major products sold to external customers include drainage pipe and precast products and concrete and steel water transmission pipe.

The Company’s three geographic areas consist of the United States, Canada, and Mexico for which it reports net sales, fixed assets and total assets. For purposes of evaluating segment profit, the CODM reviews EBITDA as a basis for making the decisions to allocate resources and assess performance.
    
The following tables set forth the disaggregation of revenue earned from contracts with customers based on the Company's reportable segments as well as other financial information attributable to the Company's reportable segments for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):

 
 
For the three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
Net sales:
 
 
 
 
Drainage Pipe & Products
 
$
170,234

 
$
163,734

Water Pipe & Products
 
160,642

 
128,124

Corporate and Other
 

 

Total
 
$
330,876

 
$
291,858

 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization:
 
 
 
 
Drainage Pipe & Products
 
$
8,245

 
$
9,202

Water Pipe & Products
 
13,879

 
14,875

Corporate and Other
 
377

 
315

Total
 
$
22,501

 
$
24,392

 
 
 
 
 
Segment EBITDA and reconciliation to income (loss) before income taxes:
 
 
 
 
Drainage Pipe & Products
 
$
26,052

 
$
25,066

Water Pipe & Products
 
22,873

 
8,741

Corporate and Other
 
(19,667
)
 
(17,086
)
Less: Interest expense
 
(20,745
)
 
(24,665
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
(22,501
)
 
(24,392
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
$
(13,988
)
 
$
(32,336
)
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures:
 
 
 
 
Drainage Pipe & Products
 
$
3,030

 
$
7,929

Water Pipe & Products
 
1,181

 
2,277

Corporate and Other
 
139

 
1,768

Total
 
$
4,350

 
$
11,974

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
Total assets:
 
 
 
 
Drainage Pipe & Products
 
$
825,998

 
$
819,373

Water Pipe & Products
 
880,077

 
862,542

Corporate and Other
 
206,545

 
58,143

Total
 
$
1,912,620

 
$
1,740,058







        
The Company has an investment in an equity method investee included in the Drainage Pipe & Products segment for which earnings from equity method investee were $2.8 million and $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019, respectively, and with the following balances (in thousands):

 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2020
 
2019
Investment in equity method investee
$
51,232

 
$
50,034




Disaggregated revenue by geographic location is provided in the tables below. The Company has operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The economic characteristics of the Company's customers do not significantly vary across geographic locations or product lines. The Company has both revenues and long-lived assets in each country; and those assets and revenues are recorded within geographic location as follows (in thousands):

Property, plant, and equipment, net:
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2020
 
2019
United States
$
415,142

 
$
422,486

Canada
39,883

 
43,754

Mexico
9,140

 
9,335

 
$
464,165

 
$
475,575



Net sales:
 
For the three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
2019
United States
 
$
315,380

$
276,737

Canada
 
13,486

13,100

Mexico
 
2,010

2,021

 
 
$
330,876

$
291,858

v3.20.1
Leases
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]  
Leases
Leases

The Company leases land and buildings, office spaces, vehicles, machinery and equipment under various lease agreements. A large portion of the Company’s leases were the result of the 2016 sale and leaseback of land and buildings related to certain production facilities. These leases have an initial term of 25 years, followed by one optional renewal term of approximately ten years that may be exercised at the Company’s discretion. These leases, with the exception of certain land leases, are classified as finance leases. The Company’s operating leases are mainly comprised of land and buildings, office spaces, vehicles, machinery and equipment leases, and have remaining terms of one to 25 years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to 10 years.

We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Leases with an initial term of less than 12 months
are not recorded on the balance sheet. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use, or ROU,
assets, accrued liabilities, and long-term operating lease liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in property, plant and equipment, accrued liabilities, and long-term finance lease liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Leases
Leases

The Company leases land and buildings, office spaces, vehicles, machinery and equipment under various lease agreements. A large portion of the Company’s leases were the result of the 2016 sale and leaseback of land and buildings related to certain production facilities. These leases have an initial term of 25 years, followed by one optional renewal term of approximately ten years that may be exercised at the Company’s discretion. These leases, with the exception of certain land leases, are classified as finance leases. The Company’s operating leases are mainly comprised of land and buildings, office spaces, vehicles, machinery and equipment leases, and have remaining terms of one to 25 years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to 10 years.

We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Leases with an initial term of less than 12 months
are not recorded on the balance sheet. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use, or ROU,
assets, accrued liabilities, and long-term operating lease liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in property, plant and equipment, accrued liabilities, and long-term finance lease liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
v3.20.1
Fair value measurement
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair value measurement
Fair value measurement

The Company's financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, derivative instruments, accounts payable, long-term debt, operating and finance lease liabilities, accrued liabilities and the tax receivable agreement obligation. The carrying value of the Company's trade receivables, other receivables, trade payables, the asset-based revolver and accrued liabilities approximates fair value due to their short-term maturity or other terms related to these financial instruments. The Company may adjust the carrying amount of certain non-financial assets to fair value on a non-recurring basis when they are impaired.
 
The estimated carrying amount and fair value of the Company’s financial instruments measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows for the dates indicated (in thousands):
 
Fair value measurements at March 31, 2020 using
 
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Total Fair Value March 31, 2020
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Derivative liability
$

$
488

$

$
488

 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value measurements at December 31, 2019 using
 
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Total Fair Value December 31, 2019
Assets:
 
 
 
 
Derivative asset
$

$
258

$

$
258



Liabilities and assets classified as level 2 which are recorded at fair value are valued using observable market inputs. The fair values of derivative assets and liabilities are determined using quantitative models that utilize multiple market inputs including interest rates and exchange rates to generate continuous yield or pricing curves and volatility factors to value the position. The majority of market inputs are actively quoted and can be validated through external sources, including brokers, market transactions and third-party pricing services. The fair values of derivative assets and liabilities include adjustments for market liquidity, counter-party credit quality, and other instrument-specific factors, where appropriate. In addition, the Company incorporates within its fair value measurements a valuation adjustment to reflect the credit risk associated with the net position. Positions are netted by counter-parties, and fair value for net long exposures is adjusted for counter-party credit risk while the fair value for net short exposures is adjusted for the Company’s own credit risk.
 
The estimated carrying amount and fair value of the Company’s financial instruments and liabilities for which fair value is only disclosed is as follows (in thousands):

 
 
Fair value measurements at March 31, 2020 using
 
 
Carrying Amount March 31, 2020
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Total Fair Value March 31, 2020
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Term Loan
$
1,091,949

$

$
926,343

$

$
926,343

Tax receivable agreement payable
77,385



48,505

48,505


 
 
Fair value measurements at December 31, 2019 using
 
 
Carrying Amount December 31, 2019
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Total Fair Value December 31, 2019
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Term Loan
$
1,098,303

$

$
1,102,295

$

$
1,102,295

Tax receivable agreement payable
77,385



47,625

47,625



The fair value of debt is valued using a market approach based on indicative quoted prices for the Company's debt instruments traded in over-the-counter markets and, therefore, is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. See Note 11, Debt and deferred financing costs, for a further discussion of Company debt.

The determination of the fair value of the Company's tax receivable agreement payable was determined using a discounted cash flow methodology with level 3 inputs as defined by ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. The determination of fair value required significant judgment, including estimates of the timing and amounts of various tax attributes. These estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions that the Company may undertake in the future. Actual results could differ from these estimates. See Note 14, Commitments and contingencies, for a further discussion of the Company's tax receivable agreement.
v3.20.1
Inventories
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]  
Inventories
Inventories

Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2020
 
2019
Finished goods
$
176,908

 
$
161,440

Raw materials
81,774

 
76,237

Work in process
591

 
806

Total inventories
$
259,273

 
$
238,483

v3.20.1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2019
Income Statement [Abstract]    
Net sales $ 330,876 $ 291,858
Cost of goods sold 272,134 250,053
Gross profit 58,742 41,805
Selling, general & administrative expenses (54,240) (51,391)
Impairment and exit charges (824) (231)
Other operating income, net 330 579
Operating expenses (54,734) (51,043)
Income (loss) from operations 4,008 (9,238)
Other income (expense)    
Interest expense (20,745) (24,665)
Loss on extinguishment of debt (50) 0
Earnings from equity method investee 2,799 1,567
Loss before income taxes (13,988) (32,336)
Income tax (expense) benefit (78) 7,297
Net loss $ (14,066) $ (25,039)
Loss per share:    
Basic and diluted (in shares) $ (0.22) $ (0.39)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:    
Basic and diluted (in dollars per share) 64,804 64,004
v3.20.1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Total
Common Stock
Additional Paid-in-Capital
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Retained Deficit
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018   64,205,604      
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2018 $ 108,222 $ 18 $ 234,931 $ (10,740) $ (115,987)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]          
Cumulative effect of accounting changes, net of tax 6,957       6,957
Share-based compensation expense 1,529   1,529    
Stock-based plan activity (in shares)   57,106      
Stock-based plan activity (26)   (26)    
Comprehensive loss:          
Net loss (25,039)       (25,039)
Change in other postretirement benefit plans, net of tax 373     373  
Foreign currency translation adjustment 1,508     1,508  
Ending Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019   64,262,710      
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2019 $ 93,524 $ 18 236,434 (8,859) (134,069)
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019 64,741,000 64,740,667      
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2019 $ 120,967 $ 19 244,372 (7,063) (116,361)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]          
Share-based compensation expense 2,864   2,864    
Stock-based plan activity (in shares)   336,752      
Stock-based plan activity (194)   (194)    
Comprehensive loss:          
Net loss (14,066)       (14,066)
Change in other postretirement benefit plans, net of tax (681)     (681)  
Foreign currency translation adjustment $ (5,699)     (5,699)  
Ending Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020 65,077,000 65,077,419      
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2020 $ 103,191 $ 19 $ 247,042 $ (13,443) $ (130,427)
v3.20.1
Property, plant and equipment, net (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Schedule of property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment, net, consist of the following (in thousands):

 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2020
 
2019
Machinery and equipment
$
408,063

 
$
398,127

Land, buildings and improvements
240,894

 
240,403

Other equipment
8,666

 
8,660

Construction-in-progress
18,630

 
29,157

Total property, plant and equipment
676,253

 
676,347

Less: accumulated depreciation
(212,088
)
 
(200,772
)
Property, plant and equipment, net
$
464,165

 
$
475,575

v3.20.1
Debt and deferred financing costs (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of long-term debt
The Company’s debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2020
 
2019
Term Loan, net of debt issuance costs and original issuance discount of $23,281 and $25,055, respectively
$
1,091,949

 
$
1,098,303

Revolver, net of debt issuance costs of $1,289
178,711

 

Total debt
$
1,270,660

 
$
1,098,303

  Less: current portion debt
(12,510
)
 
(12,510
)
Total long-term debt
$
1,258,150

 
$
1,085,793

Schedule of maturities of long-term debt
As of March 31, 2020, scheduled maturities of long-term debt were as follows (in thousands):

 
Total
 
Term Loan
 
Revolver
2020
$
9,383

 
$
9,383

 
$

2021
192,510

 
12,510

 
180,000

2022
12,510

 
12,510

 

2023
1,080,827

 
1,080,827

 

 
$
1,295,230

 
$
1,115,230

 
$
180,000

v3.20.1
Summary of significant accounting policies (Details) - Customer Concentration Risk - Customer A - Water Pipe & Products
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2019
Sales Revenue, Net    
Significant Accounting Policies    
Concentration risk, percentage 18.00% 14.00%
Accounts Receivable    
Significant Accounting Policies    
Concentration risk, percentage 18.00% 13.00%
v3.20.1
Derivatives and hedging - Schedule of Effect of Derivative Instruments on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2019
Derivatives not designated as hedges | Interest rate swaps | Interest expense    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Loss on derivatives not designated as hedges included in interest expense $ (746) $ (2,092)
v3.20.1
Debt and deferred financing costs - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended
May 01, 2017
Oct. 25, 2016
Mar. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Debt outstanding     $ 1,270,660,000   $ 1,098,303,000
Loss on early extinguishment of debt     50,000 $ 0  
Term Loan | LIBOR          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Margin rate 3.00%        
Revolving Line of Credit | Revolver          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Debt outstanding     178,711,000   0
Revolving Line of Credit | Revolver | Revolving Credit Facility          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity   $ 300,000,000      
Line of credit facility, accordion feature, increase limit   100,000,000.0      
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity, accordion feature, increase limit   $ 50,000,000.0      
Debt instrument, borrowing base limitation, sum of eligible cash, maximum   100.00%      
Debt instrument, borrowing base limitation, eligible accounts receivable, maximum   85.00%      
Debt instrument, borrowing base limitation, eligible inventory, maximum   75.00%      
Debt instrument, borrowing base limitation, orderly liquidation value of eligible inventory, maximum   85.00%      
Debt instrument, borrowing base limitation, eligible accounts receivable and inventory, accordion feature, maximum   2.50%      
Outstanding borrowings under revolver     $ 180,000,000   0
Weighted average interest rate on borrowings outstanding     2.06%    
Stand-by letters of credit outstanding     $ 15,400,000    
Allowable borrowing base     $ 72,100,000    
Fixed charge coverage ratio   1.00      
Revolving Line of Credit | Revolver | Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Line of credit, facility fee percentage     0.20%    
Revolving Line of Credit | Revolver | Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Line of credit, facility fee percentage     0.325%    
Revolving Line of Credit | Revolver | Revolving Credit Facility | Canada          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity   $ 20,000,000.0      
Revolving Line of Credit | Revolver | Revolving Credit Facility | United States          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity   $ 280,000,000.0      
Revolving Line of Credit | Revolver | Revolving Credit Facility | LIBOR or CDOR          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Debt instrument, collateral covenant, percentage of voting stock, maximum   65.00%      
Revolving Line of Credit | Revolver | Revolving Credit Facility | LIBOR or CDOR | Minimum          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Margin rate   1.25%      
Revolving Line of Credit | Revolver | Revolving Credit Facility | LIBOR or CDOR | Maximum          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Margin rate   1.75%      
Revolving Line of Credit | Revolver | Revolving Credit Facility | CDOR | Minimum          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Margin rate   0.25%      
Revolving Line of Credit | Revolver | Revolving Credit Facility | CDOR | Maximum          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Margin rate   0.75%      
Senior Notes | Term Loan          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Debt outstanding   $ 1,100,000,000 $ 1,091,949,000   $ 1,098,303,000
Debt instrument, amortization percentage 0.25%        
Weighted average interest rate     4.70% 5.50%  
Aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt repurchased     $ 5,000,000    
Market value of debt repurchased     4,900,000    
Write off of debt issuance costs     100,000    
Loss on early extinguishment of debt     $ 100,000    
Senior Notes | Term Loan | LIBOR          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Interest rate, floor percentage 1.00%        
Senior Notes | Term Loan | Base Rate          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Margin rate 2.00%        
Senior Notes | Term Loan | LIBOR or CDOR | Canada          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Debt instrument, collateral covenant, percentage of voting stock, maximum   65.00%      
Senior Notes | Senior Secured Term Loan          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Debt outstanding   $ 1,250,000,000      
Line of credit facility, accordion feature, increase limit   $ 285,000,000.0      
Consolidated EBITDA ratio   1.0      
v3.20.1
Fair value measurement - Estimated Carrying Amount and Fair Value of Financial Instruments Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Liabilities:    
Derivative liability $ 488 $ 0
Assets:    
Derivative asset 0 258
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring    
Liabilities:    
Derivative liability 488  
Assets:    
Derivative asset   258
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)    
Liabilities:    
Derivative liability 0  
Assets:    
Derivative asset   0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)    
Liabilities:    
Derivative liability 488  
Assets:    
Derivative asset   258
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)    
Liabilities:    
Derivative liability $ 0  
Assets:    
Derivative asset   $ 0
v3.20.1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]    
Net loss $ (14,066) $ (25,039)
Change in other postretirement benefit plans, net of tax (681) 373
Foreign currency translation adjustment (5,699) 1,508
Comprehensive loss $ (20,446) $ (23,158)
v3.20.1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2019
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES    
Net loss $ (14,066) $ (25,039)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:    
Depreciation & amortization expense 22,501 24,392
(Gain) / loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment 36 (53)
Loss on extinguishment of debt 50 0
Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs 1,871 1,999
Stock-based compensation expense 2,864 1,529
Earnings from equity method investee (2,799) (1,567)
Distributions from equity method investee 1,600 1,500
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net 746 2,092
Unrealized foreign currency loss / (gain), net 335 (260)
Provision (recoveries) for doubtful accounts (132) 487
Deferred taxes 5,970 (5,927)
Other non-cash items 1,106 387
Change in assets and liabilities:    
Receivables, net (23,371) (8,145)
Inventories (21,842) (20,100)
Other current assets (6,572) (2,860)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 11,406 (12,447)
Other assets & liabilities 1,072 57
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES (19,225) (43,955)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES    
Purchase of property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets (4,278) (22,949)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets 0 174
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (4,278) (22,775)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES    
Payments on term loans (8,071) (3,128)
Proceeds from revolver 180,000 42,000
Other financing activities (341) (183)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES 171,588 38,689
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (474) 423
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 147,611 (27,618)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 34,800 35,793
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 182,411 8,175
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:    
Cash interest paid 17,138 18,987
Income taxes paid (refunds received), net $ (99) $ 1,209
v3.20.1
Accrued liabilities
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]  
Accrued liabilities
Accrued liabilities

Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2020
 
2019
Accrued payroll and employee benefits
$
24,496

 
$
32,815

Short-term finance leases
16,395

 
16,542

Short-term operating leases
8,605

 
8,784

Accrued taxes
6,770

 
5,354

Warranty
5,412

 
5,536

Accrued rebates
5,724

 
9,895

Environmental obligation
731

 
718

Other miscellaneous accrued liabilities
9,251

 
9,195

Total accrued liabilities
$
77,384

 
$
88,839

v3.20.1
Investment in equity method investee
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]  
Investment in equity method investee
Investment in equity method investee

The Company owns 50% of the Common Unit voting shares of Concrete Pipe & Precast LLC ("CP&P") and consequently, has recorded its investment in the Common Unit voting shares in accordance with ASC 323, Investments Equity Method and Joint Ventures, under the equity method of accounting.

The Company's investment in the joint venture was $51.2 million at March 31, 2020, which is included within the Drainage Pipe & Products segment. At March 31, 2020, the difference between the amount at which the Company's investment is carried and the amount of the Company's share of the underlying equity in net assets of CP&P was approximately $13.0 million. The basis difference is primarily attributed to the value of land and equity method goodwill associated with the investment.

The following reflects the Company's distribution and earnings in the equity investment (in thousands):

 
 
Three months ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2020
2019
Distribution received from CP&P
 
$
(1,600
)
$
(1,500
)
Share of earnings in CP&P
 
2,816

1,585

Amortization of excess fair value of investment
 
(18
)
(18
)
    
Selected financial data for CP&P on a 100% basis is as follows (in thousands):

 
 
Three months ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2020
2019
Net sales
 
$
34,758

$
28,249

Gross profit
 
10,537

7,954

Income from operations
 
5,620

3,180

Net income
 
5,557

3,117

v3.20.1
Segment reporting (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Schedule of disaggregation of revenue earned from contracts with customers based on reportable segments as well as other financial information attributable to reportable segments
The following tables set forth the disaggregation of revenue earned from contracts with customers based on the Company's reportable segments as well as other financial information attributable to the Company's reportable segments for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):

 
 
For the three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
Net sales:
 
 
 
 
Drainage Pipe & Products
 
$
170,234

 
$
163,734

Water Pipe & Products
 
160,642

 
128,124

Corporate and Other
 

 

Total
 
$
330,876

 
$
291,858

 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization:
 
 
 
 
Drainage Pipe & Products
 
$
8,245

 
$
9,202

Water Pipe & Products
 
13,879

 
14,875

Corporate and Other
 
377

 
315

Total
 
$
22,501

 
$
24,392

 
 
 
 
 
Segment EBITDA and reconciliation to income (loss) before income taxes:
 
 
 
 
Drainage Pipe & Products
 
$
26,052

 
$
25,066

Water Pipe & Products
 
22,873

 
8,741

Corporate and Other
 
(19,667
)
 
(17,086
)
Less: Interest expense
 
(20,745
)
 
(24,665
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
(22,501
)
 
(24,392
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
$
(13,988
)
 
$
(32,336
)
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures:
 
 
 
 
Drainage Pipe & Products
 
$
3,030

 
$
7,929

Water Pipe & Products
 
1,181

 
2,277

Corporate and Other
 
139

 
1,768

Total
 
$
4,350

 
$
11,974

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
2020
 
2019
Total assets:
 
 
 
 
Drainage Pipe & Products
 
$
825,998

 
$
819,373

Water Pipe & Products
 
880,077

 
862,542

Corporate and Other
 
206,545

 
58,143

Total
 
$
1,912,620

 
$
1,740,058





The Company has an investment in an equity method investee included in the Drainage Pipe & Products segment for which earnings from equity method investee were $2.8 million and $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019, respectively, and with the following balances (in thousands):

 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2020
 
2019
Investment in equity method investee
$
51,232

 
$
50,034

Schedule of long-lived assets by geographic areas
Disaggregated revenue by geographic location is provided in the tables below. The Company has operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The economic characteristics of the Company's customers do not significantly vary across geographic locations or product lines. The Company has both revenues and long-lived assets in each country; and those assets and revenues are recorded within geographic location as follows (in thousands):

Property, plant, and equipment, net:
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2020
 
2019
United States
$
415,142

 
$
422,486

Canada
39,883

 
43,754

Mexico
9,140

 
9,335

 
$
464,165

 
$
475,575

Schedule of disaggregation of revenue by geographic areas
Net sales:
 
For the three months ended March 31,
 
 
2020
2019
United States
 
$
315,380

$
276,737

Canada
 
13,486

13,100

Mexico
 
2,010

2,021

 
 
$
330,876

$
291,858

v3.20.1
Investment in equity method investee (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]  
Schedule of Company's distribution and earnings and selected financial data from equity investment
The following reflects the Company's distribution and earnings in the equity investment (in thousands):

 
 
Three months ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2020
2019
Distribution received from CP&P
 
$
(1,600
)
$
(1,500
)
Share of earnings in CP&P
 
2,816

1,585

Amortization of excess fair value of investment
 
(18
)
(18
)
    
Selected financial data for CP&P on a 100% basis is as follows (in thousands):

 
 
Three months ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2020
2019
Net sales
 
$
34,758

$
28,249

Gross profit
 
10,537

7,954

Income from operations
 
5,620

3,180

Net income
 
5,557

3,117



v3.20.1
Accrued liabilities (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]  
Schedule of accrued liabilities
Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2020
 
2019
Accrued payroll and employee benefits
$
24,496

 
$
32,815

Short-term finance leases
16,395

 
16,542

Short-term operating leases
8,605

 
8,784

Accrued taxes
6,770

 
5,354

Warranty
5,412

 
5,536

Accrued rebates
5,724

 
9,895

Environmental obligation
731

 
718

Other miscellaneous accrued liabilities
9,251

 
9,195

Total accrued liabilities
$
77,384

 
$
88,839

v3.20.1
Debt and deferred financing costs - Scheduled Maturities of Long-term Debt (Details)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
2020 $ 9,383
2021 192,510
2022 12,510
2023 1,080,827
Total 1,295,230
Term Loan  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
2020 9,383
2021 12,510
2022 12,510
2023 1,080,827
Total 1,115,230
Revolver  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
2020 0
2021 180,000
2022 0
2023 0
Total $ 180,000
v3.20.1
Fair value measurement - Carrying Amount and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Carrying Amount    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Tax receivable agreement payable $ 77,385 $ 77,385
Carrying Amount | Senior Notes    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Term Loan 1,091,949 1,098,303
Fair Value    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Tax receivable agreement payable 48,505 47,625
Fair Value | Senior Notes    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Term Loan 926,343 1,102,295
Fair Value | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Tax receivable agreement payable 0 0
Fair Value | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Senior Notes    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Term Loan 0 0
Fair Value | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Tax receivable agreement payable 0 0
Fair Value | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Senior Notes    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Term Loan 926,343 1,102,295
Fair Value | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Tax receivable agreement payable 48,505 47,625
Fair Value | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Senior Notes    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Term Loan $ 0 $ 0
v3.20.1
Leases (Details)
Mar. 31, 2020
renewal_option
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]  
Initial term of finance leases 25 years
Number of renewal options of finance leases 1
Renewal term of finance leases 10 years
Minimum  
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]  
Initial term of operating leases 1 year
Maximum  
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]  
Initial term of operating leases 25 years
Renewal term of operating leases 10 years
v3.20.1
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Total intangible assets $ 132,252 $ 142,674
Customer relationships    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Total intangible assets 93,277 100,869
Trade names    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Total intangible assets 18,453 19,626
Patents    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Total intangible assets 7,012 7,673
Non-compete agreements    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Total intangible assets 7,186 8,070
Developed technology    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Total intangible assets 5,887 5,980
Other    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Total intangible assets $ 437 $ 456
v3.20.1
Acquisitions (Details)
$ in Millions
Mar. 01, 2019
USD ($)
TEXAS | Buckner  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]  
Cash consideration paid for assets acquired $ 11.8
v3.20.1
Investment in equity method investee - Company's Distribution and Earnings in Equity Method Investment (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2019
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Distribution received from CP&P $ (1,600) $ (1,500)
Share of earnings in CP&P 2,799 1,567
CP&P Joint Venture    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Distribution received from CP&P (1,600) (1,500)
Share of earnings in CP&P 2,816 1,585
Amortization of excess fair value of investment $ (18) $ (18)
v3.20.1
Income taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]    
Income tax expense (benefit) $ 78 $ (7,297)
Increase in valuation allowance for deferred tax assets   $ 3,500
v3.20.1
Related party transactions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
Related party transactions
Related party transactions

Tax receivable agreement

The Company has a TRA with Lone Star that provides for, among other things, the payment by the Company to Lone Star of 85% of the amount of certain covered tax benefits, which may reduce the actual liability for certain taxes that the Company might otherwise be required to pay. See Note 14, Commitments and contingencies, for additional information on the tax receivable agreement.

CP&P

The Company sold certain goods and services to its joint venture, CP&P, including spare parts for repairs, and property rentals. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, Forterra sold $0.5 million of product to CP&P and purchased goods and services from CP&P for an amount of $0.1 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, Forterra sold $5 thousand of product to CP&P and purchased $126 thousand of goods and services from CP&P.
   


v3.20.1
Commitments and contingencies
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and contingencies
Commitments and contingencies

Legal matters

The Company is involved in legal proceedings and litigation in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations, or liquidity. Other than routine litigation incidental to the Company's business and those matters described below, there are no material legal proceedings to which the Company is a party or to which any of the Company’s properties are subject.

Earnout Dispute

On March 13, 2015, through an indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Lone Star Fund IX (U.S.), L.P. (which is referred to, along with its affiliates and associates, but excluding Forterra and other companies that it owns as a result of its investment activity, as "Lone Star") acquired the building products business of HeidelbergCement AG, ("HC"), in the United States and Eastern Canada, (the "Acquisition"). The Acquisition purchase agreement included an earnout, which provided for the payment of contingent consideration of up to $100.0 million, if and to the extent the 2015 financial results of the businesses acquired by Lone Star in the Acquisition, including the Company and HC's former building products business in the United Kingdom, exceeded a specified Adjusted EBITDA target for fiscal year 2015, as calculated pursuant to the terms of the purchase agreement. If such Adjusted EBITDA calculation exceeded the specified target, LSF9 Concrete Holdings Ltd. ("LSF9") and, as a result of the internal reorganization transaction effected prior to the Company's initial public offering ("IPO"), the Company would be required to pay the U.S. affiliate of HC an amount equal to a multiple of such excess Adjusted EBITDA, with any payment capped at $100.0 million. In April 2016, the Company provided an earnout statement to affiliates of HC demonstrating that no payment was required. On June 13, 2016, HC provided notification that it disputed, among other things, the Company’s calculation of Adjusted EBITDA under the purchase agreement and asserting that a payment should be made in the amount of $100.0 million. The Company does not believe HC’s position has merit and is vigorously opposing HC's assertions. On October 5, 2016, affiliates of HC filed a lawsuit in the Delaware Court of Chancery seeking specific performance and claiming access to the Company's books, records, and personnel; seeking a declaratory judgment concerning the scope of the neutral accounting expert’s authority; and in the alternative, claiming a breach of contract and seeking the $100.0 million and other damages (the "Delaware Action"). On December 8, 2017, the court granted the defendants' Motion to Dismiss the First Amended Complaint in the Delaware Action, finding that the earnout dispute should be heard before a neutral accounting arbitrator as set forth in the purchase agreement and that any claims that were required to be brought as indemnification claims under the purchase agreement were time-barred by the contractual limitations period. Following the dismissal of the Delaware Action, the Company and HC jointly engaged a neutral accounting expert to act as an arbitrator in the dispute as required by the purchase agreement. After briefing certain preliminary matters for the arbitrator and the production of additional documents, the parties began briefing the issues on the merits for the neutral accounting arbitrator, which was completed in April 2020. The arbitrator will have an opportunity to ask written questions of both parties, and a final hearing on the dispute is currently scheduled to be held on June 23 and 24, 2020, subject to any potential delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a written decision from the neutral accounting arbitrator expected within 60 days thereafter. As of March 31, 2020, no liability for this contingency has been accrued as payment of any earnout is not considered probable. However, the outcome of this matter is uncertain, and no assurance can be given to the ultimate outcome of the resulting proceedings. If the Company is unsuccessful in resolving the dispute, it could recognize a material charge to its earnings.

Securities Action and Derivative Actions

Beginning on August 14, 2017, four plaintiffs filed putative class action complaints in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York against various defendants. On July 27, 2018, an order was entered consolidating the lawsuits into a single action (the "Securities Action") and transferring the venue of the case from the Eastern District of New York to the Northern District of Texas. Pursuant to an agreed scheduling order, plaintiffs in the Securities Action filed their Consolidated Amended Complaint on November 30, 2018.

The Securities Action is brought by two plaintiffs individually and on behalf of all persons that purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's common stock issued pursuant to and/or traceable to the IPO and is brought against the Company, certain of its current and former officers and directors, Lone Star and certain of its affiliates, and certain banks that acted as underwriters of the IPO (collectively, the “Securities Defendants”). The Securities Action generally alleges that the Company's registration statement on Form S-1 filed in connection with the IPO (the "Registration Statement") contained false or misleading statements and/or omissions of material facts. Specifically, plaintiffs allege the Registration Statement (1) made false and/or misleading statements about the Company's ability to generate organic growth through cross-selling initiatives amongst the Company's various businesses while failing to disclose that the Company had not adequately integrated acquisitions, had not begun rolling out its cross-selling initiative, and that its businesses were submitting competing bids against one another, and (2) made false or misleading statements regarding the existence of certain accounting practices and alleged material weaknesses in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting, including the existence of and accounting for bill and hold transactions, the lack of sufficient accounting personnel, the lack of effective internal controls to ensure costs were properly and accurately accrued, resulting in misstated costs and profits in the Company's 2016 financial statements, and the making of inventory accounting entries without adequate substantiation or documentation. The Securities Action asserts claims under Section 11 and Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the "Securities Act") and seeks (1) class certification under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, (2) damages suffered by plaintiffs and other class members, (3) prejudgment and post-judgment interest, (4) reasonable counsel fees and expert fees, and other costs and expenses reasonably incurred, and (5) other relief the court deems appropriate.

On February 15, 2019, the Securities Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss all claims in the case based on plaintiffs' failure to state a claim. Briefing on the motion to dismiss was completed on May 1, 2019, and the court has not yet ruled on the motion. A mediation of the Securities Action occurred in August 2019. On November 4, 2019, the parties to the Securities Action entered into a settlement agreement that is intended to fully and finally resolve all claims in the Securities Action. On January 4, 2020, the court issued an order granting preliminary approval for the settlement and providing for notice. Approval of the settlement in the Securities Action is set for final hearing on July 21, 2020, but approval cannot be guaranteed. The terms of the settlement are expected to be paid by the Company's insurance.

On July 31, 2018, a putative shareholder derivative complaint captioned Maloney v. Bradley, et al., was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, alleging that certain of the Company’s current and former directors and officers had breached their fiduciary duties, committed constructive fraud, wasted corporate assets, and that certain of them had been unjustly enriched (the "Maloney Texas Action"). On July 30, 2019, the court in the Maloney Texas Action granted the defendants' motion to dismiss on the grounds that the case should have been brought in Delaware according to the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. On September 23, 2019, the same plaintiff filed a putative shareholder derivative complaint captioned Maloney v. Bradley, et al. in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, naming as defendants certain of the Company’s current and former directors and officers (the "Maloney Delaware Action"). The complaint alleges the defendants violated Sections 14A and 20(A) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, breached their fiduciary duties, and wasted corporate assets, and also asserts unjust enrichment claims against certain defendants. The complaint seeks, on behalf of the Company, unspecified damages, an order directing the return of certain payments to the defendants and imposing a constructive trust thereon, certain injunctive relief, reasonable costs and attorneys' fees, and punitive damages.

On January 15, 2019, a putative shareholder derivative complaint captioned Lee v. Bradley, et al., was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, naming as defendants certain of the Company’s current and former directors and officers (the "Lee Action"). The complaint alleges the defendants violated Section 14A of the Securities and Exchange Act of1934, as amended, and related rules by failing to make certain disclosures in the Company's proxy solicitation in advance of the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and that defendants breached their fiduciary duties, wasted corporate assets, and committed constructive fraud. The complaint also asserts unjust enrichment claims against certain defendants. The complaint seeks, on behalf of the Company, unspecified damages, an order directing the return of certain payments to the defendants, certain injunctive relief, and reasonable costs and attorneys' fees. On April 18, 2019, the court entered an agreed stipulation staying the Lee Action until the court in the Securities Action rules on the motion to dismiss in that case. On December 11, 2019, the court in the Lee Action entered a Stipulation and Order consolidating the Lee Action and the Maloney Delaware Action into a single case (the "Consolidated Lee Action"), and providing a schedule for filing of an amended complaint and motions to dismiss, which has been further extended by agreement of the parties given the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Company and other defendants are vigorously defending the Consolidated Lee Action. Given the stage of the proceedings, the Company cannot reasonably estimate at this time the possible loss or range of loss, if any, that may arise from the Consolidated Lee Action.
 
Long-term Incentive Plan

Following the Acquisition, Lone Star implemented a cash-based long term incentive plan (the “LTIP”) which entitles the participants in the LTIP to a potential cash payout upon a monetization event as defined by the LTIP. Potential monetization events include the sale, transfer or otherwise disposition of all or a portion of the Company or successor entities of LSF9, an initial public offering where Lone Star reduces its ownership interest in the Company or successor entities of LSF9, or through certain cash distribution as defined in the LTIP. Before the payout of any cash the LTIP requires Lone Star realize in cash the full return of their investment plus a specified internal rate of return, which is calculated by comparing the return to Lone Star over the timeline of its investment in the Company and certain successor entities of LSF9. As of March 31, 2020, no such monetization events that meet the required return for an LTIP payment have occurred, and therefore no amounts were accrued in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. While no payments have occurred thus far, payments under the LTIP could be significant depending upon future monetization events. The timing and amount of such payments are unknown and are dependent upon future monetization events and market conditions that are outside of the control of the Company or the participants of the plan. Subsequent to the IPO, Forterra became directly liable for any payment obligations triggered under the LTIP, but LSF9 or one of its affiliates will remain obligated to make payments to the Company in amounts equal to any payment obligations triggered under the LTIP as and when such payment obligations are triggered.

Leases

The Company leases certain property and equipment for various periods under non-cancelable operating and finance leases.

Tax receivable agreement

The Company has a tax receivable agreement (the "TRA") with Lone Star that provides for, among other things, the payment by the Company to Lone Star of 85% of the amount of certain covered tax benefits, which may reduce the actual liability for certain taxes that the Company might otherwise be required to pay. The tax benefits subject to the TRA include: (i) all depreciation and amortization deductions, and any offset to taxable income and gain or increase to taxable loss, resulting from the tax basis that the Company had in its assets as of the time of the consummation of the IPO, (ii) the utilization of the Company's and its subsidiaries’ net operating losses and tax credits, if any, attributable to periods prior to the IPO, (iii) deductions in respect of payments made, funded or reimbursed by an initial party to the tax receivable agreement (other than the Company or one of its subsidiaries) or an affiliate thereof to participants under the LTIP, (iv) deductions in respect of transaction expenses attributable to the acquisition of USP Holdings, Inc. and (v) certain other tax benefits attributable to payments made under the tax receivable agreement.

For purposes of the TRA, the aggregate reduction in income tax payable by the Company will be computed by comparing the Company's actual income tax liability with its hypothetical liability had it not been able to utilize the related tax benefits. The agreement will remain in effect for the period of time in which any such related tax benefits remain. The Company accounts for potential payments under the TRA as a contingent liability, with amounts accrued when considered probable and reasonably estimable. The liability recorded by the Company for the TRA at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was $77.4 million and $77.4 million, respectively. The timing and amount of future tax benefits associated with the TRA are subject to change, and additional payments may be required which could be materially different from the current accrued liability. The Company anticipates that it will have sufficient taxable income in future periods to realize the full value of the obligation recorded. Future tax receivable agreement payments related to the tax basis of assets at the time of the IPO will be recorded as a reduction to the liability and will be recorded as a financing activity in the consolidated statement of cash flows. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, no payments were made on the TRA to Lone Star.
v3.20.1
Inventories (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of inventories
Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2020
 
2019
Finished goods
$
176,908

 
$
161,440

Raw materials
81,774

 
76,237

Work in process
591

 
806

Total inventories
$
259,273

 
$
238,483