L.B. Foster - 10-Q quarterly report FY

 

(Mark One)

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

(412) 928-3417
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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 þ       No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

L.B. FOSTER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

L. B. FOSTER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Thousands)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

L. B. FOSTER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

L. B. FOSTER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In Thousands)

The Company financed $2.6 million and $1.2 million in capital lease expenditures through the execution of capital leases during the first six months of 2006 and 2005, respectively.

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

L. B. FOSTER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all estimates and adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. However, actual results could differ from those estimates. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2006. Amounts included in the balance sheet as of December 31, 2005 were derived from our audited balance sheet. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (FIN 48). This Interpretation applies to all open tax positions accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. This Interpretation is intended to result in increased relevance and comparability in financial reporting of income taxes and to provide more information about the uncertainty in income tax assets and liabilities. This Interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The adoption of this Interpretation is not expected to have an effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In March 2006, the FASB issued an exposure draft, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans — an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132R”. The proposed amendment would improve existing reporting for defined benefit postretirement plans. Under the exposure draft, the proposed amendment would become effective for the Company in the fourth quarter of 2006, generally on a retrospective basis. The Company will evaluate the impact of any change in accounting standards on the Company’s financial position and results of operations when the final interpretation is issued.

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment and related interpretations (SFAS No. 123R) using the modified prospective method and accordingly have not restated prior period results. SFAS No. 123R establishes the accounting for equity instruments exchanged for employee services. Under SFAS No. 123R, share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the calculated fair value of the award. The expense is recognized over the employees’ requisite service period, generally the vesting period of the award. SFAS No. 123R also requires the related excess tax benefit received upon exercise of stock options or vesting of restricted stock, if any, to be reflected in the statement of cash flows as a financing activity rather than an operating activity.

As a result of adopting SFAS No. 123R, the Company recorded stock compensation expense of $133,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2006. The related deferred tax benefit was $46,000.

At June 30, 2006, there was $307,000 of compensation expense related to nonvested awards which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years. The impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 123R on both basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended June 30, 2006 was less than $0.01 per share. The impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 123R on basic and diluted earnings per share for the six months ended June 30, 2006 was a reduction of $0.01.

Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the Company accounted for stock options to employees using the intrinsic value method in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations. We also provided the disclosures required under SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (SFAS No. 123), as amended by SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosures. As a result, no expense was reflected in net income for the period ended June 30, 2005 for stock options.

The table below reflects pro forma net income and earnings per share for the period shown had compensation for stock options been determined based on the fair value at the grant date, consistent with the methodology prescribed under SFAS No. 123.

Credit is extended on an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition and, generally, collateral is not required. Credit terms are consistent with industry standards and practices. Trade accounts receivable at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 have been reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts of ($1,007,000) and ($922,000), respectively. Bad debt expense was $67,000 and $118,000 for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Inventories of the Company at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 are summarized as follows in thousands:

Inventories of the Company are generally valued at the lower of last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost or market. Other inventories of the Company are valued at average cost or market, whichever is lower. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method is made at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations are based on management’s estimates of expected year-end levels and costs.

Currently there are five qualified retirement plans covering all hourly and salaried employees, specifically two defined benefit plans and three defined contribution plans. Employees are eligible to participate in a plan based on their employment classification as salaried or hourly. The Company’s funding to the defined benefit and defined contribution plans is governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), applicable plan policy and investment guidelines. The Company policy is to contribute at least the minimum funding required by ERISA.

Defined Benefit Plans

Net periodic pension costs for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:

The Company expects to contribute $121,000 to its defined benefit plans in 2006. As of June 30, 2006, contributions of $55,000 have been made.

Defined Contribution Plans

The Company’s defined contribution plan for salaried employees contains a matched savings provision that permits both pretax and after-tax employee contributions. The Company contributes 1% of participants’ annual compensation to the plan without regard for employee contribution. Participants also can receive a matching employer contribution of up to 3% of their annual compensation. The plan also requires an additional matching employer contribution, based on the ratio of the Company’s pretax income to equity, up to 3% of the employee’s annual compensation. The Company may also make discretionary contributions to the plan. The expense associated with this plan for the six months ended June 30 was $734,000 in 2006 and $512,000 in 2005.

The Company also has two defined contribution plans for hourly employees with contributions made by both the participants and the Company based on various formulas. The expense associated with these plans for the six months ended June 30 was $30,000 in 2006 and $28,000 in 2005.

In February 2006, the Company sold substantially all of the assets of its Geotechnical Division (Business) for $4,000,000 plus the net asset value of the fixed assets, inventory, work in progress and prepaid items of the Business. The operations of the Business qualify as a “component of an entity” under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” and thus, the operations have been reclassified as discontinued and prior periods have been restated. Future expenses related to this business as it winds down are expected to be immaterial.

Net sales and income from discontinued operations were as follows:

In May 2005, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into an amended and restated credit agreement with a consortium of commercial banks which provided for a $60,000,000 five year revolving credit facility expiring in May 2010. In September 2005, the Company’s maximum credit line was increased to $75,000,000 under the First Amendment to the Revolving Credit and Security Agreement. Borrowings under the agreement are secured by substantially all the inventory and trade receivables owned by the Company, and are limited to 85% of eligible receivables and 60% of eligible inventory.

Borrowings under the amended credit agreement will bear interest at interest rates based upon either the base rate or LIBOR rate plus or minus applicable margins. The base rate is equal to the greater of (a) PNC Bank’s base commercial lending rate or (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus .50%. The base rate spread ranges from a negative 1.00% to a positive 0.50%, and the LIBOR spread ranges from 1.50% to 2.50%. The interest rates on the Company’s initial borrowings were LIBOR plus 1.50% and the base rate minus 1.00%. Under the amended credit agreement, the Company maintains dominion over its cash at all times, as long as excess availability stays over $5,000,000 and there is no uncured event of default.

The agreement includes financial covenants requiring a minimum level for the fixed charge coverage ratio and a maximum level for capital expenditures; however, expenditures up to $20,000,000 for plant construction and refurbishment related to the Company’s concrete tie supply agreement are excluded from these covenants. The agreement also includes a minimum net worth covenant and restricts investments, indebtedness, and the sale of certain assets. As of June 30, 2006, the Company was in compliance with the agreement’s covenants. At June 30, 2006 the Company had borrowed $32,884,000 under the agreement, which was classified as long-term, and had approximately $23,446,000 in unused borrowing commitment.

The Company has interim financing arrangements with two banks to provide funding for the expansion of the Concrete Tie division and a third bank to provide funding for the new facility in Pueblo, CO to be used by our Allegheny Rail Products division. At June 30, 2006, approximately $6,558,000 of this funding is classified as short-term borrowings. The Company expects to convert the majority of this amount to long-term debt through the execution of capital leases.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:

Stock Options/Awards

The Company has three equity compensation plans: The 1985 Long-Term Incentive Plan (1985 Plan), the 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Officers and Directors (1998 Plan) and the 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan (2006 Plan). The 1985 Plan expired on January 1, 2005. Although no further awards can be made under the 1985 Plan, prior awards are not affected by the termination of the Plan.

The 1998 Plan amended and restated in May 2001, provides for the award of options to key employees and directors to purchase up to 900,000 shares of Common stock at no less than 100% of fair market value on the date of the grant. The 1998 Plan provides for the granting of “nonqualified options” and “incentive stock options” with a duration of not more than ten years from the date of grant. The Plan also provides that, unless otherwise set forth in the option agreement, options are exercisable in installments of up to 25% annually beginning one year from date of grant. An outside director is automatically awarded fully vested, nonqualified stock options to acquire 5,000 shares of the Company’s Common stock on each date

the outside director is elected at an annual shareholders’ meeting to serve as a director. The 1998 Plan was amended in May 2006 to remove the automatic awarding of options to an outside director.

The 2006 Plan, approved in May 2006, provides for the distribution of 500,000 shares of Common stock through the granting of stock options or stock awards to key employees and directors at no less than 100% of fair market value on the date of the grant. The 2006 Plan provides for the granting of “nonqualified options” with a duration of not more than ten years from the date of grant. The Plan also provides that, unless otherwise set forth in the option agreement, options are exercisable in installments of up to 25% annually beginning one year from the date of grant. There were no options granted under the 2006 Plan.

The fair value of the Company’s option grants was estimated at the dates of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the assumptions indicated in the table below for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2005. There were no stock options granted in the first or second quarter of 2006. The risk-free rate for the periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U. S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The dividend yield is based on the historical dividend yield of the Company’s stock. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatility of the Company stock. The expected term of the options granted represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding based on historical option exercise experience.

The Company granted 20,000 and 30,000 stock options during the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of these grants was $4.14. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 were $5,620,000 and $68,000, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the six month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 were $5,823,000 and $213,000, respectively.

A summary of the option activity as of June 30, 2006 is presented below.

Shares issued as a result of stock option exercise generally will be authorized but previously unissued common stock.

The 2006 Plan provides for the distribution of 500,000 shares of Common stock through the granting of stock options or stock awards to key employees and directors. The awards will be fully vested at the end of the two year period commencing from the date of the grant, unless otherwise determined by the underlying restricted stock agreement. The fair value of each award is equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. An outside director is automatically awarded a fully vested restricted stock award of 3,500 shares of the Company’s Common stock on each date the outside director is elected at an annual shareholders’ meeting to serve as a director.

Subsequent to the approval of the 2006 Plan in May, the outside directors were granted a total of 17,500 fully vested restricted stock awards. The weighted average fair value of these restricted stock grants was $23.68.

Compensation expense recorded by the Company related to restricted stock awards was approximately $414,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2006.

A summary of the restricted stock activity as of June 30, 2006 is presented below.

Stock issued as a result of restricted stock awards generally will be authorized but previously unissued common stock.

The Company is subject to laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, and the Company’s efforts to comply with environmental regulations may have an adverse effect on its future earnings. In the opinion of management, compliance with the present environmental protection laws will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, competitive position, or capital expenditures of the Company.

The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the financial condition or liquidity of the Company. The resolution, in any reporting period, of one or more of these matters, could have; however, a material effect on the Company’s results of operations for that period.

In 2000, the Company’s subsidiary sold concrete railroad crossing panels to a general contractor on a Texas transit project. Due to a variety of factors, including deficiencies in the owner’s project specifications, certain panels have deteriorated and the owner has replaced all of the panels provided by the subsidiary. The general contractor and the owner are currently engaged in dispute resolution procedures, which we believe will be resolved in 2006. The general contractor has notified the Company that, depending on the

outcome of these proceedings, it may file a suit against the Company’s subsidiary. Although no assurances can be given, the Company believes that it has meritorious defenses to such claims and that its subsidiary will vigorously defend against such a suit.

In the second quarter of 2004, a gas company filed a complaint against the Company in Allegheny County, PA, alleging that in 1989 the Company had applied epoxy coating on 25,000 feet of pipe and that, as a result of inadequate surface preparation of the pipe, the coating had blistered and deteriorated. The Company does not believe that the gas company’s alleged problems are the Company’s responsibility. Although no assurances can be given, the Company believes that it has meritorious defenses to such claims and will vigorously defend against such a suit.

The Trustees of the Colorado Contractors Trust (Trust) filed suit on November 3, 2005 in the District Court, County of Denver, CO against the Company, its bonding company, the general contractor and the general contractor’s bonding companies alleging that a supplier which the Company used in connection with a project in the Denver, CO area, failed to pay the Trust required contributions for employee health coverage. The Trust apparently sought more than $300,000 plus interest and attorneys’ fees. The Company settled with the Trust for $102,500 in May 2006.

At June 30, 2006 the Company had outstanding letters of credit of approximately $10,846,000.

The Company is organized and evaluated by product group, which is the basis for identifying reportable segments. The Company is engaged in the manufacture, fabrication and distribution of rail, construction and tubular products. The following tables illustrate revenues and profits of the Company by segment:

Segment profits, as shown above, include internal cost of capital charges for assets used in the segment at a rate of, generally, 1% per month. There has been no change in the measurement of segment profit from December 31, 2005.

The following table provides a reconciliation of reportable net profit to the Company’s consolidated total:

Comprehensive income represents net income plus certain stockholders’ equity changes not reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The components of comprehensive income, net of tax, were as follows:

The Company does not purchase or hold any derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage interest rate exposure on variable-rate debt, primarily by using interest rate collars and variable interest rate swaps. The Company’s primary source of variable-rate debt comes from its revolving credit agreement. In conjunction with the Company’s debt refinancing in 2002, the Company discontinued cash flow hedge accounting treatment for its interest rate collars and applied mark-to-market accounting prospectively.

During 2005, the Company had one LIBOR-based interest rate collar agreement remaining. This agreement became effective in March 2001 and expired in March 2006, had a notional value of $15.0 million, a maximum annual interest rate of 5.60% and a minimum annual interest rate of 5.00%. The counterparty to the agreement had the option, which was exercised on March 6, 2005, to convert the collar to a one year, fixed-rate instrument with interest payable at an annual rate of 5.49%.

With the debt refinancing in 2002, the collar agreements were not deemed to be an effective hedge of the new credit facility in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (SFAS 133). However, the Company retained these instruments as protection against interest rate risk associated with the new credit agreement and the Company records the mark-to-market adjustments on these instruments in its consolidated statements of operations. During the second quarter of 2005, the Company recognized income of $76,000 to adjust these instruments to fair value. The remaining interest rate collar expired in March 2006. For the six months ended June 2006 and 2005, the Company recognized income of $29,000 and $225,000, respectively, to adjust these instruments to fair value.

At contract inception, the Company designates its derivative instruments as hedges. The Company recognizes all derivative instruments on the balance sheet at fair value. Fluctuations in the fair values of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, and reclassified into earnings as the underlying hedged items affect earnings. To the extent that a change in interest rate derivative does not perfectly offset the change in value of the interest rate being hedged, the ineffective portion is recognized in earnings immediately.

The Company is not subject to significant exposures to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company will, however, manage its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on certain firm sale and purchase commitments by entering into foreign currency forward contracts. The Company’s risk management objective is to reduce its exposure to the effects of changes in exchange rates on these transactions over the duration of the transactions. During 2004, the Company entered into commitments to sell Canadian funds based on the anticipated receipt of Canadian funds from the sale of certain rail through March 2006. During the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company determined that the receipt of Canadian funds would not coincide with the sale commitments and the Company recorded a $0.2 million loss to record these commitments at market. The remaining Canadian dollar sell commitment was executed on September 30, 2005 at a loss of $130,000. During the second quarter and first six months of 2005, the

Company recognized income of $16,000 and $120,000, respectively, to adjust these commitments to fair value.

During the first quarter of 2006, the Company entered into commitments to sell Canadian funds based on the anticipated receipt of Canadian funds from the sale of certain rail commencing in the second quarter of 2007 through the third quarter of 2008. The fair value of these instruments was a liability of $8,000 as of June 30, 2006 and is recorded in “Other Long-Term Liabilities.”

L. B. Foster Company is a leading manufacturer, fabricator and distributor of products for rail, construction, utility and energy markets. The Company is comprised of three business segments: Rail products, Construction products and Tubular products.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. When more than one accounting principle, or method of its application, is generally accepted, management selects the principle or method that is appropriate in the Company’s specific circumstances. Application of these accounting principles requires management to make estimates about the future resolution of existing uncertainties. As a result, actual results could differ from these estimates. In preparing these financial statements, management has made its best estimates and judgments of the amounts and disclosures included in the financial statements giving due regard to materiality. There have been no material changes in the Company’s policies or estimates since December 31, 2005. For more information regarding the Company’s critical accounting policies, please see the Management’s Discussion & Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (FIN 48). This Interpretation applies to all open tax positions accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. This Interpretation is intended to result in increased relevance and comparability in financial reporting of income taxes and to provide more information about the uncertainty in income tax assets and liabilities. This Interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The adoption of this Interpretation is not expected to have an effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In March 2006, the FASB issued an exposure draft, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans — an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132R”. The proposed amendment would improve existing reporting for defined benefit postretirement plans. Under the exposure draft, the proposed amendment would become effective for the Company in the fourth quarter of 2006, generally on a retrospective basis. The Company will evaluate the impact of any change in accounting standards on the Company’s financial position and results of operations when the final interpretation is issued.

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment and related interpretations (SFAS No. 123R) using the modified prospective method and accordingly have not restated prior period results. SFAS No. 123R establishes the accounting for equity instruments exchanged for employee services. Under SFAS No. 123R,

share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the calculated fair value of the award. The expense is recognized over the employees’ requisite service period, generally the vesting period of the award. SFAS No. 123R also requires the related excess tax benefit received upon exercise of stock options or vesting of restricted stock, if any, to be reflected in the statement of cash flows as a financing activity rather than an operating activity.

As a result of adopting SFAS No. 123R, the Company recorded stock compensation expense of $133,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2006. The related deferred tax benefit was $46,000.

At June 30, 2006, there was $0.3 million of compensation expense related to nonvested awards which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years. The impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 123R on both basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended June 30, 2006 was less than $0.01 per share. The impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 123R on basic and diluted earnings per share for the six months ended June 30, 2006 was a reduction of $0.01.

Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the Company accounted for stock options to employees using the intrinsic value method in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations. We also provided the disclosures required under SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (SFAS No. 123), as amended by SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosures. As a result, no expense was reflected in net income for the period ended June 30, 2005 for stock options.

Shares issued as a result of stock option exercise or restricted stock awards generally will be authorized but previously unissued common stock.

Income from continuing operations for the second quarter of 2006 was $3.1 million ($0.29 per diluted share) on net sales of $99.3 million. This compares favorably to the second quarter of 2005 which was $1.6 million ($0.15 per diluted share) on net sales of $90.7 million.

Including a net loss from discontinued operations (the Company’s former Geotechnical division) of $0.1 million ($0.01 per diluted share), net income for the second quarter of 2006 was $3.0 million ($0.28 per

diluted share). During the same period in 2005, the Company had net income of $1.6 million ($0.15 per diluted share) which included income from discontinued operations of $1,000 ($0.00 per diluted share).

Net sales for the Company increased $8.6 million, or 9.5%, compared to the prior year second quarter. Rail segment’s sales increased 1.2% primarily due to an increase in concrete tie sales. Construction products’ net sales increased 22.5% due mainly to increases in sheet piling sales, and to a lesser extent an increase in fabricated products. The sheet piling increase was due mostly to demand because of last year’s hurricanes. Tubular products’ sales decreased 5.8% because of a decline in coated pipe volume in comparison to the second quarter of 2005.

The Company’s gross profit margin increased 2.3 percentage points to 13.5% compared to last year’s second quarter. Rail products’ profit margin increased 1.9 percentage points to 12.8%. This increase was the result of improved billing margins primarily for concrete ties, transit products and new rail. Construction products’ gross profit margin increased 3.4 percentage points to 15.3% as a result of improved performance by our Fabricated Products and Concrete Buildings divisions. Tubular products’ gross profit margin declined by 2.7 percentage points due to competitive pressure on threaded products’ margins.

Selling and administrative expenses increased 18.2% from the same prior year period due to increases in employee related costs and benefit expenses as well as fees for professional services. Interest expense rose 49.7% from the prior year period due principally to increased borrowings and increased interest rates. The increase in borrowings is due primarily to the Company’s expenditures for new facilities in Tucson, AZ and Pueblo, CO and the facility expansion at Grand Island, NE, as well as increased working capital requirements. Other income increased $0.2 million due to both the collection of a receivable that was unrelated to our core business and a gain on foreign exchange. Income taxes in the second quarter were recorded at approximately 29.0% compared to 34.6% a year ago for continuing operations. The lower tax rate in 2006 is the result of releasing a portion of the valuation allowance provided for state net operating losses due to a change in the Company’s estimate of its ability to utilize those net operating losses in future periods.

For the first six months of 2006, income from continuing operations was $4.3 million ($0.40 per diluted share) on net sales of $183.5 million. This compares favorably to the first six months of 2005 which was $2.2 million ($0.21 per diluted share) on net sales of $158.3 million.

Including income from discontinued operations (the Company’s former Geotechnical division) of $2.6 million ($0.24 per diluted share), net income for the first six months of 2006 was $6.9 million ($0.64 per diluted share). During the same period in 2005, the Company had net income of $2.2 million ($0.21 per diluted share) which included income from discontinued operations of $14,000 ($0.00 per diluted share).

The Company’s net sales increased $25.1 million, or 15.9%, compared to the first half of 2005. Rail segment net sales increased 9.8% primarily due to an increase in concrete tie sales. Construction products’ net sales increased 27.1% primarily because of increased sheet piling sales due to strong demand and the availability of new sections during the entire first half of 2006. Fabricated products also contributed modest increases in sales. Lower volumes of coated pipe and threaded products were responsible for the Tubular products’ sales decrease of 3.1% in comparison to the first six months of 2005.

The Company’s gross profit margin increased 1.7 percentage points to 12.7% compared to 11.0% for the first six months of 2005. Rail products’ profit margin increased 0.5 percentage points to 12.3%. Construction products’ gross profit margin increased 3.7 percentage points to 14.2% as a result of improved performance by our Fabricated Products and Concrete Buildings divisions. Tubular products’ gross profit margin declined by 2.1 percentage points due to competitive pressure on threaded products’ margins.

Selling and administrative expenses increased 18.3% over the first half of 2005 due to increases in employee related costs and benefit expenses as well as fees for professional services. Interest expense

increased 52.8% from the prior year period due principally to increased borrowings and increased interest rates. The increase in borrowings is due primarily to the Company’s expenditures for new facilities in Tucson, AZ and Pueblo, CO and the facility expansion at Grand Island, NE, as well as working capital requirements related to increased volumes. Other income increased $0.2 million due to the collection of a receivable that was unrelated to our core business and a gain on foreign exchange. Income taxes in the first six months of 2006 were recorded at approximately 30.6% compared to 33.5% a year ago for continuing operations. The lower tax rate in 2006 is the result of releasing a portion of the valuation allowance provided for state net operating losses due to a change in the Company’s estimate of its ability to utilize those net operating losses in future periods.

The Company’s capitalization is as follows:

Debt as a percentage of capitalization (debt plus equity) increased to 36% from 32% at year-end 2005, as a result of the aforementioned expansion efforts. Working capital was $73.5 million at June 30, 2006 compared to $56.1 million at December 31, 2005. Trade accounts receivable increased $10.7 million, principally due to increased sales volumes. Inventory increased $7.8 million due to an expected ramp up in activity in anticipation of a seasonally strong spring/summer period.

The Company’s liquidity needs arise from seasonal working capital requirements, capital expenditures, acquisitions and debt service obligations. The following table summarizes the year-to-date impact of these items:

Capital expenditures were $8.6 million for the first six months of 2006 compared to $7.2 million for the same 2005 period. The Company anticipates its total capital spending in 2006 will range from $12.0 to $14.0 million, largely in connection with the construction of the Company’s new facilities. These expenditures will be funded by cash flow from operations and available external financing sources.

The Company has a five-year revolving credit facility agreement which expires in May 2010 and provides for up to $75.0 million in borrowings to support the Company’s working capital and other liquidity requirements. Borrowings under the agreement are secured by substantially all the inventory and trade receivables owned by the Company, and are limited to 85% of eligible receivables and 60% of eligible inventory.

Borrowings under the amended credit agreement will bear interest at interest rates based upon either the base rate or LIBOR plus or minus applicable margins. The base rate is the greater of (a) PNC Bank’s base commercial lending rate or (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus .50%. The base rate spread ranges from a negative 1.00% to a positive 0.50%, and the LIBOR spread ranges from 1.50% to 2.50%. The interest rates on the Company’s initial borrowings were LIBOR plus 1.50% and the base rate minus 1.00%. Under the amended credit agreement, the Company maintains dominion over its cash at all times, as long as excess availability stays over $5.0 million and there is no uncured event of default.

Long-term revolving credit agreement borrowings at June 30, 2006 were $32.9 million, an increase of $12.0 million from December 31, 2005. At June 30, 2006, remaining available borrowings under this facility were approximately $23.4 million. Outstanding letters of credit at June 30, 2006 were approximately $10.8 million. The letters of credit have expiration dates ranging from September 2006 to May 2010. Management believes its internal and external sources of funds are adequate to meet anticipated needs for the foreseeable future.

The agreement includes financial covenants requiring a minimum level for the fixed charge coverage ratio and a maximum level for capital expenditures; however, expenditures up to $20.0 million for plant construction and refurbishment related to the Company’s concrete tie supply agreement are excluded from these covenants. The agreement also includes a minimum net worth covenant and restricts investments, indebtedness, and the sale of certain assets. As of June 30, 2006, the Company was in compliance with the agreement’s covenants.

The Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements include operating leases, purchase obligations and standby letters of credit. A schedule of the Company’s required payments under financial instruments and other commitments as of December 31, 2005 is included in “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section of the Company’s 2005 Annual Report filed on Form 10-K. During the first six months of 2006, the Company increased its outstanding letters of credit to $10.8 million to accommodate inventory purchases in foreign markets. These arrangements provide the Company with increased flexibility relative to the utilization and investment of cash resources.

The Company maintains a significant investment in the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad Corporation (DM&E), a privately held, regional railroad, which controls over 2,500 miles of track in eight states.

At June 30, 2006, the Company’s investment was comprised of $0.2 million of DM&E common stock, $1.5 million of Series B Preferred Stock and warrants, $6.0 million of Series C Preferred Stock and warrants, $0.8 million of Preferred Series C-1 Stock and warrants, and $0.5 million of Series D Preferred Stock and warrants. In addition, the Company has a receivable recorded for accrued dividend income on Preferred Stock of approximately $7.2 million. The Company’s ownership in the DM&E is approximately 13.4%.

In December 1998, in conjunction with the issuance of Series C Preferred Stock and warrants, the DM&E ceased paying dividends on the Series B shares. The terms of the Series B Preferred Stock state in the event that regular dividends are not paid timely, dividends accrue at an accelerated rate until those

dividends are paid. In addition, penalty interest accrues and compounds annually until such dividends are paid. Subsequent issuances of Series C, C-1, and D Preferred Stock have all assumed distribution priority over the previous series, with series D not redeemable until 2008. As subsequent preferred series were issued, the Company, based on its own valuation estimate, stopped recording the full amount due on all preferred series given the delay in anticipated realization of the asset and the priority of redemption of the various issuances. The amount of dividend income not recorded was approximately $6.1 million at June 30, 2006. The Company will only recognize this income upon redemption of the respective issuances or payment of the dividends.

In June 1997, the DM&E announced its plan to build an extension from the DM&E’s existing line into the low sulfur coal market of the Powder River Basin in Wyoming and to rebuild approximately 600 miles of its existing track (the Project). The estimated cost of this project exceeds $2.0 billion. The Surface Transportation Board (STB) approved the Project in January 2002. In October 2003, however, the 8^th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals remanded the matter to the STB and instructed the STB to address, in its environmental impact statement, the Project’s effects on air quality, noise and vibration, and preservation of historic sites. On January 30, 2004, the 8^th U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied petitions seeking a rehearing of the case. On April 15, 2005, the STB issued a draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) on the Project. On February 13, 2006, after reviewing public comments on the SEIS, the STB granted its final approval for the Project. Several opponents to the Project have appealed the STB’s final decision to the 8^th U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

If the Project proves to be viable, management believes that the value of the Company’s investment in the DM&E could increase significantly. If the Project does not come to fruition, management believes that the value of the Company’s investment is supported by the DM&E’s existing business.

In December 2003, the DM&E received a Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) Loan in the amount of $233.0 million from the Federal Railroad Administration. Funding provided by the 25-year loan was used to refinance debt and upgrade infrastructure along parts of its existing route.

In November, 2005, the DM&E announced that it had applied for a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) loan package totaling approximately $2.5 billion to build and rehabilitate approximately 1,300 miles of railroad in four states. The loan package is intended to fund four separate projects, including a 900-mile project which encompasses the Project. Various groups have indicated their opposition to the DM&E’s application for this FRA loan.

Our CXT Rail operation and Allegheny Rail Products division are dependent on the Union Pacific Railroad (“UPRR”) for a significant portion of their business. Subsequent to the January 2005 completion of a concrete tie supply agreement with this railroad, we installed new tie-manufacturing equipment at our Grand Island, NE facility and commenced production of concrete ties in September 2005. During the second quarter, the facility produced 30% more concrete ties over the same period last year when we were running older equipment at maximum capacity. The UPRR has agreed to purchase ties from the Grand Island facility through December 2010. In addition to upgrading the Grand Island facility, we are in the process of constructing a new concrete tie manufacturing facility in Tucson, AZ to add capacity in order to meet the requirements of the agreement mentioned above. Despite construction delays attributable to permitting and other issues, the facility has commenced test-casting of concrete ties as it prepares for commissioning later this year. The UPRR has agreed to purchase concrete ties from the Tucson facility through December 2012.

In November 2005, we purchased a 55,000 square foot facility in Pueblo, CO. We manufacture insulated rail joints, which were previously outsourced to an exclusive supplier, and assemble rail lubricators at the new facility. Although minor delays have been experienced at this facility, we expect production to improve to expected levels in the third quarter.

Certain of our businesses, especially our Fabricated Products group, have been hampered with low volumes and margins due to the delay in passing a new Federal highway and transportation funding bill. This

legislation, SAFETEA-LU, authorizes $286 billion for United States transportation spending for the next four years. We do not expect this legislation to have a positive impact on the financial results of these businesses in 2006.

Although backlog is not necessarily indicative of future operating results, total Company backlog from continuing operations at June 30, 2006, was approximately $158.9 million. The following table provides the backlog from continuing operations by business segment:

We continue to evaluate the overall performance of our operations. A decision to down-size or terminate an existing operation could have a material adverse effect on near-term earnings but would not be expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company.

The Company does not purchase or hold any derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage interest rate exposure on variable-rate debt, primarily by using interest rate collars and variable interest rate swaps. The Company’s primary source of variable-rate debt comes from its revolving credit agreement. In conjunction with the Company’s debt refinancing in 2002, the Company discontinued cash flow hedge accounting treatment for its interest rate collars and applied mark-to-market accounting prospectively.

During 2005, the Company had one LIBOR-based interest rate collar agreement. This agreement became effective in March 2001 and expired in March 2006, had a notional value of $15.0 million, a maximum annual interest rate of 5.60% and a minimum annual interest rate of 5.00%. The counterparty to the agreement had the option, which was exercised on March 6, 2005, to convert the collar to a one year, fixed-rate instrument with interest payable at an annual rate of 5.49%.

With the debt refinancing in 2002, the collar agreements were not deemed to be an effective hedge of the new credit facility in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (SFAS 133). However, the Company retained these instruments as protection against interest rate risk associated with the new credit agreement and the Company records the mark-to-market adjustments on these instruments in its consolidated statements of operations. During the second quarter of 2005, the Company recognized income of $76,000 to adjust these instruments to fair value. The remaining interest rate collar expired in March 2006. For the six months ended June 2006 and 2005, the Company recognized income of $29,000 and $225,000, respectively, to adjust these instruments to fair value.

At contract inception, the Company designates its derivative instruments as hedges. The Company recognizes all derivative instruments on the balance sheet at fair value. Fluctuations in the fair values of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, and reclassified into earnings as the underlying hedged items affect earnings. To the extent that a change in interest rate derivative does not perfectly offset the change in value of the interest rate being hedged, the ineffective portion is recognized in earnings immediately.

The Company is not subject to significant exposures to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company will, however, manage its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on certain firm sale and purchase commitments by entering into foreign currency forward contracts. The Company’s risk management objective is to reduce its exposure to the effects of changes in exchange rates on these

transactions over the duration of the transactions. During 2004, the Company entered into commitments to sell Canadian funds based on the anticipated receipt of Canadian funds from the sale of certain rail through March 2006. During the fourth quarter of 2004, circumstances indicated that the timing of the anticipated receipt of Canadian funds were not expected to coincide with the sale commitments and the Company recorded a $0.2 million loss to record these commitments at market. The remaining Canadian dollar sell commitment was executed on September 30, 2005 at a loss of $130,000. During the second quarter and first six months of 2005, the Company recognized income of $16,000 and $120,000, respectively, to adjust these commitments to fair value.

During the first quarter of 2006, the Company entered into commitments to sell Canadian funds based on the anticipated receipt of Canadian funds from the sale of certain rail commencing in the second quarter of 2007 through the third quarter of 2008. The fair value of these instruments was a liability of $8,000 as of June 30, 2006 and is recorded in “Other Long-Term Liabilities.”

Statements relating to the potential value of the DM&E or the Project, or management’s belief as to such matters, are forward-looking statements and are subject to numerous contingencies and risk factors. The Company has based its assessment on information provided by the DM&E and has not independently verified such information. In addition to matters mentioned above, factors which can adversely affect the value of the DM&E and its ability to complete the Project include the following: labor disputes, the outcome of certain litigation, any inability to obtain necessary environmental and government approvals for the Project in a timely fashion, the DM&E’s ability to continue to obtain interim funding to finance the Project, the expense of environmental mitigation measures required by the STB, an inability to obtain financing for the Project, competitors’ response to the Project, market demand for coal or electricity and changes in environmental laws and regulations.

A substantial portion of the Company’s operations is heavily dependent on governmental funding of infrastructure projects. Significant changes in the level of government funding of these projects could have a favorable or unfavorable impact on the operating results of the Company. Additionally, government actions concerning taxation, tariffs, the environment, or other matters could impact the operating results of the Company. The Company’s operating results may also be affected negatively by adverse weather conditions.

Delays or problems encountered at either of our new facilities during construction or implementation could have a material, negative impact on the Company’s operating results. The Company’s businesses could be affected adversely by significant change in the price of steel, concrete or other raw materials.

The Company cautions readers that various factors could cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those indicated by forward-looking statements made from time to time in news releases, reports, proxy statements, registration statements and other written communications (including the preceding sections of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis), as well as oral statements, such as references made to the future profitability, made from time to time by representatives of the Company. For a discussion of some of the specific risk factors, that may cause such differences, see the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

Except for historical information, matters discussed in such oral and written communications are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to general business conditions, the availability of material from major suppliers, labor disputes, the impact of competition, the seasonality of the Company’s business, the adequacy of internal and external sources of funds to meet financing needs, taxes, inflation and governmental regulations. Sentences containing words such as “believes,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “expects,” or “will” generally should be considered forward-looking statements.

See the “Market Risk and Risk Management Policies” section under Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

See Note 10, “Commitments and Contingent Liabilities”, to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

There has not been any material change in the risk factors disclosure from that contained in the Company’s 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

At the Company’s annual meeting held on May 24, 2006, the following individuals were elected to the Board of Directors:

The stockholders also voted to approve the 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The following table sets forth the results of the vote for the plan:

None.

     Unless marked by an asterisk, all exhibits are incorporated by reference:

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.