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Granite Construction

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FY2020 Annual Report · Granite Construction
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BUILDING 
BETTER 
TOGETHER

2020 Annual Report

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION   AR20

NEW LEADERSHIP
REFRESHED VALUES

Granite is America’s Infrastructure Company™, and we 
believe that this begins with strong partnerships with 
all of our stakeholders—employees, clients, suppliers, 
and shareholders. We recognize the unique benefit 
of different perspectives and the value creation that 
comes with each collaborative partnership. As we work 
together toward a common goal, we generate value at 
every level with new ideas, smarter ways to work, and 
high-quality solutions.

To the Shareholders of Granite Construction Incorporated:

New Senior Leadership Team

AR20   GRANITE CONSTRUCTION

A tough year for everyone, 2020 nevertheless 

demonstrated Granite’s fundamental strength and 

resiliency. Granite weathered the challenges imposed 

by an unprecedented pandemic even as we managed 

the difficulties presented by the Audit/Compliance 

Committee’s investigation into prior-period reporting by 

the Heavy Civil Group. With the internal investigation 

complete, our delayed financials behind us, and our 

COVID-19 protocols in place, 2021 finds Granite turning 

the page with a new senior leadership team, refreshed 

core values, and a positive outlook for this year and 

the years ahead.

Claes G. Bjork
Chairman of the Board 

In September 2020 the Board of 

Directors appointed longtime Granite 

leader Kyle Larkin as president. Kyle 

has worked with Granite for more 

than 25 years. He started in 1996 in 

the Nevada Branch and has assumed 

progressively more senior leadership 

roles. Kyle is the right person to lead us 

into the next chapter of the company’s 

history and second centennial.

Building Granite’s senior leadership 

team has been Kyle’s top priority. 

From Operations and Strategy to 

Finance, Legal, and Human Resources, 

we believe that the right team is in 

place to execute and capitalize on the 

company’s opportunities. Granite’s 

senior leaders are working together to 

further define our vision and strategy as 

America’s Infrastructure Company, and 

later this year we will introduce Granite’s 

revisited strategic plan, which will shape 

the company in the years to come.

Refreshed Core Values

Now more than ever, we rely on our 

core values to guide operations. They 

support and reinforce one another, 

and they are the cornerstone of our 

company culture: how we operate with 

safety, maintain integrity, provide value 

to our stakeholders, treat one another, 

Kyle T. Larkin
President

1

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION   AR20

and incorporate sustainability into all 

that we do to make a difference in 

our communities and the world. Our 

core values guide us in our day-to-day 

operations and serve as the foundation 

of the company’s cultural reinvigoration.

Safety. Safety for all. The safety and well-

being of our people, our partners, and 

the public is our greatest responsibility. 

20%

Every level of the organization is 

engaged in our safety culture.

Integrity. Integrity always. We operate 

with integrity and the highest ethical 

standards. We know and do what is 

right, and we are expected to speak up 

when something is not right.

Excellence. Excellence for our 

stakeholders. We strive for a high-

performance culture of continuous 

improvement, innovation, and quality 

in all aspects of our work. We perform 

and deliver our work in the right way 

for our stakeholders.

Inclusion. Inclusion where everyone 

is valued. We value and respect a 

workforce diverse in perspective, 

experience, knowledge, and culture. 

We are committed to an inclusive 

environment in which everyone feels 

a sense of belonging and can grow.

Sustainability. Sustainability to 

ensure enduring value. Together we 

build a better future by integrating 

social responsibility, environmental 

stewardship, and dependable 

governance to deliver enduring 

economic value.

A Positive Outlook

In our Transportation segment, we 

are making progress as we work to 

2

2020 SEGMENT OVERVIEW

11%

19%

REVENUE 
BY SEGMENT

57%

27%

39%

GROSS PROFIT 
BY SEGMENT

12%

16%

Percentages may not appear to tally due to rounding.

Transportation

Water

● Revenue
$2,018M

● Gross Profit
 $134M

● Revenue
$440M

● Gross Profit
 $54M 

Specialty

● Revenue
$723M

● Gross Profit
 $92M

Materials

● Revenue
$381M 

● Gross Profit
 $65M  

fundamentally transform our portfolio 

While we will still pursue and construct 

of projects. The Granite Board of 

bid-build and design-build projects 

Directors has worked closely with 

when it satisfies our project selection 

management to revise our new project 

criteria, we are increasingly focused 

selection criteria. We believe that 

on best-value procurement projects, 

our new risk profile better aligns with 

such as construction manager/general 

shareholder expectations and provides 

contractor contracts. In best-value 

a solid platform for reliable financial 

procurement projects, we leverage our 

performance. We assess project risk 

construction management expertise 

by reviewing project size, duration, 

to work with owners to mitigate risk 

market, and design risk, among other 

and lower overall project costs—a clear 

project criteria. Our more stringent 

benefit for our owners as well as for 

project selection criteria and enhanced 

Granite. As of December 31, 2020, best-

process will continue to reduce the 

value procurement work composed 

average project size and overall risk 

$1.5 billion of the Transportation 

in the Transportation segment. This 

segment’s total committed and 

approach is returning the segment 

awarded projects of $3.2 billion.

to appropriate profit margins.

Finally, the funding outlook at the federal, state, and local levels is encouraging. 

Transportation infrastructure remains a critical need in the United States, and 

officials at all levels recognize this imperative and the associated economic benefits.

Granite is well positioned to grow our Water segment, as we are among the market 

leaders across the United States and Canada in the areas of trenchless and pipe 

rehabilitation, as well as water supply and maintenance. Opportunities for Granite 

are also strong in the water infrastructure construction market, where there are 

critical needs for existing dams, locks, and reservoirs. As with transportation funding, 

legislators across the United States have recognized the importance of supporting 

and enhancing the nation’s water infrastructure. Granite has the scale, expertise, 

and experience to tackle large and small water infrastructure projects in the markets 

where we operate.

Our Specialty segment is Granite’s most diverse in terms of end markets; it 

demonstrates our unique capabilities and expertise across a broad spectrum of 

projects and clients. This segment includes our work in growing end markets such 

as renewable energy, as well as site development work performed by our businesses 

to support global technology companies, commercial builders, electrical utilities, 

and the US military. The Specialty segment also includes our tunnel construction 

business and our infrastructure, reclamation, and mineral exploration services for 

the mining and oil-and-gas industries. We are excited about our market position and 

the expanded client relationships that we have built in this segment, and we look for 

these end markets to be growth drivers for years to come.

Granite’s Materials segment is the foundation of our vertically integrated business. 

With the opening of two new state-of-the-art materials facilities in 2020, we 

strategically added key reserves to strengthen and enhance our footprint in 

the markets where we operate. Our Materials segment had a strong 2020 despite 

the impacts of the pandemic, and we expect the segment to continue building 

on that success.

Our strong balance sheet and liquidity are the result of record operating cash flow 

in 2020, and this positions us to be opportunistic in strategically reinvesting and 

expanding our businesses.

We are proud of all of our employees’ accomplishments this past year. Our people 

are truly amazing, and we have no doubt that through continued teamwork and 

innovation we are positioning Granite for great success in the century to come. As 

we approach Granite’s 100-year anniversary, we are honored to be in the position to 

serve and lead our people on the journey to build better together in 2021 and beyond.

Kyle T. Larkin
President

Claes G. Bjork
Chairman of the Board 

AR20   GRANITE CONSTRUCTION

$ 3,562M 

Revenue

$ 345M 

Gross Profit

$ (3.18) 

Earnings per Share 
(Diluted)

$ 1.30 

Adjusted Earnings per 
Share (Diluted)

$ 268M 

Operating Cash Flow

3

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION   AR20

WE OPERATE WITH 
SAFETY AND INTEGRITY, 
ALWAYS PURSUING 
EXCELLENCE IN OUR 
WORK, WITH BOUNDLESS 
INCLUSION FOR OUR 
PEOPLE AND KEEPING 
SUSTAINABILITY 
IN ALL THAT WE DO.

(from left to right)

James A. Radich 
EVP and Chief Operating Officer

Timothy W. Gruber 
SVP, Human Resources

Jigisha Desai 
EVP and Chief Strategy Officer

Elizabeth L. Curtis 
EVP and Chief Financial Officer

Kyle T. Larkin 
President

M. Craig Hall 
SVP, General Counsel, Corporate 
Compliance Officer, and Secretary

4

Core Values Based on a Foundation 
of Strong Leadership

Our five core values support and reinforce one another, and they 
are the cornerstone of our company culture: how we operate 
with safety, maintain integrity, provide value to our stakeholders, 
treat one another, and incorporate sustainability into all that we 
do to make a difference in our communities and the world.

AR20   GRANITE CONSTRUCTION

5

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION   AR20

OUR PURSUIT 
OF EXCELLENCE 
IS MORE THAN 
JUST WORDS.

6

AR20   GRANITE CONSTRUCTION

Forbes: America’s Best 
Midsize Employers (2021)

Fortune: World’s Most 
Admired Companies (2020)

Great Place to Work: 
Certified Great Place 
to Work (2020–2021)

Mogul: Top 100 Workplaces 
with the Greatest Diversity 
and Inclusion Initiatives

Mogul: Top 100 Workplaces 
with the Most Innovative 
Cultures

Catalyst CEO Champions 
For Change: Granite is 
committed to continuing to 
make diversity, inclusion, and 
gender equality a priority in 
the workplace

CIO 100: Granite is a 
leader of strategic and 
operational excellence in 
information technology to 
deliver business value

7

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION   AR20

PROVIDING SAFE 
INFRASTRUCTURE 
SOLUTIONS

Granite offers diverse capabilities across geographies and end markets and  
focuses on delivering infrastructure solutions for public, private, and federal 
clients in North America and around the world. We exist to satisfy society’s 
need for mobility, power, water, and essential services that sustain living 
conditions and improve quality of life.

TRANSPORTATION

Infrastructure that drives 
the movement of goods 
and people

FEDERAL

Projects built for those 
who protect and serve 
our country

PAVEMENT 
PRESERVATION

Roadway solutions for 
residential street, highway, 
and commercial clients

POWER

Traditional and renewable 
projects that empower and 
energize communities

INDUSTRIAL

Scalable solutions for 
mechanical, mining, and 
manufacturing

WATER AND 
WASTEWATER

Systems to clean and 
conserve water resources

COMMERCIAL 
AND RESIDENTIAL

Work that improves where 
we live, work, and play

ENVIRONMENTAL

Remediation services to 
sustain our planet and 
safeguard its people

TUNNELING

Intricate tunneling systems 
and drilling services

8

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

FORM 10-K

Q 

£ 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020

OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934  
For the transition period from _____ to _____ 

Commission file number 1-12911

Granite Construction Incorporated
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

77-0239383
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

585 West Beach Street
Watsonville, California
(Address of principal executive offices)

95076
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (831) 724-1011

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

Title of each class
Common stock, $0.01 par value

Trading Symbol
GVA

Name of each exchange on which registered
New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ® No ý

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ® No ý

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 ý 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 ý 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  ý  Accelerated 
filer  ®   Non-accelerated filer  ®   Smaller reporting company  ®   Emerging growth company  ®

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 has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the 
 effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b))  
by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ý

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ® No ý

The aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $855.2 million as 
of June 30, 2020, based upon the price at which the registrant’s common stock was last sold as reported on the New York Stock 
Exchange on such date.

At March, 25, 2021, 45,789,095 shares of common stock, par value $0.01, of the registrant were outstanding. 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Certain information called for by Part III is incorporated by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting 
of Shareholders of Granite Construction Incorporated to be held on June 2, 2021, which will be filed with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after December 31, 2020.

 
 
 
 
 
INDEX

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 

1

 PART III

Item 10.   Directors, Executive Officers and  
Corporate Governance 

Item 11.  Executive Compensation 

Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial  

Owners and Management and Related  
Stockholder Matters 

Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,  

and Director Independence 

Item 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services 

45

45

45

45

45 

 PART IV

Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 

46

 PART I

Item 1.  Business 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors 

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments 

Item 2.  Properties 

Item 3. 

Legal Proceedings 

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures 

 PART II

Item 5. 

 Market For Registrant’s Common Equity,  
Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer  
Purchases of Equity Securities 

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data 

Item 7. 

 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of  
Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures  

about Market Risk 

Item 8. 

Financial Statements and  
Supplementary Data 

Item 9. 

 Changes in and Disagreements with  
Accountants on Accounting and  
Financial Disclosure 

Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures 

Item 9B.  Other Information 

1

11

20

20

22

23

24

26

26

41

42

42

43

44 

 
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

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

PART I 

Item 1. Business

Introduction

Granite Construction Company was incorporated in 1922. In 1990, Granite Construction Incorporated was formed as the 
holding company for Granite Construction Company and its wholly owned and consolidated subsidiaries and was incorporated 
in Delaware. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “Company” and “Granite” refer to Granite Construction 
Incorporated and its wholly owned and consolidated subsidiaries.

On June 14, 2018, we completed the $349.8 million acquisition of Layne Christensen Company (“Layne”), a U.S.-based global 
water management, infrastructure services and drilling company in a stock-for-stock merger which was comprised of $321.0 
million in Company common stock, $28.8 million in cash to settle all outstanding stock options, restricted stock awards and 
unvested Layne performance shares and we assumed $191.5 million in convertible notes at fair value. On April 3, 2018, we 
acquired LiquiForce, a privately owned company which provides sewer lining rehabilitation services to public and private sector 
water and wastewater customers in both Canada and the U.S. We acquired LiquiForce for $35.9 million in cash primarily borrowed 
under our revolving credit facility. See Notes 2 and 14 of “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for further discussion 
of Layne and Liquiforce acquisitions. On May 22, 2019, we acquired certain assets and equipment of Lametti & Sons, Inc. a 
Minnesota-based company with expertise in cured-in-place pipe rehabilitation and trenchless renewal for $6.2 million in cash.

We deliver infrastructure solutions for public and private clients primarily in the United States. We are one of the largest diversified 
infrastructure companies in the United States. Within the public sector, we primarily concentrate on infrastructure projects, including 
the construction of streets, roads, highways, mass transit facilities, airport infrastructure, bridges, trenchless and underground 
utilities, power-related facilities, water-related facilities, well drilling, utilities, tunnels, dams and other infrastructure-related projects. 
Within the private sector, we perform site preparation, mining services, and infrastructure services for residential development, energy 
development, commercial and industrial sites, and other facilities, as well as provide construction management professional services.

2020 Annual Report    1

Operating Structure

Our reportable business segments are the same as our operating segments and correspond with how our chief operating decision 
maker (our President) regularly reviews financial information to allocate resources and assess performance. Our reportable business 
segments are: Transportation, Water, Specialty and Materials. See Note 21 of “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for 
additional information about our reportable business segments.

In addition to reportable business segments, we review our business by operating groups. In alphabetical order, our operating 
groups are defined as follows: (i) California; (ii) Federal, which primarily includes offices in California, Colorado, Texas and Guam; 
(iii) Heavy Civil, which primarily includes offices in California, Florida and Texas (the New York office was closed in January 2021); 
(iv) Midwest, which primarily includes offices in Illinois; (v) Northwest, which primarily includes offices in Alaska, Arizona, Nevada, 
Utah and Washington; and (vi) Water and Mineral Services, which includes offices across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Business Strategy

Our business strategy is to consistently deliver ideas, innovations, products and services to our clients to power today’s mobile 
society by executing entrepreneurial market strategies that leverage the benefits of our company-wide resources and our core 
values. Additionally, we have a continual focus on Operational Excellence, which includes the following:

•	 Code of Conduct - We believe in maintaining high ethical standards through an established Code of Conduct and 

a company-wide compliance program, while being guided by our core values at all times.

•	 Sustainability - Our focus on sustainability encompasses many aspects of how we conduct ourselves. As a result, in February 
2021, we made sustainability one of our five core values. Sustainability means to us integrating values of social responsibility, 
environmental stewardship and dependable governance to deliver enduring economic value. We believe it is important 
to our clients, employees, shareholders, and communities, and is also a long-term business driver. By focusing on specific 
initiatives that address social, environmental and economic challenges, we can minimize risk and increase our competitive 
advantage.

•	 Safety - We believe the safety of our employees, the public and the environment is a moral obligation as well as good 
business. By identifying and concentrating resources to address jobsite hazards, we continually strive to eliminate our 
incident rates and the costs associated with accidents.

•	 Productivity - We strive to use our resources efficiently to deliver work on time and on budget.
•	 Quality - We believe in satisfying our clients, mitigating risk, and driving improvement by performing work right the first 

time.

Our most fundamental objective is to increase long-term shareholder value as measured by the appreciation of the value of our 
common stock over a period of time, as well as dividend payouts. In alphabetical order, the following are key factors in our ability 
to achieve this objective:

Decentralized Profit Centers

Each of our operating groups is established as an individual profit center which encourages entrepreneurial activity while allowing 
the operating groups to benefit from centralized administrative, operational expertise and support functions.

Dedicated Construction Equipment

We own and lease a large fleet of well-maintained heavy construction equipment. Dedicated access to a large pool of construction 
equipment enables us to compete more effectively by ensuring availability and maximizing returns on investment of the 
equipment.

Diversification

To mitigate the risks inherent in the construction business as the result of general economic factors, we pursue projects: (i) in both 
the public and private sectors; (ii) in diverse end markets such as federal, rail, power, water and renewable energy markets; (iii) for 
a wide range of clients from the federal government to small municipalities and from large corporations to small private customers; 
(iv) in diverse geographic markets; (v) that are construction management/general contractor, design-build and bid-build; (vi) at fixed 
price, time and materials, cost reimbursable and fixed unit price; and (vii) of various sizes, durations and complexity. 

Employee Development

We believe that our employees are the primary factor for the successful implementation of our business strategies. Significant 
resources are employed to attract, develop and retain extraordinary and diverse talent and fully promote each employee’s 
capabilities.

2    Granite Construction Incorporated 

Performance-Based Incentives

Managers are incentivized with cash compensation and restricted stock unit equity awards, payable upon the attainment of  
pre-established annual financial and non-financial metrics.

Risk-Balanced Growth

We intend to grow our business by working on many types of infrastructure projects, as well as by strategically expanding into 
new geographic areas and end markets organically and through acquisitions. Growth opportunities are evaluated relative to their 
incremental impact to the execution risk and profitability profile of our operating portfolio.

Selective Bidding

We focus our resources on bidding jobs that meet our selective bidding criteria, which include analyzing the risk of a potential 
job relative to: (i) available personnel to estimate and prepare the proposal as well as to effectively manage and build the 
project; (ii) the competitive environment; (iii) our experience with the type of work and with the owner; (iv) local resources and 
partnerships; (v) equipment resources; and (vi) the size, complexity and expected profitability of the job.

Vertical Integration

We own and lease aggregate reserves and own processing plants and liner tube manufacturing facilities that are vertically 
integrated into our construction operations. By ensuring availability of these resources and providing quality products, we 
believe we have a competitive advantage in many of our markets, as well as a source of revenue and earnings from the sale of 
construction materials and liner tubes to third parties.

Raw Materials

We purchase raw materials, including but not limited to, aggregate products, cement, diesel and gasoline fuel, liquid asphalt, 
natural gas, propane, resin and steel from numerous sources. Our owned and leased aggregate reserves supply a portion of the 
raw materials needed in our construction projects. The price and availability of raw materials may vary from year to year due to 
market conditions and production capacities. We do not foresee a lack of availability of any raw materials over the next twelve 
months from the date of this filing.

Seasonality

Our operations are typically affected more by weather conditions during the first and fourth quarters of our fiscal year which may 
alter our construction schedules and can create variability in our revenues, profitability and the required number of employees.

Customers

Customers in our Transportation, Water and Specialty segments are predominantly in the public sector and include certain federal 
agencies, state departments of transportation, local transit authorities, county and city public works departments, school districts 
and developers, utilities and private owners of industrial, commercial and residential sites. Customers of our Materials segment 
include internal usage by our own construction projects, as well as third-party customers. Our third-party customers include, 
but are not limited to, contractors, landscapers, manufacturers of products requiring aggregate materials, retailers, homeowners, 
farmers and brokers. The majority of both our public and private customers are located in the United States.

None of our customers, including both prime and subcontractor arrangements, had revenue that individually exceeded 10% of 
total revenue during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

Contract Backlog

Our contract backlog consists of the revenue we expect to record in the future on awarded contracts, including 100% of our 
consolidated joint venture contracts and our proportionate share of unconsolidated joint venture contracts. We generally include 
a project in our contract backlog at the time a contract is awarded and to the extent we believe contract execution and funding is 
probable. Certain government contracts where funding is appropriated on a periodic basis are included in contract backlog at the 
time of the award when it is probable the contract value will be funded and executed. Certain contracts contain contract options 
that are exercisable at the option of our customers without requiring us to go through an additional competitive bidding process or 
contain task orders related to master contracts under which we perform work only when the customer awards specific task orders 
to us. Awarded contracts that include unexercised contract options and unissued task orders are included in contract backlog to 
the extent option exercise or task order issuance is probable, respectively.

2020 Annual Report    3

Substantially all of the contracts in our contract backlog may be canceled or modified at the election of the customer; however, 
we have not been materially adversely affected by contract cancellations or modifications in the past (see “Contract Provisions and 
Subcontracting”). Many projects are added to contract backlog and completed within the same fiscal year and, therefore, may 
not be reflected in our beginning or year-end contract backlog. Contract backlog by segment is presented in “Contract Backlog” 
under “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Our contract backlog 
was $3.3 billion and $3.7 billion at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and did not include approximately $973.8 million 
and $646.6 million, respectively, in awarded construction management/general contractor and construction management at risk 
projects. Approximately $2.3 billion of the December 31, 2020 backlog is expected to be completed during 2021. 

Equipment

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, we owned the following number of construction equipment and vehicles:

December 31,
Heavy construction equipment
Trucks, truck-tractors, trailers and vehicles

2020  

2019 
   2,778    2,969 
   5,759    5,742 

Our portfolio of equipment includes backhoes, barges, bulldozers, cranes, excavators, loaders, motor graders, pavers, rollers, 
scrapers, trucks, special equipment for pipeline rehabilitation, drilling rigs and tunnel boring machines that are used in all of 
our segments. We pool certain equipment to maximize utilization. We continually monitor and adjust our fleet size so that it is 
consistent with the size of our business, considering both existing contract backlog and expected future work. We lease or rent 
equipment to supplement our portfolio of equipment in response to construction activity cycles. In 2020 and 2019, we purchased 
$54.9 million and $55.0 million, respectively, of construction equipment and vehicles.

Human Capital Resources

Employees

We believe our employees are our most valuable resource, and our workforce possesses a strong dedication to and pride in our 
company. Our managerial and supervisory personnel have an average of approximately 11 years of service with Granite.

Successful execution of our strategy is dependent on attracting, developing, and retaining key employees who represent our core 
values and the communities we serve. Our focus on inclusive diversity, talent development, talent acquisition, and succession 
planning has allowed us to build our bench throughout the Company on many levels.

On December 31, 2020, we employed approximately 2,800 salaried employees who work in project, functional and business unit 
management, estimating and clerical capacities, plus approximately 2,600 hourly employees. The total number of hourly personnel 
is subject to the volume of construction in progress and is seasonal. During 2020, the number of hourly employees ranged from 
approximately 2,600 to 4,300 and averaged approximately 3,800. The majority of both our salaried and hourly personnel were 
located in the United States during 2020 and the employee counts do not include employees of unconsolidated construction joint 
ventures and non-construction unconsolidated joint ventures. As of December 31, 2020, five of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, 
Granite Construction Company, Granite Construction Northeast, Inc., Granite Industrial, Inc., Granite Inliner, LLC and Layne 
Christensen Company, were parties to craft collective bargaining agreements in many areas in which they operate.

Safety

We believe that people are our most valuable asset and their safety is our greatest responsibility. We also understand that Safety 
and Health are key components for achieving operational excellence, and as such, are a core value of all our operations. Our safety 
culture is reinforced with relationship-based training, shared knowledge, and engagement at every level of our organization while 
striving for zero workplace injuries.

Our safety focus is also evident in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic around the country. We have:

•	

Implemented a COVID-19 task force that meets each week and provides updates specific to local, state, and federal 
guidelines.

Increased cleaning protocols across all locations.
Initiated regular communication regarding impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including health and safety protocols. 

•	 Added work from home flexibility.
•	
•	
•	 Developed a COVID-19 tracking tool that allows tracking of positive, close contact by region, group and company.
•	 Established new physical distancing procedures for employees who need to be onsite.

4    Granite Construction Incorporated 

 
Implemented a policy that masks must be worn in all locations as required by local regulations.

•	
•	 Adjusted attendance and sick leave policies to encourage those who are sick to stay home.
•	
•	 Prohibited non-essential travel for all employees including conferences, training events, leadership meetings, etc.

Implemented protocols to address actual and suspected COVID-19 cases.

All of our work is deemed essential and critical, as such, we have invested in creating physically safe work environments for our 
employees. 

Inclusive Diversity

Our culture is underpinned by our core values, including an unwavering commitment to inclusive diversity as exemplified by 
strategies that address our guiding belief that diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enhance creativity and 
innovation. In 2020, we established Employee Resource Groups that serve employees from a variety of backgrounds. We created a 
five-year strategic plan with the following key goals:

•	
•	
•	
•	

Increase Female representation throughout the entire organization from 12.5% in 2020 to 18% by 2025.
Increase Women in leadership from 14% in 2020 to 20% by 2025.
Increase Persons of Color (POC) representation throughout the entire organization from 14.7% in 2020 to 20% by 2025.
Increase Great Places to Work (GPTW) Inclusion Index from 71% in 2020 to 80% by 2025.

Additionally, we established relationships with historically black colleges and universities with targeted talent acquisition plans for 
these colleges and universities. In 2020, 54% of our 202 interns were diverse. In 2020, we improved our overall employee diversity 
percentage from 33% to 37%. Granite is committed to pay equity, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, and 
annually conducts a pay equity analysis.

Employee Development and Training

The development, attraction, and retention of employees is a critical success factor for Granite and its operating groups. Our 
people are a key competitive advantage and to grow our organization we encourage every employee to actively participate in 
their own career growth and development. Granite offers a wide variety of training opportunities to ensure our employees are 
supplementing their on-the-job learning with classroom and online courses needed to promote performance and growth. Through 
Granite University, these training topics range from soft skills to job-specific technical skills and from formal instructor-led programs 
to self-guided online learning. Programs target specific employee populations including new employees, new engineers, managers, 
and leaders. The pandemic has required Granite to convert many live programs to a virtual instructor-led format. In 2020 we 
have successfully delivered over 100 classes in this virtual format including the graduation of 96 employees from our multi-level 
leadership development suite that ranges from emerging leaders through senior leaders, and 112 graduating from our 12-week 
Foundations for Engineers program.

We have a robust talent and succession planning process and have established specialized programs to support the development of 
our talent pipeline for critical roles in general management, engineering, project management, and operations. On an annual basis, 
we conduct group succession planning reviews with senior leaders including our President focusing on our high performing and 
high potential talent, diverse talent, and the succession for our most critical roles.

Employee Engagement

To ensure we provide a rich experience for our employees, we measure organizational culture and engagement to build on 
the competencies that are important for our future success. We routinely engage independent third parties to conduct cultural 
and employee engagement surveys. These include corporate culture assessments, as well as real-time feedback on employee 
engagement and on employee well-being focused on physical, emotional, social and financial health.

Compensation and Benefits

Granite’s compensation programs are designed to align the compensation of our employees with Granite’s performance and to 
provide proper incentives to attract, retain, and motivate employees to achieve superior results. The structure of our compensation 
programs balances guaranteed base pay with incentive compensation opportunities. Specifically:

•	 We provide employee wages that are competitive and consistent with employee positions, skill levels, experience, 

knowledge, and geographic location.

•	 We engage nationally recognized outside compensation and benefits consulting firms to independently evaluate the 

effectiveness of our executive compensation and benefit programs and to provide benchmarking against our peers within 
the industry.

2020 Annual Report    5

•	 We align our executives’ long-term equity compensation with our shareholders’ interests by linking realizable pay and stock 

performance.

•	 Annual increases and incentive compensation are based on merit, which is communicated to employees at the time of 

hiring and documented through our talent management process as part of our annual review procedures and upon internal 
transfer and/or promotion.

•	 All employees are eligible for health and wellness insurance, paid and unpaid leaves, a retirement plan and life and disability/
accident coverage.  We also offer a variety of voluntary benefits that allow employees to select the options that meet their 
needs, including telemedicine, paid parental leave, prescription savings solutions, a personalized health wellness program, 
pet insurance, and a financial wellness program.

Competition

Competitors in our Transportation, Water, Specialty and Materials segments typically range from small, local companies to large, 
regional, national and international companies. We compete with numerous companies in individual markets; however, there 
are few, if any, companies which compete in all of our market areas. Many of our Transportation, Water, and Specialty segment 
competitors have the ability to perform work in either the private or public sectors. When opportunities for work in one sector are 
reduced, competitors tend to look for opportunities in the other sector. This migration has the potential to reduce revenue growth 
and/or increase pressure on gross profit margins.

We own and/or have long-term leases on aggregate resources that we believe provide a competitive advantage in certain markets 
for the Transportation, Water and Specialty segments. 

Factors influencing our competitiveness include price, estimating abilities, knowledge of local markets and conditions, project 
management, financial strength, reputation for quality, aggregate materials availability, and machinery and equipment. Historically, 
the construction business has not required large amounts of capital for the smaller size construction work, which can result 
in relative ease of market entry for companies possessing acceptable qualifications. By contrast, larger size construction work 
typically requires large amounts of capital that may make entry into the market by future competitors more difficult. Historically, 
the required amount of capital has not had a significant impact on our ability to compete in the marketplace. Although the 
construction business is highly competitive, we believe we are well positioned to compete effectively in the markets in which  
we operate.

Contract Provisions and Subcontracting

Contracts with our customers are primarily “fixed unit price” or “fixed price.” Under fixed unit price contracts, we are committed 
to providing materials or services at fixed unit prices (for example, dollars per cubic yard of concrete placed or cubic yard of 
earth excavated). While the fixed unit price contract shifts the risk of estimating the quantity of units required for a particular 
project to the customer, any increase in our unit cost over the expected unit cost in the bid, whether due to inflation, inefficiency, 
incorrect estimates or other factors, is borne by us unless otherwise provided in the contract. Fixed price contracts are priced on 
a lump-sum basis under which we bear the risk that we may not be able to perform the work for the specified contract amount. 
The percentage of fixed unit price contracts in our contract backlog was 50.4% and 37.8% at December 31, 2020 and 2019, 
respectively. The percentage of fixed price contracts in our contract backlog was 47.3% and 60.6% at December 31, 2020 and 
2019, respectively. All other contract types represented 2.3% and 1.6% of our contract backlog at December 31, 2020 and  
2019, respectively.

Within our Transportation, Water and Specialty segments, we utilize several methods of project delivery including, but not 
limited to, bid-build, design-build, construction management/general contractor and construction management at-risk. Unlike 
traditional bid-build projects where owners first hire a design firm or design a project themselves and then put the project out to 
bid for construction, design-build projects provide the owner with a single point of responsibility and a single contact for both 
final design and construction. Under the construction management/general contractor and construction management at-risk 
methods of delivery, we contract with owners to assist the owner during the design phase of the contract with construction 
efficiencies and risk mitigation, with the understanding that we will negotiate a contract on the construction phase when the 
design nears completion.

With the exception of contract change orders and affirmative claims, which are typically sole-source, our construction contracts are 
primarily obtained through competitive bidding in response to solicitations by both public agencies and private parties and on a 
negotiated basis as a result of solicitations from private parties. Project owners use a variety of methods to make contractors aware 
of new projects, including posting bidding opportunities on agency websites, disclosing long-term infrastructure plans, advertising 
and other general solicitations. Our bidding activity is affected by such factors as the nature and volume of advertising and other 

6    Granite Construction Incorporated 

solicitations, current contract backlog, available personnel, current utilization of equipment and other resources and competitive 
considerations. Our contract review process includes identifying risks and opportunities during the bidding process and managing 
these risks through mitigation efforts such as contract negotiation, bid/no bid decisions, insurance and pricing. Contracts fitting 
certain criteria of size and complexity are reviewed by various levels of management and, in some cases, by our Board of Directors 
or a committee thereof. Bidding activity, contract backlog and revenue resulting from the award of new contracts may vary 
significantly from period to period.

There are a number of factors that can create variability in contract performance as compared to the original bid. Such factors 
can positively or negatively impact costs and profitability, may cause higher than anticipated construction costs and can create 
additional liability to the contract owner. The most significant of these include:

subcontractor costs, availability and/or performance issues;

•	 changes in costs of labor and/or materials;
•	
•	 extended overhead and other costs due to owner, weather and other delays;
•	 changes in productivity expectations;
•	 changes from original design on design-build projects;
•	 our ability to fully and promptly recover on affirmative claims and back charges for additional contract costs;
•	 a change in the availability and proximity of equipment and materials;
•	 complexity in original design;
•	
•	
•	
•	 costs associated with scope changes; and
•	

length of time to complete the project;
the availability and skill level of workers in the geographic location of the project;
site conditions that differ from those assumed in the original bid;

the customer’s ability to properly administer the contract.

The ability to realize improvements on project profitability at times is more limited than the risk of lower profitability. For example, 
design-build contracts carry additional risks such as those associated with design errors and estimating quantities and prices before 
the project design is completed. We manage this additional risk by including contingencies to our bid amounts, obtaining errors 
and omissions insurance and obtaining indemnifications from our design consultants where possible. However, there is no 
guarantee that these risk management strategies will always be successful.

Most of our contracts, including those with the government, provide for termination at the convenience of the contract owner, 
with provisions to pay us for work performed through the date of termination. We have not been materially adversely affected 
by these provisions in the past. Many of our contracts contain provisions that require us to pay liquidated damages if specified 
completion schedule requirements are not met, and these amounts could be significant.

We act as prime contractor on most of our construction projects. We complete the majority of our projects with our own 
resources and subcontract specialized activities such as electrical and mechanical work. As prime contractor, we are responsible 
for the performance of the entire contract, including subcontract work. Thus, we may be subject to increased costs associated 
with the failure of one or more subcontractors to perform as anticipated. Based on our analysis of their construction and 
financial capabilities, among other criteria, we typically require the subcontractor to furnish a bond or other type of security to 
guarantee their performance and/or we retain payments in accordance with contract terms until their performance is complete. 
Disadvantaged business enterprise regulations require us to use our good faith efforts to subcontract a specified portion 
of contract work done for governmental agencies to certain types of disadvantaged contractors or suppliers. As with all of 
our subcontractors, some may not be able to obtain surety bonds or other types of performance security.

Joint Ventures

We participate in various construction joint ventures with other construction companies of which we are a limited member (“joint 
ventures”) in order to share expertise, risk and resources typically for large, technically complex projects, including design-build 
projects, where it is necessary or desirable to share risk and resources. Joint venture partners typically provide independently 
prepared estimates, shared financing and equipment, and often bring local knowledge and expertise. Generally, each construction 
joint venture is formed as a partnership or limited liability company to accomplish a specific project and is jointly controlled by the 
joint venture partners. We select our joint venture partners (“partner(s)”) based on our analysis of their construction and financial 
capabilities, expertise in the type of work to be performed and past working relationships, among other criteria. The joint venture 
agreements typically provide that our interests in any profits and assets, and our respective share in any losses and liabilities, that 
may result from the performance of the contract are limited to our stated percentage interest in the project.

2020 Annual Report    7

Under each joint venture agreement, one partner is designated as the sponsor. The sponsoring partner typically provides all 
administrative, accounting and most of the project management support for the project and generally receives a fee from the joint 
venture for these services. We have been designated as the sponsoring partner in certain of our current joint venture projects and 
are a non-sponsoring partner in others. When entering into joint venture agreements, we typically prefer to be the sponsoring 
partner. 

We consolidate joint ventures where we have determined that through our participation we have a variable interest and are the 
primary beneficiary as defined by Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 
Topic 810, Consolidation, and related standards. Where we have determined we are not the primary beneficiary of a joint venture 
but do exercise significant influence, we account for our share of the operations of unconsolidated construction joint ventures on 
a pro rata basis in revenue and cost of revenue in the consolidated statements of operations and in equity in construction joint 
ventures in the consolidated balance sheets. We account for non-construction unconsolidated joint ventures under the equity 
method of accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 323, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures and include our share 
of the operations in equity in income of affiliates in the consolidated statements of operations and in investment in affiliates in the 
consolidated balance sheets.

We also participate in various “line item” joint venture agreements under which each partner is responsible for performing certain 
discrete items of the total scope of contracted work. The revenue for each line item joint venture partners’ discrete items of work 
is defined in the contract with the project owner and each joint venture partner bears the profitability risk associated only with its 
own work. There is not a single set of books and records for a line item joint venture. Each partner accounts for its items of work 
individually as it would for any self-performed contract. We account for our portion of these contracts as revenue and cost of 
revenue in the consolidated statements of operations and in relevant balances in the consolidated balance sheets.

The agreements with our partner(s) for both construction joint ventures and line item joint ventures define each partner’s 
management role and financial responsibility in the project. The amount of operational exposure is generally limited to our 
stated ownership interest. However, due to the joint and several nature of the performance obligations under the related owner 
contracts, if any of the partners fail to perform, we and the remaining partners, if any, would be responsible for performance 
of the outstanding work (i.e., we provide a performance guarantee). We estimate our liability for performance guarantees for 
our unconsolidated and line item joint ventures using estimated partner bond rates, which are Level 2 inputs, and include them 
in accrued expenses and other current liabilities with a corresponding increase in equity in construction joint ventures in the 
consolidated balance sheets. We reassess our liability when and if changes in circumstances occur. The liability and corresponding 
asset are removed from the consolidated balance sheets upon completion and customer acceptance of the project. Circumstances 
that could lead to a loss under these agreements beyond our stated ownership interest include the failure of a partner to 
contribute additional funds to the venture in the event the project incurs a loss or additional costs that we could incur should a 
partner fail to provide the services and resources that it had committed to provide in the agreement. We are not able to estimate 
amounts that may be required beyond the remaining cost of the work to be performed. These costs could be offset by billings to 
the customer or by proceeds from our partners’ corporate and/or other guarantees.

At December 31, 2020, there was $1.5 billion of construction revenue to be recognized on unconsolidated and line item 
construction joint venture contracts, of which $0.6 billion represented our share and is included in our contract backlog and the 
remaining $0.9 billion represented our partners’ share. See Note 9 of “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for more 
information.

Insurance and Bonding

We maintain insurance coverage and limits consistent with industry practice and in alignment with our overall risk management 
strategy. Policies include general and excess liability, property, pollution, professional, cyber security, executive risk, workers’ 
compensation and employer’s liability. Further, our policies are placed with financially stable insurers, often in a layered or quota 
share arrangement which reduces the likelihood of an interruption or impact to operations.

In connection with our business, we generally are required to provide various types of surety bonds that provide an additional 
measure of security for our performance under certain public and private sector contracts. Our ability to obtain surety bonds 
depends upon our capitalization, working capital, past performance, management expertise and external factors, including the 
capacity of the overall surety market. Surety companies consider such factors in light of the amount of our contract backlog 
that we have currently bonded and their current underwriting standards, which may change from time to time. The capacity of 
the surety market is subject to market-based fluctuations driven primarily by the level of surety industry losses and the degree 
of surety market consolidation. When the surety market capacity shrinks it results in higher premiums and increased difficulty 
obtaining bonding, in particular for larger, more complex, multi-year projects throughout the market. To help mitigate this risk, we 

8    Granite Construction Incorporated 

employ a co-surety structure involving three sureties. Although we do not believe that fluctuations in surety market capacity have 
significantly affected our ability to grow our business, there is no assurance that it will not significantly affect our ability to obtain 
new contracts in the future (see “Item 1A. Risk Factors”).

Anti-corruption and Bribery 

We are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), which prohibits U.S. and other business entities from making 
improper payments to foreign government officials, political parties or political party officials. We are also subject to the applicable 
anti-corruption laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate, thus potentially exposing us to liability and potential penalties in 
multiple jurisdictions. The anti-corruption provisions of the FCPA are enforced by the Department of Justice while other state or 
federal agencies may seek recourse against the Company for issues related to FCPA. In addition, the Securities and Exchange 
Commission (“SEC”) requires strict compliance with certain accounting and internal control standards set forth under the FCPA. 
Failure to comply with the FCPA and other laws can expose us and/or individual employees to potentially severe criminal and civil 
penalties. Such penalties may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We devote resources to the development, maintenance, communication and enforcement of our Code of Conduct, our anti-
bribery compliance policies, our internal control processes and compliance related policies. We strive to conduct timely internal 
investigations of potential violations and take appropriate action depending upon the outcome of the investigation.

Environmental Regulations

Our operations are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the environment, including those 
relating to discharges to air, water and land, the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous waste, the handling of underground 
storage tanks and the cleanup of properties affected by hazardous substances. Certain environmental laws impose substantial 
penalties for non-compliance and others, such as the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability 
Act, impose strict, retroactive, joint and several liability upon persons responsible for releases of hazardous substances. We 
continually evaluate whether we must take additional steps at our locations to ensure compliance with environmental laws. We 
also evaluate whether we can operate in a more sustainable manner. While compliance with applicable regulatory requirements 
has not materially adversely affected our operations in the past, there can be no assurance that these requirements will not change 
and that compliance will not adversely affect our operations in the future. In addition, our aggregate materials operations require 
operating permits granted by governmental agencies. Tighter regulations for the protection of the environment and other factors 
could make it increasingly difficult to obtain new permits and renewal of existing permits may be subject to more restrictive 
conditions than currently exist.

The California Air Resource Board requires California equipment owners/operators to reduce diesel particulate and nitrogen 
oxide emissions from in-use off-road diesel equipment and to meet progressively more restrictive emission targets from 2010 
to 2022 by retrofitting equipment with diesel emission control devices or replacing equipment with new engine technology as 
it becomes available. Over the past few years we have been proactively replacing our fleet prior to the 2022 deadline to be in 
compliance and do not expect significant future costs above forecasted and planned expenditures. During 2020, our purchases 
of property and equipment in California included approximately $3.8 million in off-road construction equipment with emission 
reduction improvements.

As is the case with other companies in our industry, some of our aggregate products contain varying amounts of crystalline silica, 
a common mineral. Also, some of our construction and material processing operations release, as dust, crystalline silica that 
is in the materials being handled. Excessive, prolonged inhalation of very small-sized particles of crystalline silica has allegedly 
been associated with respiratory disease (including Silicosis). During 2016, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration 
(“OSHA”) implemented new and more stringent occupational exposure thresholds for crystalline silica exposure as respirable dust. 
In addition, the Mine Safety and Health Administration is expected to propose adopting a similar rule as implemented by OSHA. 
We have implemented dust control procedures to measure compliance with requisite thresholds and to verify that respiratory 
protective equipment is made available as necessary. We also communicate, through safety data sheets and other means, what we 
believe to be appropriate warnings and cautions to employees and customers about the risks associated with excessive, prolonged 
inhalation of mineral dust in general and crystalline silica in particular (see “Item 1A. Risk Factors”). The scope of new exposure 
limits indicates that additional engineering controls, beyond providing respirators will be required to reduce potential exposure 
in response to the reduced exposure limits. The OSHA General Industry and Construction Standards were phased in during late 
2017 and were fully implemented in 2018. Expenses related to this implementation were immaterial during the years ended 
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

2020 Annual Report    9

Website Access

Our website address is www.graniteconstruction.com. On our website we make available, free of charge, our Annual Report 
on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports as soon as 
reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. The information on our website is not 
incorporated into, and is not part of, this report. These reports, and any amendments to them, are also available at the website of 
the SEC, www.sec.gov.

Information About Executive Officers

Information regarding our executive officers as of February 1, 2021 is set forth below.

Name
Kyle T. Larkin
Elizabeth L. Curtis
Jigisha Desai
James A. Radich
James D. Richards
Michael G. Tatusko
Brian A. Dowd

 Age
 49
 54
 54
 62
 56
 56
 57

 Position
 President
 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer
 Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
 Senior Vice President and Group Manager
 Senior Vice President and Group Manager
 Senior Vice President and Group Manager

Mr. Larkin joined Granite in 1996 and has served as President since September 2020. He also served as Executive Vice President 
and Chief Operating Officer from February 2020 to September 2020, Senior Vice President and Manager of Construction and 
Materials Operations from 2019 to 2020, Senior Vice President and Group Manager from 2017 to 2019, Vice President and 
Regional Manager in Nevada from 2014 to 2017 and President of Granite’s wholly owned subsidiary, Intermountain Slurry Seal, Inc. 
from 2011 to 2014. He served as Manager of Construction at the Reno area office from 2008 to 2011, Chief Estimator from 2004 
to 2008 and Project Manager, Project Engineer and Estimator at Granite’s Nevada Branch between 1996 and 2003. Mr. Larkin 
holds a B.S. in Construction Management from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and an M.B.A. from the 
University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Ms. Curtis joined Granite in 2018 and has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since January 2021. She 
also served as Chief Accounting Officer from October 2020 to January 2021, Vice President of Investor Relations since 2019, 
and Vice President and Integration Management Officer from 2018 to 2019. Before joining Granite, Ms. Curtis served as Vice 
President and Chief Accounting Officer for Layne Christensen Company. She received B.S. degrees in Accounting and Finance from 
Texas A&M University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Ms. Desai joined Granite in 1993 and has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer since January 2021. 
She also served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 2018 to 2021, Vice President of Corporate Finance, 
Treasurer & Assistant Financial Officer from 2013 to 2018, Vice President, Treasurer & Assistant Financial Officer from 2007 to 
2013, Assistant Treasurer & Assistant Secretary from 2001 to 2007 and Treasury Manager from 1993 to 2001. Ms. Desai is a 
Member of the Association of Financial Professionals. Ms. Desai received a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Houston, 
an M.B.A. in Corporate Finance from Golden Gate University and completed Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management 
Program. She is a Certified Treasury Professional.

Mr. Radich first joined Granite in 1980 and rejoined the Company in 2011 where he has served as Executive Vice President and 
Chief Operating Officer since December 2020. He also served as Senior Vice President and Group Manager from January 2020 to 
December 2020, as Vice President and Coastal Region Manager from 2014 to 2019 and Vice President of the Northern California 
Region from 2011 to 2014. From 1993 to 2011 Mr. Radich was employed by Oldcastle Materials. Mr. Radich served Granite as 
Project Engineer from 1980 to 1983, Project Manager from 1985 to 1990 for the Heavy Civil and Vertical Divisions and Chief 
Estimator from 1990 to 1993 in the Vertical Division. He received a B.S.C.E. from Santa Clara University and is a Registered Civil 
Engineer.

Mr. Richards joined Granite in 1992 and has served as Senior Vice President and Group Manager since 2013, Arizona Region 
Manager from 2006 to 2012, Arizona Region Chief Estimator from 2000 through 2006 and in other positions at Granite’s Arizona 
Branch between 1992 and 2000. Prior to joining Granite, he served as a U.S. Army Officer. Mr. Richards received a B.S. in Civil 
Engineering from New Mexico State University.

10    Granite Construction Incorporated 

Mr. Tatusko joined Granite in 1991 and has served as Senior Vice President and Group Manager since January 2020. He served as 
Vice President and Valley Region Manager from 2014 to 2019, Northern California Area Manager from 2012 to 2014, Design Build 
Project Executive from 2010 to 2012, Group Construction Manager from 2007 to 2010, Arizona Operations Manager from 2005 
to 2007, Arizona Construction Manager from 2001 to 2005, Plants Manager from 1999 to 2001, Estimator/Project Manager from 
1995 to 1999 and Project Engineer from 1993 to 1995. Prior to joining Granite, he was employed at Oldcastle Tilcon from 1984 to 
1991. Mr. Tatusko received a Construction Management degree from Southern Maine Tech.

Mr. Dowd joined Granite in 1986 and has served as Senior Vice President and California Group Manager since January 2021. He 
also served as Vice President and Regional Manager in Nevada from October 2017 to December 2020 and Vice President and 
Large Projects Business Development Manager from 2013 to 2017. He served as California Group Business Development Manager 
from 2012 to 2013, Sacramento Valley Region Manager from 2007 to 2012, Vice President and Director of Human Resources 
from 2005 to 2007, Director of Employee Development from 2000 to 2005, San Diego Area Manager from 1994 to 2000, and 
Project Manager, Estimator and Project Engineer at Granite’s Indio and Sacramento Branches between 1986 and 1994. Mr. Dowd 
holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and is a Registered Engineer in the states of California 
and Nevada.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Set forth below and elsewhere in this report and in other documents we file with the SEC are various risks and uncertainties that 
could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in 
this report or otherwise adversely affect our business.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR INVESTIGATION, RESTATEMENT AND MATERIAL WEAKNESSES

•	 We	restated	our	consolidated	financial	statements	for	several	prior	periods	and	failed	to	timely	file	our	Annual	
and	Quarterly	Reports	with	the	SEC,	which	has	affected	and	may	continue	to	affect	investor	confidence,	our	
stock	price,	our	ability	to	raise	capital	in	the	future,	and	our	reputation	with	our	customers,	which	may	result	in	
additional stockholder	litigation	and	may	reduce	customer	confidence	in	our	ability	to	complete	new	contract	
opportunities. As disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, we restated our 
consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 and unaudited quarterly financial 
information for the first three quarters of the year ended December 31, 2019 and for each of the quarters in the year ended 
December 31, 2018 to correct misstatements associated with project forecasts in the Heavy Civil operating group discovered 
in connection with the independent investigation (the “Investigation”) of the Audit/Compliance Committee (the “Audit 
Committee”) of our Board of Directors. As a result of the Investigation and restatement process, we failed to timely file our 
Annual and Quarterly Reports with the SEC. Such restatement and failure to timely file our Annual and Quarterly Reports 
with the SEC: 

o  has had and may continue to have the effect of eroding investor confidence in us and our financial reporting and 

accounting practices and processes;

o  has negatively impacted and may continue to negatively impact the trading price of our common stock;
o  may result in additional stockholder litigation;
o  may make it more difficult, expensive and time consuming for us to raise capital, if necessary, on acceptable terms, if at 

all, pursue transactions or implement business strategies that might otherwise be beneficial to our business;

o  may negatively impact our reputation with our customers;
o  has limited and may continue to limit our ability to bid for new projects; and
o  may cause customers to place new orders with other companies. 

•	 The	Investigation,	the	restatement	process,	the	completion	of	our	financial	statements	for	the	year	ended	

December	31,	2020	and	the	remediation	process	have	diverted,	and	will	continue	to	divert,	management	and	
other	human	resources	from	the	operation	of	our	business.	The absence of timely and accurate financial information 
has hindered and may in the future hinder our ability to effectively manage our business. The Investigation, the restatement 
process, the completion of our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020 and the remediation 
process have diverted, and will continue to divert, management and other human resources from the operation of our 
business. The Board of Directors, members of management, and our accounting, legal, administrative and other staff have 
spent significant time on the Investigation, the restatement process, the completion of our financial statements for the 
year ended December 31, 2020 and the remediation process and will continue to spend significant time on remediation 

2020 Annual Report    11

of disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over our financial reporting. These resources have been, and will 
likely continue to be, diverted from the strategic and day-to-day management of our business and may have an adverse 
effect on our ability to accomplish our strategic objectives. 

•	 We identified	material	weaknesses	in	our	internal	control	over	financial	reporting	which	could,	if	

not	remediated,	adversely	impact	the	reliability	of	our	financial	statements,	cause	us	to	submit	our	
financial statements	in	an	untimely	fashion,	result	in	material	misstatements	in	our	financial	statements and	
cause	current	and	potential	stockholders	to	lose	confidence	in	our	financial	reporting,	which	in	turn	could	
adversely	affect	the	trading	price	of	our	common	stock. We have concluded that the material weaknesses initially 
identified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 still exist. For additional information 
on the material weaknesses identified and our remedial efforts, see “Item 9A, Controls and Procedures.” These material 
weaknesses initially identified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 resulted in the 
restatement of our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 
2017 and unaudited quarterly financial information for the first three quarters of the year ended December 31, 2019 and 
for each of the quarters in the year ended December 31, 2018 to correct misstatements associated with project forecasts 
in the Heavy Civil operating group. Because the material weaknesses still exist as of December 31, 2020, management has 
determined that our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting were not effective as 
of December 31, 2020. Under Public Company Accounting Oversight Board standards, a material weakness is a deficiency, 
or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a 
misstatement of our consolidated annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. 
The existence of this issue could adversely affect us, our reputation or investor perceptions of us. We have and will continue 
to take additional measures to remediate the underlying causes of the material weaknesses noted above. As we continue 
to evaluate and work to remediate the material weaknesses, we may determine to take additional measures to address the 
control deficiencies.

Although we plan to complete this remediation process as quickly as possible, we cannot at this time estimate how long 
it will take, and our measures may not prove to be successful in remediating these material weaknesses. If our remedial 
measures are insufficient to address the material weaknesses, or if additional material weaknesses or significant deficiencies 
in our internal control over financial reporting are discovered or occur in the future, our consolidated financial statements 
may contain misstatements and we could be required to restate our financial results. In addition, if we are unable to 
successfully remediate these material weaknesses and if we are unable to produce accurate and timely consolidated financial 
statements, our stock price, liquidity and access to the capital markets may be adversely affected and we may be unable to 
maintain compliance with applicable stock exchange listing requirements and debt covenant requirements. Further, because 
of its inherent limitations, even our remediated and effective internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or 
detect all misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that 
controls may become inadequate because of changes in our conditions, or that the degree of compliance with our policies 
or procedures may deteriorate. 

•	 We	are	involved	in,	and	may	in	the	future	be	subject	to,	litigation	and	regulatory	examinations, investigations,	
proceedings	or	orders	as	a	result	of	or	relating	to	our	restatement	and	our	failure	to	timely file	our	Annual	
and	Quarterly	Reports	with	the	SEC	and	if	any	of	these	are	resolved	adversely	against	us,	it could	harm	our	
business,	financial	condition	and	results	of	operations. We are currently the subject of securities class action litigation. 
Additionally, in connection with our disclosure of the Audit Committee’s independent Investigation, we voluntarily contacted 
the San Francisco office of the SEC Division of Enforcement regarding that Investigation. Since contacting the SEC, we 
have produced documents to the SEC regarding the accounting issues identified during the independent Investigation 
and will continue to cooperate with the SEC in its investigation. The SEC’s investigation is ongoing and was not resolved 
when the Audit Committee completed the Investigation or when the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
year ended December 31, 2019 was filed. The restatement and our failure to timely file our Annual and Quarterly Reports 
with the SEC, as well as our reported material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting, may subject us to 
additional litigation and regulatory examinations, investigations, proceedings or orders, including a cease and desist order, 
the suspension of trading of our securities, delisting of our securities, the assessment of civil monetary penalties, and other 
equitable remedies. Our management has devoted and may be required to devote significant time and attention to these 
matters. If any of these matters are resolved adversely against us, it could harm our business, financial condition and results 
of operations. Additionally, while we cannot estimate our potential exposure to these matters at this time, we have already 
expended significant amounts investigating the claims underlying and defending these matters and expect to continue to 
need to expend significant amounts to conclude these matters. 

12    Granite Construction Incorporated 

•	 We	have	incurred	significant	expenses	related	to	the	Investigation,	restatement	and	remediation	of	deficiencies	
in	our	internal	control	over	financial	reporting	and	disclosure	controls	and	procedures and expect	to	continue	
to	incur significant	expenses	related	to	the	remediation	of	deficiencies	and	any	resulting	litigation. We 
devoted substantial internal and external resources towards the Investigation, the restatement of our consolidated financial 
statements, remediation efforts, the management review process and other efforts to implement effective internal controls 
and expect to continue to incur significant expenses relating to the remediation of deficiencies and any resulting litigation. 
Because of these efforts, we have incurred and expect that we will continue to incur significant fees and expenses for 
legal, accounting, financial and other consulting and professional services, as well as the implementation and maintenance 
of systems and processes that will need to be updated, supplemented or replaced. We have taken a number of remediation 
efforts in response to the independent Investigation. However, there can be no assurance that these steps will be successful. 
To the extent these steps are not successful, we could be required to incur significant additional time and expense. The 
expenses and time management devoted towards the Investigation, the restatement and identifying and addressing 
the internal control deficiencies and the expenses we expect to continue to incur toward addressing the internal control 
deficiencies, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. 

RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS

•	 Public	health	events,	including	health	epidemics	or	pandemics	or	other	contagious	outbreaks,	could	negatively	
impact	our	business,	financial	condition	and	results	of	operations. Our ability to perform work may be significantly 
affected by public health events. If a public health epidemic or pandemic or other contagious outbreak, including the novel 
coronavirus (referred to as COVID-19), interferes with our ability, or that of our employees, contractors, suppliers, customers 
and other business partners to perform our and their respective responsibilities and obligations relative to the conduct of our 
business, our operations may be affected, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition 
and results of operations. 

•	 Unfavorable economic	conditions	may	have	an	adverse impact	on	our	business. Volatility in the global financial 
system, deterioration in general economic activity, and fiscal, monetary and other policies that federal, state and local 
governments may enact, including infrastructure spending or deficit reduction measures, may have an adverse impact on 
our business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. In particular, low tax revenues, budget deficits, 
financing constraints, including timing of long-term federal, state and local funding releases, and competing priorities could 
negatively impact the ability of government agencies to fund existing or new infrastructure projects in the public sector. 
These factors could have a material adverse effect on the financial market and economic conditions in the United States as 
well as throughout the world, which may limit our ability and the ability of our customers to obtain financing and/or could 
impair our ability to execute our acquisition strategy. In addition, levels of new commercial and residential construction 
projects could be adversely affected by oversupply of existing inventories of commercial and residential properties, low 
property values and a restrictive financing environment. 

•	 We	work	in	a	highly	competitive	marketplace. We have multiple competitors in all of the areas in which we work, and 

some of our competitors are larger than we are and may have greater resources than we do. Government funding for public 
works projects is limited, contributing to competition. An increase in competition may result in a decrease in new awards, a 
decrease in profit margins, or both. In addition, should downturns in residential and commercial construction activity occur, 
the competition for available public sector work would intensify, which could impact our revenue, contract backlog and 
profit margins. 

•	 Our	financial	position	could	be	impacted	by	worse	than	anticipated	results	in	our	Heavy	Civil	operating	

group. We completed our previously announced strategic review of our Heavy Civil operating group and have taken actions 
that we believe will be beneficial to us and our stockholders. However, the results of our planned actions, and the timing 
of expected benefits, remain uncertain. In addition, it is possible that we may elect to undertake additional actions related 
to our Heavy Civil operating group. Our results of operations, cash flows and liquidity could be materially impacted by 
underperformance in our Heavy Civil operating group. 

•	 Fixed	price	and	fixed	unit	price	contracts	subject	us	to	the	risk	of	increased	project	cost. As more fully described in 
“Contract Provisions and Subcontracting” under “Item 1. Business,” the profitability of our fixed price and fixed unit price 
contracts can be adversely affected by a number of factors that can cause our actual costs to materially exceed the costs 
estimated at the time of our original bid. This could result in reduced profits or a loss for that project and there could be a 
material adverse impact to our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. 

2020 Annual Report    13

•	

In	connection	with	acquisitions	or	divestitures,	we	may	become	subject	to	liabilities.	In connection with any 
acquisitions, we may acquire liabilities or defects such as legal claims, including but not limited to third party liability and 
other tort claims; claims for breach of contract; employment-related claims; environmental liabilities, conditions or damage; 
permitting, regulatory or other compliance with law issues; or tax liabilities. If we acquire any of these liabilities, and they are 
not adequately covered by insurance or an enforceable indemnity or similar agreement from a creditworthy counterparty, we 
may be responsible for significant out-of-pocket expenditures. In connection with any divestitures, we may incur liabilities 
for breaches of representations and warranties or failure to comply with operating covenants under any agreement for a 
divestiture. In addition, we may indemnify a counterparty in a divestiture for certain liabilities of the subsidiary or operations 
subject to the divestiture transaction. These liabilities, if they materialize, could have a material adverse effect on our 
business, financial condition and results of operations. 

•	 Design-build	contracts	subject	us	to	the	risk	of	design	errors	and	omissions. Design-build has become a 

common method of project delivery as it provides the owner with a single point of responsibility for both design and 
construction. We generally subcontract design responsibility to architectural and engineering firms. However, in the event 
of a design error or omission causing damages, there is risk that the subcontractor or their errors and omissions insurance 
would not be able to absorb the liability. In this case we may be responsible, resulting in a potentially material adverse effect 
on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. 

•	 Many	of	our	contracts	have	penalties	for	late	completion. In some instances, including many of our fixed price 

contracts, we guarantee that we will complete a project by a certain date. If we subsequently fail to complete the project as 
scheduled we may be held responsible for costs resulting from the delay, generally in the form of contractually agreed-upon 
liquidated damages. To the extent these events occur, the total cost of the project could exceed our original estimate and 
we could experience reduced profits or a loss on that project and there could be a material adverse impact to our financial 
position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. 

•	 Our	failure	to	adequately	recover	on	affirmative	claims	brought	by	us	against	project	owners	or	other	project	
participants	(e.g.,	back	charges	against	subcontractors)	for	additional	contract	costs	could	have	a	negative	
impact	on	our	liquidity	and	future	operations. In certain circumstances, we assert affirmative claims against project 
owners, engineers, consultants, subcontractors or others involved in a project for additional costs exceeding the contract 
price or for amounts not included in the original contract price. These types of affirmative claims occur due to matters such 
as delays or changes from the initial project scope, both of which may result in additional costs. Often, these affirmative 
claims can be the subject of lengthy arbitration or litigation proceedings, and it is difficult to accurately predict when and on 
what terms they will be fully resolved. The potential gross profit impact of recoveries for affirmative claims may be material 
in future periods when they, or a portion of them, become probable and estimable or are settled. When these types of 
events occur, we use working capital to cover cost overruns pending the resolution of the relevant affirmative claims and 
may incur additional costs when pursuing such potential recoveries. A failure to recover on these types of affirmative claims 
promptly and fully could have a negative impact on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. In 
addition, while clients and subcontractors may be obligated to indemnify us against certain liabilities, such third parties may 
refuse or be unable to pay us.

•	 Unavailability	of	insurance	coverage	could	have	a	negative	effect	on	our	operations	and	results. We maintain 
insurance coverage as part of our overall risk management strategy and pursuant to requirements to maintain specific 
coverage that are contained in our financing agreements and in most of our construction contracts. Although we have been 
able to obtain reasonably priced insurance coverage to meet our requirements in the past, there is no assurance that we 
will be able to do so in the future, and our inability to obtain such coverage could have an adverse impact on our ability to 
procure new work, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows 
and liquidity. 

•	 An	inability	to	obtain	bonding	could	have	a	negative	impact	on	our	operations	and	results.	As more fully described 

in “Insurance and Bonding” under “Item 1. Business,” we generally are required to provide surety bonds securing our 
performance under the majority of our public and private sector contracts. Our inability to obtain reasonably priced surety 
bonds in the future and, while we monitor the financial health of our insurers and the insurance market, catastrophic events 
could reduce available limits or the breadth of coverage both of which could significantly affect our ability to be awarded 
new contracts and could, therefore, have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows 
and liquidity. 

•	 We	use certain	commodity	products	that	are	subject	to	significant	price	fluctuations.  We are exposed to various 

commodity price risks, including, but not limited to, diesel fuel, natural gas, propane, steel, cement and liquid asphalt arising 

14    Granite Construction Incorporated 

from transactions that are entered into in the normal course of business. We use petroleum based products, such as fuels, 
lubricants, and liquid asphalt, to power or lubricate our equipment, operate our plants, and as a significant ingredient in the 
asphaltic concrete we manufacture for sale to third parties and use in our asphalt paving construction projects. Although 
we are partially protected by asphalt or fuel price escalation clauses in some of our contracts, many contracts provide no 
such protection. We also use steel and other commodities in our construction projects that can be subject to significant 
price fluctuations. In order to manage or reduce commodity price risk, we monitor the costs of these commodities at the 
time of bid and price them into our contracts accordingly. Additionally, some of our contracts may include commodity 
price escalation clauses which partially protect us from increasing prices. At times we enter into supply agreements or 
pre-purchase commodities to secure pricing and may use financial contracts to further manage price risk. Significant price 
fluctuations could have a material adverse effect on financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. 

•	 As	a	part	of	our	growth	strategy	we	have	made	and	may	make	future	acquisitions,	and	acquisitions	involve	

many	risks. These risks include: 

o  difficulties integrating the operations and personnel of the acquired companies;
o  diversion of management’s attention from ongoing operations;
o  potential difficulties and increased costs associated with completion of any assumed construction projects;
o  insufficient revenues to offset increased expenses associated with acquisitions and the potential loss of key employees or 

customers of the acquired companies;

o  assumption of liabilities of an acquired business, including liabilities that were unknown at the time the acquisition was 

negotiated;

o  difficulties relating to assimilating the personnel, services, and systems of an acquired business and to assimilating 

marketing and other operational capabilities;

o  increased burdens on our staff and on our administrative, internal control and operating systems, which may hinder our 

legal and regulatory compliance activities;

o  difficulties in applying and integrating our system of internal controls to an acquired business;
o  if we issue additional equity securities, such issuances could have the effect of diluting our earnings per share as well as 

our existing shareholders’ individual ownership percentages in the Company;

o  the recording of goodwill or other non-amortizable intangible assets that will be subject to subsequent impairment 

testing and potential impairment charges, as well as amortization expenses related to certain other intangible assets; and

o  while we often obtain indemnification rights from the sellers of acquired businesses, such rights may be difficult to 

enforce and the indemnitors may not have the ability to financially support the indemnity. 

Failure to manage and successfully integrate acquisitions could harm our financial position, results of operations, cash flows 
and liquidity.

•	 Weather	can	significantly	affect	our	revenues	and	profitability. Our ability to perform work is significantly affected by 
weather conditions such as precipitation and temperature. Changes in weather conditions can cause delays and otherwise 
significantly affect our project costs. The impact of weather conditions can result in variability in our quarterly revenues and 
profitability, particularly in the first and fourth quarters of the year. 

•	 Force	majeure	events,	including	natural	disasters	and	terrorists’ actions,	could	negatively	impact	our	business,	

which	may	affect	our	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	or	cash	flows. Force majeure or extraordinary events 
beyond the control of the contracting parties, such as natural and man-made disasters, as well as terrorist actions, could 
negatively impact the economies in which we operate. We typically negotiate contract language where we are allowed 
certain relief from force majeure events in private client contracts and review and attempt to mitigate force majeure events 
in both public and private client contracts. We remain obligated to perform our services after most extraordinary events 
subject to relief that may be available pursuant to a force majeure clause. If we are not able to react quickly to force majeure 
events, our operations may be affected, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of 
operations, cash flows and liquidity.

•	 Our	contract	backlog	is	subject	to	unexpected	adjustments	and	cancellations	and	could	be	an	uncertain	indicator	
of	our	future	earnings. We cannot guarantee that the revenues projected in our contract backlog will be realized or, 
if realized, will be profitable. Projects reflected in our contract backlog may be affected by project cancellations, scope 
adjustments, time extensions or other changes. Such changes may adversely affect the revenue and profit we ultimately 
realize on these projects.

2020 Annual Report    15

•	 Rising	inflation	and/or	interest	rates	could	have	an	adverse	effect	on	our	business,	financial	condition	and	results	
of	operations. Economic factors, including inflation and fluctuations in interest rates, could have a negative impact on our 
business. If our costs were to become subject to significant inflationary pressures, we may not be able to fully offset such 
higher costs through price increases. Our inability or failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our financial 
position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR WORKFORCE, JOINT VENTURES AND SUBCONTRACTORS

•	 Our	success	depends	on	attracting	and	retaining	qualified	personnel,	joint	venture	partners	and	subcontractors	
in	a	competitive	environment. The success of our business is dependent on our ability to attract, develop and retain 
qualified personnel, joint venture partners, advisors and subcontractors. Changes in general or local economic conditions 
and the resulting impact on the labor market and on our joint venture partners may make it difficult to attract or retain 
qualified individuals in the geographic areas where we perform our work. If we are unable to provide competitive 
compensation packages, high-quality training programs and attractive work environments or to establish and maintain 
successful partnerships, our reputation, relationships and/or ability to profitably execute our work could be adversely 
impacted.

•	 Failure	to	maintain	safe	work	sites	could	result	in	significant	losses. Construction and maintenance sites are 

potentially dangerous workplaces and often put our employees and others in close proximity with mechanized equipment, 
moving vehicles, chemical and manufacturing processes, and highly regulated materials.  On many sites, we are responsible 
for safety and, accordingly, must implement safety procedures.  If we fail to implement these procedures or if the procedures 
we implement are ineffective, we may suffer the loss of or injury to our employees, as well as expose ourselves to possible 
litigation. Our failure to maintain adequate safety standards through our safety programs could result in reduced profitability 
or the loss of projects or clients, and could have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations, 
cash flows and liquidity.

•	 Strikes	or	work	stoppages	could	have	a	negative	impact	on	our	operations	and	results. We are party to collective 

bargaining agreements covering a portion of our craft workforce. Although strikes or work stoppages have not had 
a significant impact on our operations or results in the past, such labor actions could have a significant impact on our 
operations and results if they occur in the future.

•	 Failure	of	our	subcontractors	to	perform	as	anticipated	could	have	a	negative	impact	on	our	results. As further 
described in “Contract Provisions and Subcontracting” under “Item 1. Business,” we subcontract portions of many of 
our contracts to specialty subcontractors, but we are ultimately responsible for the successful completion of their work. 
Although we seek to require bonding or other forms of guarantees, we are not always successful in obtaining those bonds 
or guarantees from our higher-risk subcontractors. We may be responsible for the failures on the part of our subcontractors 
to perform as anticipated, resulting in a potentially adverse impact on our cash flows and liquidity. In addition, the total costs 
of a project could exceed our original estimates and we could experience reduced profits or a loss for that project, which 
could have an adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. 

•	 Our	joint	venture	contracts	subject	us	to	risks	and	uncertainties,	some	of	which	are	outside	of	our	control. 

As further described in Note 1 of “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” and under “Item 1. Business; Joint 
Ventures,” we perform certain construction contracts as a limited or minority member of joint ventures. Participating 
in these arrangements exposes us to risks and uncertainties, including the risk that if our partners fail to perform under 
joint and several liability contracts, we could be liable for completion of the entire contract. In addition, if our partners 
are not able or willing to provide their share of capital investment to fund the operations of the venture, there could be 
unanticipated costs to complete the projects, financial penalties or liquidated damages. These situations could have a 
material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.

To the extent we are not the controlling partner, we have limited control over many of the decisions made with respect to 
the related construction projects. These joint ventures may not be subject to the same compliance requirements, including 
those related to internal control over financial reporting. While we have controls to mitigate the risks associated with 
reliance on their control environment and financial information, to the extent the controlling partner makes decisions that 
negatively impact the joint venture or internal control problems arise within the joint venture, it could have a material 
adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. 

•	 We	may	be	unable	to	identify	and	contract	with	qualified	Disadvantaged	Business	Enterprise (“DBE”)	contractors	
to	perform	as	subcontractors. Certain of our government agency projects contain minimum DBE participation clauses. 
Although we have programs in place to ensure compliance, if we fail to complete these projects with the minimum DBE 

16    Granite Construction Incorporated 

participation, we may be held responsible for breach of contract, which may include restrictions on our ability to bid on 
future projects as well as monetary damages. To the extent we are responsible for monetary damages, the total costs of the 
project could exceed our original estimates, we could experience reduced profits or a loss for that project and there could be 
a material adverse impact to our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. 

•	 We	may	be	required	to	contribute	cash	to	meet	our	unfunded	pension	obligations	in	certain	multi-employer	

plans. As of December 31, 2020, five of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, Granite Construction Company, Granite 
Construction Northeast, Inc., Granite Industrial, Inc., Granite Inliner, LLC, and Layne Christensen Company participate in 
various domestic multi-employer pension plans on behalf of union employees. Union employee benefits generally are based 
on a fixed amount for each year of service. We are required to make contributions to the plans in amounts established 
under collective bargaining agreements. Pension expense is recognized as contributions are made. The domestic pension 
plans are subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”). Under ERISA, a contributor to a multi-
employer plan may be liable, upon termination or withdrawal from a plan, for its proportionate share of a plan’s unfunded 
vested liability. While we currently have no intention of withdrawing from a plan and unfunded pension obligations have 
not significantly affected our operations in the past, there can be no assurance that we will not be required to make material 
cash contributions to one or more of these plans to satisfy certain underfunded benefit obligations in the future.

RISKS RELATED TO LEGAL, REGULATORY, ACCOUNTING AND TAX ISSUES 

•	 Government	contractors	are	subject	to	suspension	or	debarment	from	government	contracting. Government 
contracts expose us to a variety of risks that differ from those associated with private sector contracts. Various statutes 
to which our operations are subject, including the Davis-Bacon Act (which regulates wages and benefits), the Walsh-
Healy Act (which prescribes a minimum wage and regulates overtime and working conditions), Executive Order 11246 
(which establishes equal employment opportunity and affirmative action requirements) and the Drug-Free Workplace Act, 
provide for mandatory suspension and/or debarment of contractors in certain circumstances involving statutory violations. 
In addition, the Federal Acquisition Regulation and various state statutes provide for discretionary suspension and/or 
debarment in certain circumstances that might call into question a contractor’s willingness or ability to act responsibly, 
including as a result of being convicted of, or being found civilly liable for, fraud or a criminal offense in connection with 
obtaining, attempting to obtain or performing a public contract or subcontract. The scope and duration of any suspension 
or debarment may vary depending upon the facts and the statutory or regulatory grounds for debarment and could have a 
material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.

•	 We	are	involved	in	lawsuits	and	legal	proceedings	in	the	ordinary	course	of	our	business	and	may	in	the	future	
be	subject	to	other	litigation	and	legal	proceedings,	and,	if	any	of	these	are	resolved	adversely	against	us,	it	
could	harm	our	business,	financial	condition	and	results	of	operations. Any litigation or other legal proceedings 
could result in an unfavorable judgment that may not be reversed upon appeal or in payments of substantial monetary 
damages or fines, or we may decide to settle lawsuits on similarly unfavorable terms, either of which could adversely affect 
our business, financial condition and results of operations. We could also suffer an adverse impact on our reputation and a 
diversion of management’s attention and resources, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial 
condition and results of operations.

•	 Government	contracts	generally	have	strict	regulatory	requirements. Approximately 73.5% of our construction-

related revenue in 2020 was derived from contracts funded by federal, state and local government agencies and authorities. 
Government contracts are subject to specific procurement regulations, contract provisions and a variety of socioeconomic 
requirements relating to their formation, administration, performance and accounting and often include express or implied 
certifications of compliance. Claims for civil or criminal fraud may be brought for violations of regulations, requirements or 
statutes. We may also be subject to qui tam litigation brought by private individuals on behalf of the government under the 
Federal Civil False Claims Act, which could include claims for up to treble damages. Further, if we fail to comply with any 
of the regulations, requirements or statutes or if we have a substantial number of accumulated Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, Mine Safety and Health Administration or other workplace safety violations, our existing government 
contracts could be terminated and we could be suspended from government contracting or subcontracting, including 
federally funded projects at the state level. Should one or more of these events occur, it could have a material adverse effect 
on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.

•	 We	are	subject	to	environmental	and	other	regulation. As more fully described in “Environmental Regulations” 

under “Item 1. Business,” we are subject to a number of federal, state, provincial, local and foreign laws and regulations 
relating to the environment, including the remediation of soil and groundwater contamination, emission and discharge of 
materials into the environment and reclamation and closure of operations, workplace health and safety and a variety of 

2020 Annual Report    17

socioeconomic requirements and are required to obtain and maintain a number of environmental approvals, permits and 
financial assurances. Noncompliance with such laws, regulations and permits can result in, among other things, substantial 
penalties, or termination or suspension of government contracts or our operations as well as civil and criminal liability. In 
addition, some environmental laws and regulations impose strict, joint and several liability and responsibility on present and 
former owners, operators or users of facilities and sites, and entities that disposed or arranged for the disposal of hazardous 
substances at a third-party site, for contamination at such facilities and sites, without regard to causation or knowledge of 
contamination. We occasionally evaluate various alternatives with respect to our facilities, including possible dispositions or 
closures. Investigations undertaken in connection with these activities may lead to discoveries of contamination that must 
be remediated, and closures of facilities may trigger compliance requirements, including reclamation requirements, that 
may not be applicable to operating facilities. While compliance with these laws and regulations has not materially adversely 
affected our operations in the past, there can be no assurance that these requirements, laws or regulations will not change 
and that compliance will not adversely affect our operations in the future. Furthermore, we cannot provide assurance that 
existing or future circumstances or developments with respect to contamination will not require us to make significant 
remediation or restoration expenditures.

•	

Increasing	restrictions	on	securing	aggregate	reserves	could	negatively	affect	our	future	operations	and	results. 
Tighter regulations and the finite nature of property containing suitable aggregate reserves are making it increasingly 
challenging and costly to secure aggregate reserves. Although we have thus far been able to secure reserves to support our 
business, our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity may be adversely affected by an increasingly 
difficult permitting process.

•	 Accounting	for	our	revenues	and	costs	involves	significant	estimates. As further described in “Critical Accounting 
Policies and Estimates” under “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 
Operations,” accounting for our contract-related revenues and costs, as well as other expenses, requires management to 
make a variety of significant estimates and assumptions. These assumptions and estimates may change significantly in the 
future and could result in the reversal of previously recognized revenue and profit. Such changes could have a material 
adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations. 

•	 A	change	in	tax	laws	or	regulations	of	any	federal,	state	or	international	jurisdiction	in	which	we	operate	could	
increase	our	tax	burden	and	otherwise	adversely	affect	our	financial	position,	results	of	operations,	cash	flows	
and	liquidity. We continue to assess the impact of various U.S. federal, state, local and international legislative proposals 
that could result in a material increase to our U.S. federal, state, local and/or international taxes. We cannot predict whether 
any specific legislation will be enacted or the terms of any such legislation. However, if such proposals were to be enacted, 
or if modifications were to be made to certain existing regulations, the consequences could have a material adverse impact 
on us, including increasing our tax burden, increasing our cost of tax compliance or otherwise adversely affecting our 
financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. 

•	 We	may	be	exposed	to	liabilities	under	the	Foreign	Corrupt	Practices	Act	(“FCPA”)	and	any	determination	that	
we	or	any	of	our	subsidiaries	has	violated	the	FCPA	could	have	a	material	adverse	effect	on	our	business.	The 
FCPA generally prohibits companies and their affiliates from making improper payment to non-U.S. officials for the purpose 
of obtaining or retaining business. Our internal policies, procedures and Code of Conduct mandate compliance with these 
anti-corruption laws. However, we operate in some countries known to experience corruption. Despite our training and 
compliance programs, we cannot provide assurance that our internal policies and procedures will always protect us from 
violation of such anti-corruption laws committed by our affiliated entities or their respective officers, directors, employees 
and agents. We could also face fines, sanctions and other penalties from authorities in the relevant foreign jurisdictions, 
including prohibition of participating in or curtailment of business operations in those jurisdictions and the seizure of certain 
of our assets. Our customers in those jurisdictions could also seek to impose penalties or take other actions adverse to our 
interest. In addition, we could face other third-party claims by among others, our stockholders, debt holders or other interest 
holders or constituents. Violations of FCPA laws, allegations of such violations and/or disclosure related to any relevant 
investigation could have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity 
for reasons including, but not limited to, an adverse effect our reputation, our ability to obtain new business or retain 
existing business, to attract and retain employees, to access the capital markets and/or could give rise to an event of default 
under the agreements governing our debt instruments. 

18    Granite Construction Incorporated 

RISKS RELATED TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

•	 Changes	to	our	outsourced	software	or	infrastructure	vendors	as	well	as	any	sudden	loss,	breach	of	security,	

disruption	or	unexpected	data	or	vendor	loss	associated	with	our	information	technology	systems	could	have	
a	material	adverse	effect	on	our	business. We rely on third-party software and infrastructure to run critical accounting, 
project management and financial information systems.  If software or infrastructure vendors decide to discontinue further 
development, integration or long-term maintenance support for our information systems, or there is any system interruption, 
delay, breach of security, loss of data or loss of a vendor, we may need to migrate some or all of our accounting, project 
management and financial information to other systems. Despite business continuity plans, these disruptions could increase 
our operational expense as well as impact the management of our business operations, which could have a material adverse 
effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.

•	 Cybersecurity	attacks	on	or	breaches	of	our	information	technology	environment	could	result	in business	

interruptions,	remediation	costs	and/or	legal	claims. To protect confidential customer, vendor, financial and employee 
information, we employ information security measures that secure our information systems from cybersecurity attacks 
or breaches. Even with these measures, we may be subject to unauthorized access of digital data with the intent to 
misappropriate information, corrupt data or cause operational disruptions. If a failure of our safeguarding measures were to 
occur, or if software or third-party vendors that support our information technology environment are compromised, it could 
have a negative impact to our business and result in business interruptions, remediation costs and/or legal claims, which 
could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR CAPITAL STRUCTURE

•	 Failure	to	remain	in	compliance	with	covenants	under	our	Credit	Agreement,	service	our	indebtedness,	or	fund	
our	other	liquidity	needs	could	adversely	impact	our	business. Our failure to comply with any of the restrictive or 
financial covenants would constitute an event of default under our Credit Agreement. Further, our failure to obtain a waiver 
or amendments relating to our non-compliance with any of the restrictive or financial covenants could result in an event of 
default under our Credit Agreement. Our failure to pay principal, interest or other amounts when due or within the relevant 
grace period on our 2.75% Convertible Notes or our Credit Agreement would constitute an event of default under the 
indenture governing our 2.75% Convertible Notes or the Credit Agreement. A default under our Credit Agreement could 
result in (i) us no longer being entitled to borrow under such facility; (ii) termination of such facility; (iii) the requirement that 
any letters of credit under such facility be cash collateralized; (iv) acceleration of amounts owed under the Credit Agreement; 
and/or (v) foreclosure on any lien securing the obligations under such facility. A default under the indenture governing our 
2.75% Convertible Notes could result in acceleration of the maturity of the notes. If we are unable to service our debt 
obligations or fund our other liquidity needs, we could be forced to curtail our operations, reorganize our capital structure 
(including through bankruptcy proceedings) or liquidate some or all of our assets in a manner that could cause holders of 
our securities to experience a partial or total loss of their investment in us. 

•	 Servicing	our	debt	requires	a	significant	amount	of	cash,	and	we	may	not	have	sufficient	cash	flow	from	our	

business	to	pay	our	debt. Our ability to make scheduled payments of the principal of, to pay interest on or to refinance 
our indebtedness, including our 2.75% Convertible Notes and the obligations under our Credit Agreement, depends on our 
future performance, which is subject to economic, financial, competitive and other factors beyond our control. Our business 
may not continue to generate sufficient cash flow from operations in the future to service our debt and make necessary 
capital expenditures. If we are unable to generate such cash flow, we may be required to adopt one or more alternatives, 
such as selling assets, restructuring debt or obtaining additional equity capital on terms that may be onerous or highly 
dilutive. Our ability to refinance our indebtedness will depend on the financial markets and our financial condition at such 
time. We may not be able to engage in any of these activities or engage in these activities on desirable terms, which could 
result in a default on our debt obligations. 

•	 The	convertible	note	hedge	and	warrant	transactions	may	affect	the	value	of	our	common	stock. In connection 

with our 2.75% Convertible Notes offering, we entered into convertible note hedge transactions with option counterparties. 
We also entered into warrant transactions with the option counterparties. The convertible note hedge transactions are 
expected generally to reduce the potential dilution to our common stock upon conversion of the 2.75% Convertible Notes 
and/or offset any cash payments we elect to make in excess of the principal amount of converted notes, as the case may 
be. However, the warrant transactions could separately have a dilutive effect on our common stock to the extent that the 
market price per share of our common stock exceeds the strike price of the warrants and we deliver shares of our common 
stock upon exercise of such warrants instead of paying cash. Additionally, in connection with establishing their initial hedge 
of the convertible note hedge and warrant transactions, the option counterparties may have entered into various derivative 

2020 Annual Report    19

transactions with respect to our common stock. The option counterparties may modify their hedge positions by entering into 
or unwinding various derivatives with respect to our common stock and/or purchasing or selling our common stock or other 
securities of ours in secondary market transactions. This activity could cause an increase or a decrease in the market price 
of our common stock. The effect, if any, of these transactions and activities on the market price of our common stock will 
depend in part on market conditions and cannot be ascertained at this time, but these activities could adversely affect the 
market price of our common stock. 

•	 We	are	subject	to	counterparty	risk	with	respect	to	the	convertible	note	hedge	transactions. The option 

counterparties are financial institutions, and we will be subject to the risk that one or more of such option counterparties 
may default under the convertible note hedge transactions. Our exposure to the credit risk of the option counterparties 
is not, and will not be, secured by any collateral. If any option counterparty becomes subject to bankruptcy or other 
insolvency proceedings with respect to such option counterparty’s obligations under the relevant convertible note hedge 
transaction, we will become an unsecured creditor in those proceedings with a claim equal to our exposure at that time 
under such transaction. Our exposure will depend on many factors but, generally, an increase in our exposure will be 
positively correlated to an increase in our common stock market price and in the volatility of the market price of our 
common stock. In addition, upon a default by an option counterparty, we may suffer adverse tax consequences and dilution 
with respect to our common stock. While all option counterparties were deemed to be of suitable financial strength on 
the transaction date, we can provide no assurance as to the financial stability or viability of any option counterparty. 

•	 The	price	of	our	common	stock	historically	has	been	volatile.	Our stock price may continue to be volatile and subject 

to significant price and volume fluctuations in response to market and other factors, including the other factors discussed in 
“Risks Factors”; variations in our quarterly operating results from our expectations or those of securities analysts or investors; 
downward revisions in securities analysts’ estimates; and announcement by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions, 
strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments. In addition, the sale or the availability for sale of a large 
number of shares of common stock in the public market may cause the price of our common stock to decline. 

•	 Delaware	law	and	our	charter	documents	may	impede	or	discourage	a	takeover,	which	could	reduce	the	market	
price	of	our	common	stock. We are a Delaware corporation, and the anti-takeover provisions of Delaware law impose 
various impediments to the ability of a third party to acquire control of us, even if a change in control would be beneficial to 
our existing stockholders. In addition, our Board of Directors has the power, without stockholder approval, to designate the 
terms of one or more series of preferred stock and issue shares of preferred stock. The ability of our Board of Directors to 
create and issue a new series of preferred stock and certain provisions of Delaware law and our certificate of incorporation 
and bylaws could impede a merger, takeover or other business combination involving us or discourage a potential acquirer 
from making a tender offer for our common stock, which, under certain circumstances, could reduce the market price of our 
common stock.

The foregoing list is not all-inclusive. There can be no assurance that we have correctly identified and appropriately assessed 
all factors affecting our business or that the publicly available and other information with respect to these matters is complete 
and correct. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial may 
also adversely affect us. These developments could have material adverse effects on our business, financial condition, results of 
operations and liquidity. For these reasons, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. PROPERTIES

Quarry Properties

As of December 31, 2020, we had 45 active and 14 inactive permitted quarry properties available for the extraction of sand and 
gravel and hard rock, all of which are located in the western United States. All of our quarries are open-pit and are primarily 
accessible by road. We process aggregates into construction materials for internal use and for sale to third parties. Our plant 
equipment is powered mostly by electricity provided by local utility companies. The following map shows the approximate locations 
of our permitted quarry properties as of December 31, 2020.

20    Granite Construction Incorporated 

sand & gravel and hard rock production facilities

Sand & Gravel Pits
Hard Rock Quarries

As of December 31, 2020, we estimated our permitted proven(1) and probable(2) aggregate reserves to be approximately 
786.1 million tons with an average permitted life of approximately 57.5 years at present operating levels. Present operating levels 
are determined based on a three-year annual average aggregate production rate of 13.7 million tons. Reserve estimates were 
made by our geologists and engineers based primarily on drilling studies. Reserve estimates are based on various assumptions, 
and any material inaccuracies in these assumptions could have a material impact on the accuracy of our reserve estimates. These 
properties are used by all of our segments.

(1)   Proven reserves are determined through the testing of samples obtained from closely spaced subsurface drilling and/or exposed pit faces. Proven 
reserves are sufficiently understood so that quantity, quality, and engineering conditions are known with sufficient accuracy to be mined without 
the need for any further subsurface work. Actual required spacing is based on geologic judgment about the predictability and continuity of each 
deposit.

(2)   Probable reserves are determined through the testing of samples obtained from subsurface drilling but the sample points are too widely spaced 
to allow detailed prediction of quantity, quality, and engineering conditions. Additional subsurface work may be needed prior to mining the 
reserve.

The following tables present information about our quarry properties as of December 31, 2020 (tons in millions):

Quarry Properties
Owned quarry properties
Leased quarry properties(1)

Type

Sand & 
Gravel

Hard 
Rock

Permitted  
Aggregate  
Reserves (tons) 

Three-Year  
Annual Average 
Production  
Rate (tons) 

23   
20   

4   
13   

437.3   
348.8   

8.2   
5.5   

Average  
Reserve Life 
42.6 
79.9 

(1) 

 Our leases have terms which range from month-to-month to 45 years with most including an option to renew and includes royalty related 
agreements.

State
California
Non-California

Number of 
Properties

Permitted Reserves for 
Each Product Type (tons)

Percentage of Permitted  
Reserves Owned and Leased

Sand & Gravel

Hard Rock

Owned

Leased

23   
36   

361.3   
134.8   

212.6     
77.4     

54%    
60%    

46%
40%

2020 Annual Report    21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant Properties

We operate plants at our quarry sites to process aggregates into construction materials. Some of our sites may have more than one 
crushing, concrete or asphalt processing plant. The following table presents the number of plants we owned:

December 31,
Aggregate crushing plants
Asphalt concrete plants
Cement concrete batch plants
Asphalt rubber plants
Lime slurry plants
Pipe liner product factories

These plants are used by all of our segments.

Other Properties

2020  
29   
49   
5   
5   
6   
2   

2019 
29 
49 
4 
7 
6 
2 

The following table provides our estimate of certain information about other properties as of December 31, 2020:

Office and shop space (owned and leased)

The office and shop space is used by all of our segments.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

  Land Area (acres)

    Building Square Feet 
2,060,712 

1,191     

In the ordinary course of business, we and our affiliates are involved in various legal proceedings alleging, among other things, 
liability issues or breach of contract or tortious conduct in connection with the performance of services and/or materials provided, 
the various outcomes of which cannot be predicted with certainty. We and our affiliates are also subject to government inquiries 
in the ordinary course of business seeking information concerning our compliance with government construction contracting 
requirements and various laws and regulations, the outcomes which cannot be predicted with certainty.

Some of the matters in which we or our joint ventures and affiliates are involved may involve compensatory, punitive, or other 
claims or sanctions that, if granted, could require us to pay damages or make other expenditures in amounts that are not probable 
to be incurred or cannot currently be reasonably estimated. In addition, in some circumstances our government contracts could be 
terminated, we could be suspended, debarred or incur other administrative penalties or sanctions, or payment of our costs could 
be disallowed. While any of our pending legal proceedings may be subject to early resolution as a result of our ongoing efforts to 
resolve the proceedings, whether or when any legal proceeding will be resolved is neither predictable nor guaranteed.

Accordingly, it is possible that future developments in such proceedings and inquiries could require us to (i) adjust existing accruals, 
or (ii) record new accruals that we did not originally believe to be probable or that could not be reasonably estimated. Such 
changes could be material to our financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows in any particular reporting period. In 
addition to matters that are considered probable for which the loss can be reasonably estimated, disclosure is also provided when 
it is reasonably possible and estimable that a loss will be incurred or when it is reasonably possible that the amount of a loss will 
exceed the amount recorded.

Liabilities relating to legal proceedings and government inquiries, to the extent that we have concluded such liabilities are probable 
and the amounts of such liabilities are reasonably estimable, are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets. The aggregate 
liabilities recorded as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 related to these matters were immaterial. The aggregate range of possible 
loss related to (i) matters considered reasonably possible, and (ii) reasonably possible amounts in excess of accrued losses recorded 
for probable loss contingencies, including those related to liquidated damages, could have a material impact on our consolidated 
financial statements if they become probable and the reasonably estimable amount is determined.

On August 13, 2019, a securities class action was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California 
against the Company, James H. Roberts, our former President and Chief Executive Officer, and Jigisha Desai, our former Senior Vice 
President and Chief Financial Officer and current Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer. An Amended Complaint was 
filed on February 20, 2020 that, among other things, added Laurel Krzeminski, our former Chief Financial Officer, as a defendant. 

22    Granite Construction Incorporated 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
The amended complaint is brought on behalf of an alleged class of persons or entities that acquired our common stock between 
April 30, 2018 and October 24, 2019, and alleges claims arising under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act 
of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder. The Amended Complaint seeks damages based on allegations that in the Company’s SEC 
filings the defendants made false and/or misleading statements and failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company’s 
business, operations and prospects. On May 20, 2020, the Court denied, in part, the Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss the Amended 
Complaint. On January 21, 2021, the Court granted Plaintiff’s motion for class certification. We are in the pretrial stages of the 
litigation, and we cannot predict the outcome or consequences of this case, which we intend to defend vigorously.

On October 23, 2019, a putative class action lawsuit was filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz against 
the Company, James H. Roberts, our former President and Chief Executive Officer, Laurel Krzeminski, our former Chief Financial 
Officer, and the then-serving Board of Directors on behalf of persons who acquired shares of Company common stock in the 
Company’s June 2018 merger with Layne. The complaint asserts causes of action under the Securities Act of 1933 and alleges that 
the registration statement and prospectus were negligently prepared and included materially false and misleading statements and 
failed to disclose facts required to be disclosed. On August 10, 2020, the Court sustained our demurrer dismissing the complaint 
with leave to amend. On September 16, 2020, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint asserting causes of action under the 
Securities Act of 1933 against the previously named defendants and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. We have filed a demurrer 
seeking to dismiss the amended complaint. We are in the preliminary stages of the litigation and, as a result, we cannot predict the 
outcome or consequences of the case, which we intend to defend vigorously.

On May 6, 2020, a stockholder derivative lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California 
against James H. Roberts, our former President and Chief Executive Officer, Jigisha Desai, our former Senior Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer and current Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Laurel Krzeminski, our former Chief Financial 
Officer, and our then-current Board of Directors (collectively, the “Individual Defendants”), and the Company, as a nominal 
defendant, asserting claims for breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, and violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
that occurred between April 30, 2018 and October 24, 2019. The lawsuit alleges that the Individual Defendants knowingly inflated 
the Company’s revenue, income, and margins in violation of U.S. GAAP, which caused the results during the relevant periods to 
be materially false and misleading. The complaint seeks monetary damages and corporate governance reforms. The Court has 
ordered that the lawsuit in the derivative action be stayed until further order of the Court or until entry of a final judgment in the 
putative securities class action lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. We are in the 
preliminary stages of the litigation and, as a result, we cannot predict the outcome or consequences of this case, which we intend 
to defend vigorously.

As of December 31, 2020, no liability related to above matters was recorded because we have concluded the amounts of such 
liabilities are not reasonably estimable.

In connection with our disclosure of the Audit Committee’s independent Investigation, we voluntarily contacted the San Francisco 
office of the SEC Division of Enforcement regarding that Investigation. The SEC has issued us subpoenas for documents in connection 
with the independent Investigation. We have produced documents to the SEC regarding the accounting issues identified during the 
independent Investigation and will continue to cooperate with the SEC in its investigation.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

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

2020 Annual Report    23

PART II

Item 5. Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder 
Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GVA. As of March, 25, 2021, 45,789,095 
shares of our common stock were outstanding and held by 709 shareholders of record. We have paid quarterly cash dividends 
since the second quarter of 1990, and we expect to continue to do so.

The following table sets forth information regarding the repurchase of shares of our common stock during the three months ended 
December 31, 2020:

Period

October 1, 2020 through October 31, 2020

November 1, 2020 through November 30, 2020

December 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020

Total number of  
shares purchased(1)  

Average price 
paid per share  

1,102   $

139   $

4,090   $

5,331   $

18.41   

21.49   

26.82   

24.94   

Total number of 
shares purchased 
as part of publicly 
announced plans or 
programs  

Approximate 
dollar value of 
shares that may 
yet be purchased 
under the plans or 
programs(2) 

—   $

157,165,044 

—   $

157,165,044 

—   $

157,165,044 

—  

(1) 
(2) 

 The number of shares purchased is in connection with employee tax withholding for units vested under our 2012 Equity Incentive Plan.
 As announced on April 29, 2016, on April 7, 2016, the Board of Directors authorized us to purchase up to $200.0 million of our common 
stock at management’s discretion. As part of this authorization we have established a share repurchase program to facilitate common 
stock repurchases. We did not purchase shares under the share purchase plan in any of the periods presented. As of December 31, 2020, 
$157.2 million of the authorization remained available. The specific timing and amount of any future purchases will vary based on market 
conditions, securities law limitations and other factors.

24    Granite Construction Incorporated 

 
  
  
  
 
  
 
   
Performance Graph

The following graph compares the cumulative 5-year total return provided to Granite Construction Incorporated’s common 
stock holders relative to the cumulative total returns of the S&P 500 index and the Dow Jones U.S. Heavy Construction index. 
The Dow Jones U.S. Heavy Construction index includes the following companies: AECOM, Emcor Group Inc., Fluor Corp, Jacobs 
Engineering Group Inc., Mastec Inc., Quanta Services Inc. and Valmont Industries Inc. Certain of these companies differ from 
Granite in that they derive more revenue and profit from non-U.S. operations and have customers in different markets. The graph 
tracks the performance of a $100 investment in our common stock and in each index (with the reinvestment of all dividends) from 
December 31, 2015 through December 31, 2020.

COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*

Among Granite Construction Incorporated, the S&P 500 Index
and the Dow Jones U.S. Heavy Construction Index

$250

$200

$150

$100

$50

$0

12/15

12/16

12/17

12/18

12/19

12/20

Granite Construction Incorporated

S&P 500

Dow Jones U.S. Heavy Construction

*$100 invested on 12/31/15 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. Fiscal year ending December 31.

December 31,

2015   

2016   

2017   

2018   

2019   

2020 

Granite Construction Incorporated

  $100.00    $ 129.57    $ 150.87    $ 96.86    $ 67.52    $ 67.05 

S&P 500

    100.00      111.96      136.40      130.42      171.49      203.04 

Dow Jones U.S. Heavy Construction

    100.00      123.36      129.98      96.04      128.84      156.43 

2020 Annual Report    25

 
Item 6. Selected Financial Data

Not Applicable.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition 
and Results of Operations

General

We deliver infrastructure solutions for public and private clients primarily in the United States. We are one of the largest diversified 
infrastructure companies in the United States. Within the public sector, we primarily concentrate on heavy-civil infrastructure 
projects, including the construction of streets, roads, highways, mass transit facilities, airport infrastructure, bridges, trenchless 
and underground utilities, power-related facilities, water-related facilities, well drilling, utilities, tunnels, dams and other 
infrastructure-related projects. Within the private sector, we perform site preparation, mining services and infrastructure services for 
residential development, energy development, commercial and industrial sites, and other facilities, as well as provide construction 
management professional services.

Our reportable business segments are the same as our operating segments and correspond with how our chief operating decision 
maker (our President) regularly reviews financial information to allocate resources and assess performance. Our reportable business 
segments are: Transportation, Water, Specialty and Materials. See Note 21 of “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” 
for additional information about our reportable business segments. In addition to business segments, we review our business by 
operating groups. In alphabetical order, our operating groups are defined as follows: (i) California; (ii) Federal, which primarily 
includes offices in California, Colorado, Texas and Guam; (iii) Heavy Civil, which primarily includes offices in California, Florida and 
Texas (the New York office was closed in January 2021); (iv) Midwest, which primarily includes offices in Illinois; (v) Northwest, 
which primarily includes offices in Alaska, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Washington; and (vi) Water and Mineral Services, which 
includes offices across the United States, Canada and Mexico. 

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

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” have been prepared in accordance 
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of these financial 
statements requires management to make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenue and 
expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Our estimates and related judgments and assumptions are 
continually evaluated based on available information and experiences; however, actual amounts could differ from those estimates.

The following are accounting policies and estimates that involve significant management judgment and can have significant effects 
on the Company’s reported results of operations. The Audit/Compliance Committee of our Board of Directors has reviewed our 
disclosure of critical accounting policies and estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Our revenue is primarily derived from construction contracts that can span several quarters or years in our Transportation, Water 
and Specialty segments and from sales of construction related materials in our Materials segment. We recognize revenue in 

26    Granite Construction Incorporated 

accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and subsequently issued additional related ASUs (“Topic 
606”), which we adopted on January 1, 2018 using a modified retrospective transition approach. Topic 606 provides for a five-step 
model for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers as follows:

1.  Identify the contract
2.  Identify performance obligations
3.  Determine the transaction price
4.  Allocate the transaction price
5.  Recognize revenue

Generally, our contracts contain one performance obligation. Contracts with customers in our Materials segment are typically 
defined by our customary business practices and are valued at the contractual selling price per unit. Our customary business 
practices are for the delivery of a separately identifiable good at a point in time which is typically when delivery to the customer 
occurs. Contracts in our Transportation, Water and Specialty segments may contain multiple distinct promises or multiple contracts 
within a master agreement (e.g. contracts that cross multiple locations/geographies and task orders), which we review at contract 
inception to determine if they represent multiple performance obligations or multiple separate contracts. This review consists of 
determining if promises or groups of promises are distinct within the context of the contract, including whether contracts are 
physically contiguous, contain task orders, purchase or sales orders, termination clauses and/or elements not related to design and/
or build.

The transaction price is the amount of consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods and 
services to the customer. The contractual consideration from customers of our Transportation, Water and Specialty segments may 
include both fixed amounts and variable amounts (e.g. bonuses/incentives or penalties/liquidated damages) to the extent that a 
significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration 
is subsequently resolved (i.e., probable and estimable). When a contract has a single performance obligation, the entire transaction 
price is attributed to that performance obligation. When a contract has more than one performance obligation, the transaction 
price is allocated to each performance obligation based on estimated relative standalone selling prices of the goods or services at 
the inception of the contract, which typically is determined using cost plus an appropriate margin.

Subsequent to the inception of a contract in our Transportation, Water and Specialty segments, the transaction price could change 
for various reasons, including executed or unapproved change orders and unresolved contract modifications and/or affirmative 
claims. Changes that are accounted for as an adjustment to existing performance obligations are allocated on the same basis at 
contract inception. Otherwise, changes are accounted for as separate performance obligation(s) and the separate transaction price 
is allocated as discussed above.

Changes are made to the transaction price from unapproved change orders to the extent the amount can be reasonably estimated 
and recovery is probable.

On certain projects we have submitted and have pending unresolved contract modifications and/or affirmative claims (“affirmative 
claims”) to recover additional costs and the associated profit, if applicable, to which the Company believes it is entitled under the 
terms of contracts with customers, subcontractors, vendors or others. The owners or their authorized representatives and/or other 
third parties may be in partial or full agreement with the modifications or affirmative claims, or may have rejected or disagree 
entirely or partially as to such entitlement.

Changes are made to the transaction price from affirmative claims with customers to the extent that additional revenue on a claim 
settlement with a customer is probable and estimable. A reduction to costs related to affirmative claims with non-customers with 
whom we have a contractual arrangement (“back charges”) is recognized when the estimated recovery is probable and estimable. 
Recognizing affirmative claims and back charge recoveries requires significant judgments of certain factors including, but not 
limited to, dispute resolution developments and outcomes, anticipated negotiation results, and the cost of resolving such matters.

Certain construction contracts in our Transportation, Water and Specialty segments include retention provisions to provide 
assurance to our customers that we will perform in accordance with the contract terms and are not considered a financing benefit. 
The balances billed but not paid by customers pursuant to these provisions generally become due upon completion and acceptance 
of the project work or products by the customer. We have determined there are no significant financing components in our 
contracts during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Typically, performance obligations related to contracts in our Transportation, Water and Specialty segments are satisfied over time 
because our performance typically creates or enhances an asset that the customer controls as the asset is created or enhanced. We 
recognize revenue as performance obligations are satisfied and control of the promised good and/or service is transferred to the 

2020 Annual Report    27

customer. Revenue in our Transportation, Water and Specialty segments is ordinarily recognized over time as control is transferred 
to the customers by measuring the progress toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation(s) using an input (i.e., 
“cost to cost”) method. Under the cost to cost method, costs incurred to-date are generally the best depiction of transfer of 
control.

All contract costs, including those associated with affirmative claims, change orders and back charges, are recorded as incurred 
and revisions to estimated total costs are reflected as soon as the obligation to perform is determined. Contract costs consist of 
direct costs on contracts, including labor and materials, amounts payable to subcontractors, direct overhead costs and equipment 
expense (primarily depreciation, fuel, maintenance and repairs).

The accuracy of our revenue and profit recognition in a given period depends on the accuracy of our estimates of the forecasted 
revenue and cost to complete each project. Cost estimates for all of our significant projects use a detailed “bottom up” 
approach. There are a number of factors that can contribute to changes in estimates of contract cost and profitability. The most 
significant of these include:

subcontractor costs, availability and/or performance issues;

•	 changes in costs of labor and/or materials;
•	
•	 extended overhead and other costs due to owner, weather and other delays;
•	 changes in productivity expectations;
•	 changes from original design on design-build projects;
•	 our ability to fully and promptly recover on affirmative claims and back charges for additional contract costs;
•	 a change in the availability and proximity of equipment and materials;
•	 complexity in original design;
•	
•	
•	
•	 costs associated with scope changes; and
•	

length of time to complete the project;
the availability and skill level of workers in the geographic location of the project;
site conditions that differ from those assumed in the original bid;

the customer’s ability to properly administer the contract. 

The foregoing factors, as well as the stage of completion of contracts in process and the mix of contracts at different margins may 
cause fluctuations in gross profit and gross profit margin from period to period. Significant changes in revenue and cost estimates, 
particularly in our larger, more complex, multi-year projects have had, and can in future periods have, a significant effect on our 
profitability.

All state and federal government contracts and many of our other contracts provide for termination of the contract at the 
convenience of the party contracting with us, with provisions to pay us for work performed through the date of termination 
including demobilization cost.

Costs to obtain our contracts (“pre-bid costs”) that are not expected to be recovered from the customer are expensed as incurred 
and included in selling, general and administrative expenses on our consolidated statements of operations. Although unusual, 
pre-bid costs that are explicitly chargeable to the customer even if the contract is not obtained are included in accounts receivable 
on our consolidated balance sheets when we are notified that we are not the low bidder with a corresponding reduction to selling, 
general and administrative expenses on our consolidated statements of operations.

Goodwill

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had eight reporting units in which goodwill was recorded as follows:

•	 Midwest Group Transportation
•	 Midwest Group Specialty
•	 Northwest Group Transportation
•	 Northwest Group Materials
•	 California Group Transportation
•	 Water and Mineral Services Group Water
•	 Water and Mineral Services Group Specialty
•	 Water and Mineral Services Group Materials

28    Granite Construction Incorporated 

We perform our goodwill impairment tests annually as of November 1 and more frequently when events and circumstances occur 
that indicate a possible impairment of goodwill. Examples of such events or circumstances include, but are not limited to, the 
following: 

•	 a significant adverse change in the business climate;
•	 a significant adverse change in legal factors or an adverse action or assessment by a regulator;
•	 a more likely than not expectation that a segment or a significant portion thereof will be sold; or
•	

the testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within the segment.

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, we can elect to perform a qualitative assessment to test a reporting unit’s goodwill for impairment 
or perform a quantitative impairment test. Based on a qualitative assessment, if we determine that the fair value of a reporting unit 
is more likely than not to be less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test will be performed.

In performing the quantitative goodwill impairment tests, we calculate the estimated fair value of the reporting unit in which 
the goodwill is recorded using the discounted cash flows and market multiple methods. Judgments inherent in these methods 
include the determination of appropriate discount rates, the amount and timing of expected future cash flows, revenue and 
margin growth rates, and appropriate benchmark companies. The cash flows used in our 2020 discounted cash flow model were 
based on five-year financial forecasts developed internally by management adjusted for market participant-based assumptions. 
Our discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the equity cost of capital and appropriate capital structure for our 
reporting units. To assess for reasonableness we compare the estimated fair values of the reporting units to our current market 
capitalization.

The estimated fair value is compared to the net book value of the reporting unit, including goodwill. If the fair value of the 
reporting unit exceeds its net book value, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired. If the fair value of the 
reporting unit is less than its net book value, goodwill is impaired and the excess of the reporting unit’s net book value over the fair 
value is recognized as a non-cash impairment charge.

During 2020, we performed two interim tests both of which resulted in impairment charges (See Note 12). For our 2020 
annual goodwill impairment test, we conducted quantitative impairment tests for all of our reporting units and concluded 
that no additional impairment charge was required since the estimated fair value for each of the reporting units exceeded their 
respective net book values. The annual goodwill assessment for the Water and Mineral Services (“WMS”) Water and WMS 
Materials indicated that their estimated fair values exceeded their net book value, but not by a significant amount, as the estimated 
fair values align with the second interim goodwill impairment test as of September 30, 2020. The WMS Specialty and Northwest 
Group Materials reporting units had $9.4 million and $1.9 million, respectively, of goodwill balances as of December 31, 2020 
and the annual goodwill assessment resulted in headroom of 12% and 3%, respectively. Although unexpected, additional adverse 
changes in the business climate for the WMS Specialty reporting unit could result in an impairment in future periods. There 
are no known potential events and/or changes in circumstances that could reasonably be expected to negatively affect the key 
assumptions used to estimate the Northwest Group Materials reporting unit fair value. The headroom for all other reporting units 
was in excess of 50%. 

Insurance Estimates

We carry insurance policies to cover various risks, primarily general liability, automobile liability, workers compensation and 
employee medical expenses under which we are liable to reimburse the insurance company for a portion of each claim paid. 
The amounts for which we are liable for general liability and workers compensation generally range from the first $0.5 
million to $1.0 million per occurrence. We accrue for probable losses, both reported and unreported, that are reasonably estimable 
using actuarial methods based on historic trends, modified, if necessary, by recent events. Changes in our loss assumptions caused 
by changes in actual experience would affect our assessment of the ultimate liability and could have an effect on our operating 
results and financial position up to $1.0 million per occurrence for general liability and workers compensation or $0.3 million for 
medical insurance.

Current Economic Environment and Outlook

Impact of COVID-19 on Our Business

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted, and is likely to continue to result, in substantial economic disruption for the foreseeable 
future. While there is optimism that the pandemic will come to an end with the prevalence of vaccines and other treatments, 
uncertainty continues to exist with the possible resurgence of cases and the economic restrictions in many states and subsequent 
impacts.

2020 Annual Report    29

With regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, our first priority is to continue to do everything we can to ensure the safety, health 
and hygiene of our employees, customers, suppliers and others with whom we partner in our business activities. We are highly 
encouraging our employees to receive one of the COVID-19 vaccines. Subject to that and with appropriate risk mitigation and 
safety practices, we are doing everything we can to carry on our operations in this unprecedented business environment in which 
we find ourselves.

Work on most of our projects continues as the Company performs services that are categorized under one or more of the 
“Essential Critical Infrastructure Sectors,” as defined by federal and state law. However, our operations in Mexico and Canada 
were impacted in early 2020 with local COVID-19 work restrictions and travel bans, and we experienced temporary suspensions 
or reduced project activities as a result of COVID-19 contributing in some cases to employee and subcontractor absences. This 
disruption has been most impactful to our Water and Mineral Services Group. 

In the face of rapidly changing market conditions, we are continually monitoring the status of our balance sheet and access 
to liquidity. Despite the pandemic, our balance sheet has strengthened in response to the efforts of our teams across the 
country. Given the uncertain market environment including the uncertain impact of reduced state and local tax receipts due to the 
pandemic, Granite continues to be focused on our liquidity through maximizing the return on capital investments and minimizing 
travel and related expenditures.

Granite’s backlog continues to be strong. This year we are seeing increased interest in best-value or alternative delivery 
procurement work by the state Department of Transportations, such as California and Utah, along with other state agencies. This 
shift will create a delay in certain project bookings in the short term due to the procurement methodology, but we believe will give 
us the opportunity for larger future work with historically higher margins and less inherent risk. 

Funding for our public work projects, which is around 75% of our portfolio, is dependent on federal, state, regional and local 
revenues. At the federal level, Congress on September 30, 2020 approved the one-year extension of the Fixing America’s 
Surface Transportation (“FAST”) Act with flat funding levels as well as a $13.6 billion infusion to the Highway Trust Fund from 
the general fund, providing state and local governments the visibility needed to plan for 2021 construction programs. In late 
December 2020, Congress approved a $10 billion relief spending bill for state departments of transportation as part of the 
Coronavirus Response and Relief Act to help offset pandemic-induced revenue declines. Based on estimates provided by The 
Federal Highway Administration, over $1.5 billion of the relief fund is apportioned to Granite Construction’s vertically-integrated 
states. Furthermore, in March 2021, Congress approved the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 which included $360 billion in 
Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to assist government efforts in mitigating the fiscal effects of COVID-19 on 
state and local budgets. Within the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, $10 billion is earmarked for infrastructure, 
but much of this is anticipated to go towards clean energy and non-surface transportation projects. While a permanent revenue 
solution for the Highway Trust Fund is not yet in place, the expectation continues to remain a stabilizing force for transportation 
markets. We are optimistic that Congress and the Administration will jointly move forward in 2021 to pass a bipartisan Federal 
Infrastructure Bill, which we believe will meaningfully improve the programming visibility for state and local governments, starting 
with the 2022 construction season.

At state, regional and local levels, voter-approved state and local transportation measures continue to support infrastructure 
spending. In the November 2020 elections, voters in 18 states approved 94% of state and local ballot initiatives that will provide 
an additional $14 billion in one-time and recurring revenue for transportation improvements. In California, our top revenue-
generating state, a significant part of the state infrastructure spend is funded through Senate Bill 1 (SB-1), the Road Repair and 
Accountability Act of 2017, which is a 10-year, $54.2 billion program. Revenue collected through SB-1 is on track to increase 
over the next 5 years. While we are encouraged by these funding supports, some of our core states are nevertheless experiencing 
financial headwinds from the pandemic, which may negatively impact transportation infrastructure spending during 2021. We 
closely monitor these funding trends and manage our pursuit pipeline accordingly.

While funding uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the normal cadence of project bids in our water-related 
construction, water resources and wastewater rehabilitation businesses, market demand and local funding opportunities remain 
resilient. Across the Water segment’s end markets, states and municipal water authorities are weighing options for overdue 
water and wastewater infrastructure investment. For our wastewater rehabilitation business, this includes potential awards for 
infrastructure improvements mandated through consent decrees. At the federal level, Congress approved the Water Resources 
Development Act of 2020 and authorized spending $9.9 billion for 46 new flood control, harbor, ecosystem and lock and dam 
projects on waterways across the nation. This legislation unlocked the roughly $10 billion balance in the Harbor Maintenance Trust 
Fund including allowing access to $500 million in appropriations to the Army Corps. Furthermore, state and local governments 
have the discretion to make necessary investments in water and sewer infrastructure using the non-earmarked portion of the 
Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds approved in March 2021.

30    Granite Construction Incorporated 

For a further discussion of the uncertainties and business risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, see the section entitled 
“Risk Factors” in this Annual Report.

Heavy Civil Strategic Review

The Company concluded that historical industry pricing and associated risk for this type of work does not align with the Company’s 
stakeholder expectations. Under a new management team, we have narrowed the footprint of our Heavy Civil operating group, 
including the closure of our New York office in January 2021. Our focus is to pursue opportunities in markets where Granite’s 
presence, capabilities and resources provide strategic advantages, with improved margin expectations. 

Impact of Independent Audit/Compliance Committee Investigation

As a result of our delay in filing our 2019 and 2020 Annual Reports on Form 10-K, there are jurisdictions across the country where 
we were unable to bid on public projects due to various financial statement filing requirements. This has mainly impacted certain 
public agency bidding opportunities. Granite teams across the country have continued to work with the various public agencies on 
these challenges. Through the work of Granite teams, the inability to bid in certain jurisdictions has not had a significant impact to 
Granite’s liquidity or results of operations.

Results of Operations

Our operations are typically affected more by weather conditions during the first and fourth quarters of our fiscal year which may 
alter our construction schedules and can create variability in our revenues and profitability. 

Years Ended December 31,

2020 

2019 

2018 

(in thousands)

Total revenue

Gross profit

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Acquisition and integration expenses

Non-cash impairment charges

Operating (loss) income

Total other expense (income)

Amount attributable to non-controlling interests

Net (loss) income attributable to Granite Construction Incorporated

  $ 3,562,459   $ 3,445,606   $ 3,287,031 

344,788  

221,678  

334,840 

353,320  

307,981  

272,776 

53  

15,299  

61,520 

156,690  

—  

(158,345) 

(82,899) 

8,118  

21,064  

(5,821) 

(3,489) 

(145,117) 

(60,191) 

— 

8,216 

(112)

(10,954)

582 

Revenue

TOTAL REVENUE BY SEGMENT

Years Ended December 31,

(dollars in thousands)

Transportation

Water

Specialty

Materials

Total

2020

2019

2018

  $ 2,017,989    56.7%   $ 1,892,149    54.9%   $ 1,946,750    59.3%

440,317    12.4 

468,730    13.6 

345,861    10.5 

723,391    20.3 

727,537    21.1 

625,666    19.0 

380,762    10.6 

357,190    10.4 

368,754    11.2 

  $ 3,562,459    100.0%   $ 3,445,606    100.0%   $ 3,287,031    100.0%

2020 Annual Report    31

 
 
 
    
  
   
  
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
 
 
   
    
 
 
   
    
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
TRANSPORTATION REVENUE

Years Ended December 31,

(dollars in thousands)

California

Federal

Heavy Civil

Midwest

Northwest

Total

2020

2019

2018

  $ 681,955    33.8%   $ 581,074    30.8%   $ 607,737    31.2%

6,579   

0.3 

688    — 

683    — 

671,013    33.2 

671,923    35.5 

788,722    40.6 

140,433   

7.0 

100,235   

5.3 

84,523   

4.3 

518,009    25.7 

538,229    28.4 

465,085    23.9 

  $ 2,017,989    100.0%   $ 1,892,149    100.0%   $ 1,946,750    100.0%

Transportation revenue in 2020 increased $125.8 million, or 6.7%, compared to 2019 primarily from the California operating 
group beginning the year with higher contract backlog, new awards and favorable weather in 2020. Increases were also due 
to increases in the Midwest operating group from beginning the year with higher contract backlog and were partially offset by 
decreases in the Northwest operating group from a decrease in new awards in 2020. During 2020 and 2019, the majority of 
revenue earned in the Transportation segment was from the public sector.

WATER REVENUE

Years Ended December 31,

(dollars in thousands)

California

Federal

Heavy Civil

Midwest

Northwest

2020

2019

2018

  $

44,068    10.0%   $

25,005   

5.3%   $

52,757    15.3%

1,774   

40,260   

0.4 

9.1 

156    — 

1,171   

13,215   

0.2 

2.8 

39    — 

5,075   

1.2 

5,964   

1.3 

2,116   

19,472   

1,930   

3,882   

0.6 

5.6 

0.6 

1.1 

Water and Mineral Services

348,984    79.3 

423,336    90.4 

265,704    76.8 

Total

  $ 440,317    100.0%   $ 468,730    100.0%   $ 345,861    100.0%

Water revenue in 2020 decreased $28.4 million, or 6.1%, compared to 2019 primarily due to decreases in the Water and Mineral 
Services operating group due to beginning the year with lower contract backlog. The decreases were partially offset by increases 
in the California operating group from favorable weather conditions during 2020 when compared to 2019 and in Heavy Civil 
operating group from beginning the year with higher contract backlog. During 2020 and 2019, the majority of revenue earned in 
the Water segment was from the public sector.

SPECIALTY REVENUE

Years Ended December 31,

(dollars in thousands)

California

Federal

Heavy Civil

Midwest

Northwest

2020

2019

2018

  $ 230,805    31.9%   $ 187,556    25.8%   $ 143,471    22.9%

108,827    15.0 

83,844    11.5 

41,471   

6.6 

45,215   

6.3 

2,206   

0.3 

—    — 

100,601    13.9 

153,548    21.1 

222,565    35.6 

169,324    23.4 

211,094    29.0 

159,516    25.5 

Water and Mineral Services

68,619   

9.5 

89,289    12.3 

58,643   

9.4 

Total

  $ 723,391    100.0%   $ 727,537    100.0%   $ 625,666    100.0%

Specialty revenue in 2020 decreased $4.1 million, or 0.6%, when compared to 2019. Increases in the California, Heavy Civil 
and Federal operating groups primarily resulted from beginning the year with higher contract backlog, which was partially 
offset by decreases in the Northwest and Midwest operating groups from beginning the year with lower contract backlog and 
in the Water and Mineral Services operating group from a disruption in business operations associated with the COVID-19 
pandemic. During 2020 and 2019, revenue in the Specialty segment was from both the public and private sectors.

32    Granite Construction Incorporated 

 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
 
 
   
    
 
 
   
    
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
    
 
 
   
    
 
 
   
    
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
MATERIALS REVENUE

Years Ended December 31,

(dollars in thousands)

California

Northwest

2020

2019

2018

  $ 222,021    58.3%   $ 198,465    55.5%   $ 213,673    57.9%

    142,764    37.5 

  140,621    39.4 

  138,924    37.7 

Water and Mineral Services

    15,977   

4.2 

  18,104   

5.1 

  16,157   

4.4 

Total

  $ 380,762    100.0%   $ 357,190    100.0%   $ 368,754    100.0%

Materials revenue in 2020 increased $23.6 million, or 6.6%, when compared to 2019 primarily due to an increase in the California 
operating groups from increased volume from improved weather conditions in 2020 partially offset by a decrease in the Water and 
Mineral Services operating group from an adverse change in the business climate, including a modified relationship with a business 
partner, increased competition and market consolidation.

Contract Backlog

Our contract backlog consists of the revenue we expect to record in the future on awarded contracts, including 100% of our 
consolidated joint venture contracts and our proportionate share of unconsolidated joint venture contracts. We generally include 
a project in our contract backlog at the time a contract is awarded and to the extent we believe contract execution and funding is 
probable. Certain government contracts where funding is appropriated on a periodic basis are included in contract backlog at the 
time of the award when it is probable the contract value will be funded and executed. Awarded contracts that include unexercised 
contract options or unissued task orders are included in contract backlog to the extent option exercise or task order issuance is 
probable, respectively, and are identified as other awards in the tables below. Contract options and task orders are included in 
unearned revenue when exercised or issued, respectively. Substantially all of the contracts in our contract backlog may be canceled 
or modified at the election of the customer; however, we have not been materially adversely affected by contract cancellations or 
modifications in the past.

TOTAL CONTRACT BACKLOG BY SEGMENT

December 31,

(dollars in thousands)

Transportation

Water

Specialty

Total

TRANSPORTATION CONTRACT BACKLOG

December 31,

(dollars in thousands)

Unearned revenue

Other awards(1)

Total

2020

2019

 $ 2,218,806    67.1%   $ 2,811,669    75.2%

311,741   

9.4 

226,023   

6.1 

776,888    23.5 

696,570    18.7 

 $ 3,307,435    100.0%   $ 3,734,262    100.0%

2020

2019

  $ 2,169,682    97.8%   $ 2,798,056    99.5%

49,124   

2.2 

13,613   

0.5 

  $ 2,218,806    100.0%   $ 2,811,669    100.0%

(1)  Other awards include contract awards to the extent we believe contract execution and funding is probable. 

2020 Annual Report    33

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
 
 
   
    
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
 
 
   
    
 
   
 
 
December 31,

(dollars in thousands)

California

Federal

Heavy Civil

Midwest

Northwest

Total

2020

2019

 $ 665,223    30.0%   $ 526,641    18.7%

11,895   

0.5 

14,139   

0.5 

913,430    41.2 

  1,484,437    52.8 

138,246   

6.2 

230,889   

8.2 

490,012    22.1 

555,563    19.8 

 $ 2,218,806    100.0%   $ 2,811,669    100.0%

Transportation contract backlog of $2.2 billion at December 31, 2020 was $592.9 million, or 21.1%, lower than 2019 primarily 
due to progress on existing projects partially offset by increases from new awards. Significant new awards during the fourth 
quarter of 2020 included a $101 million construction management/general contractor highway improvement project in Southern 
California, and a $39 million highway widening project in Southern California and the $3 million construction management 
portion of a $257 million construction management/general contractor highway rehabilitation project in Central California.

Non-controlling partners’ share of Transportation contract backlog as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $259.0 million and 
$310.2 million, respectively.

At December 31, 2020, four contracts in our Transportation segment had total forecasted losses with remaining revenue of 
$423.0 million, or 19.1%, of Transportation contract backlog. At December 31, 2019, four contracts in our Transportation 
segment had forecasted losses with remaining revenue of $263.6 million, or 9.4%, of Transportation contract backlog. Provisions 
are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for the full amount of estimated losses on uncompleted contracts 
whenever evidence indicates that the estimated total cost of a contract exceeds its estimated total revenue.

WATER CONTRACT BACKLOG

December 31,

(dollars in thousands)

Unearned revenue

Other awards(1)

Total

2020

2019

 $ 175,134    56.2%   $ 224,875    99.5%

136,607    43.8 

1,148   

0.5 

 $ 311,741    100.0%   $ 226,023    100.0%

(1)  Other awards include contract awards to the extent we believe contract execution and funding is probable.

December 31,

(dollars in thousands)

California

Federal

Heavy Civil

Midwest

Northwest

Water and Mineral Services

Total

2020

2019

  $

38,716    12.4%   $

19,950   

8.8%

227   

14,605   

0.1 

4.7 

—    — 

2,462   

0.8 

1,041   

0.5 

47,046    20.8 

152   

4,545   

0.1 

2.0 

255,731    82.0 

153,289    67.8 

  $ 311,741    100.0%   $ 226,023    100.0%

Water contract backlog of $311.7 million as of December 31, 2020 was $85.7 million, or 37.9%, higher than at December 
31, 2019 primarily due to increased success rate on bidding activity in the Water and Mineral Services operating group.

34    Granite Construction Incorporated 

 
 
 
 
    
    
 
 
   
    
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
 
 
   
    
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
    
 
 
   
    
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
SPECIALTY CONTRACT BACKLOG

December 31,

(dollars in thousands)

Unearned revenue

Other awards(1)

Total

2020

2019

 $ 585,136    75.3%   $ 694,297    99.7%

   191,752    24.7 

2,273   

0.3 

 $ 776,888    100.0%   $ 696,570    100.0%

(1)  Other awards include contract awards to the extent we believe contract execution and funding is probable.

December 31,

(dollars in thousands)

California

Federal

Heavy Civil

Midwest

Northwest

Total

2020

2019

 $ 148,935    19.1%   $ 100,019    14.4%

   77,886    10.0 

  153,563    22.0 

   216,487    27.9 

  243,329    34.9 

   90,221    11.7 

  137,952    19.8 

   243,359    31.3 

  61,707   

8.9 

 $ 776,888    100.0%   $ 696,570    100.0%

Specialty contract backlog of $776.9 million as of December 31, 2020 was $80.3 million, or 11.5%, higher than December 
31, 2019 primarily due to increases in the Northwest and California operating groups from increased success rate on bidding 
activity partially offset by decreases in the remaining operating groups from progress on existing projects. Significant new awards 
during the fourth quarter of 2020 included an $18 million University of California campus renewal project in central California. In 
addition, in March of 2021, we were awarded a $267 million tunnel project in Ohio that is expected to be recorded to the Midwest 
operating group contract backlog in the first quarter of 2021.

Non-controlling partners’ share of Specialty contract backlog as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $51.6 million and 
$89.1 million, respectively.

Gross Profit

The following table presents gross profit by business segment for the respective periods:

Years Ended December 31,

(dollars in thousands)

Transportation

Percent of segment revenue

Water

Percent of segment revenue

Specialty

Percent of segment revenue

Materials

Percent of segment revenue

Total gross profit

Percent of total revenue

2020  

2019  

2018  

  $133,748 

  $ 55,001 

  $ 137,086 

6.6%  

2.9%  

7.0%

    54,241 

  29,766 

  59,134 

12.3 

6.4 

17.1 

    92,180 

  86,729 

  89,935 

12.7 

11.9 

14.4 

    64,619 

  50,182 

  48,685 

17.0 

14.0 

13.2 

  $344,788 

  $ 221,678 

  $ 334,840 

9.7%  

6.4%  

10.2%

Transportation gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2020 increased by $78.7 million, or more than 100%, when 
compared to 2019 primarily due to a decrease in net negative impact from revisions in estimates related to the Heavy Civil 
operating group (see Note 3 of “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements”). 

2020 Annual Report    35

 
 
 
 
    
    
 
 
   
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
 
 
   
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Water gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2020 increased by $24.5 million, or 82.2%, when compared to 2019 and 
segment gross profit as a percentage of segment revenue for 2020 increased to 12.3% from 6.4% in 2019. The increases were 
primarily due to increased revenue in our California operating group related to favorable weather and a decrease in negative net 
impact from revisions in estimates (See Note 3 of “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements”).

Specialty gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2020 increased by $5.5 million, or 6.3%, when compared to 2019 primarily 
due to revenue increases in the California, Heavy Civil and Federal operating groups.

Materials gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2020 increased by $14.4 million, or 28.8%, when compared to 2019 and 
segment gross profit as a percentage of segment revenue for 2020 increased to 17.0% from 14.0% in 2019 driven by an increase 
in volume from favorable weather during 2020 resulting in a decrease in fixed costs.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

The following table presents the components of selling, general and administrative expenses for the respective periods:

Years Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
Selling
  Salaries and related expenses

Incentive compensation

  Restricted stock unit amortization
  Other selling expenses

  Total selling

General and administrative
  Salaries and related expenses

Incentive compensation

  Restricted stock unit amortization
  Non-recurring legal and accounting fees
  Other general and administrative expenses

  Total general and administrative

  Total selling, general and administrative
  Percent of revenue

Selling Expenses

2020  

2019  

2018  

  $ 69,530 
5,297 
1,280 
9,660 
    85,767 

    111,188 
    10,519 
3,408 
    35,575 
    106,863 
    267,553 
  $353,320 

$ 61,863 
4,651 
1,809 
  11,195 
  79,518 

  102,032 
7,006 
6,565 
— 
  112,860 
  228,463 
$307,981 

$ 55,591 
5,177 
2,655 
  13,957 
  77,380 

  87,631 
8,542 
  10,149 
— 
  89,074 
  195,396 
$272,776 

9.9%  

8.9%  

8.3%

Selling expenses include the costs for estimating and bidding, including offsetting customer reimbursements for portions of our 
selling/bid submission expenses (i.e. stipends), business development and materials facility permits. Selling expenses can vary 
depending on the volume of projects in process and the number of employees assigned to estimating and bidding activities. As 
projects are completed or the volume of work slows down, we temporarily redeploy project employees to bid on new projects, 
moving their salaries and related costs from cost of revenue to selling expenses. Selling expenses for 2020 increased $6.2 million, 
or 7.9%, compared to 2019, primarily due to an increase in salaries and related expenses from increased bidding activities.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses include costs related to our operational offices that are not allocated to direct contract costs 
and expenses related to our corporate functions. Other general and administrative expenses include travel and entertainment, 
outside services, information technology, depreciation, occupancy, training, office supplies, changes in the fair market value of our 
Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation plan liability and other miscellaneous expenses, none of which individually exceeded 10% of 
total general and administrative expenses. Total general and administrative expenses for 2020 increased $39.1 million, or 17.1%, 
compared to 2019 primarily due to legal and accounting fees incurred during 2020 that were related to the independent 
investigation undertaken by the Audit/Compliance Committee starting in February 2020.

Acquisition and Integration expenses

Acquisition and integration expenses were less than $0.1 million, $15.3 million and $61.5 million during the years ended December 31, 
2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and were primarily related to the acquisition and integration of Layne and LiquiForce. The decrease 
during the year ended December 31, 2020 when compared to 2019 was due to a reduction in integration costs as the integration was 
substantially complete at the end of 2019.

36    Granite Construction Incorporated 

 
 
 
     
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
     
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Other Income

The following table presents the components of other income for the respective periods:

Years Ended December 31,

(in thousands)
Interest income
Interest expense
Equity in income of affiliates, net
Other income, net
  Total other expense (income)

2020  

2019  

2018 

 $ (3,096) 
   24,200  
(8,783) 
(4,203) 
 $ 8,118  

$ (7,433) 
  18,374  
  (11,454) 
(5,308) 
$ (5,821) 

$ (6,082)
  14,571 
(6,935)
(1,666)
(112)

$

Interest income for 2020 decreased $4.3 million when compared to 2019 primarily due to a decrease in interest rates associated 
with our marketable securities and cash equivalents. Interest expense for 2020 increased $5.8 million when compared to 
2019 primarily due to interest on the 2.75% Convertible Notes issued in November 2019. Equity in income of affiliates for 
2020 decreased $2.7 million when compared to 2019 primarily due to a decrease in income from a real estate investment 
entity. Other income, net for 2020 decreased $1.1 million primarily due to changes in the fair market values of our Non-Qualified 
Deferred Compensation plan assets.

Income Taxes

The following table presents the benefit from income taxes for the respective periods:

Years Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
Benefit from income taxes
Effective tax rate

  2020  

2019  

2018  

 $ (282)
   0.2% 

$ (20,376)

$ (3,208)

26.4% 

(38.5)%

Our tax rate decreased by 26.2% from 26.4% to 0.2% when compared to 2019 primarily due to the goodwill impairment and 
the investment in affiliates impairment recorded in 2020 and the relative impact of non-controlling interest recorded in 2020 and 
2019. See Note 12 for discussion of the impairment charges.

Amount Attributable to Non-controlling Interests

The following table presents the income amount attributable to non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries for the 
respective periods:

Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
Amount attributable to non-controlling interests

2020  

2019  

2018 

 $ 21,064  

$ (3,489) 

$ (10,954)

The amount attributable to non-controlling interests represents the non-controlling owners’ share of the income or loss of our 
consolidated construction joint ventures. The change during 2020 was primarily due to a net negative impact from revisions in 
estimates on one project (See Note 3 of “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements”).

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, available borrowing capacity and cash 
expected to be generated from operations. We may also from time to time access our revolving credit facility, issue and sell equity, 
debt or hybrid securities or engage in other capital markets transactions. Additionally, in November 2019, we issued $230 million 
of our 2.75% convertible senior notes due 2024. See Note 14 of “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for further 
discussion regarding the convertible notes. As of December 31, 2020, our cash and cash equivalents consisted of deposits and 
money market funds held with established national financial institutions and marketable securities consisted of U.S. Government 
and agency obligations. Our credit facility consists of a term loan and a revolving credit facility. Of the $275.0 million revolving 
credit facility, $229.6 million was available for borrowing at December 31, 2020. See Note 14 of “Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements” for further discussion regarding the revolving credit facility.

Our principal uses of liquidity are paying the costs and expenses associated with our operations, servicing outstanding 
indebtedness, making capital expenditures and paying dividends on our capital stock. We may also from time to time prepay or 
repurchase outstanding indebtedness and acquire assets or businesses that are complementary to our operations. We believe 

2020 Annual Report    37

 
    
  
   
  
   
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
   
  
   
 
our cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, available borrowing capacity and cash expected to be generated from 
operations will be sufficient to meet our expected working capital needs, capital expenditures, financial commitments, cash dividend 
payments, and other liquidity requirements associated with our existing operations for the next twelve months. There can be no 
assurance that sufficient capital will continue to be available in the future or that it will be available on terms acceptable to us.

In evaluating our liquidity position and needs, we also consider cash and cash equivalents held by our consolidated construction 
joint ventures (“CCJVs”). The following table presents our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, including amounts 
from our CCJVs, as of the respective dates:

December 31,

(in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents excluding CCJVs
CCJV cash and cash equivalents(1)
  Total consolidated cash and cash equivalents
Short-term and long-term marketable securities(2)
  Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities

2020    

2019 

  $ 361,317 
  74,819 
  436,136 
5,200 
  $ 441,336 

  $ 184,141 
    78,132 
    262,273 
    32,799 
  $ 295,072 

(1) 

 The volume and stage of completion of contracts from our CCJVs may cause fluctuations in joint venture cash and cash equivalents between 
periods. The assets of each consolidated and unconsolidated construction joint venture relate solely to that joint venture. The decision to 
distribute joint venture assets must generally be made jointly by a majority of the members and, accordingly, these assets, including those 
associated with estimated cost recovery of customer affirmative claims and back charge claims, are generally not available for the working 
capital needs of Granite until distributed.

(2)  All marketable securities were classified as held-to-maturity and consisted of U.S. and agency obligations as of all periods presented.

Granite’s portion of CCJV cash and cash equivalents was $42.6 million and $44.3 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, 
respectively. Excluded from the table above is Granite’s portion of unconsolidated construction joint venture cash and cash 
equivalents of $58.9 million and $60.4 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Cash Flows

Years Ended December 31,

(in thousands)
Net cash provided by (used in):
  Operating activities
Investing activities
  Financing activities

Operating activities

2020 

2019 

2018 

 $ 268,460   $ 111,438   $ 86,390 
  (39,598)
(1,874)

(40,322) 
(81,637) 

(41,262) 
(57,658) 

As a large infrastructure contractor and construction materials producer, our revenue, gross profit and the resulting operating 
cash flows can differ significantly from period to period due to a variety of factors, including seasonal cycles, our projects’ 
progressions toward completion, outstanding contract change orders and affirmative claims and the payment terms of our 
contracts. Additionally, operating cash flows are impacted by the timing related to funding construction joint ventures and 
the resolution of uncertainties inherent in the complex nature of the work that we perform, including claim and back charge 
settlements. Our working capital assets result from both public and private sector projects. Customers in the private sector can be 
slower paying than those in the public sector; however, private sector projects generally have higher gross profit as a percentage 
of revenue. While we typically invoice our customers on a monthly basis, our contracts frequently provide for retention that is a 
specified percentage withheld from each payment by our customers until the contract is completed and the work accepted by the 
customer.

Cash provided by operating activities of $268.5 million during 2020 represents a $157.0 million increase when compared to 
2019. The change was primarily due to a $115.8 million increase in cash provided by working capital primarily from payment 
timing differences as well as an increase from CCJVs, and a $24.9 million decrease in net contributions to unconsolidated joint 
ventures and affiliates partially offset by a $16.4 million decrease in cash provided by net loss after adjusting for non-cash items.

Investing activities

Cash used in investing activities of $41.3 million during 2020 represents a $0.9 million increase when compared to 2019 primarily 
due to a decrease in maturities and proceeds from the sale, net of purchases, of marketable securities.

38    Granite Construction Incorporated 

 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
   
  
   
 
    
  
   
  
   
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
Financing activities

Cash used in financing activities of $57.7 million during 2020 represents a $24.0 million decrease when compared to 2019. 
The change was due to decreases in repurchases of common stock as part of our Board approved repurchase program, in cash 
paid for the purchase of an equity derivative instrument in connection with the offering of our 2.75% Convertible Notes, and in 
distributions, net of contributions, to non-controlling partners. These decreases were partially offset by a decrease in proceeds from 
the issuance of our 2.75% Convertible Notes and warrants, net of fees, and debt payments, net of a draw, on the revolving credit 
facility in 2020.

Prior Years

For discussions related to the results of operations and cash flows between 2019 and 2018, refer to Part II, Item 7. Management’s 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, which was filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on February 22, 
2021 and is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Capital Expenditures

During the year ended December 31, 2020, we had capital expenditures of $93.3 million compared to $106.8 million during 
2019. Major capital expenditures are typically for aggregate and asphalt production facilities, aggregate reserves, construction 
equipment, buildings and leasehold improvements and investments in our information technology systems. The timing and 
amount of such expenditures can vary based on the progress of planned capital projects, the type and size of construction projects, 
changes in business outlook and other factors. We currently anticipate 2021 capital expenditures to be between $95.0 million and 
$105.0 million.

Derivatives

We recognize derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value using Level 2 
inputs. See Note 8 to “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information. The hedge option and warrant 
derivative transactions related to the 2.75% Convertible Notes were recorded to equity on our consolidated balance sheets based 
on the cash proceeds. See Note 14 to “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.

Debt and Contractual Obligations 

The following table summarizes our significant obligations outstanding as of December 31, 2020:

(in thousands)
Long-term debt – principal(1)
Long-term debt – interest(2)
Operating leases(3)
Other purchase obligations(4)
Deferred compensation obligations(5)
Asset retirement obligations(6)
  Total

Payments Due by Period

Total
 $ 373,220 
   41,556 
   85,792 
   14,827 
   30,043 
   23,853 
 $ 569,291 

Less than 
1 year
 $ 8,462 
   13,614 
   24,559 
   7,782 
   2,678 
   5,979 
 $ 63,074 

    1-3 years
 $ 125,780 
   20,929 
   35,587 
7,045 
4,166 
1,470 
 $ 194,977 

    3-5 years
 $ 232,180 
6,895 
   12,865 
— 
2,157 
2,600 
 $ 256,697 

More than 
5 years 
  $ 6,798 
118 
  12,781 
— 
  21,042 
  13,804 
  $ 54,543 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

 Debt issuance costs are excluded from the table. Included in the table is $29.7 million of unamortized debt discount related to the 2.75% 
Convertible Notes (as defined in Note 14 to “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements”).
 Included in the table are future interest payments related to borrowings under our Credit Agreement for the term loan. Interest for the term 
loan was calculated using the fixed rate associated with the cash flow hedge of 2.76% plus the applicable margin. Borrowings are subject to a 
75bp LIBOR floor. As forecasted LIBOR was below 75bps for all future periods, the 75bp LIBOR floor was utilized. Future interest payments may 
differ from actual results. Also included in the table is $25.3 million in interest related to borrowings under our 2.75% Convertible Notes. See 
Note 14 of “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.”
 These obligations represent the minimum rental and equipment lease commitments and minimum royalty requirements under all 
noncancellable agreements. See Note 15 of “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.”
 These obligations represent firm purchase commitments for equipment and other goods and services not directly connected with our 
construction contract backlog which are individually greater than $10,000 and have an expected fulfillment date after December 31, 2020.
 The timing of expected payment of deferred compensation is based on estimated dates of retirement. Actual dates of retirement could be 
different and could cause the timing of payments to change.
 Asset retirement obligations represent reclamation and other related costs associated with our owned and leased quarry properties, the majority 
of which have an estimated settlement date beyond five years. See Note 11 of “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.”

2020 Annual Report    39

 
 
 
 
   
   
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
In addition to the significant obligations described above, as of December 31, 2020, we had approximately $12.7 million associated 
with uncertain tax positions filed on our tax returns which were excluded because we cannot make a reasonably reliable estimate of 
the timing of potential payments relative to such reserves.

Surety Bonds and Real Estate Mortgages

We are generally required to provide various types of surety bonds that provide an additional measure of security under certain 
public and private sector contracts. At December 31, 2020, approximately $2.7 billion of our contract backlog was bonded. 
Performance bonds do not have stated expiration dates; rather, we are generally released from the bonds after the owner accepts 
the work performed under contract. The ability to maintain bonding capacity to support our current and future level of contracting 
requires that we maintain cash and working capital balances satisfactory to our sureties.

Our investments in real estate affiliates are subject to mortgage indebtedness. This indebtedness is non-recourse to Granite but is 
recourse to the real estate entities. The terms of this indebtedness are typically renegotiated to reflect the evolving nature of the 
real estate projects as they progress through acquisition, entitlement and development. Modification of these terms may include 
changes in loan-to-value ratios requiring the real estate entity to repay portions of the debt. Our unconsolidated investments in our 
foreign affiliates are subject to local bank debt primarily for equipment purchases and working capital. This debt is non-recourse 
to Granite, but it is recourse to the affiliates. The debt associated with our unconsolidated non-construction entities is included 
in Note 10 of “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.”

Covenants and Events of Default

Our Credit Agreement requires us to comply with various affirmative, restrictive and financial covenants, including the financial 
covenants described below. Our failure to comply with these covenants would constitute an event of default under the Credit 
Agreement. Additionally, our failure to pay principal, interest or other amounts when due or within the relevant grace period on 
our 2.75% Convertible Notes or our Credit Agreement would constitute an event of default under the indenture governing our 
2.75% Convertible Notes or the Credit Agreement. A default under our Credit Agreement could result in (i) us no longer being 
entitled to borrow under such facility; (ii) termination of such facility; (iii) the requirement that any letters of credit under such 
facility be cash collateralized; (iv) acceleration of amounts owed under the Credit Agreement; and/or (v) foreclosure on any lien 
securing the obligations under such facility. A default under the indenture governing our 2.75% Convertible Notes could result in 
acceleration of the maturity of the notes.

The most significant financial covenants under the terms of our Credit Agreement require the maintenance of a minimum 
Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio and a maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio. As of December 31, 2020, the Consolidated 
Leverage Ratio was 2.58, which did not exceed the maximum of 3.25. Our Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio was 5.13, which 
exceeded the minimum of 4.00. 

Share Purchase Program

As announced on April 29, 2016, on April 7, 2016, the Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase up to $200.0 million of our 
common stock at management’s discretion. As part of this authorization we have established a plan to facilitate common stock 
repurchases. We did not purchase shares under the share purchase plan in any of the periods presented. As of December 31, 2020, 
$157.2 million of the authorization remained available. The specific timing and amount of any future repurchases will vary based 
on market conditions, securities law limitations and other factors.

Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 1 of “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” under the captions Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements 
and Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements.

40    Granite Construction Incorporated 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We maintain an investment portfolio of various holdings, types and maturities. We purchase instruments that meet high credit 
quality standards, as specified in our investment policy. Our investment policy also limits the amount of credit exposure to any one 
issue, issuer or type of instrument. The portfolio and accompanying cash balances are targeted to an average maturity of no more 
than one year from the date the purchase is settled. On an ongoing basis we monitor credit ratings, financial condition and other 
factors that could affect the carrying amount of our investment portfolio. 

Marketable securities, consisting of U.S. government and agency obligations, are classified as held-to-maturity and are stated at 
cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and discounts to maturity.

Financial instruments, which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk, consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, 
marketable securities, and accounts receivable. We maintain our cash and cash equivalents and our marketable securities with 
several financial institutions.

Given the short-term nature of certain investments, the related income is subject to the general level of interest rates in the United 
States at the time of maturity and reinvestment. We have managed the financial market risks due largely to changes in interest 
rates primarily by managing the maturities in our investment portfolio. The fair value of our short-term held-to-maturity investment 
portfolio and related income would not be significantly affected by changes in interest rates since the investment maturities are 
short. The fair value of our long-term held-to-maturity investment portfolio may be affected by changes in interest rates.

Operating in international markets involves exposure to possible volatile movements in currency exchange rates. Our Water 
and Mineral Services operating group has international operations in Mexico and Canada. We also have affiliates that operate in 
Latin America (see Note 10 of “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements”). The majority of the customer contracts in Mexico 
are U.S. dollar-based, reducing the exposure to currency fluctuations. As of December 31, 2020, we do not have any outstanding 
foreign currency option contracts. If the volume of our international operations increases and foreign currency exchange rates 
change, the impact to our consolidated statements of operations could be significant and may affect year-to-year comparability of 
operating results. The impact from foreign currency transactions during 2020 was immaterial.

In November 2019, we issued $230.0 million principal amount of convertible senior notes that bear interest at 2.75% per annum 
and are payable semiannually in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year, beginning on May 1, 2020, with a maturity date 
of November 1, 2024 (the “2.75% Convertible Notes”). As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, $196.0 million and $188.3 million 
of the 2.75% Convertible Notes was included in long-term debt in our consolidated balance sheets net of debt issuance costs and 
$29.7 million and $36.3 million unamortized debt discount, respectively.

As of December 31, 2020, a $131.3 million term loan was outstanding under the Credit Agreement that had a variable interest 
rate of LIBOR plus an applicable margin, that we converted under a swap arrangement to a fixed rate of 2.76% plus the same 
applicable margin. The applicable margin is based on certain financial ratios calculated quarterly and can vary in future periods. The 
additional annual interest expense for each 25 basis point increase in the applicable margin would be immaterial.

As of December 31, 2020, there was no amount drawn under the revolving portion of the Credit Agreement.

See Note 14 of “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for further discussion on the 2.75% Convertible Notes and 
Credit Agreement.

2020 Annual Report    41

The table below presents principal amounts due by year and related weighted average interest rates for our cash and cash 
equivalents, held-to-maturity investments and significant debt obligations excluding debt issuance costs as of December 
31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):

2021    

2022    

2023    

2024     2025     Thereafter    

Total

Assets

 Cash, cash equivalents, held- 
to-maturity investments

  Weighted average interest rate
Liabilities
  Fixed rate debt

  $436,136 

  $ — 

  $
0.08%    —%   

200 
  $
0.40%   

5,000 

  $ — 

  $
0.43%    —%   

— 
—% 

  $441,336 

0.09%

  2.75% Convertible Notes(1)

  $

Interest rate(2)

  Credit Agreement - term loan
  Effective interest rate(3)

— 

  $ — 

  $
2.75%    2.75%   

  $

7,500 

  $7,500 

  $116,250 

5.35%    5.04%   

  $230,000 

— 
2.75%   
  $
5.04%   

  $ — 

  $
2.75%    —%   
— 
  $
  $ — 
—%    —%   

— 
—% 
— 
—% 

  $230,000 

  $131,250 

2.75%

5.15%

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

 Debt issuance costs are excluded from the table. Included in the table is $29.7 million of unamortized debt discount related to the 2.75% 
Convertible Notes (as defined in Note 14 to “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements”). Upon conversion of the 2.75% Convertible 
Notes, we intend to pay cash or deliver shares of common stock or a combination of both at our election. 
 Not included in the interest rate is 0.50% of additional interest due to noteholders through February 25, 2021 as a result of the Company’s 
delay in filing its 2019 and 2020 financial statements.
 The effective interest rate was calculated using one-month LIBOR plus the applicable margin, subject to a 75bp LIBOR floor. As forecasted LIBOR 
was below 75bps for all future periods, the 75bp LIBOR floor was utilized. Future interest payments may differ from actual results. 

The estimated fair value of our cash, cash equivalents and short-term held-to-maturity investments approximates the principal 
amounts reflected above based on the generally short maturities of these financial instruments. The fair value of the term 
loan under the Credit Agreement was approximately $133.0 million and $139.0 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, 
respectively. The fair value of 2.75% Convertible Notes was approximately $248.4 million and $250.0 million as of December 
31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The following consolidated financial statements of Granite, the supplementary data and the independent registered public 
accounting firm’s report are incorporated by reference from Part IV, Item 15(1) and (2):

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets 

Consolidated Statements of Operations 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on 
Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Not applicable.

42    Granite Construction Incorporated 

 
 
 
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures 

Our management, with the participation of our principal executive and principal financial officers, have conducted an evaluation 
of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that 
evaluation, our principal executive and principal financial officers have concluded that, as of December 31, 2020, due to the 
existence of the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting described below, our disclosure controls 
and procedures were not effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports 
we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in 
the SEC rules and forms and that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange 
Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, as 
appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, is responsible for establishing and maintaining 
adequate internal control over financial reporting as described in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Internal control over 
financial reporting is defined as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the issuer’s principal executive and principal 
financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the issuer’s board of directors, management and 
other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial 
statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP and includes those policies and procedures that: (1) pertain to 
the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets 
of the issuer; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial 
statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the issuer are being made only in accordance with 
authorizations of management and directors of the issuer; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely 
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the issuer’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial 
statements.

Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive and principal financial officers, 
has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, using the criteria established in 
Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission 
(the “COSO Framework”). Based on this evaluation, management determined, based upon the existence of the material 
weaknesses described below, that we did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020.

A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a 
reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected 
on a timely basis.

In our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, we disclosed the identification of control deficiencies 
that constituted material weaknesses, either individually or in the aggregate and these material weaknesses have not been 
remediated as of December 31, 2020. We identified that we did not maintain an effective control environment. Specifically, 
certain members of management did not sufficiently promote, monitor or enforce adherence to the Company’s Code of Conduct 
and accounting policies and procedures. In addition, certain of these members of management applied pressure on individuals 
charged with operational finance responsibilities in the Heavy Civil operating group, which resulted in management directives to 
produce forecasts of revenues and costs that were overly optimistic and not in compliance with the Company’s standard operating 
procedures. These actions reflected an inappropriate tone at the top and violated our Code of Conduct and accounting policies 
and procedures and contributed to our ineffective control environment. The ineffective control environment further contributed 
to the failure in the Heavy Civil operating group’s project forecasting controls. We did not maintain and follow internal policies 
and procedures in project forecasting in the Heavy Civil operating group, which led to the failure to timely record adjustments to 
quarterly forecasts (such as adjustments for estimates of costs, project risks and variable consideration, such as potential claims). 
These material weaknesses resulted in misstatements that were corrected in the restatement included in our Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Additionally, the material weaknesses described above could result in a misstatement of substantially all account balances or 
disclosures that would result in a material misstatement of the annual or interim consolidated financial statements that would not 
be prevented or detected.

2020 Annual Report    43

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the effectiveness of our internal 
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020. The report is included in “Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement 
Schedules” under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Other than the ongoing remediation efforts described below, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting 
that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting during the 
quarter ended December 31, 2020.  

Remediation Plan and Status

As disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, beginning in 2020, Company 
management, with the assistance of outside consultants began reviewing and revising our internal control over financial reporting 
in response to the Audit Committee’s independent Investigation. Management is committed to implementing changes to our 
internal control over financial reporting to ensure that the control deficiencies that contributed to the material weaknesses are 
remediated. We are currently evaluating the impact of the material weaknesses and have taken or are in the process of taking the 
following actions:

•	 We have taken appropriate personnel actions, including separations, dismissals and changes in leadership and/or 
responsibilities and have implemented other organizational changes, including changes in reporting structures.

•	 We have implemented or are in the process of implementing additional ongoing oversight, training and communication 

programs to reinforce: (1) our ethical standards and Code of Conduct across the Company, which will emphasize, among 
other things, the purpose and availability of the anonymous whistleblower hotline, (2) the responsibilities and obligations 
of public company officers, (3) our cost forecasting processes and policies, including proper and contemporaneous 
documentation to support cost forecast adjustments, (4) the principles and requirements of each cost forecasting control 
and (5) reporting communication protocols for internal audit reports.

•	 We are developing and implementing additional internal controls related to cost forecasts with an emphasis on reviews from 

individuals who are independent of the operating group.

While we believe that these actions will remediate the material weaknesses, we have not completed all the corrective processes, 
procedures and related evaluation or remediation that we believe are necessary. As we continue to evaluate and work to remediate 
the material weaknesses, we may take additional measures to address the control deficiencies.

Until the remediation steps set forth above, including the efforts to implement the necessary control activities we identify, are fully 
implemented and concluded to be operating effectively, the material weaknesses described above will not be considered fully 
remediated.

Item 9B. Other Information

None.

44    Granite Construction Incorporated 

PART III

Certain information required by Part III is omitted from this report. We will file our definitive proxy statement for our Annual 
Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 2, 2021 (the “Proxy Statement”) not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal 
year covered by this report, and certain information included therein is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

For information regarding our Directors and compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, we direct you 
to the sections entitled “Proposal 1 - Election and Ratification of Directors” and “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports,” respectively, in 
the Proxy Statement. For information regarding our Audit/Compliance Committee and our Audit/Compliance Committee’s financial 
expert, we direct you to the section entitled “Information about the Board of Directors and Corporate Governance - Committees 
of the Board - Audit/Compliance Committee” in the Proxy Statement. For information regarding our Code of Conduct, we direct 
you to the section entitled “Information about the Board of Directors and Corporate Governance - Code of Conduct” in the Proxy 
Statement. Information regarding our executive officers is contained in the section entitled “Executive Officers of the Registrant,” 
in Part I, Item I of this report. This information is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

For information regarding our Executive Compensation, we direct you to the section captioned “Executive and Director 
Compensation and Other Matters” in the Proxy Statement. This information is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and 
Management and Related Stockholder Matters

This information is located in the sections captioned “Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners Management” and “Equity 
Compensation Plan Information” in the Proxy Statement. This information is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director 
Independence

You will find this information in the sections captioned “Transactions with Related Persons” and “Information about the Board of 
Directors and Corporate Governance - Director Independence” in the Proxy Statement. This information is incorporated herein by 
reference.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

You will find this information in the section captioned “Independent Registered Public Accountants - Principal Accountant Fees and 
Services” in the Proxy Statement. This information is incorporated herein by reference.

2020 Annual Report    45

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

The following documents are filed as part of this report:

1. Financial Statements. The following consolidated financial statements and related documents are filed as part of this report:

Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Page
F-1 to F-3
F-4
F-5
F-6
F-7
F-8 to F-9
F-10 to F-51

2. Financial Statement Schedules. Schedules are omitted because they are not required or applicable, or the required 
information is included in the Financial Statements or related notes.

3. Exhibits. The Exhibits listed in the accompanying Exhibit Index are filed or incorporated by reference as part of, or furnished 
with, this report.

46    Granite Construction Incorporated 

INDEX TO 10-K EXHIBITS

Exhibit No.

Exhibit Description

2.1

3.1

3.2 

4.1

4.2

10.1

10.2

10.3

10.4

10.5

10.6

10.7

10.8

10.9

10.10

10.11

10.12

10.13

10.14

*

* 

*

*

*

***

*** 

*** 

***

***

***

***

***

***

***

***

*

*

*

Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Granite Construction Incorporated, Layne Christensen 
Company and Lowercase Merger Sub Incorporated, dated as of February 13, 2018 [Exhibit 2.1 to the 
Company’s Form 8-K filed on February 14, 2018]

Certificate of Incorporation of Granite Construction Incorporated, as amended [Exhibit 3.1.b to the 
Company’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2006]

Amended Bylaws of Granite Construction Incorporated [Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed 
on November 15, 2011]

Indenture (including Form of Note) with respect to Granite Construction Incorporated’s 2.75% 
Convertible Senior Notes due 2024, dated November 1, 2019, by and between Granite Construction 
Incorporated and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee [Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s 
Form 8-K filed on November 1, 2019]

Description of Common Stock [Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 
31, 2019]

Key Management Deferred Compensation Plan II, as amended and restated [Exhibit 10.1 to the 
Company’s Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2010]

Form of Amended and Restated Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement [Exhibit 10.10 to the 
Company’s Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2002]

Executive Retention and Severance Plan II effective as of March 9, 2011 [Exhibit 10.1 to the 
Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011]

Granite Construction Incorporated Annual Incentive Plan effective January 1, 2010, as amended 
[Exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011]

Amendment No. 2 to the Granite Construction Incorporated Annual Incentive Plan effective January 
1, 2012 [Exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011]

Granite Construction Incorporated Long Term Incentive Plan effective January 1, 2010, as amended 
[Exhibit 10.24 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011]

Amendment No. 2 to the Granite Construction Incorporated Long Term Incentive Plan effective 
January 1, 2012 [Exhibit 10.25 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011]

Granite Construction Incorporated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan [Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 
8-K filed on May 25, 2012]

Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement effective May 22, 2012 [Exhibit 10.2 
to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on May 25, 2012]

Granite Construction Incorporated NEO LTIP Awards Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Vesting 
on Date of Grant) [Exhibit 10.30 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012]

Granite Construction Incorporated Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (3 Year Vesting Schedule) 
[Exhibit 10.31 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012]

Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated May 31, 2018 by and among Granite 
Construction Incorporated, Granite Construction Company, GILC Incorporated, the lenders party 
thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender, and 
L/C Issuer [Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on June 5, 2018]

Third Amended and Restated Guaranty Agreement, dated May 31, 2018, by and among Granite 
Construction Incorporated, the guarantors party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative 
Agent [Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on June 5, 2018]

Amendment No 1 to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated July 29, 2019, by and 
among the Company, Granite Construction Company, and GILC Incorporated, as borrowers, Bank of 
America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the lenders party thereto [Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s 
Form 8-K filed on August 2, 2019]

2020 Annual Report    47

 
Exhibit No.

10.15

10.16

10.17

10.18

10.19

10.20

10.21

10.22

*

*

*

*

***

***

***

*

Exhibit Description

Amendment No. 2 to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated October 29, 2019, by 
and among the Company, Granite Construction Company, and GILC Incorporated, as borrowers, 
Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the lenders party thereto [Exhibit 10.1 to the 
Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 30, 2019]

Form of Bond Hedge Confirmation [Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on November 1, 
2019]

Form of Warrant Confirmation [Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on November 1, 2019]

Amendment No. 3 to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated March 26, 2020, by and 
among the Company, Granite Construction Company, and GILC Incorporated, as borrowers, Bank 
of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the lenders party thereto [Incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on February 25, 
2021]

Executive Retention and Severance Plan III and Participation Agreement [Incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 30, 2020]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report 
on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 30, 2020]

LTIP Award Agreement [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on 
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 30, 2020]

Amendment No. 4 to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated June 19, 2020, by and 
among the Company, Granite Construction Company, and GILC Incorporated, as borrowers, Bank 
of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the lenders party thereto [Incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on February 25, 
2021]

10.23

***

Retirement and Transition Agreement dated October 20, 2020 by and between the Company and Mr. 
Roberts [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed 
with the SEC on October 23, 2020]

10.24

21

23.1

31.1

31.2

32

95

101.INS 

101.SCH 

101.CAL 

101.DEF 

101.LAB 

101.PRE

104

†

†

†

†

†

††

†

†

†

†

†

†

†

†

Amendment No. 5 to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated November 12, 2020, 
by and among the Company and certain subsidiaries of the Company, each as borrowers, the 
guarantors, the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent

List of Subsidiaries of Granite Construction Incorporated

Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 

Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 
1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Mine Safety Disclosure

Inline XBRL Instance Document 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase 

The cover page from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 
31, 2020, formatted in Inline XBRL (included within the Exhibit 101 attachments).

*    Incorporated by reference
**  Compensatory plan or management contract
†    Filed herewith
††  Furnished herewith

48    Granite Construction Incorporated 

 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this 
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

By: /s/ Elizabeth L. Curtis
Elizabeth L. Curtis
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

Date: March 30, 2021

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons 
on behalf of the Registrant in the capacities indicated and on the dates indicated.

/s/ Claes G. Bjork
Claes G. Bjork, Chairman of the Board and Director

/s/ Kyle T. Larkin
Kyle T. Larkin, President (Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Elizabeth L. Curtis
Elizabeth L. Curtis, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/ Molly C. Campbell
Molly C. Campbell, Director

/s/ David C. Darnell
David C. Darnell, Director

/s/ Patricia D. Galloway
Patricia D. Galloway, Director

/s/ Jeffrey J. Lyash
Jeffrey J. Lyash, Director

/s/ Alan P. Krusi
Alan P. Krusi, Director

/s/ David H. Kelsey
David H. Kelsey, Director

/s/ Celeste B. Mastin
Celeste B. Mastin, Director

/s/ Michael F. McNally
Michael F. McNally, Director

/s/ Gaddi H. Vasquez 
Gaddi H. Vasquez, Director

March 30, 2021 

March 30, 2021 

March 30, 2021

March 30, 2021 

March 30, 2021 

March 30, 2021 

March 30, 2021 

March 30, 2021 

March 30, 2021 

March 30, 2021 

March 30, 2021 

March 30, 2021 

2020 Annual Report    49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Granite Construction Incorporated

Opinions	on	the	Financial	Statements	and	Internal	Control	over	Financial	Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Granite Construction Incorporated and its subsidiaries (the 
“Company”) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of operations, of comprehensive loss, 
of shareholders’ equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, including the related 
notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company’s internal control 
over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) 
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position 
of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three 
years in the period ended December 31, 2020 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 
of America. Also in our opinion, the Company did not maintain, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial 
reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the 
COSO because material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting existed as of that date related to (i) an ineffective 
control environment due to an inappropriate tone at the top and violations of the Company’s Code of Conduct and accounting 
policies and procedures, as certain members of management did not sufficiently promote, monitor or enforce adherence to 
the Company’s Code of Conduct and accounting policies and procedures, and certain of these members applied pressure on 
individuals charged with operational finance responsibilities in the Heavy Civil operating group, which contributed to (ii) failure 
in the Heavy Civil operating group’s project forecasting controls, as personnel did not maintain and follow internal policies and 
procedures in project forecasting, which led to the failure to timely record adjustments to quarterly forecasts. 

A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a 
reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected 
on a timely basis. The material weaknesses referred to above are described in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over 
Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. We considered these material weaknesses in determining the nature, timing, and 
extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2020 consolidated financial statements, and our opinion regarding the effectiveness 
of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting does not affect our opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Changes	in	Accounting	Principles

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for leases 
in 2019 and the manner in which it accounts for revenue from contracts with customers in 2018.

Basis	for	Opinions

The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal 
control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included 
in management’s report referred to above. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial 
statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm 
registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent 
with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the 
Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the 
audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, 
whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement 
of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. 
Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial 
statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, 
as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial 
reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material 
weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. 

2020 Annual Report    F-1

Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our 
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

Definition	and	Limitations	of	Internal	Control	over	Financial	Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain 
to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets 
of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial 
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are 
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable 
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that 
could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, 
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate 
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Critical	Audit	Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial 
statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relate to accounts 
or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, 
or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated 
financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate 
opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Revenue Recognition - Estimates of the Revenue and Costs to Complete for Multi-Year Fixed Price Contracts in the Transportation, 
Water and Specialty Segments, including revisions in estimates

As described in Notes 1, 3, and 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the revenue for the Transportation, Water and Specialty 
segments for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $2,018 million, $440 million, and $723 million, respectively, a portion of 
which related to multi-year fixed price contracts inclusive of unconsolidated joint venture projects. Revenue in the Transportation, 
Water and Specialty segments is ordinarily recognized over time as control is transferred to the customers by measuring the 
progress toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation(s) using an input (i.e., cost to cost) method. Under the cost to 
cost method, costs incurred to-date are generally the best depiction of transfer of control. The accuracy of the Company’s revenue 
and profit recognition in a given period depends on the accuracy of management’s estimates of the forecasted revenue and costs 
to complete each project. Cost estimates for all significant projects use a detailed bottom up approach in which there are a number 
of factors that can contribute to changes in estimates of contract cost and profitability. The most significant of these include: 
changes in costs of labor and/or materials; subcontractor costs, availability and/or performance issues; extended overhead and other 
costs due to owner, weather and other delays; changes in productivity expectations; changes from original design on design-build 
projects; the ability to fully and promptly recover on affirmative claims and back charges for additional contract costs; a change 
in the availability and proximity of equipment and materials; complexity in original design; length of time to complete the project; 
the availability and skill level of workers in the geographic location of the project; site conditions that differ from those assumed in 
the original bid; costs associated with scope changes; and the customer’s ability to properly administer the contract. Provisions for 
losses are recognized at the uncompleted performance obligation level for the amount of total estimated losses in the period that 
evidence indicates that the estimated total cost of a performance obligation exceeds its estimated total revenue. For the year ended 
December 31, 2020, revisions in estimates, which had an impact of $5 million or more on gross profit on the individual project, 
resulted in a decrease to project profitability of $143.4 million, of which the vast majority related to multi-year fixed price contracts. 
The estimates of transaction price and costs to complete can vary significantly in the normal course of business as projects progress, 
circumstances develop and evolve, and uncertainties are resolved. When the Company experiences significant changes in estimates, 
management undergoes a process that includes reviewing the nature of the changes to ensure that no material amounts should 
have been recorded in a prior period rather than as a revision in estimate for the current period. Management uses the cumulative 
catch-up method for changes to the transaction price that are part of a single performance obligation. Under this method, revisions 
in estimates are accounted for in their entirety in the period of change.

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to estimates of the revenue and costs to 
complete for multi-year fixed price contracts in the Transportation, Water and Specialty segments, including revisions in estimates, 

F-2    Granite Construction Incorporated 

is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management in forecasting project revenue and costs to complete; 
(ii) as described in the “Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting” section, material 
weaknesses were identified related to this matter; and (iii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing 
procedures to evaluate the estimates of the forecasted revenue and costs to complete, including the assessment of management’s 
judgment related to the assumptions of changes in costs of labor and/or materials, subcontractor costs, availability and/or 
performance issues, the ability to fully and promptly recover on affirmative claims and back charges for additional contract costs, 
and management’s determination that revisions in estimates were accounted for in their entirety in the period of change. 

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion 
on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included, among others, evaluating and testing management’s process 
for determining the estimate of forecasted revenue and costs to complete for a sample of projects, which included evaluating 
the reasonableness of significant assumptions, changes in costs of labor and/or materials, subcontractor costs, availability and/or 
performance issues, the ability to fully and promptly recover on affirmative claims and back charges for additional contract costs and 
determining that revisions in estimates were accounted for in the correct period. Evaluating the reasonableness of significant assumptions 
used involved assessing management’s ability to reasonably estimate the forecasted revenue and costs to complete by (i) evaluating 
management’s methodologies; (ii) assessing the consistency of management’s approach over the life of the contract; and (iii) evaluating 
the timely identification of circumstances that may warrant a modification to estimated forecasted revenue and costs to complete. 

Interim Goodwill Impairment Assessments – Water and Mineral Services Group Water and Water and Mineral Services Group 
Materials Reporting Units

As described in Notes 1 and 12 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s consolidated goodwill balance was 
$117 million as of December 31, 2020, for which a portion relates to the Water and Mineral Services Group (“WMS”) Water 
and WMS Materials reporting units. Management performs its goodwill impairment tests annually as of November 1 and more 
frequently when events and circumstances occur that indicate a possible impairment of goodwill. Potential impairment is identified 
by comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its net book value, including goodwill. Fair value is estimated using 
discounted cash flow and market multiple methods. Judgments inherent in these methods include the amount and timing of 
expected future cash flows, the determination of the discount rates, revenue and margin growth rates, and benchmark companies. 
Management performed an interim impairment test as of March 31, 2020 on the WMS Materials reporting unit, due to an adverse 
change in the business climate, which resulted in a $14.8 million impairment charge. Management performed a second interim 
impairment test as of September 30, 2020 on the WMS Water and WMS Materials reporting units, due to continued impact from 
an adverse change in the business climate, which resulted in impairment charges of $117.9 million and $14.4 million associated 
with the WMS Water and WMS Materials reporting units, respectively.

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the interim goodwill impairment assessment 
of the WMS Water and WMS Materials reporting units is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management 
when estimating the fair value of the reporting units; (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in performing 
procedures and evaluating management’s significant assumptions related to the discount rates, revenue and margin growth rates, 
and benchmark companies; and (iii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion 
on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s 
interim goodwill impairment assessment, including controls over the valuation of the Company’s WMS Water and WMS Materials 
reporting units. These procedures also included, among others, (i) testing management’s process for estimating the fair value 
of the reporting units; (ii) evaluating the appropriateness of the discounted cash flow and market multiple methods; (iii) testing 
the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data used in the models for both valuation approaches; and (iv) evaluating the 
significant assumptions used by management related to the discount rates, revenue and margin growth rates, and benchmark 
companies. Evaluating management’s assumptions related to the discount rates, revenue and margin growth rates, and benchmark 
companies involved evaluating whether the assumptions used by management were reasonable considering (i) the current and past 
performance of the reporting units; (ii) the consistency with external market data; and (iii) whether these assumptions were consistent 
with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in the 
evaluation of the Company’s discounted cash flow and market multiple methods and the discount rates significant assumption.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

San Francisco, California
March 30, 2021

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1982.

2020 Annual Report    F-3

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

December 31,
ASSETS
Current assets

 Cash and cash equivalents ($74,819 and $78,132 related to consolidated construction joint 
ventures (“CCJVs”))

  Short-term marketable securities
  Receivables, net ($56,147 and $29,564 related to CCJVs)
  Contract assets ($33,838 and $25,034 related to CCJVs)

Inventories

  Equity in construction joint ventures
  Other current assets ($13,252 and $13,350 related to CCJVs)

  Total current assets

Property and equipment, net ($23,704 and $31,136 related to CCJVs)
Long-term marketable securities
Investments in affiliates
Goodwill
Right of use assets
Deferred income taxes, net
Other noncurrent assets

  Total assets

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
  Current maturities of long-term debt
  Accounts payable ($53,033 and $57,795 related to CCJVs)
  Contract liabilities ($79,777 and $20,994 related to CCJVs)
  Accrued expenses and other current liabilities ($4,410 and $2,415 related to CCJVs)

  Total current liabilities

Long-term debt
Long-term lease liabilities
Deferred income taxes, net
Other long-term liabilities
Commitments and contingencies (Note 20)
Equity
  Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 3,000,000 shares, none outstanding

 Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 150,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 
45,668,541 shares as of December 31, 2020, 45,503,805 shares as of December 31, 2019

  Additional paid-in capital
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss
  Retained earnings

  Total Granite Construction Incorporated shareholders’ equity

  Non-controlling interests

  Total equity

  Total liabilities and equity

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

F-4    Granite Construction Incorporated 

2020    

2019 

  $ 436,136 
— 
540,812 
164,939 
82,362 
188,798 
42,199 
  1,455,246 
527,016 
5,200 
75,287 
116,777 
62,256 
41,839 
96,375 
  $ 2,379,996 

 $ 262,273 
27,799 
547,417 
211,441 
88,885 
193,110 
46,016 
   1,376,941 
542,297 
5,000 
84,176 
264,279 
72,534 
50,158 
106,703 
 $ 2,502,088 

  $

 $

8,278 
359,160 
171,321 
404,497 
943,256 
330,522 
46,769 
3,155 
64,684 

8,244 
400,775 
95,737 
337,300 
842,056 
356,108 
58,618 
3,754 
63,136 

— 

— 

457 
555,407 
(5,035)
424,835 
975,664 
15,946 
991,610 
  $ 2,379,996 

456 
549,307 
(2,645)
594,353 
   1,141,471 
36,945 
   1,178,416 
 $ 2,502,088 

 
 
   
 
    
 
 
   
 
    
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
    
 
 
   
 
    
 
 
   
 
    
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
   
 
    
 
 
   
 
    
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

Years Ended December 31,
Revenue
  Transportation
  Water
  Specialty
  Materials

  Total revenue

Cost of revenue
  Transportation
  Water
  Specialty
  Materials

  Total cost of revenue

  Gross profit 

Selling, general and administrative expenses
Acquisition and integration expenses
Non-cash impairment charges (see Notes 10 and 12)
Gain on sales of property and equipment

  Operating (loss) income

Other expense (income)

Interest income
Interest expense

  Equity in income of affiliates, net
  Other income, net

  Total other expense (income)

(Loss) income before benefit from income taxes

Benefit from income taxes
  Net (loss) income 

Amount attributable to non-controlling interests

2020  

2019    

2018 

 $ 2,017,989    $ 1,892,149 
468,730 
727,537 
357,190 
  3,445,606 

440,317   
723,391   
380,762   
   3,562,459   

 $ 1,946,750 
345,861 
625,666 
368,754 
   3,287,031 

   1,884,241   
386,076   
631,211   
316,143   
   3,217,671   
344,788   
353,320   
53   
156,690   
(6,930)  
(158,345)  

  1,837,148 
438,964 
640,808 
307,008 
  3,223,928 
221,678 
307,981 
15,299 
— 
(18,703)
(82,899)

   1,809,664 
286,727 
535,731 
320,069 
   2,952,191 
334,840 
272,776 
61,520 
— 
(7,672)
8,216 

(3,096)  
24,200   
(8,783)  
(4,203)  
8,118   
(166,463)  
(282)  
(166,181)  
21,064   

(7,433)
18,374 
(11,454)
(5,308)
(5,821)
(77,078)
(20,376)
(56,702)
(3,489)
(60,191)

 $

(6,082)
14,571 
(6,935)
(1,666)
(112)
8,328 
(3,208)
11,536 
(10,954)
582 

  Net (loss) income attributable to Granite Construction Incorporated  $ (145,117)   $

 Net (loss) income per share attributable to common shareholders  
(See Note 18)

  Basic
  Diluted
Weighted average shares of common stock
  Basic
  Diluted

 $
 $

(3.18)   $
(3.18)   $

(1.29)
(1.29)

 $
 $

0.01 
0.01 

45,614   
45,614   

46,559 
46,559 

43,564 
44,025 

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

2020 Annual Report    F-5

 
 
    
   
   
 
    
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
    
   
   
 
    
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
    
   
   
 
    
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
    
   
   
 
    
 
    
   
   
 
    
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
2020 

2018 
  $ (166,181)   $ (56,702)   $ 11,536 

2019 

  $

  $

(51)  

(323)  

(4,155)   $ (2,963)   $
1,816   
(2,339)   $ (3,286)   $

(451)
(214)
(665)
(718)
1,390   
  $
(2,390)   $ (1,896)   $ (1,383)
  $ (168,571)   $ (58,598)   $ 10,153 
  (10,954)
(801)

  $ (147,507)   $ (62,087)   $

21,064   

(3,489)  

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
(in thousands)

Years Ended December 31,
Net (loss) income
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
  Net unrealized loss on derivatives

 Less: reclassification for net losses (gains) included in interest expense
  Net change

  Foreign currency translation adjustments, net

  Other comprehensive loss

Comprehensive (loss) income

 Non-controlling interests in comprehensive income (loss)

  Comprehensive loss attributable to Granite Construction Incorporated

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

F-6    Granite Construction Incorporated 

 
 
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
(in thousands, except share data)

Outstanding 
Shares   

Common 
Stock   

Additional 
Paid-In 
Capital   

Accumulated 
Other 
Comprehensive 
(Loss) Income   

Retained 
Earnings   

Total Granite 
Shareholders’ 
Equity   

Non- 
controlling 

Interests    

Balances at December 31, 2017

    39,871,314   

$ 399    $ 160,376   

$

634    $ 712,041    $

873,450    $ 47,697    $

Net income

Other comprehensive loss

RSUs vested

Amortized RSUs
Common stock purchased for employee 
tax withholding for vested RSUs

Shares repurchased and retired
Dividends on common stock  
($0.52 per share)
Effect of adopting Accounting Standards 
Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606
Issuance of common stock for Layne 
acquisition
Issuance of common stock for 8.0% 
Convertible Notes (See Note 14)
Premium on 8.0% Convertible Notes  
(See Note 14)
Transactions with non-controlling 
interests, net

Other

—   

—   

  —     

  —     

315,151   

3     

—   

—   

—   

—   

  —     

14,784   

(112,476)  

(252,072)  

(1)    

(3)    

(6,563)  

(9,991)  

—   

  —     

—   

  —     

—   

—   

5,624,021   

  56      321,019   

1,202,134   

  12     

53,011   

—   

  —     

30,702   

—   

  —     

—   

17,817   

1     

1,221   

—     

582     

582   

  10,954     

(1,383)    

—     

—     

—     

—     

—     

—     

—     

—     

—     

(1,383)  

3   

14,784   

(6,564)  

(9,994)  

—     

—     

—     

—     

—     

Total  
Equity 
921,147 
11,536 
(1,383)
3 
14,784 

(6,564)
(9,994)

—     

(23,309)    

(23,309)  

—     

(23,309)

—     

(9,617)    

(9,617)  

—     

(9,617)

—     

—     

—     

—     

—     

—     

321,075   

48     

321,123 

—     

53,023   

—     

53,023 

—     

30,702   

—     

30,702 

—     

(244)    

—   

978   

—     

  (13,075)    

(13,075)
978 
  45,624      1,289,354 
(56,702)
(1,896)
— 
10,213 

3,489     

—     

—     

—     

—     

—     

—     

—     

—     

(4,067)
(32,834)

(24,166)
(539)
10,444 

—     

  (12,168)    

(12,168)
777 
  36,945      1,178,416 
(166,181)
(2,390)
— 
6,377 

  (21,064)    

—     

—     

—     

Balances at December 31, 2018

    46,665,889   

  467      564,559   

(749)    

679,453     

1,243,730   

Net (loss) income

Other comprehensive loss

RSUs vested

Amortized RSUs
Common stock purchased for employee 
tax withholding for vested RSUs

Shares repurchased and retired
Dividends on common stock ($0.52 per 
share)

Effect of adopting ASC Topic 842

Sale of common stock warrant, net
Transactions with non-controlling 
interests, net

Other

—   

—   

  —     

  —     

262,859   

3     

—   

—   

(3)  

—   

  —     

10,213   

(91,591)  

(1)    

(4,066)  

(1,360,000)  

(13)    

(32,821)  

—   

—   

—   

  —     

  —     

—   

—   

  —     

10,444   

—   

  —     

26,648   

  —     

—   

981   

—     

(60,191)    

(60,191)  

(1,896)    

—     

—     

—     

—     

—     

—     

—     

—     

—     

—     

—     

—     

—     

—     

(1,896)  

—   

10,213   

(4,067)  

(32,834)  

(24,166)    

(24,166)  

(539)    

(539)  

—     

10,444   

—     

(204)    

—   

777   

Balances at December 31, 2019

    45,503,805   

  456      549,307   

(2,645)    

594,353     

1,141,471   

Net loss

Other comprehensive loss

RSUs vested

Amortized RSUs
Common stock purchased for employee 
tax withholding for vested RSUs
Dividends on Common stock ($0.52 per 
share)

Effect of adopting ASC Topic 326
Transactions with non-controlling 
interests, net

Other

—   

—   

  —     

  —     

191,171   

2     

—   

—   

(2)  

—   

  —     

6,377   

(60,604)  

(1)    

(884)  

—   

—   

  —     

  —     

—   

  —     

34,169   

  —     

—   

—   

—   

609   

(2,390)    

—     

—     

—     

—     

—     

—     

—     

—     

(145,117)    

(145,117)  

(2,390)  

—   

6,377   

—     

—     

—     

—     

Balances at December 31, 2020

    45,668,541   

$ 457    $ 555,407   

$ (5,035)   $ 424,835    $

975,664    $ 15,946    $

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

(885)  

—     

(885)

(23,734)    

(23,734)  

(366)    

(366)  

—     

(301)    

—   

308   

—     

—     

65     

—     

(23,734)
(366)

65 
308 
991,610 

2020 Annual Report    F-7

 
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)

Years Ended December 31,
Operating activities
Net (loss) income
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
Amortization related to the 2.75% Convertible Notes (See Note 14)
Gain on sales of property and equipment, net
Deferred income taxes
Stock-based compensation
Equity in net loss from unconsolidated joint ventures
Net income from affiliates
Non-cash impairment charges
Other non-cash adjustments

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of the effect of an acquisition in 2019 and 2018:

Receivables
Contract assets, net
Inventories
Contributions to unconsolidated construction joint ventures
Distributions from unconsolidated construction joint ventures and affiliates
Other assets, net
Accounts payable
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities, net

Net cash provided by operating activities

Investing activities

Purchases of marketable securities
Maturities of marketable securities
Proceeds from called marketable securities
Purchases of property and equipment
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
Cash paid to purchase business
Proceeds from the sale of an investment and business, respectively
Other investing activities, net

Net cash used in investing activities

Financing activities

Proceeds from debt
Proceeds from issuance of 2.75% Convertible Notes, net
Proceeds from issuance of warrants, net
Purchase of Hedge Option, net
Debt principal repayments
Cash dividends paid
Repurchases of common stock
Contributions from non-controlling partners
Distributions to non-controlling partners
Debt issuance costs
Other financing activities, net

Net cash used in financing activities

F-8    Granite Construction Incorporated 

2020  

2019  

2018  

 $ (166,181)   $ (56,702)   $ 11,536 

   112,958   
8,693   
(6,930)  
8,817   
6,377   
51,486   
(8,783)  
   156,690   
1,729   

  121,993   
1,425   
(18,703)  
(22,924)  
10,213   
  120,632   
(11,454)  
—   
4,020   

  111,544 
— 
(4,910)
12,110 
14,784 
44,689 
(6,935)
— 
4,916 

6,840   
   123,670   
5,136   
(50,878)  
11,065   
(1,035)  
(40,999)  
49,805   
   268,460   

(58,947)  
(40,084)  
380   
(83,765)  
19,064   
(3,928)  
  140,027   
(9,809)  
  111,438   

(9,247)
11,384 
(2,120)
  (104,333)
16,922 
21,619 
(21,456)
(14,113)
86,390 

(9,996)  
10,000   
24,996   
(93,253)  
16,702   
—   
5,000   
5,289   
(41,262)  

50,000   
—   
—   
—   
(83,433)  
(23,712)  
(885)  
11,875   
(11,810)  
—   
307   
(57,658)  

—   
30,000   
—   
  (106,828)  
37,091   
(6,227)  
—   
5,642   
(40,322)  

(9,952)
75,000 
— 
  (111,101)
16,238 
(55,027)
47,812 
(2,568)
(39,598)

  105,574   
  230,000   
11,500   
(37,375)  
  (313,150)  
(24,316)  
(36,900)  
68   
(12,235)  
(6,507)  
1,704   
(81,637)  

  203,250 
— 
— 
— 
  (153,924)
(22,424)
(16,557)
200 
(13,275)
— 
856 
(1,874)

 
 
 
    
   
   
   
   
 
    
   
   
   
   
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
    
   
   
   
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
    
   
   
   
   
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
    
   
   
   
   
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)
(in thousands)

Years Ended December 31,
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Cash, cash equivalents and $5,835, $5,825 and $0 in restricted cash at beginning  
of period
Cash, cash equivalents and $1,512, $5,835 and $5,825 in restricted cash at end  
of period
Supplementary Information

Right of use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations
Cash paid for operating lease liabilities
Cash paid during the period for:

2020  

   169,540   

2019  
(10,521)  

2018  
44,918 

   268,108   

  278,629   

  233,711 

 $ 437,648    $ 268,108    $ 278,629 

 $ 10,000    $ 25,360    $

21,654   

18,660   

— 
— 

Interest
Income taxes

Other non-cash operating activities:

Performance guarantees

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

 $ 18,753    $ 17,322    $ 14,864 
19,069 

11,898   

2,805   

 $

350    $

(6,284)   $

— 

Reclassification of the equity portion of the 2.75% Convertible Notes from  
debt to equity (See Note 14)
RSUs issued, net of forfeitures
Accrued cash dividends
Common stock issued in acquisition
Common stock issued in conversion of 8.0% Convertible Notes
Premium on 8.0% Convertible Notes

 $

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

—    $ 37,375    $

4,449   
5,937   
—   
—   
—   

8,596   
5,915   
—   
—   
—   

— 
13,728 
6,068 
  321,019 
53,086 
30,702 

2020 Annual Report    F-9

 
 
 
 
 
    
   
   
   
   
 
  
 
 
    
   
   
   
   
 
  
 
 
    
   
   
   
   
 
    
   
   
   
   
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

Granite Construction Incorporated is one of the largest diversified infrastructure companies in the United States, engaged in 
heavy-civil infrastructure projects including the construction of streets, roads, highways, mass transit facilities, airport infrastructure, 
bridges, trenchless and underground utilities, power-related facilities, water-related facilities, well drilling, utilities, tunnels, dams 
and other infrastructure-related projects, site preparation, mining services, and infrastructure services for residential development, 
energy development, commercial and industrial sites, and other facilities, as well as construction management professional 
services. We have permanent offices located in Alaska, Arizona, California, Canada, Colorado, Florida, Guam, Illinois, Mexico, 
Nevada, Texas, Utah and Washington. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “Company” and “Granite” refer 
to Granite Construction Incorporated and its wholly owned and consolidated subsidiaries.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Granite Construction Incorporated and its wholly owned and 
consolidated subsidiaries. All material inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated. Additionally, we participate 
in various construction joint ventures of which we are a limited member (“joint ventures”). Generally, each construction joint 
venture is formed to accomplish a specific project and is jointly controlled by the joint venture partners. The joint venture 
agreements typically provide that our interests in any profits and assets, and our respective share in any losses and liabilities, that 
may result from the performance of the contracts are limited to our stated percentage interest in the project. Under our joint 
venture contractual arrangements, we provide capital to these joint ventures in return for an ownership interest. In addition, 
partners dedicate resources to the joint ventures necessary to complete the contracts and are reimbursed for their cost. The 
operational risks of each construction joint venture are passed along to the joint venture members. As we absorb our share of 
these risks, our investment in each venture is exposed to potential gains and losses. We consolidate these joint ventures where we 
have determined that through our participation we have a variable interest and are the primary beneficiary as defined by Financial 
Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC Topic 810, Consolidation, and related standards. The factors we use to determine the 
primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) may include the decision authority of each partner, which partner manages 
the day-to-day operations of the project and the amount of our equity investment in relation to that of our partners. Although not 
applicable for any of the years presented, if we determine that the power to direct the significant activities is shared equally by two 
or more joint venture parties, then there is no primary beneficiary and no party consolidates the VIE.

Where we have determined we are not the primary beneficiary of a joint venture but do exercise significant influence, we account 
for our share of the operations of unconsolidated construction joint ventures on a pro rata basis in revenue and cost of revenue 
in the consolidated statements of operations. We record the corresponding investment balance in equity in construction joint 
ventures in the consolidated balance sheets except when a project is in loss position, the investment balance is recorded as a deficit 
in unconsolidated construction joint ventures and is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the consolidated 
balance sheets. Our investment in unconsolidated construction joint ventures could extend beyond one year and is within the 
normal operating cycle of the associated construction projects. We account for non-construction unconsolidated joint ventures 
under the equity method of accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 323, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures, 
and include our share of the operations in equity in income from affiliates in the consolidated statements of operations and in 
investment in affiliates in the consolidated balance sheets.

We also participate in various “line item” joint venture agreements under which each partner is responsible for performing certain 
discrete items of the total scope of contracted work. The revenue for each line item joint venture partner’s discrete items of work 
is defined in the contract with the project owner and each joint venture partner bears the profitability risk associated only with its 
own work. There is not a single set of books and records for a line item joint venture. Each partner accounts for its items of work 
individually as it would for any self-performed contract. We account for our portion of these contracts as revenues and cost of 
revenue in the consolidated statements of operations and in relevant balances in the consolidated balance sheets.

F-10    Granite Construction Incorporated 

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 
of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates that affect 
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. 
Our estimates and related judgments and assumptions are continually evaluated based on available information and experiences; 
however, actual amounts could differ from those estimates. 

Revenue Recognition

Our revenue is primarily derived from construction contracts that can span several quarters or years in our Transportation, Water 
and Specialty segments and from sales of construction related materials in our Materials segment. We recognize revenue in 
accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and subsequently issued additional related Accounting 
Standards Updates (“ASU”s) (“Topic 606”), which we adopted on January 1, 2018 using a modified retrospective transition 
approach. Topic 606 provides for a five-step model for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers as follows:

1. Identify the contract
2. Identify performance obligations
3. Determine the transaction price
4. Allocate the transaction price
5. Recognize revenue

Generally, our contracts contain one performance obligation. Contracts with customers in our Materials segment are typically 
defined by our customary business practices and are valued at the contractual selling price per unit. Our customary business practices 
are for the delivery of a separately identifiable good at a point in time which is typically when delivery to the customer occurs. 
Contracts in our Transportation, Water and Specialty segments may contain multiple distinct promises or multiple contracts within a 
master agreement (e.g. contracts that cross multiple locations/geographies and task orders), which we review at contract inception 
to determine if they represent multiple performance obligations or multiple separate contracts. This review consists of determining if 
promises or groups of promises are distinct within the context of the contract, including whether contracts are physically contiguous, 
contain task orders, purchase or sales orders, termination clauses and/or elements not related to design and/or build.

The transaction price is the amount of consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods and 
services to the customer. The contractual consideration from customers of our Transportation, Water and Specialty segments may 
include both fixed amounts and variable amounts (e.g. bonuses/incentives or penalties/liquidated damages) to the extent that a 
significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration 
is subsequently resolved (i.e., probable and estimable). When a contract has a single performance obligation, the entire transaction 
price is attributed to that performance obligation. When a contract has more than one performance obligation, the transaction 
price is allocated to each performance obligation based on estimated relative standalone selling prices of the goods or services at 
the inception of the contract, which typically is determined using cost plus an appropriate margin.

Subsequent to the inception of a contract in our Transportation, Water and Specialty segments, the transaction price could change 
for various reasons, including executed or unapproved change orders, and unresolved contract modifications and/or affirmative 
claims. Changes that are accounted for as an adjustment to existing performance obligations are allocated on the same basis at 
contract inception. Otherwise, changes are accounted for as separate performance obligation(s) and the separate transaction price 
is allocated as discussed above.

Changes are made to the transaction price from unapproved change orders to the extent the amount can be reasonably estimated 
and recovery is probable.

On certain projects we have submitted and have pending unresolved contract modifications and/or affirmative claims (“affirmative 
claims”) to recover additional costs and the associated profit, if applicable, to which the Company believes it is entitled under the 
terms of contracts with customers, subcontractors, vendors or others. The owners or their authorized representatives and/or other 
third parties may be in partial or full agreement with the modifications or affirmative claims, or may have rejected or disagree 
entirely or partially as to such entitlement.

2020 Annual Report    F-11

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Changes are made to the transaction price from affirmative claims with customers to the extent that additional revenue on a claim 
settlement with a customer is probable and estimable. A reduction to costs related to affirmative claims with non-customers with 
whom we have a contractual arrangement (“back charges”) is recognized when the estimated recovery is probable and estimable. 
Recognizing affirmative claims and back charge recoveries requires significant judgments of certain factors including, but not 
limited to, dispute resolution developments and outcomes, anticipated negotiation results, and the cost of resolving such matters.

Certain construction contracts in our Transportation, Water and Specialty segments include retention provisions to provide 
assurance to our customers that we will perform in accordance with the contract terms and are not considered a financing benefit. 
The balances billed but not paid by customers pursuant to these provisions generally become due upon completion and acceptance 
of the project work or products by the customer. We have determined there are no significant financing components in our 
contracts during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Typically, performance obligations related to contracts in our Transportation, Water and Specialty segments are satisfied over time 
because our performance typically creates or enhances an asset that the customer controls as the asset is created or enhanced. We 
recognize revenue as performance obligations are satisfied and control of the promised good and/or service is transferred to the 
customer. Revenue in our Transportation, Water and Specialty segments is ordinarily recognized over time as control is transferred 
to the customers by measuring the progress toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation(s) using an input (i.e., 
“cost to cost”) method. Under the cost to cost method, costs incurred to-date are generally the best depiction of transfer of 
control.

All contract costs, including those associated with affirmative claims, change orders and back charges, are recorded as incurred 
and revisions to estimated total costs are reflected as soon as the obligation to perform is determined. Contract costs consist of 
direct costs on contracts, including labor and materials, amounts payable to subcontractors, direct overhead costs and equipment 
expense (primarily depreciation, fuel, maintenance and repairs).

The accuracy of our revenue and profit recognition in a given period depends on the accuracy of our estimates of the forecasted 
revenue and cost to complete each project. Cost estimates for all of our significant projects use a detailed “bottom up” approach. 
There are a number of factors that can contribute to changes in estimates of contract cost and profitability. The most significant of 
these include:

subcontractor costs, availability and/or performance issues;

•	 changes in costs of labor and/or materials;
•	
•	 extended overhead and other costs due to owner, weather and other delays;
•	 changes in productivity expectations;
•	 changes from original design on design-build projects;
•	 our ability to fully and promptly recover on affirmative claims and back charges for additional contract costs;
•	 a change in the availability and proximity of equipment and materials;
•	 complexity in original design;
•	
•	
•	
•	 costs associated with scope changes; and
•	

length of time to complete the project;
the availability and skill level of workers in the geographic location of the project;
site conditions that differ from those assumed in the original bid;

the customer’s ability to properly administer the contract.

The foregoing factors, as well as the stage of completion of contracts in process and the mix of contracts at different margins may 
cause fluctuations in gross profit and gross profit margin from period to period. Significant changes in revenue and cost estimates, 
particularly in our larger, more complex, multi-year projects have had, and can in future periods have, a significant effect on our 
profitability.

All state and federal government contracts and many of our other contracts provide for termination of the contract at the 
convenience of the party contracting with us, with provisions to pay us for work performed through the date of termination 
including demobilization cost.

F-12    Granite Construction Incorporated 

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Costs to obtain our contracts (“pre-bid costs”) that are not expected to be recovered from the customer are expensed as incurred 
and included in selling, general and administrative expenses on our consolidated statements of operations. Although unusual, 
pre-bid costs that are explicitly chargeable to the customer even if the contract is not obtained are included in accounts receivable 
on our consolidated balance sheets when we are notified that we are not the low bidder with a corresponding reduction to selling, 
general and administrative expenses on our consolidated statements of operations.

Unearned Revenue

Unearned revenue represents the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied 
performance obligations at the end of a reporting period. We generally include a project in our unearned revenue at the time a 
contract is awarded, the contract has been executed and to the extent we believe funding is probable. Certain contracts contain 
contract options that are exercisable at the option of our customers without requiring us to go through an additional competitive 
bidding process or contain task orders related to master contracts under which we perform work only when the customer 
awards specific task orders to us. Contract options and task orders are included in unearned revenue when exercised or issued, 
respectively. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, unearned revenue was $2.9 billion and $3.7 billion, respectively. Approximately 
$2.1 billion of the December 31, 2020 unearned revenue is expected to be recognized within the next twelve months and the 
remaining amount will be recognized thereafter. Substantially all of the contracts in our unearned revenue may be canceled or 
modified at the election of the customer; however, we have not been materially adversely affected by contract cancellations or 
modifications in the past. Many projects are added to unearned revenue and completed within the same fiscal quarter or year and, 
therefore, may not be reflected in our beginning or ending unearned revenue.

Costs to mobilize equipment and labor to a job site prior to substantive work beginning (“mobilization costs”) are capitalized as 
incurred and amortized over the expected duration of the contract. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had no capitalized 
mobilization costs.

Balance Sheet Classifications

Prepaid expenses and amounts receivable and payable under construction contracts (principally retentions) that may exist over the 
duration of the contract and could extend beyond one year are included in current assets and liabilities. A one-year time period is 
used as the basis for classifying all other current assets and liabilities.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

Cash equivalents are securities having maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase. Our access to joint venture 
cash may be limited by the provisions of the joint venture agreements.

Restricted cash consists of escrow funds and judicial deposits associated with tax related legal proceedings in Latin America. The 
total balance as of December 31, 2020 is included in other noncurrent assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The table below 
presents changes in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash on the consolidated statements of cash flows and a reconciliation to 
the amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets (in thousands).

Year ended December 31,

2020   

2019   

2018 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period

 $ 268,108   $ 278,629    $ 233,711 

End of the period

Cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash

   436,136  

  262,273   

  272,804 

1,512  

5,835   

5,825 

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period

   437,648  

  268,108   

  278,629 

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 $ 169,540   $ (10,521)   $ 44,918 

2020 Annual Report    F-13

 
    
  
   
   
   
 
  
 
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Contract Assets

Our contract assets include costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings as well as amounts due under contractual retention 
provisions. Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings represent amounts earned and reimbursable under contracts, 
including customer affirmative claim recovery estimates, and have a conditional right for billing and payment such as achievement 
of milestones or completion of the project. Generally, with the exception of customer affirmative claims, such unbilled amounts 
will become billable according to the contract terms and generally will be billed and collected over the next twelve months. 
Settlement with the customer of outstanding affirmative claims is dependent on the claims resolution process and could extend 
beyond one year. Based on our historical experience, we generally consider the collection risk related to billable amounts to be low. 
When events or conditions indicate that it is probable that the amounts outstanding become unbillable, the transaction price and 
associated contract asset is reduced.

Marketable Securities

We determine the classification of our marketable securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluate these determinations at each 
balance sheet date. Our marketable securities are fixed income marketable securities and are classified as held-to-maturity as we 
have the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Held-to-maturity investments are stated at amortized cost 
and are periodically assessed for other-than-temporary impairment. Amortized cost of debt securities is adjusted for amortization 
of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity and is included in interest income. The cost of securities redeemed or called is 
based on the specific identification method.

Derivative Instruments

We recognize derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value using Level 
2 inputs. To receive hedge accounting treatment, derivative instruments that are designated as cash flow hedges must be 
highly effective in offsetting changes to expected future cash flows on hedged transactions. We formally document our hedge 
relationships at inception, including identification of the hedging instruments and the hedged items, our risk management 
objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transaction, and the initial quantitative assessment of the hedging instrument’s 
effectiveness in offsetting changes in the fair value of the hedged items. The effective portion of the gain or loss on cash flow 
hedges is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently reclassified to interest 
expense in the consolidated statements of operations when the periodic hedged cash flows are settled. Adjustments to fair value 
on derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment are reported through other income, net in the 
consolidated statements of operations. We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes.

The derivative transactions related to the 2.75% Convertible Notes (as defined in Note 14) were recorded to equity on our 
consolidated balance sheets based on the cash proceeds and will not be remeasured as long as they continue to meet the 
conditions for equity classification.

Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities

We measure and disclose certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value. ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and 
Disclosures, defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) 
in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the 
measurement date. ASC Topic 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable 
inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. ASC Topic 820 describes three levels of inputs that 
may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 - Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices 
in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for 
substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the 
assets or liabilities.

F-14    Granite Construction Incorporated 

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

We utilize the active market approach to measure fair value for our financial assets and liabilities. We report separately each class 
of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and include assets and liabilities that are disclosed but not 
recorded at fair value in the fair value hierarchy.

Allowance for Credit Losses

Financial assets, which potentially subject us to credit losses, consist primarily of short and long-term marketable securities, 
receivables, contract assets and long-term notes receivables included in other noncurrent assets in our consolidated balance sheets. 
We measure expected credit losses of financial assets based on historical loss and other information available to management using 
a loss rate method applied to asset groups with categorically similar risk characteristics. These expected credit losses are recorded 
to an allowance for credit losses valuation account that is deducted from receivables and contract assets to present the net amount 
expected to be collected on the financial asset on the consolidated balance sheet.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments, which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk, consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, 
marketable securities, accounts receivable and contract assets. We maintain our cash and cash equivalents and our marketable 
securities with several financial institutions. We invest with high credit quality financial institutions and, by policy, limit the amount 
of credit exposure to any one financial institution. None of our customers, including both prime and subcontractor arrangements, 
had revenue that individually exceeded 10% of total revenue during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. The majority 
of our receivables are from customers concentrated in the United States. None of our customers had a receivable balance in excess 
of 10% of our total net receivables as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. Certain construction contracts include retention provisions 
that were included in contract assets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 in our consolidated balance sheets. The balances billed 
but not paid by customers pursuant to these provisions generally become due upon completion and acceptance of the project 
work or products by the owners. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, no contract retention receivable individually exceeded 15% 
of total contract assets at any of the presented dates. The majority of the contract retention balance is expected to be collected 
within one year. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and generally do not require collateral, although the law 
provides us the ability to file mechanics’ liens on real property improved for private customers in the event of non-payment by such 
customers.

Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation

We have operations in Mexico and Canada which involve exposure to possible volatile movements in foreign currency exchange 
rates. We account for foreign currency exchange transactions and translation in accordance with ASC Topic 830, Foreign 
Currency Matters. In Mexico, most of our customer contracts and a significant portion of our costs are denominated in U.S. 
dollars; therefore, the functional currency is U.S. dollars. In Canada, the functional currency is the local currency. Foreign currency 
transactions are remeasured into the functional currency with gains and losses included in other income, net in the consolidated 
statements of operations. The impact from foreign currency transactions was immaterial for both 2020 and 2019. Assets and 
liabilities in functional currency are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date. Revenues 
and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at average foreign currency exchange rates prevailing during the reporting periods. 
The translation adjustments from functional currency to U.S. dollars are reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the 
consolidated balance sheets.

Inventories

Inventories consist primarily of quarry products, contract-specific materials and, specifically related to our Water and Mineral 
Services operating group, water well drilling materials and sewer remediation materials that are located in the U.S. as well as 
mineral extraction and drilling supplies located in the U.S. and Mexico. Cost of inventories are valued at the lower of average cost 
or net realizable value. We reserve quarry products based on estimated quantities of materials on hand in excess of approximately 
one year of demand. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, inventory included $15.9 million and $17.7 million of supplies related to 
the Water and Mineral Services operating group.

2020 Annual Report    F-15

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Investments in Affiliates

Each investment accounted for under the equity method of accounting is reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 
323, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures. We account for our share of the operating results of the equity method 
investments in equity in income from affiliates, net in the consolidated statements of operations and as a single line item in the 
consolidated balance sheets as investments in affiliates. Our investments in affiliates include foreign entities, real estate entities 
and an asphalt terminal entity. These investments are evaluated for impairment using the other-than-temporary impairment 
model, which requires an impairment charge to be recognized if our investment’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, and the 
decline in fair value is deemed to be other than temporary. Recoverability is measured by comparison of net book values to future 
undiscounted cash flows the investments are expected to generate. Events or changes in circumstances, which would cause us to 
review undiscounted future cash flows include, but are not limited to:

significant adverse changes in legal factors or the business climate; and

•	
•	 current period cash flow or operating losses combined with a history of losses, or a forecast of continuing losses associated 

with the use of the asset.

In addition, events or changes in circumstances specifically related to our real estate entities, include:

significant decreases in the market price of the asset;

•	
•	 accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition, development or 

construction of the asset; and
significant changes to the development or business plans of a project.

•	

Future undiscounted cash flows and fair value assessments for our foreign entities and the asphalt terminal entity are estimated 
based on market conditions and the political climate. Future undiscounted cash flows and fair value assessments for our real estate 
entities are estimated based on entitlement status, market conditions, and cost of construction, debt load, development schedules, 
status of joint venture partners and other factors applicable to the specific project. Fair value is estimated based on the expected 
future cash flows attributable to the asset or group of assets and on other assumptions that market participants would use in 
determining fair value, such as market discount rates, transaction prices for other comparable assets, and other market data. Our 
estimates of cash flows may differ from actual cash flows due to, among other things, fluctuations in interest rates, decisions made 
by jurisdictional agencies, economic conditions, or changes to our business operations.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation for construction and other equipment is primarily provided using 
accelerated methods over lives ranging from three to ten years, and the straight-line method over lives from two to twenty years for 
the remaining depreciable assets. We believe that accelerated methods best approximate the service provided by the construction 
and other equipment. Depletion of quarry property is based on the usage of depletable reserves. We frequently sell property and 
equipment that has reached the end of its useful life or no longer meets our needs, including depleted quarry property. At the time 
that an asset or an asset group meets the held-for-sale criteria as defined by ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, we 
write it down to fair value less cost to sell, if the fair value is below the carrying value. Fair value is estimated by a variety of factors 
including, but not limited to, market comparative data, historical sales prices, broker quotes and third-party valuations. If material, 
such property is separately disclosed in the consolidated balance sheet, otherwise it is held in property and equipment until sold. 
The cost and accumulated depreciation or depletion of property sold or retired is removed from the consolidated balance sheet and 
the resulting gains or losses, if any, are reflected in operating income on the consolidated statement of operations for the period. 
In the case that we abandon an asset, an amount equal to the carrying amount of the asset, less salvage value, if any, will be 
recognized as expense in the period that the asset was abandoned. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.

Costs related to the development of internal-use software during the preliminary project and post-implementation stages are 
expensed as incurred. Costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized. These costs consist primarily of 
software, hardware and consulting fees, as well as salaries and related costs. Amounts capitalized are reported as a component of 
office furniture and equipment within property and equipment in the consolidated balance sheet. Capitalized software costs are 
depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related software, which range from three to seven 

F-16    Granite Construction Incorporated 

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

years. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we capitalized $7.4 million, $1.2 million and $4.4 million, 
respectively, of internal-use software development and related hardware costs.

Long-lived Assets

We review property and equipment and amortizable intangible assets for impairment at an asset group level whenever events 
or changes in circumstances indicate the net book value of an asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these asset 
groups is measured by comparison of their net book values to the future undiscounted cash flows the asset groups are expected 
to generate. If the asset groups are considered to be impaired, an impairment charge will be recognized equal to the amount by 
which the net book value of the asset group exceeds fair value. We group construction and plant equipment assets at the lowest 
level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets. When an individual asset 
or group of assets is determined to no longer contribute to its vertically integrated construction and plant equipment asset group, 
it is assessed for impairment independently.

As of December 31, 2020, amortizable intangible assets, which include customer relationships, developed technologies, permits, 
trademarks/trade name, backlog, favorable contracts and covenants not to compete, are being amortized over remaining terms 
from one to seventeen years. As of December 31, 2020, amortizable intangible liabilities, which include unfavorable contracts, 
are being amortized over remaining terms of one year. All intangible assets and liabilities are amortized on a straight-line basis 
except for backlog, favorable contracts and unfavorable contracts which will be amortized as the associated projects progress, and 
customer relationships which will be amortized on a double declining basis.

Goodwill

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had eight reporting units in which goodwill was recorded as follows:

•	 Midwest Group Transportation
•	 Midwest Group Specialty
•	 Northwest Group Transportation
•	 Northwest Group Materials
•	 California Group Transportation
•	 Water and Mineral Services Group Water
•	 Water and Mineral Services Group Specialty
•	 Water and Mineral Services Group Materials

We perform our goodwill impairment tests annually as of November 1 and more frequently when events and circumstances occur 
that indicate a possible impairment of goodwill. Examples of such events or circumstances include, but are not limited to, the 
following:

•	 a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate;
•	 an adverse action or assessment by a regulator;
•	 a more likely than not expectation that a segment or a significant portion thereof will be sold; or
•	

the testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within the segment.

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, we can elect to perform a qualitative assessment to test a reporting unit’s goodwill for impairment 
or perform a quantitative impairment test. Based on a qualitative assessment, if we determine that the fair value of a reporting unit 
is more likely than not to be less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test will be performed.

In performing the quantitative goodwill impairment tests, we calculate the estimated fair value of the reporting unit in which the 
goodwill is recorded using the discounted cash flows and market multiple methods. Judgments inherent in these methods include 
the determination of appropriate discount rates, the amount and timing of expected future cash flows, revenue and margin 
growth rates, and appropriate benchmark companies. The cash flows used in our 2020 discounted cash flow model were based on 
five-year financial forecasts developed internally by management adjusted for market participant-based assumptions. Our discount 
rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the equity cost of capital and appropriate capital structure for our reporting units. 
To assess for reasonableness we compare the estimated fair values of the reporting units to our current market capitalization.

2020 Annual Report    F-17

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

The estimated fair value is compared to the net book value of the reporting unit, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting 
unit exceeds its net book value, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less 
than its net book value, goodwill is impaired and the excess of the reporting unit’s net book value over the fair value is recognized as a 
non-cash impairment charge.

During 2020, we performed two interim tests both of which resulted in impairment charges (See Note 12). For our 2020 annual 
goodwill impairment test, we conducted quantitative impairment tests for all of our reporting units and concluded that no 
additional impairment charge was required.

Right of use Assets (“ROU”) and Lease Liabilities

A lease contract conveys the right to use an underlying asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. At inception, we 
determine whether a contract contains a lease by determining if there is an identified asset and if the contract conveys the right 
to control the use of the identified asset in exchange for consideration over a period of time. We recognize leases in accordance 
with ASC Topic 842, Leases, and subsequently issued additional related ASUs (“Topic 842”), which we adopted during our quarter 
ending March 31, 2019 using a modified retrospective transition approach.

At lease commencement, we measure and record a lease liability equal to the present value of the remaining lease payments, 
generally discounted using the borrowing rate on our secured debt as the implicit rate is not readily determinable on many of our 
leases. We use a quarterly maturity discount rate if it is not materially different than the discount rates applied to each of the leases 
in the portfolio.

On the lease commencement date, the amount of the ROU assets consist of the following:

the amount of the initial measurement of the lease liability;

•	
•	 any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, minus any lease incentives received; and
•	 any initial direct costs incurred.

On a quarterly basis, we determine if subcontractor, vendor or service provider agreements contain embedded leases by assessing if 
an asset is explicitly or implicitly specified in the agreement and the counterparty has the right to substitute the asset. Most of our 
lease contracts do not have the option to extend or renew. We assess the option for individual leases, and we generally consider 
the base term to be the term of lease contracts. Lease contracts may contain nonlease components for which we elected to include 
both the lease and nonlease components as a single component and account for it as a lease.

Contract Liabilities

Our contract liabilities consist of billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings, net of the related contract retention and 
provisions for losses. Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings are billings to customers on contracts in advance of work 
performed, including advance payments negotiated as a contract condition. Generally, unearned project-related costs will be earned 
over the next twelve months. Provisions for losses are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations at the uncompleted 
performance obligation level for the amount of total estimated losses in the period that evidence indicates that the estimated total 
cost of a performance obligation exceeds its estimated total revenue.

Asset Retirement Obligations

We account for the costs related to legal obligations to reclaim aggregate mining sites and other facilities by recording our estimated 
asset retirement obligation at fair value using Level 3 inputs, capitalizing the estimated liability as part of the related asset’s carrying 
amount and allocating it to expense over the asset’s useful life.

Warranties

Many of our construction contracts contain warranty provisions covering defects in equipment, materials, design or workmanship 
that generally run from six months to one year after our customer accepts the contract. Because of the nature of our projects, 
including contract owner inspections of the work both during construction and prior to acceptance, we have not experienced 
material warranty costs for these short-term warranties and, therefore, do not believe an accrual for these costs is necessary. 

F-18    Granite Construction Incorporated 

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Certain construction contracts carry longer warranty periods, ranging from two to ten years, for which we have accrued an 
estimate of warranty cost. The warranty liability is estimated based on our experience with the type of work and any known risks 
relative to the project and was not material as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. 

Accrued Insurance Costs

We carry insurance policies to cover various risks, primarily general liability, automobile liability, workers compensation and 
employee medical expenses, under which we are liable to reimburse the insurance company for a portion of each claim paid.  
The amounts for which we are liable for general liability and workers compensation generally range from the first $0.5 million to 
$1.0 million per occurrence. We accrue for probable losses, both reported and unreported, that are reasonably estimable using 
actuarial methods based on historic trends modified, if necessary, by recent events. Changes in our loss assumptions caused by 
changes in actual experience would affect our assessment of the ultimate liability and could have an effect on our operating results 
and financial position up to $1.0 million per occurrence for general liability and workers compensation or $0.3 million for medical 
insurance.

Surety Bonds

We generally are required to provide various types of surety bonds that provide an additional measure of security for our performance 
under certain public and private sector contracts. At December 31, 2020, approximately $2.7 billion of our contract backlog was 
bonded. Performance bonds do not have stated expiration dates; rather, we are generally released from the bonds after the owner 
accepts the work performed under contract. The ability to maintain bonding capacity to support our current and future level of 
contracting requires that we maintain cash and working capital balances satisfactory to our sureties.

Performance Guarantees

The agreements with our joint venture partners (“partner(s)”) for both construction joint ventures and line item joint ventures 
define each partner’s management role and financial responsibility in the project. The amount of operational exposure is generally 
limited to our stated ownership interest. However, due to the joint and several nature of the performance obligations under 
the related owner contracts, if any of the partners fail to perform, we and the remaining partners, if any, would be responsible 
for performance of the outstanding work (i.e., we provide a performance guarantee). We estimate our liability for performance 
guarantees for our unconsolidated and line item joint ventures using estimated partner bond rates, which are Level 2 inputs, 
and include them in accrued expenses and other current liabilities with a corresponding increase in equity in construction joint 
ventures in the consolidated balance sheets. We reassess our liability when and if changes in circumstances occur. The liability and 
corresponding asset are removed from the consolidated balance sheets upon completion and customer acceptance of the project. 
Circumstances that could lead to a loss under these agreements beyond our stated ownership interest include the failure of a 
partner to contribute additional funds to the venture in the event the project incurs a loss or additional costs that we could incur 
should a partner fail to provide the services and resources that it had committed to provide in the agreement. We are not able to 
estimate amounts that may be required beyond the remaining cost of the work to be performed. These costs could be offset by 
billings to the customer or by proceeds from our partners’ corporate and/or other guarantees.

Contingencies

We are currently involved in various claims and legal proceedings. Loss contingency provisions are recorded if the potential loss 
from any asserted or un-asserted claim or legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. 
If a potential loss is considered probable but only a range of loss can be determined, the low-end of the range is recorded. These 
accruals represent management’s best estimate of probable loss. Disclosure is also provided when it is reasonably possible and 
estimable that a loss will be incurred or when it is reasonably possible that the amount of a loss will exceed the amount recorded. 
Significant judgment is required in both the determination of probability of loss and the determination as to whether an exposure 
is reasonably estimable. Because of uncertainties related to these matters, accruals are based only on the best information available 
at the time. As additional information becomes available, we reassess the potential liability related to claims and litigation and may 
revise our estimates. We expense associated legal costs as they are incurred. See Note 20 for additional information.

2020 Annual Report    F-19

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Stock-Based Compensation

We measure and recognize compensation expense, net of forfeitures, over the requisite vesting periods for all stock-based 
payment awards made and we recognize forfeitures as they occur. Stock-based compensation is included in selling, general and 
administrative expenses and cost of revenue on our consolidated statements of operations.

Income Taxes

Deferred taxes are provided on a liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences 
and operating loss carry-forwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary 
differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and 
their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is 
more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted 
for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. Disproportionate income tax effects which are stranded 
in accumulated other comprehensive income will be released using the item-by-item approach.

We report a liability in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance 
sheets for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. We 
recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and other income, net in the 
consolidated statements of operations.

Computation of Earnings per Share

Basic net (loss) income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the 
period. Diluted net (loss) income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and dilutive 
potential common shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential common shares include common share equivalents 
under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan using the if-converted method. Dilutive potential common shares also include common share 
equivalents related to our 2.75% Convertible Notes assuming the share price of our common stock was in excess of $31.47 per 
share and common share equivalents relating to our warrants assuming the share price of our common stock was in excess of 
$53.44, the exercise price of warrants. See Note 14 for further discussion related to the 2.75% Convertible Notes and warrants.

Convertible Notes

U.S. GAAP requires certain convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash on conversion to be separately accounted for 
into liability and equity components in a manner that reflects the issuer’s non-convertible debt borrowing rate. Third party offering 
costs are allocated to the liability and equity components based on allocation of proceeds to those components, and are recorded 
net of the associated balances on the consolidated balance sheets and are generally amortized to interest expense through the 
maturity date of the debt. Therefore cash received from the issuance of the 2.75% Convertible Notes (as defined in Note 14) was 
separated into liability and equity components on the consolidated balance sheets at the time of issuance based on the fair value 
of a similar liability that does not have an associated convertible feature. The difference between the principal amount and the 
liability component on the issuance date will be recorded to interest expense using an effective interest rate of 6.62% over the 
expected life of the 2.75% Convertible Notes.

Debt discounts that will be recorded to the liability component through the maturity date of the debt.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications of prior period amounts have been made to conform to the current period presentation. The reclassification 
included $1.4 million during 2019 of amortization related to the 2.75% Convertible Notes previously included within total depreciation, 
depletion and amortization on the statements of cash flows. The reclassification had no impact on previously reported consolidated 
operating income or net income, on the consolidated balance sheets or on the statements of cash flows.

F-20    Granite Construction Incorporated 

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives 
and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in 
an Entity’s Own Equity, which simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments resulting in accounting for convertible debt 
instruments as a single liability measured at its amortized cost. This change will also reduce reported interest expense and increase 
reported net income for entities that have issued a convertible instrument that was bifurcated according to previously existing 
rules. In addition, the ASU requires the application of the if-converted method for calculating diluted earnings per share and 
eliminates the treasury stock method. The ASU is effective commencing with our quarter ended March 31, 2022, with early 
adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2020-06 on our 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, which provides optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for the effects of 
the transition away from LIBOR and other reference rates and in January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, Reference Rate 
Reform (Topic 848): Scope, which provided clarification guidance to ASU 2020-04. These ASUs were effective commencing with 
our quarter ended March 31, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Our credit Agreement (as defined in Note 14 below) includes 
the secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”) as an alternative to LIBOR. We expect to elect a SOFR alternative for the term loan 
portion of the Credit Agreement and make similar adjustments to our interest rate swap hedges during 2021. We do not expect 
this change to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit 
Losses on Financial Instruments, and in May 2019 issued ASU No. 2019-05, Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief 
(collectively referred to as “Topic 326”). Topic 326 requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held 
at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. We adopted 
Topic 326 effective January 1, 2020, recognizing a net cumulative decrease to retained earnings of approximately $0.5 million. 
Topic 326 was applicable to the following financial assets: short and long-term marketable securities, receivables, contract assets 
and long-term notes receivables included in other noncurrent assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. We elected 
to estimate the expected credit losses using a loss rate method that was applied to groups of assets categorized based on similar 
risk characteristics. The loss rate was based on historical losses and other information available to management. To account for the 
measurement of expected credit losses an allowance for credit losses was required for receivables and contract assets and was not 
required for any other applicable financial asset. As of December 31, 2020, $1.8 million was deducted primarily from receivables to 
present the net amount expected to be collected. The increase in the allowance since the initial adoption of Topic 326 was due to 
additional credit risk exposure to our customers related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the 
Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. We 
adopted this ASU commencing with our quarter ending March 31, 2020 and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated 
financial statements.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, 
which is expected to reduce cost and complexity related to accounting for income taxes. We elected to early adopt this ASU 
commencing with our quarter ending March 31, 2020 and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial 
statements.

2. Acquisitions

On June 14, 2018 (“acquisition date”), we completed the acquisition of Layne for $349.8 million in a stock-for-stock merger. We 
paid $321.0 million of the purchase price with 5.6 million shares of Company common stock and $28.8 million in cash to settle all 
outstanding stock options, restricted stock awards and unvested performance shares of Layne. In addition to issuances of Granite 
common stock and the settlement of various equity awards, we assumed $191.5 million in convertible notes at fair value. 

2020 Annual Report    F-21

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Layne operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Granite Construction Incorporated and its results have been included in the Water 
and Mineral Services operating group in the Water, Specialty and Materials segments since the acquisition date. Layne’s customers 
are in both the public and private sector. We have accounted for this transaction in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business 
Combinations (“ASC 805”).

Purchase Price Allocation

In accordance with ASC 805, the total purchase price and assumed liabilities were allocated to the net tangible and identifiable 
intangible assets based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date as presented in the table below (in thousands). 
There were no material measurement period adjustments during the year ended December 31, 2020. The amounts presented in 
the table below are considered final and no adjustments are expected in the future.

Assets

Cash

Receivables

Contract assets

Inventories

Other current assets

Property and equipment

Investments in affiliates

Deferred income taxes

Other noncurrent assets (including $5,906 of restricted cash)

Total tangible assets

Identifiable intangible assets

Liabilities

Identifiable intangible liabilities

Accounts payable

Contract liabilities

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

Long-term debt

Other long-term liabilities

Total liabilities assumed

Total identifiable net assets acquired

Goodwill

Estimated purchase price

 $

2,995 

70,160 

44,947 

23,424 

5,533 

   183,030 

55,400 

20,959 

17,868 

   424,316 

61,548 

6,800 

38,321 

7,854 

47,583 

   191,500 

31,585 

   323,643 

   162,221 

   187,619 

 $ 349,840 

On April 3, 2018, we acquired LiquiForce, a privately-owned company which provides sewer lining rehabilitation services to public 
and private sector water and wastewater customers in both Canada and the U.S. We acquired LiquiForce for $35.9 million in cash 
primarily borrowed under the Company’s Credit Agreement described more fully in Note 14. The tangible and intangible assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed were $14.3 million, $10.9 million and $8.5 million, respectively, resulting in acquired goodwill of 
$19.3 million. LiquiForce results are reported in the Water and Mineral Services operating group in the Water segment.

In addition, on May 22, 2019, we acquired certain assets and equipment of Lametti & Sons, Inc. a Minnesota-based company with 
expertise in cured-in-place pipe rehabilitation and trenchless renewal for $6.2 million in cash.

F-22    Granite Construction Incorporated 

    
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
 
  
  
  
  
  
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Intangible Assets

The following table lists the final purchase price allocation to amortized intangible assets and liabilities from the Layne and 
LiquiForce acquisitions (in thousands):

Assets

Customer relationships

Backlog

Developed technologies

Trademarks/trade name

Favorable contracts, covenants not to compete and other

Intangible assets

Liabilities

Unfavorable contracts and leases

Intangible liabilities

Weighted  
Average Useful 

Lives (Years)    Gross Value  

Accumulated 
Amortization   Net Value 

3   

2   

4   

4   

1   

$35,937  

$ (5,880)  $30,057 

  9,713  

  9,233  

  9,075  

  5,731  

(5,795)    3,918 

(1,384)    7,849 

(1,382)    7,693 

(2,461)    3,270 

$69,689  

$ (16,902)  $52,787 

2   

$ 7,000  

$ (4,726)  $ 2,274 

$ 7,000  

$ (4,726)  $ 2,274 

The net amortization expense related to the acquired amortized intangible assets and liabilities for the year ended December 31, 
2018 was $12.2 million and was included in cost of revenue and selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated 
statements of operations. All of the acquired intangible assets and liabilities are amortized on a straight-line basis except for 
backlog, favorable contracts and unfavorable contracts which are amortized as the associated projects progress, and customer 
relationships which will be amortized on a double declining basis. 

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the underlying net tangible and intangible assets. The 
factors that contributed to the recognition of goodwill from the acquisitions of Layne and LiquiForce include acquiring a workforce 
with capabilities in the global water management, construction and drilling markets, cost savings opportunities and synergies. For 
the Layne acquisition, we recorded $125.7 million, $52.5 million, and $9.4 million of goodwill allocated to our Water, Materials and 
Specialty reportable segments, respectively. For the LiquiForce acquisition, we recorded $19.2 million in goodwill that was allocated 
to our Water reportable segment. The goodwill from both acquisitions is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Pro Forma Financial Information

The financial information in the table below summarizes the unaudited combined results of operations of Granite and Layne, on a 
pro forma basis, as though the companies had been combined as of January 1, 2017 (unaudited, in thousands, except per share 
amounts). The pro forma financial information is unaudited and presented for informational purposes only and is not indicative of 
the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2017.

Year Ended December 31,

Revenue

Net income

Net income attributable to Granite

Basic net income per share attributable to common shareholders

Diluted net income per share attributable to common shareholders

2018 

 $ 3,499,606 

62,480 

51,526 

1.12 

1.15 

These amounts have been calculated after applying Granite’s accounting policies and adjusting the results of Layne to reflect the 
additional depreciation and amortization that would have been recorded assuming the fair value adjustments to property and 
equipment and intangible assets had been applied starting on January 1, 2017. Acquisition and integration expenses related to 

2020 Annual Report    F-23

 
 
     
    
 
  
   
      
 
   
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
     
   
     
   
   
  
   
      
 
   
     
   
 
  
  
  
  
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Layne that were incurred during the year ended December 31, 2018 are reflected in year ended December 31, 2017 due to the 
assumed timing of the transaction. The statutory tax rate of 26.0% was used for 2018 for the pro forma adjustments.

3. Revisions in Estimates

Our profit recognition related to construction contracts is based on estimates of transaction price and costs to complete each 
project. These estimates can vary significantly in the normal course of business as projects progress, circumstances develop and 
evolve, and uncertainties are resolved. Changes in estimates of transaction price and costs to complete may result in the reversal of 
previously recognized revenue if the current estimate adversely differs from the previous estimate. When we experience significant 
changes in our estimates, we undergo a process that includes reviewing the nature of the changes to ensure that there are no 
material amounts that should have been recorded in a prior period rather than as revisions in estimates for the current period. For 
revisions in estimates, generally we use the cumulative catch-up method for changes to the transaction price that are part of a 
single performance obligation. Under this method, revisions in estimates are accounted for in their entirety in the period of change. 
As discussed in Note 1, provisions for losses are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for the amount of total 
estimated losses in the period that evidence indicates that the estimated total cost of a project exceeds its estimated total revenue.

There can be no assurance that we will not experience further changes in circumstances or otherwise be required to revise our 
estimates in the future. 

Other than those identified in the 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, we did not identify any material amounts that should have 
been recorded in a prior period for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. In our review of these changes for the year 
ended December 31, 2020, we did not identify any material amounts that should have been recorded in a prior period. 

In the normal course of business, we have revisions in estimates, including estimated costs some of which are associated with 
unresolved affirmative claims and back charges. The estimated or actual recovery related to these estimated costs may be recorded 
in future periods or may be at values below the associated cost, which can cause fluctuations in the gross profit impact from 
revisions in estimates.

There were no increases from revisions in estimates, which individually had an impact of $5.0 million or more on gross profit, for 
the periods presented.

The projects with decreases from revisions in estimates, which individually had an impact of $5.0 million or more on gross profit, 
are summarized as follows (dollars in millions except per share data):

Years Ended December 31,

Number of projects with downward estimate changes

Range of reduction in gross profit from each project, net

Decrease to project profitability

Decreases to net (loss) income

Decreases to diluted net (loss) income per share

2020 

7  

2019 

12  

2018 

4 

  $6.7 - 49.9   $5.5 - 52.6   $6.4 - 49.6 

  $

  $

  $

143.4   $

214.1   $

104.6 

106.5   $

158.9   $

2.34   $

3.41   $

77.7 

1.76 

The decreases during the year ended December 31, 2020 were due to increases in design, production costs, weather-related 
and labor contingency costs. The decreases during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were due to increased 
project completion costs, schedule delays, lower productivity than originally anticipated, performance of a significant amount 
of unresolved disputed work, an unfavorable court ruling on a designer back charge claim and additional weather-related costs 
partially offset by an increase in estimated recovery from customer affirmative claims.

F-24    Granite Construction Incorporated 

 
 
 
   
 
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

All decreases were in our Transportation segment except for:

•	 Water segment: decreases on three projects with a range of reduction on gross profit of $7.1 million to $7.9 million for a 

combined total decrease to project profitability of $22.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2019.

•	 Specialty segment: decreases to project profitability of $19.7 million and $9.0 million on one project during the years ended 

December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The amounts attributable to non-controlling interests were $31.9 million and $9.8 million of the net decreases for the years ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. There were no amounts attributable to non-controlling interests for the year ended 
December 31, 2018.

4. Disaggregation of Revenue 

We disaggregate our revenue based on our reportable segments and operating groups as it is the format that is regularly reviewed 
by management. Our reportable segments are: Transportation, Water, Specialty and Materials. In alphabetical order, our operating 
groups are: (i) California; (ii) Federal; (iii) Heavy Civil; (iv) Midwest; (v) Northwest; and (vi) Water and Mineral Services. The following 
tables present our disaggregated revenue (in thousands): 

Water and Mineral Services

—  

  348,984  

  68,619  

  15,977  

2020

California

Federal

Heavy Civil

Midwest

Northwest

Total

2019

California

Federal

Heavy Civil

Midwest

Northwest

Transportation 

Water 

  Specialty 

  Materials 

Total 

$ 681,955   $ 44,068   $ 230,805   $ 222,021   $ 1,178,849 

6,579  

1,774  

  108,827  

671,013  

  40,260  

  45,215  

140,433  

518,009  

156  

  100,601  

5,075  

  169,324  

  142,764  

$ 2,017,989   $ 440,317   $ 723,391   $ 380,762   $ 3,562,459 

Transportation 

Water 

  Specialty 

  Materials 

Total 

$ 581,074   $ 25,005   $ 187,556   $ 198,465   $ 992,100 

688  

1,171  

  83,844  

671,923  

  13,215  

2,206  

100,235  

538,229  

39  

  153,548  

5,964  

  211,094  

  140,621  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

117,180 

756,488 

241,190 

835,172 

433,580 

85,703 

687,344 

253,822 

895,908 

530,729 

Water and Mineral Services

—  

  423,336  

  89,289  

  18,104  

Total

2018

California

Federal

Heavy Civil

Midwest

Northwest

Water and Mineral Services

Total

$ 1,892,149   $ 468,730   $ 727,537   $ 357,190   $ 3,445,606 

Transportation 

Water 

  Specialty 

  Materials 

Total 

$ 607,737   $ 52,757   $ 143,471   $ 213,673   $ 1,017,638 

683  

2,116  

  41,471  

788,722  

  19,472  

—  

84,523  

1,930  

  222,565  

—  

—  

—  

465,085  

3,882  

  159,516  

  138,924  

—  

  265,704  

  58,643  

  16,157  

44,270 

808,194 

309,018 

767,407 

340,504 

$ 1,946,750   $ 345,861   $ 625,666   $ 368,754   $ 3,287,031 

2020 Annual Report    F-25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

5. Unearned Revenue

The following tables present our unearned revenue as of the respective periods (in thousands):

December 31, 2020

  Transportation 

Water 

  Specialty 

Total 

California

Federal

Heavy Civil

Midwest

Northwest

Water and Mineral Services

Total

$ 618,429   $ 38,716   $ 141,786   $ 798,931 

11,895  

227  

  77,886  

90,008 

913,430  

  14,605  

  216,487  

  1,144,522 

138,246  

487,682  

—  

  90,221  

2,462  

  58,756  

—  

  119,124  

—  

228,467 

548,900 

119,124 

$ 2,169,682   $ 175,134   $ 585,136   $ 2,929,952 

December 31, 2019

  Transportation 

Water 

  Specialty 

Total 

California

Federal

Heavy Civil

Midwest

Northwest

Water and Mineral Services

Total

$ 525,641   $ 19,950   $ 100,019   $

645,610 

14,139  

1,041  

  153,563  

168,743 

  1,480,367  

  47,046  

  243,329  

  1,770,742 

230,889  

547,020  

152  

  135,680  

4,545  

  61,706  

—  

  152,141  

—  

366,721 

613,271 

152,141 

$ 2,798,056   $ 224,875   $ 694,297   $ 3,717,228 

6. Contract Assets and Liabilities

During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recognized revenue of $118.2 million, $125.4 million and $105.9 
million, respectively, that was included in the contract liability balances at December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

As a result of changes in contract transaction price related to performance obligations that were satisfied or partially satisfied prior 
to the end of the periods we recognized revenue of $173.5 million, $152.9 million and $151.0 million during the years ended 
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The changes in contract transaction price were from items such as executed or 
estimated change orders and unresolved contract modifications and claims.

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the aggregate claim recovery estimates included in contract asset and liability balances were 
approximately $37.7 million and $71.1 million, respectively.

The components of the contract asset balances as of the respective dates were as follows (in thousands):

December 31,

Costs in excess of billings and estimated earnings

Contract retention

Total contract assets

2020 

2019 

 $ 39,300   $ 100,761 

   125,639  

  110,680 

 $ 164,939   $ 211,441 

F-26    Granite Construction Incorporated 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

The following table summarizes changes in the contract asset balance for the periods presented (in thousands):

Balance at December 31, 2019

Change in the measure of progress on projects, net

Revisions in estimates, net

Billings

Receipts related to contract retention

Balance at December 31, 2020

Balance at December 31, 2018

Change in the measure of progress on projects, net

Revisions in estimates, net

Billings

Receipts related to contract retention

Balance at December 31, 2019

 $ 211,441 

743,976 

(50,216)

(685,256)

(55,006)

 $ 164,939 

 $ 184,247 

   1,078,884 

(91,301)

(923,602)

(36,787)

 $ 211,441 

The components of the contract liability balances as of the respective dates were as follows (in thousands):

December 31,

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings, net of retention

Provisions for losses

Total contract liabilities

2020 

2019 

 $ 143,623   $ 86,736 

   27,698  

  9,001 

 $ 171,321   $ 95,737 

The following table summarizes changes in the contract liability balance for the periods presented (in thousands):

Balance at December 31, 2019

Change in the measure of progress on projects, net

Revisions in estimates, net

Billings

Change in provision for loss, net

Balance at December 31, 2020

Balance at December 31, 2018

Change in the measure of progress on projects, net

Revisions in estimates, net

Billings

Change in provision for loss, net

Balance at December 31, 2019

 $

95,737 

(2,008,945)

3,214 

   2,062,619 

18,696 

 $

171,321 

 $

109,011 

(1,629,377)

(13,910)

   1,628,464 

1,549 

 $

95,737 

2020 Annual Report    F-27

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

7. Receivables, net

Receivables include billed and unbilled amounts for services provided to clients for which we have an unconditional right to 
payment as of the end of the applicable period and do not bear interest. The following table presents major categories of 
receivables (in thousands):

December 31,

Contracts completed and in progress:

Billed

Unbilled

Total contracts completed and in progress

Material sales

Other

Total gross receivables

Less: allowance for credit losses

Total net receivables

2020 

2019 

 $ 293,376   $ 299,633 

   148,159  

  149,696 

   441,535  

  449,329 

   49,991  

  42,936 

   52,736  

  55,526 

   544,262  

  547,791 

3,450  

374 

 $ 540,812   $ 547,417 

Included in other receivables at December 31, 2020 and 2019 were items such as estimated recovery from back charge claims, 
notes receivable, fuel tax refunds and income tax refunds. No such receivables individually exceeded 10% of total net receivables at 
any of these dates.

8. Fair Value Measurement

The following tables summarize significant assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets on a 
recurring basis for each of the fair value levels (in thousands):

December 31, 2020

Cash equivalents

  Money market funds

Other noncurrent assets

  Restricted cash

  Total assets

Accrued and other current liabilities

Interest rate swap

  Total liabilities

December 31, 2019

Cash equivalents

  Money market funds

Other noncurrent assets

  Restricted cash

  Total assets

Accrued and other current liabilities

Interest rate swap

  Total liabilities

F-28    Granite Construction Incorporated 

Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date 
Using

Level 1    Level 2    Level 3   

Total 

  $ 70,483   $ —   $ —   $ 70,483 

1,512    

—    

—    

1,512 

  $ 71,995   $ —   $ —   $ 71,995 

  $

  $

—   $ 7,606   $ —   $

—   $ 7,606   $ —   $

7,606 

7,606 

  $ 94,696   $ —   $ —   $ 94,696 

5,835    

—    

—    

5,835 

  $ 100,531   $ —   $ —   $ 100,531 

  $

  $

—   $ 4,603   $ —   $

—   $ 4,603   $ —   $

4,603 

4,603 

  
   
    
  
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
     
      
      
      
 
     
      
      
      
 
   
 
     
      
      
      
 
 
 
 
     
      
      
      
 
     
      
      
      
 
     
      
      
      
 
     
      
      
      
 
   
 
     
      
      
      
 
 
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Interest Rate Swaps

In connection with the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (as discussed further in Note 14) we entered into two 
interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges with an effective date of May 2018. The two cash flow hedges had a combined 
initial notional amount of $150.0 million and mature in May 2023. The interest rate swaps are designed to convert the interest rate 
on the term loan from a variable interest rate of LIBOR plus an applicable margin to a fixed rate of 2.76% plus the same applicable 
margin. The interest rate swap is measured at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets using the income approach, which 
discounts the future net cash settlements expected under the derivative contracts to a present value. These valuations primarily 
utilize indirectly observable inputs, including contractual terms, interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted 
intervals. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the estimated net amount of the existing losses that were reported in accumulated 
other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheets that were expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next 
twelve months were $3.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively.

Commodity Swap

In April 2020, Granite entered into two commodity swaps for crude oil covering the period from May 2020 to October 2020 with a 
total notional value of $3.8 million. The commodity swaps were settled in October 2020, and gains or losses, including net periodic 
settlement amounts, were recorded in other income, net in our consolidated statements of operations. In November 2020, Granite 
entered into a commodity swap for crude oil covering the period from March 2021 to September 2021 with an initial notional 
amount of $2.6 million. As of December 31, 2020, the commodity swap gain was immaterial.

Other Assets and Liabilities

The carrying values and estimated fair values of our financial instruments that are not required to be recorded at fair value in the 
consolidated balance sheets were as follows (in thousands): 

December 31,

Assets:

2020

2019

Fair Value 
Hierarchy 

Carrying 

Value   

Fair 
Value   

Carrying 

Value   

Fair 
Value 

Held-to-maturity marketable securities(1)

Liabilities (including current maturities):

Credit Agreement - term loan(2)

Level 1   $

5,200   $

5,200   $ 32,799   $ 32,792 

Level 3     131,250     133,030     138,750     139,042 

Credit Agreement - revolving credit facility(2)

Level 3    

—    

—     25,000     25,043 

2.75% Convertible Notes(2),(3)

Level 2     200,303     248,400     193,696     249,895 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

 All marketable securities were classified as held-to-maturity and consisted of U.S. Government and agency obligations as of December 31, 
2020 and 2019.
 The fair values of the 2019 Notes, Credit Agreement term loan and revolving credit facility are based on borrowing rates available to us for 
long-term loans with similar terms, average maturities, and credit risk. The fair value of the 2.75% Convertible Notes is based on the median 
price of the notes in an active market as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. See Note 14 for definitions of, and more information about the 
Credit Agreement and 2.75% Convertible Notes.
 Excluded from carrying value is $29.7 million and $36.3 million debt discount as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to 
the 2.75% Convertible Notes (see Note 14).

The carrying value of marketable securities approximates their fair value as determined by market quotes. Rates currently available 
to us for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate the fair value of existing debt. The carrying value 
of receivables and other amounts arising out of normal contract activities, including retentions, which may be settled beyond one 
year, is estimated to approximate fair value. 

2020 Annual Report    F-29

 
 
   
 
 
 
     
      
      
      
 
 
     
      
      
      
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

At least annually, we measure certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. As of December 31, 
2020 and 2019, the nonfinancial assets and liabilities included our asset retirement and reclamation obligations, as well as assets 
and corresponding liabilities associated with performance guarantees. Fair value for the asset retirement and reclamation obligations 
were measured using Level 3 inputs and those associated with performance guarantees were measured using Level 2 inputs.

Asset retirement and reclamation obligations were initially measured using internal discounted cash flow calculations based upon 
our estimates of future retirement costs. To determine the fair value of the obligation, we estimate the cost for a third-party to 
perform the legally required reclamation including a reasonable profit margin. This cost is then increased for future estimated 
inflation based on the estimated years to complete and discounted to fair value using present value techniques with a credit-
adjusted, risk-free rate. In estimating the settlement date, we evaluate the current facts and conditions to determine the most 
likely settlement date. We review reclamation obligations at least annually for a revision to the cost or a change in the estimated 
settlement date. Additionally, reclamation obligations are reviewed in the period that a triggering event occurs that would result in 
either a revision to the cost or a change in the estimated settlement date. See Note 11 for details of the asset retirement balances.

We estimate our liability for performance guarantees for our unconsolidated construction joint ventures and line item joint ventures 
using estimated partner bond rates, which are Level 2 inputs, and include them in accrued expenses and other current liabilities 
(see Note 13) with a corresponding increase in equity in construction joint ventures in the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 1 
for further discussion on performance guarantees.

As disclosed in Note 12, during the year ended December 31, 2020 we recorded fair value adjustments related to nonfinancial 
assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we did not record any fair value 
adjustments related to nonfinancial liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. During the year ended December 31, 
2019 we had no material nonfinancial asset and liability fair value adjustments.

9. Construction Joint Ventures

We participate in various construction joint ventures. As discussed in Note 1, we have determined that certain of these joint 
ventures are consolidated because they are VIEs and we are the primary beneficiary. We continually evaluate whether there are 
changes in the status of the VIEs or changes to the primary beneficiary designation of the VIE. Based on our assessments during 
the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we determined no change was required for existing joint ventures.

Due to the joint and several nature of the performance obligations under the related owner contracts, if any of the partners 
fail to perform, we and the remaining partners, if any, would be responsible for performance of the outstanding work (i.e., we 
provide a performance guarantee). At December 31, 2020, there was $1.5 billion of construction revenue to be recognized on 
unconsolidated and line item construction joint venture contracts of which $0.6 billion represented our share and the remaining 
$0.9 billion represented our partners’ share. We are not able to estimate amounts that may be required beyond the remaining cost 
of the work to be performed. These costs could be offset by billings to the customer or by proceeds from our partners’ corporate 
and/or other guarantees. See Note 13 for disclosure of the performance guarantee amounts recorded in the consolidated balance 
sheets and Note 1 for additional discussion regarding performance guarantees.

Consolidated Construction Joint Ventures

At December 31, 2020, we were engaged in nine active CCJV projects with total contract values ranging from $0.2 million 
to $434.1 million and a combined total of $1.7 billion. Total revenue remaining to be recognized on these CCJVs was $711.9 
million and ranged from $0.2 million to $253.0 million of which our share was $401.3 million and ranged from $0.1 million to 
$151.8 million. Our proportionate share of the equity in these joint ventures was between 50.0% and 70.0%. During the years 
ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, total revenue from CCJVs was $312.5 million, $261.2 million and $243.1 million, 
respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, CCJVs used $3.0 million and $13.1 million of operating cash 
flows, respectively, and during the year ended December 31, 2018, CCJVs provided $85.6 million of operating cash flows.

F-30    Granite Construction Incorporated 

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures

As discussed in Note 1, where we have determined we are not the primary beneficiary of a joint venture but do exercise significant 
influence, we account for our share of the operations of unconsolidated construction joint ventures on a pro rata basis in revenue 
and cost of revenue in the consolidated statements of operations and in equity in construction joint ventures in the consolidated 
balance sheets.

As of December 31, 2020, we were engaged in ten active unconsolidated joint venture projects with total contract values ranging 
from $13.2 million to $3.8 billion and a combined total of $11.6 billion of which our share was $3.4 billion. Our proportionate 
share of the equity in these unconsolidated joint ventures ranged from 20.0% to 50.0%. As of December 31, 2020, our share of 
the revenue remaining to be recognized on these unconsolidated construction joint ventures was $452.7 million and ranged from 
$1.1 million to $106.8 million.

The following is summary financial information related to unconsolidated construction joint ventures (in thousands):

December 31,

Assets

  Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities

  Other current assets(1)

  Noncurrent assets

  Less partners’ interest

  Granite’s interest(1),(2)

Liabilities

  Current liabilities

  Less partners’ interest and adjustments(3)

  Granite’s interest

Equity in construction joint ventures(4)

2020   

2019 

  $ 181,889   $ 179,049 

    767,803     972,840 

    164,022     207,584 

    751,125     904,565 

    362,589     454,908 

    482,562     581,199 

    226,308     243,202 

    256,254     337,997 

  $ 106,335   $ 116,911 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

 Included in this balance and in accrued and other current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 
was $82.3 million and $81.9 million, respectively, related to performance guarantees (see Note 13).
 Included in this balance as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $88.7 million and $116.8 million, respectively, related to Granite’s share of 
estimated cost recovery of customer affirmative claims. In addition, this balance included $13.1 million and $15.9 million related to Granite’s 
share of estimated recovery of back charge claims as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
 Partners’ interest and adjustments includes amounts to reconcile total net assets as reported by our partners to Granite’s interest adjusted to 
reflect our accounting policies and estimates primarily related to contract forecast differences.
 Included in this balance and in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets were amounts related to 
deficits in unconsolidated construction joint ventures which includes provisions for losses that were $82.5 million and $76.2 million as of 
December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

2020 Annual Report    F-31

 
     
      
 
 
     
      
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Years Ended December 31,

Revenue

  Total

  Less partners’ interest and adjustments(1)

  Granite’s interest

Cost of revenue

  Total

  Less partners’ interest and adjustments(1)

  Granite’s interest

  Granite’s interest in gross loss

2020   

2019   

2018 

  $

918,716   $ 1,471,157   $ 1,544,406 

559,480     1,049,797     1,029,931 

359,236    

421,360    

514,475 

    1,193,358     1,900,524     1,787,501 

782,683     1,357,852     1,225,905 

410,675    

542,672    

561,596 

  $

(51,439)  $ (121,312)  $

(47,121)

(1) 

 Partners’ interest and adjustments includes amounts to reconcile total revenue and total cost of revenue as reported by our partners to  
Granite’s interest adjusted to reflect our accounting policies and estimates primarily related to contract forecast differences.

During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, unconsolidated construction joint venture net losses were $(274.4) 
million, $(422.5) million and $(240.3) million, respectively, of which our share were net losses of $(51.5) million, $(120.6) 
million and $(44.6) million, respectively. The differences between our share of the joint venture net loss during the years ended 
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, when compared to the joint venture net loss primarily resulted from differences between 
our estimated total revenue and cost of revenue when compared to that of our partners’ on a range of three to five projects in 
each year. The differences are due to timing differences from varying accounting policies and in public company quarterly reporting 
requirements. These joint venture net income amounts exclude our corporate overhead required to manage the joint ventures and 
include taxes only to the extent the applicable states have joint venture level taxes.

Line Item Joint Ventures

As of December 31, 2020, we had four active line item joint venture construction projects with a total contract value of $318.0 
million of which our portion was $187.9 million. As of December 31, 2020, our share of revenue remaining to be recognized 
on these line item joint ventures was $88.1 million. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, our portion of 
revenue from line item joint ventures was $81.3 million, $40.0 million and $4.9 million, respectively.

10. Investments in Affiliates

Our investments in affiliates balance is related to our investments in unconsolidated non-construction entities that we account 
for using the equity method of accounting, including investments in foreign affiliates, real estate entities and an asphalt terminal 
entity.

The foreign affiliates in which we are invested are engaged in mineral drilling services and the manufacture and supply of drilling 
equipment, parts and supplies in Latin America. The real estate entities were formed to accomplish specific real estate development 
projects in which our wholly owned subsidiary, Granite Land Company, participates with third-party partners. The asphalt terminal 
entity is a 50% interest in a limited liability company which owns and operates an asphalt terminal and operates an emulsion plant 
in Nevada.

We have determined that the real estate entities are not consolidated because although they are VIEs, we are not the primary 
beneficiary. We have determined that the foreign affiliates and the asphalt terminal entity are not consolidated because they are 
not VIEs and we do not hold the majority voting interest. As such, these entities are accounted for using the equity method.

F-32    Granite Construction Incorporated 

 
     
      
      
 
   
 
   
     
      
      
 
   
 
   
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Our investments in affiliates balance consists of equity method investments in the following types of entities (in thousands):

December 31,

Foreign

Real estate

Asphalt terminal

  Total investments in affiliates

2020 

2019 

  $ 47,650    $ 55,335 

    12,777   

  17,229 

    14,860   

  11,612 

  $ 75,287    $ 84,176 

The following table provides summarized balance sheet information for our affiliates accounted for under the equity method on a 
combined basis (in thousands):

December 31,

Current assets

Noncurrent assets

  Total assets

Current liabilities

Long-term liabilities(1)

  Total liabilities

  Net assets

  Granite’s share of net assets

2020 

2019 

  $ 133,882    $ 122,348 

    164,620   

  165,331 

    298,502   

  287,679 

    52,583   

  48,322 

    66,108   

  61,078 

    118,691   

  109,400 

    179,811   

  178,279 

  $ 75,287    $ 84,176 

(1) 

 The balance primarily related to local bank debt for equipment purchases and working capital in our foreign affiliates and debt associated with 
our real estate investments. 

Of the $298.5 million in total assets as of December 31, 2020, we had investments in thirteen foreign entities with total assets 
ranging from $0.1 million to $72.4 million, two real estate entities with total assets of $24.5 million and $42.9 million and the 
asphalt terminal entity had total assets of $32.9 million. We have direct and indirect investments in the foreign entities and our 
percent ownership ranged from 25% to 50% as of December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020 all of the equity method 
investments in real estate affiliates were in residential real estate in Texas. As of December 31, 2019, $13.6 million was in 
residential real estate in Texas and the remaining balance was in commercial real estate in Texas. As of December 31, 2020, our 
percent ownership in the real estate entities ranged from 10% to 25%.

The following table provides summarized statement of operations information for our affiliates accounted for under the equity 
method on a combined basis (in thousands):

Years Ended December 31,

Revenue

Gross profit

Income before taxes

Net income

Granite’s interest in affiliates’ net income

2020 

2019 

2018 

  $ 194,717    $ 261,425    $ 187,827 

48,948   

28,471   

24,073   

8,783   

57,393   

35,391   

30,584   

11,454   

51,061 

37,454 

31,612 

6,935 

During 2020, the entities within our investments in foreign affiliates experienced a change in business climate from a rise in 
operating costs, resulting in increased prices and decreased demand. The corresponding decline in future operating cash flows 
resulted in the investments fair value to fall below the associated carrying amounts, which was considered to be other than 
temporary. Therefore, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $9.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2020.

2020 Annual Report    F-33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

11. Property and Equipment, net

Balances of major classes of assets and total accumulated depreciation and depletion are included in property and equipment, net 
in the consolidated balance sheets as follows (in thousands):

December 31,

Equipment and vehicles

Quarry property

Land and land improvements

Buildings and leasehold improvements

Office furniture and equipment

  Property and equipment

Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion

  Property and equipment, net

2020    

2019 

  $ 950,416 

 $ 947,687 

206,073 

135,639 

124,578 

73,512 

188,960 

132,531 

122,316 

67,991 

    1,490,218 

   1,459,485 

963,202 

917,188 

  $ 527,016 

 $ 542,297 

Depreciation and depletion expense primarily included in cost of revenue in our consolidated statements of operations was $98.3 
million, $101.9 million and $96.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 

As discussed in Note 1, we have asset retirement obligations, which are liabilities associated with our legally required obligations to 
reclaim owned and leased quarry property and related facilities. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, $6.0 million and $3.9 million, 
respectively, of our asset retirement obligations were included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $17.9 million 
and $17.9 million, respectively, were included in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

The following is a reconciliation of these asset retirement obligations (in thousands):

Years Ended December 31,

Beginning balance

Revisions to estimates

Liabilities settled

Accretion

  Ending balance

12. Intangible Assets

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets

2020    

2019 

  $

21,750 

 $

21,792 

2,484 

(1,521)

1,140 

899 

(2,061)

1,120 

  $

23,853 

 $

21,750 

Indefinite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of goodwill. The following table presents the goodwill balance by reportable 
segment (in thousands):

December 31,

Transportation

Water

Specialty

Materials

  Total goodwill

F-34    Granite Construction Incorporated 

2020    

2019 

  $

19,798 

 $

19,798 

30,780 

40,860 

25,339 

149,127 

40,866 

54,488 

  $ 116,777 

 $ 264,279 

 
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
 
   
  
   
  
   
  
 
   
  
   
  
   
  
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

The changes in the goodwill balance in our Water and Materials segments as of December 31, 2020 when compared to 
December 31, 2019 were primarily from goodwill impairment charges recorded during the year ended December 31, 2020. The 
change in the goodwill balance in our Specialty segment as of December 31, 2020 when compared to December 31, 2019 was 
related to foreign currency translation adjustments.

During 2020, we performed interim goodwill impairment tests on our Water and Mineral Services Group (“WMS”) Materials, 
WMS Water, WMS Specialty and Midwest Group Specialty reporting units which resulted in impairment charges. Interim goodwill 
impairment tests were not performed on our remaining reporting units as there was no indication of a possible goodwill 
impairment. 

We performed the first interim impairment test as of March 31, 2020 on our WMS Materials and WMS Specialty reporting units 
due to an adverse change in the business climate for these reporting units, including a modified relationship with a business 
partner, increased competition and market consolidation, exasperated by economic disruption and market conditions associated 
with the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors led to reductions in the revenue and margin growth rates used in our quantitative 
goodwill tests. The goodwill impairment test resulted in a $14.8 million impairment charge associated with our WMS Materials 
reporting unit and no impairment charge associated with our WMS Specialty reporting unit as its estimated fair value exceeded its 
net book value (i.e., headroom) by nearly 15%.

We performed the second interim goodwill impairment test as of September 30, 2020 on our Midwest Group Specialty, WMS 
Water and WMS Materials reporting units due to the continued impact from an adverse change in the business climate, including 
reduced market share due to loss of strategic personnel. These factors led to reductions in the revenue and margin growth rates, 
and delays in the timing of future cash flows used in our quantitative goodwill tests. The goodwill impairment test resulted in 
impairment charges of an additional $117.9 million and $14.4 million associated with our WMS Water and WMS Materials 
reporting units, respectively. The goodwill impairment test for the Midwest Group Specialty reporting unit indicated that its 
headroom by greater than 15%; therefore, no impairment charge was recorded.

For our 2020 annual goodwill impairment test, we conducted quantitative impairment tests for all of our reporting units and 
concluded that no additional impairment charge was required since the estimated fair value for each of the reporting units 
exceeded their respective net book values. The annual goodwill assessment for the WMS Water and WMS Materials indicated that 
their estimated fair values exceeded their net book value, but not by a significant amount, as the estimated fair values align with 
the second interim goodwill impairment test as of September 30, 2020. The WMS Specialty and Northwest Materials reporting 
units had $9.4 million and $1.9 million, respectively, of goodwill balances as of December 31, 2020 and the annual goodwill 
assessment indicated headroom of 12% and 3%, respectively. Although unexpected, additional adverse changes in the business 
climate for the WMS Specialty reporting unit could result in an impairment in future periods. There are no known potential events 
and/or changes in circumstances that could reasonably be expected to negatively affect the key assumptions used to estimate the 
Northwest Group Materials reporting unit fair value. The headroom for all other reporting units was in excess of 50%.

Future developments that we are unable to anticipate may require us to further revise the estimated future cash flows, which could 
adversely affect the fair value of our reporting units in future periods and result in additional impairment charges. The assumptions 
used in the goodwill impairment tests are classified as Level 3 inputs.

2020 Annual Report    F-35

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Amortized Intangible Assets

The following is the breakdown of our amortized intangible assets that are included in other noncurrent assets in the consolidated 
balance sheets (in thousands):

December 31, 2020

Assets

Customer relationships

Permits

Backlog

Developed technologies

Trademarks/trade name

Favorable contracts, covenants not to compete and other

Intangible assets

Liabilities

Unfavorable contracts

Intangible liabilities

  Total net amortized intangible assets

December 31, 2019

Assets

Customer relationships

Permits

Backlog

Developed technologies

Trademarks/trade name

Favorable contracts, covenants not to compete and other

Intangible assets

Liabilities

Unfavorable contracts

Intangible liabilities

  Total net amortized intangible assets

    Gross Value   

Accumulated
Amortization

    Net Value 

$37,319   

$ (21,415)   $15,904 

  23,959   

  (13,474)     10,485 

  8,400   

(8,381)    

19 

  9,003   

(5,869)     3,134 

  8,400   

(5,345)     3,055 

  2,166   

(1,771)    

395 

  89,247   

  (56,255)     32,992 

$ 6,700   

$ (6,655)   $

  6,700   

(6,655)    

45 

45 

$82,547   

$ (49,600)   $32,947 

    Gross Value   

Accumulated
Amortization

    Net Value 

$39,541   

$ (16,944)   $22,597 

  23,959   

  (12,484)     11,475 

  10,201   

(9,247)    

954 

  9,354   

(3,752)     5,602 

  8,993   

(3,667)     5,326 

  5,898   

(4,795)     1,103 

  97,946   

  (50,889)     47,057 

—   

—     

$ 6,773   

$ (6,339)   $

  6,773   

(6,339)    

— 

434 

434 

$91,173   

$ (44,550)   $46,623 

The net amortization expense related to amortized intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was 
$13.5 million, $18.9 million and $15.2 million, respectively, and was primarily included in cost of revenue and selling, general and 
administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2019 the 
gross value and associated accumulated amortization was adjusted for fully amortized intangible assets that we no longer intend 
to use. Amortization expense based on the amortized intangible assets balance at December 31, 2020 is expected to be recorded 
in the future as follows: $10.3 million in 2021; $6.2 million in 2022; $4.4 million in 2023; $4.1 million in 2024; $2.4 million in 
2025; and $5.5 million thereafter.

F-36    Granite Construction Incorporated 

 
   
 
    
 
   
    
 
 
   
 
     
    
 
    
 
    
 
 
   
     
   
     
   
     
 
   
     
 
   
     
 
   
     
 
 
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
       
 
   
     
 
   
     
 
 
   
     
 
   
 
    
 
   
    
 
 
   
 
     
    
 
    
 
    
 
 
   
     
   
     
   
     
 
   
     
 
   
     
 
   
     
 
 
   
     
   
     
 
 
   
     
 
   
     
 
 
   
     
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

13. Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (in thousands):

December 31,

Accrued insurance

Deficits in unconsolidated construction joint ventures (see Note 9)

Payroll and related employee benefits

Performance guarantees (see Note 1)

Other

  Total

2020    

2019 

  $ 65,404 

 $

54,790 

82,463 

    114,082 

82,280 

60,268 

76,199 

70,239 

81,929 

54,143 

  $ 404,497 

 $ 337,300 

Other includes dividends payable, accrued legal reserves, warranty reserves, asset retirement obligations, remediation reserves and 
other miscellaneous accruals, none of which are greater than 5% of total current liabilities.

14. Long-Term Debt (in thousands):

December 31,

2.75% Convertible Notes

Credit Agreement - term loan

Credit Agreement - revolving credit facility

Debt issuance costs and other

  Total debt

Less current maturities

  Total long-term debt

2020    

2019 

  $ 200,303 

 $ 193,696 

    131,250 

   138,750 

— 

7,247 

25,000 

6,906 

    338,800 

   364,352 

8,278 

8,244 

  $ 330,522 

 $ 356,108 

The aggregate minimum principal maturities of long-term debt related to balances at December 31, 2020 excluding debt issuance 
costs, including current maturities and the $29.7 million unamortized debt discount related to the 2.75% Convertible Notes are as 
follows: $8.5 million in 2021; $8.5 million in 2022; $117.3 million in 2023; $231.1 million in 2024; $1.1 million in 2025; and $6.8 
million in 2026 and thereafter.

2019 Notes 

As of December 31, 2018, senior notes payable in the amount of $40.0 million were due to a group of institutional holders and 
had an interest rate of 6.11% per annum (“2019 Notes”). As of December 31, 2018, all of the $40.0 million was included in 
current maturities of long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets. On July 29, 2019, we called and redeemed the $40.0 
million outstanding balance which was originally due in December 2019.

Credit Agreement

Granite entered into the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated May 31, 2018 which provides for, among other 
things, (i) a $150.0 million term loan (all of which was drawn on May 31, 2018) and a $350.0 million revolving credit facility;  
(ii) an increase to the revolving credit facility and/or term loan at the option of the Company, in an aggregate maximum amount up 
to $200.0 million subject to the lenders providing the additional commitments; (iii) a maturity date of May 31, 2023 (the “Maturity 
Date”); and (iv) the elimination of the stipulation to have a $150.0 million minimum cash balance before and after a dividend 
payment. There is an aggregate sublimit for letters of credit of $100.0 million and customary affirmative, restrictive and financial 
covenants.

On July 29, 2019, we entered into Amendment No.1 to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement which, among other 
things, amended the definition of Consolidated EBITDA which is used in the Consolidated Leverage Ratio financial covenant 
calculation.

2020 Annual Report    F-37

 
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
 
   
  
   
  
   
  
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

October 30, 2019, we entered into Amendment No. 2 to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement which, among other 
things, permitted the Company to issue the 2.75% Convertible Notes (as defined below), enter into the Hedge Option (as defined 
below) and execute the related warrant transaction.

On March 26, 2020, we entered into Amendment No. 3 to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, which among 
other things, (i) reduced the revolving credit facility from $350.0 million to $275.0 million; (ii) amended the definition of Applicable 
Rate from 2.00% to 3.00% for loans bearing interest based on LIBOR; (iii) amended the definition of Consolidated EBITDA which 
is used in the Consolidated Leverage Ratio financial covenant calculation; (iv) modified certain financial covenants to allow for 
investments in certain large projects during the four fiscal quarters during 2020; and (v) provided the Company additional time to 
deliver its annual and quarterly financial statements.

On June 19, 2020, we entered into Amendment No. 4 to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, which, among other 
things, provided the Company additional time to deliver its annual and quarterly financial statements. 

On November 12, 2020, we entered into Amendment No. 5 to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, which, 
among other things, provided the Company additional time to deliver its annual and quarterly financial statements and provided 
for a reversion in the applicable rate from 3.00% to the applicable rate table in the Credit Agreement upon filing of our Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending March 31, 2021.

On February 19, 2021, we entered into the Limited Waiver and Amendment No. 6 to the Third Amended and Restated Credit 
Agreement which waived any defaults or events of defaults that may have arisen in connection with the Company’s Restatement 
during the periods covered by the Restatement, the failure to comply with a financial covenant and any right of the lenders to 
collect interest at the default rate with respect to the waived defaults and events of default.

We refer to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated May 31, 2018 and all subsequent amendments listed above as 
“Credit Agreement.” 

The Credit Agreement consists of a term loan and a revolving credit facility. 

The term loan requires that Granite repay 1.25% of the principal balance each quarter until the Maturity Date, at which point the 
remaining balance is due. As of both December 31, 2020 and 2019, $7.5 million of the term loan balance was included in current 
maturities of long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets and the remaining $123.8 million and $131.3 million, respectively, 
was included in long-term debt.

As of December 31, 2020, the total unused availability under the Credit Agreement was $229.6 million resulting from $45.4 
million in issued and outstanding letters of credit. The letters of credit will expire between June 2021 and December 2024. During 
the year ended December 31, 2020, $50.0 million in draws were made under the revolving credit facility and as of December 31, 
2020, none were outstanding. As of December 31, 2019, the total availability under the Credit Agreement was $293.1 million 
resulting from $31.9 million in issued and outstanding letters of credit and $25.0 million in draws under the revolving credit facility.

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at LIBOR, subject to a 0.75% floor or a base rate (at our option), plus an 
applicable margin based on the Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) calculated quarterly. LIBOR 
varies based on the applicable loan term, market conditions and other external factors. The applicable margin was 3.00% for loans 
bearing interest based on LIBOR and 2.00% for loans bearing interest at the base rate at December 31, 2020. Accordingly, the 
effective interest rate at December 31, 2020 using three-month LIBOR and the base rate was 3.75% and 5.25%, respectively, and 
we elected to use LIBOR for the term loan.

Convertible Notes

2.75% Convertible Notes

In November 2019, we issued an aggregate principal amount of $230.0 million of convertible senior notes (the “2.75% Convertible 
Notes”) at an interest rate of 2.75% per annum payable semiannually in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year, beginning 
on May 1, 2020 maturing on November 1, 2024, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased. The 2.75% Convertible Notes 
will be convertible at the option of the holders prior to May 1, 2024 only during certain periods and upon the occurrence of certain 
events. Thereafter, the 2.75% Convertible Notes will be convertible at the option of the holders at any time until October 30, 2024. 

F-38    Granite Construction Incorporated 

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

The initial conversion rate applicable to the 2.75% Convertible Notes is 31.7776 shares of Granite common stock per $1,000 
principal amount of 2.75% Convertible Notes, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $31.47 per share 
of Granite common stock. Upon conversion, we will pay or deliver shares of Granite common stock or a combination of cash 
and shares of Granite common stock, at our election. In addition, upon the occurrence of a “make-whole fundamental change” 
as defined in the indenture governing the 2.75% Convertible Notes, (the “Indenture”) or if we deliver a notice of redemption, 
we will, in certain circumstances, increase the conversion rate for a holder that elects to convert its 2.75% Convertible Notes in 
connection with such a make-whole fundamental change or notice of redemption.

On or after November 7, 2022, we have the option to redeem for cash all or any portion of the 2.75% Convertible Notes if the last 
reported sale price of our common stock is equal to or greater than 130% of the conversion price for a specified period of time. 
Upon the occurrence of a “fundamental change” as defined in the Indenture, holders may require us to repurchase for cash all 
or any portion of their 2.75% Convertible Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid 
interest. In addition, as described in the Indenture, certain events of default including, but not limited to, bankruptcy, insolvency or 
reorganization, may result in the 2.75% Convertible Notes becoming due and payable immediately. 

The cash received from the issuance of the 2.75% Convertible Notes was separated into a $192.6 million liability component and 
a $27.9 million (net of $9.5 million in taxes) equity component on the consolidated balance sheets at the time of issuance based 
on the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an associated convertible feature. The difference between the principal 
amount and the $192.6 million (“debt discount”) will be recorded to interest expense using an effective interest rate of 6.62% 
over the expected life of the 2.75% Convertible Notes. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the carrying amount of the liability 
component was $200.3 million and $193.7 million, respectively. The equity component is not remeasured as long as it continues to 
meet the conditions for equity classification. 

On October 29, 2019, in connection with the offering of our 2.75% Convertible Notes, we entered into a purchased equity 
derivative instrument for $27.9 million (net of $9.5 million in taxes) to offset the potential common share dilution of any shares 
above $31.47 (“Hedge Option”) and sold warrants for $11.2 million to reduce the cost of the Hedge Option with potential 
common share dilution above $53.44 to offset the cost to the Company of the Hedge Option. The net costs incurred in connection 
with the Hedge Option and warrants were recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital on our consolidated balance sheets. 
Issuance costs related to the 2.75% Convertible Notes are comprised of $37.4 million in debt discounts upon original issuance and 
$6.4 million in third party offering costs. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recorded $6.6 million and $1.1 
million, respectively, of amortization related to the debt discount to interest expense in our consolidated statement of operations. 
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, $4.3 million and $5.4 million, respectively, of third party offering costs were included in the 
liability component and $1.0 million was included in the equity component.

4.25% Convertible Notes

During 2018, in connection with our acquisition of Layne, we assumed fair value of $69.9 million of convertible notes that had an 
interest rate of 4.25% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 (“4.25% Convertible Notes”). 
The 4.25% Convertible Notes had a maturity date of November 15, 2018, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted and 
were convertible at the option of the holders until the close of business on November 14, 2018. Prior to maturity, $0.5 million par 
value of the convertible notes were converted and cash settled for $0.3 million consistent with the irrevocable cash settlement 
election invoked by Layne on May 14, 2018. The $69.0 million remaining par value was redeemed at par plus $1.5 million of 
accrued interest on November 15, 2018.

8.0% Convertible Notes

Also in connection with our acquisition of Layne, we assumed convertible notes with a fair value of $121.6 million that had an interest 
rate of 8.0% per annum, payable semi-annually on May 1 and November 1 (“8.0% Convertible Notes”). As of December 31, 2018, 
$30.7 million associated with the conversion feature of the 8.0% Convertible Notes was included in additional paid-in capital 
on the consolidated balance sheets. The 8.0% Convertible Notes had a maturity date of August 15, 2018 (the “8.0% Maturity 
Date”). During the year ended December 31, 2018, $52.0 million of convertible notes were converted to 1.2 million shares of 
Granite common stock at the election of the note holders. The remaining $38.9 million of convertible notes, as well as $0.9 million 
of accrued interest as of the 8.0% Maturity Date, were redeemed in cash.

2020 Annual Report    F-39

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Real Estate Indebtedness

Our unconsolidated investments in real estate entities are subject to mortgage indebtedness. This indebtedness is non-recourse to 
Granite, but is recourse to the real estate entity. The terms of this indebtedness are typically renegotiated to reflect the evolving 
nature of the real estate project as it progresses through acquisition, entitlement and development. Modification of these terms 
may include changes in loan-to-value ratios requiring the real estate entity to repay portions of the debt. Our unconsolidated 
investments in our foreign affiliates are subject to local bank debt primarily for equipment purchases and working capital. This debt 
is non-recourse to Granite, but it is recourse to the affiliates. The debt associated with our unconsolidated non-construction entities 
is disclosed in Note 10.

Covenants and Events of Default

Our Credit Agreement requires us to comply with various affirmative, restrictive and financial covenants, including the financial 
covenants described below. Our failure to comply with these covenants would constitute an event of default under the Credit 
Agreement. Additionally, our failure to pay principal, interest or other amounts when due or within the relevant grace period on 
our 2.75% Convertible Notes or our Credit Agreement would constitute an event of default under the indenture governing our 
2.75% Convertible Notes or the Credit Agreement. A default under our Credit Agreement could result in (i) us no longer being 
entitled to borrow under such facility; (ii) termination of such facility; (iii) the requirement that any letters of credit under such 
facility be cash collateralized; (iv) acceleration of amounts owed under the Credit Agreement; and/or (v) foreclosure on any lien 
securing the obligations under such facility. A default under the indenture governing our 2.75% Convertible Notes could result in 
acceleration of the maturity of the notes.

The most significant financial covenants under the terms of our Credit Agreement require the maintenance of a minimum 
Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio and a maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio. As of December 31, 2020, the Consolidated 
Leverage Ratio was 2.58, which did not exceed the maximum of 3.25. Our Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio was 5.13, 
which exceeded the minimum of 4.00. As of December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with all covenants contained in the 
Credit Agreement. We are not aware of any non-compliance by any of our unconsolidated real estate entities with the covenants 
contained in their debt agreements.

15. Leases

We have leases for office and shop space, as well as for equipment primarily utilized in our construction projects. As of December 31, 
2020, our lease contracts were classified as operating leases and had terms ranging from month-to-month to 23 years. As of December 31,  
2020, ROU assets and long term lease liabilities were separately presented and short term lease liabilities of $19.0 million were 
included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2020, we had 
no lease contracts that had not yet commenced but created significant rights and obligations. Lease expense was $21.7 million and 
$18.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

As of December 31, 2020, our weighted-average remaining lease term was 5.1 years and the weighted-average discount rate was 
3.88%.

As of December 31, 2020, the lease liability is equal to the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted using the 
incremental borrowing rate on our secured debt, using one maturity discount rate that is updated quarterly, as it is not materially 
different than the discount rates applied to each of the leases in the portfolio.

F-40    Granite Construction Incorporated 

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

The following table summarizes our undiscounted lease liabilities outstanding as of December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026 through 2036

  Total future minimum lease payments

Less: imputed interest

  Total

Royalties

  $21,501 

  19,192 

  13,014 

  7,405 

  3,451 

  9,976 

  $74,539 

(8,788)

  $65,751 

Excluded from the table above are minimum royalty requirements under all contracts, primarily quarry property, in effect at 
December 31, 2020 which are payable as follows: $3.1 million in 2021; $1.9 million in 2022; $1.5 million in 2023; $1.3 million in 
2024; $0.7 million in 2025; and $2.8 million thereafter.

16. Employee Benefit Plans

Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan

The Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) is a defined contribution plan covering all employees except employees 
covered by collective bargaining agreements and certain employees of our CCJVs. Each employee’s combined pre-tax 401(k) 
and post-tax (Roth) contributions cannot exceed 50% of their eligible pay or Internal Revenue Code annual contribution limits. 
Our 401(k) matching contributions can be up to 6% of an employee’s gross pay at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Our 
401(k) matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were $17.6 million, 
$16.4 million and $13.4 million, respectively. Profit sharing contributions from the Company may be made to the 401(k) Plan in 
an amount determined by the Board of Directors. We made no profit sharing contributions during the years ended December 31, 
2020, 2019 and 2018.

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan

We offer a Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (“NQDC Plan”) to a select group of our highly compensated employees and 
non-employee directors. The NQDC Plan provides participants the opportunity to defer payment of certain compensation as defined 
in the NQDC Plan. In October 2008, a Rabbi Trust was established to fund our NQDC Plan obligation and was fully funded as of 
December 31, 2020. The assets held by the Rabbi Trust at December 31, 2020 and 2019 are substantially in the form of Company-
owned life insurance and are included in other noncurrent assets in the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2020, 
there were 65 active participants in the NQDC Plan. NQDC Plan obligations were $30.0 million and $26.6 million as of December 31,  
2020 and 2019, respectively, and were primarily included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. In 
addition, with the acquisition of Layne we assumed liabilities related to supplemental retirement benefits of $5.3 million and $5.0 
million that was included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, 
respectively.

2020 Annual Report    F-41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Multi-employer Pension Plans

As of December 31, 2020, five of our wholly owned subsidiaries, Granite Construction Company, Granite Construction Northeast, 
Inc., Granite Industrial, Inc., Granite Inliner, LLC and Layne Christensen Company contribute to various multi-employer pension 
plans on behalf of union employees. The risks of participating in these multiemployer plans are different from single-employer 
plans in the following aspects:

•	 Assets contributed to the multi-employer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other 

•	

•	

participating employers.
If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the 
remaining participating employers.
If we chose to stop participating in some of the multi-employer plans, we may be required to pay those plans an amount 
based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.

The following table presents our participation in these plans (dollars in thousands):

Pension  
Protection  
Act (“PPA”) 
Certified Zone  
Status(1)

2020

2019

Pension Plan  
Employer  
Identification 
Number

    95-6032478   Yellow Yellow

Pension Trust Fund

Operating 
Engineers Pension 
Trust Fund

91-6028571   Green Green

FIP/RP Status 
Pending /  
Implemented(2)

Contributions

2020

2019

2018

Surcharge 
Imposed

Yes

No

 $ 5,239   $ 4,508   $ 4,251 

263     5,479     4,726 

No

No

Locals 302 and 612 
IUOE-Employers 
Construction 
Industry Retirement 
Plan

Pension Trust Fund 
for Operating  
Engineers Pension 
Plan

All other funds  
(61 as of  
December 31, 
2020)

94-6090764   Yellow Yellow

Yes

   10,001     10,569     11,363 

No

   23,967     24,473     23,571   

Total Contributions: $ 39,470   $ 45,029   $ 43,911   

Expiration 
Date of 
Collective 
Bargaining 
Agreement(3)

6/30/2022

5/31/2021 
5/31/2022 
3/31/2023

2/28/2021 
6/30/2021 
10/31/2021 
6/30/2022 
3/31/2023 
6/30/2023 
9/30/2023 
3/31/2025

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

 The most recent PPA zone status available in 2020 and 2019 is for the plan’s year-end during 2019 and 2018, respectively. The zone status 
is based on information that we received from the plan and is certified by the plan’s actuary. Among other factors, plans in the red zone are 
generally less than 65 percent funded, plans in the orange zone are less than 80 percent funded and have an Accumulated Funding Deficiency 
in the current year or projected into the next six years, plans in the yellow zone are less than 80 percent funded, and plans in the green zone 
are at least 80 percent funded.
 The “FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented” column indicates plans for which a financial improvement plan (“FIP”) or a rehabilitation plan (“RP”) 
is either pending or has been implemented.
 Lists the expiration date(s) of the collective-bargaining agreement(s) to which the plans are subject. Pension trust funds with a range of expiration 
dates have various collective bargaining agreements. Expired collective bargaining agreements are under negotiation.

F-42    Granite Construction Incorporated 

   
  
   
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
     
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Based upon the most recently available annual reports, the Company’s contribution to each of the individually significant plans 
listed in the table above was less than 5% of each plan’s total contributions. We currently have no intention of withdrawing 
from any of the multi-employer pension plans in which we participate that would result in a significant withdrawal liability. In 
addition, we do not have any significant future obligations or funding requirements related to these plans other than the ongoing 
contributions that are paid as hours are worked by plan participants.

17. Shareholders’ Equity

Stock-based Compensation

The 2012 Equity Incentive Plan provides for the issuance of restricted stock, RSUs and stock options to eligible employees and to 
members of our Board of Directors. A total of 1,094,796 shares of our common stock have been reserved for issuance of which 
496,192 remained available as of December 31, 2020. No stock options or restricted stock were granted during the years ended 
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. There were no stock options or restricted stock outstanding as of December 31, 2020.

Restricted Stock Units

RSUs are issued for services to be rendered and may not be sold, transferred or pledged for such a period as determined by our 
Compensation Committee. RSU stock compensation cost is measured at our common stock’s fair value based on the market price 
at the date of grant. We recognize compensation cost only for RSUs that we estimate will ultimately vest. We estimate the number 
of shares that will ultimately vest at each grant date based on our historical experience and adjust compensation cost based on 
changes in those estimates over time.

RSU compensation cost is recognized ratably over the shorter of the vesting period (generally three years) or the period from 
grant date to the first maturity date after the holder reaches age 62 and has completed certain specified years of service, when all 
RSUs become fully vested. Vesting of RSUs is not subject to any market or performance conditions and vesting provisions are at 
the discretion of the Compensation Committee. An employee may not sell or otherwise transfer unvested RSUs and, in the event 
employment is terminated prior to the end of the vesting period, any unvested RSUs are surrendered to us. We have no obligation 
to purchase these RSUs that are surrendered to us.

A summary of the changes in our RSUs during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 is as follows (shares in 
thousands):

Years Ended December 31,

2020

2019

2018

Outstanding, beginning balance

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Weighted- 
Average  
Grant-Date  
Fair Value  

Weighted- 
Average 
Grant-Date 
Fair Value  

  RSUs

   387 

   462 

(190)

(58)

per RSU     RSUs 

per RSU    

RSUs

$43.99 

   443   

$47.65    

524 

  12.89 

   241   

  43.12    

271 

  34.36 

  24.76 

(263)  

(34)  

  48.63    

(315)

  50.65    

(37)

  Outstanding, ending balance

   601 

$24.96 

   387   

$43.99    

443 

Weighted- 
Average  
Grant-Date  
Fair Value 
per RSU 

$41.51 

  59.44 

  48.97 

  49.17 

$47.65 

Compensation cost related to RSUs was $6.4 million ($4.7 million net of statutory tax rate), $10.2 million ($7.5 million net of 
statutory tax rate), and $14.8 million ($11.0 million net of statutory tax rate) for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 
2018, respectively. The grant date fair value of RSUs vested during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was 
$6.5 million, $12.7 million and $15.4 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, there was $5.4 million of unrecognized 
compensation cost related to RSUs which will be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of 1.3 years.

2020 Annual Report    F-43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

401(k) Plan: As of December 31, 2020, the 401(k) Plan owned 1,160,973 shares of our common stock. Dividends on shares held 
by the 401(k) Plan are charged to retained earnings and all shares held by the 401(k) Plan are treated as outstanding in computing 
our earnings per share.

Share Purchase Program: As announced on April 29, 2016, on April 7, 2016, the Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase 
up to $200.0 million of our common stock at management’s discretion. As part of this authorization we have established a plan 
to facilitate common stock repurchases. We did not purchase shares under the share purchase program in any of the periods 
presented. As of December 31, 2020, $157.2 million of the authorization remained available. The specific timing and amount of 
any future repurchases will vary based on market conditions, securities law limitations and other factors.

18. Weighted Average Shares Outstanding and Net (Loss) Income  
Per Share

The following table presents a reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding used in calculating basic and diluted net 
(loss) income per share as well as the calculation of basic and diluted net (loss) income per share (in thousands except per share 
amounts):

Years Ended December 31,

Numerator (basic and diluted)

2020   

2019   

2018 

Net (loss) income allocated to common shareholders for basic calculation

  $ (145,117)  $ (60,191)  $

582 

Denominator

Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic

Dilutive effect of RSUs and convertible notes(1),(2)

Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted

  Net (loss) income per share, basic

  Net (loss) income per share, diluted

45,614     46,559     43,564 

—    

—    

461 

45,614     46,559     44,025 

  $

  $

(3.18)  $

(1.29)  $

(3.18)  $

(1.29)  $

0.01 

0.01 

(1) 

(2) 

 Due to the net losses for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, RSUs representing approximately 589,000 and 388,000 shares, 
respectively, have been excluded from the number of shares used in calculating diluted net loss per share, as their inclusion would be antidilutive.
 As our average stock price since the issuance date of the 2.75% Convertible Notes was below $31.47 per share, the number of shares used 
in calculating diluted net loss per share for the year ended December 31, 2020 did not include potential dilution from the 2.75% Convertible 
Notes converting into shares of common stock (See Note 14 for further details).

19. Income Taxes

The following is a summary of the (loss) income before (benefit from) provision for income taxes (in thousands):

Years Ended December 31,

Domestic

Foreign

2020   

2019   

2018 

  $ (176,448)   $ (72,765)   $ 14,243 

9,985     

(4,313)    

(5,915)

  Total (loss) income before (benefit from) provision for income taxes

  $ (166,463)   $ (77,078)   $ 8,328 

F-44    Granite Construction Incorporated 

 
     
      
      
 
     
      
      
 
   
   
   
 
   
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

The following is a summary of the benefit from income taxes (in thousands):

Years Ended December 31,

2020   

2019   

2018 

Federal:

  Current

  Deferred

  Total federal

State:

  Current

  Deferred

  Total state

Foreign:

  Current

  Deferred

  Total foreign

  $ (9,017)   $ (5,862)   $ (15,970)

    7,941      (17,731)     12,037 

    (1,076)     (23,593)    

(3,933)

(443)    

700     

    2,052     

(3,456)    

    1,609     

(2,756)    

136     

7,340     

(951)    

(1,367)    

(815)    

5,973     

10 

644 

654 

606 

(535)

71 

  Total benefit from income taxes

  $ (282)   $ (20,376)   $ (3,208)

The following is a reconciliation of our benefit from income taxes based on the Federal statutory tax rate to our effective tax rate 
(dollars in thousands):

Years Ended December 31,

Federal statutory tax

2020

2019

2018

  $ (34,957)     21.0%  $ (16,186)  

  21.0%  $ 1,749   

21.0%

State taxes, net of federal tax benefit

1,696     

(1.0)

(2,905)  

3.8 

  1,163   

Foreign Taxes

Percentage depletion deduction

Non-controlling interests

Nondeductible expenses

Non-cash impairment charges

Company-owned life insurance

Stock-based Compensation

Capital loss expiration

Valuation allowance

Gain/Loss on Sale of Entity

Purchase Price Accounting

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017

Other

  Total

14.0 

(2.2)

(11.4)

(27.5)

58.2 

— 

4.9 

(9.8)

(9.3)

— 

— 

(95.8)

(0.2)

—   

410   

(815)  

(772)  

—   

—   

(1,374)    

(1,096)    

4,423     

1,073     

0.8 

0.7 

(2.7)

(0.6)

—   

  — 

(932)  

(733)  

2,171   

1.2 

1.0 

(2.8)

(182)  

(951)  

(2,289)  

  4,842   

    32,905     

(19.8)

—   

  — 

—      — 

—      — 

(870)  

1.1 

—   

  — 

—      — 

—   

  — 

  8,423   

  101.2 

4,197     

(2.5)

1,727   

(2.2)

(6,795)  

(81.6)

(3,827)    

2.3 

—   

  — 

—      — 

—      — 

(1,308)  

1.7 

—   

  — 

(7,980)  

(1,541)    

0.9 

(428)  

0.4 

(11)  

  $

(282)    

0.2%  $ (20,376)  

  26.4%  $ (3,208)  

(38.5)%

2020 Annual Report    F-45

Changes in uncertain tax positions

(1,781)    

1.1 

(912)  

1.2 

 
     
       
       
 
 
     
       
       
 
   
 
     
       
       
 
   
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Following is a summary of the deferred tax assets and liabilities (in thousands):

December 31,

Long-term deferred tax assets:

  Receivables

Insurance

  Deferred compensation

  Accrued compensation

  Other accrued liabilities

  Contract income recognition

  Lease liabilities

  Net operating loss carryforwards

  Valuation allowance

  Other

  Total long-term deferred tax assets

Long-term deferred tax liabilities:

  Property and equipment

  Right of use assets

  Total long-term deferred tax liabilities

  Net long-term deferred tax assets

2020   

2019 

  $

3,162   $

2,776 

    12,720    

11,340 

    11,187    

10,498 

9,860    

2,574 

1,596    

1,084 

    15,895    

22,208 

    16,342    

19,078 

    55,000    

72,036 

(29,622)   

(30,889)

7,331    

4,142 

    103,471     114,847 

    48,996    

49,676 

    15,792    

18,767 

    64,788    

68,443 

  $ 38,683   $ 46,404 

The following is a summary of the net operating loss carryforwards at December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

Federal net operating loss carryforwards

Federal net operating loss carryforwards

State net operating loss carryforwards

Foreign tax loss carryforwards

  Total net operating loss carryforwards at December 31, 2020

Expiration    

Carryforward    

Gross  

Tax Effected 
Carryforward 

    2032-2036 

$ 62,361 

N/A 

    2021-2040 

    2021-2040 

75,376 

237,312 

47,210 

$13,096 

  15,829 

  12,059 

  14,016 

$55,000 

The federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards above included unrecognized tax benefits taken in prior years and the 
net operating loss carryforward deferred tax asset is presented net of these unrecognized tax benefits in accordance with ASC 740. The 
federal and state net operating loss acquired during the Layne acquisition are subject to Internal Revenue Code Section 382 limitations 
and may be limited in future periods and a portion may expire unused. As we expect to use the federal net operating loss carryforwards 
prior to expiration we believe that is more likely than not that these deferred tax assets will be realized and no valuation allowance was 
deemed necessary. We have provided a valuation allowance on the net operating loss deferred tax asset or the net deferred tax assets 
for certain foreign, state and local jurisdictions because we do not believe it is more likely than not that they will be realized.

The following is a summary of the change in valuation allowance (in thousands):

December 31,

Beginning balance

(Deductions) additions due to acquisitions

(Deductions) additions due to dispositions

Additions (deductions), net

  Ending balance

F-46    Granite Construction Incorporated 

2020 

2019 

  $ 30,889    $ 31,909 

—   

(4,667)  

3,400   

(716)

— 

(304)

  $ 29,622    $ 30,889 

 
     
      
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
     
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

The addition to the valuation allowance is mainly due to the capital loss incurred in the U.S. in 2020 which is expected to expire 
unused which is partially offset by deductions to the valuation allowance that are insignificant for the year ended December 31, 
2020.

We intend to indefinitely reinvest certain earnings of our foreign subsidiaries and affiliates. There are generally no federal income 
taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries therefore we would only be subject to other taxes, such as withholding and local 
taxes, upon distribution of these earnings. Of the $41.5 million of accumulated undistributed earnings that we consider indefinitely 
reinvested as of December 31, 2020, it is not practicable to determine the amount of taxes that would be payable upon remittance 
of these earnings. Deferred foreign withholding taxes have been provided on undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries 
and foreign affiliates where the earnings are not considered to be invested indefinitely.

Uncertain tax positions

We file income tax returns in the U.S. and various state and local jurisdictions. We are currently under examination by various state 
taxing authorities for various tax years. We do not anticipate that any of these audits will result in a material change in our financial 
position. We are no longer subject to U.S. federal examinations by tax authorities for years before 2013. With few exceptions, as of 
December 31, 2020, we are no longer subject to state examinations by taxing authorities for years before 2012.

We file income tax returns in foreign jurisdictions where we operate. The returns are subject to examination which may be ongoing 
at any point in time and tax liabilities are recorded based on estimates of additional taxes which will be due upon settlement of 
those examinations. The tax years subject to examination by foreign tax authorities vary by jurisdiction, but generally we are no 
longer subject to examinations by taxing authorities for years before 2014.

We had approximately $23.3 million and $27.3 million of total gross unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2020 and 
2019, respectively. There were approximately $6.0 million and $10.1 million of unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the 
effective tax rate in any future period at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. It is reasonably possible that our unrecognized 
tax benefit could decrease by approximately $1.6 million in 2021, of which $1.4 million would impact our effective tax rate in 
2021. The decrease relates to anticipated statute expirations and anticipated resolution of outstanding unrecognized tax benefits.

The following is a tabular reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands) the balance of which is included in other long-
term liabilities and accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets:

December 31,

Beginning balance

Gross increases – acquisitions

Gross decreases – dispositions

Gross decreases – current period tax positions

Gross increases – prior period tax positions

Gross decreases – prior period tax positions

2020 

2019 

2018 

  $ 27,303    $ 22,383    $ 3,171 

—   

5,812   

  20,153 

(1,590)  

—   

—   

(608)  

—   

—   

157   

(8)  

36 

(3)

2 

(195)

(781)

Settlements with taxing authorities/lapse of statute of limitations

(1,785)  

(1,041)  

  Ending balance

  $ 23,320    $ 27,303    $ 22,383 

We record interest on uncertain tax positions in interest expense and penalties in interest expense and other income, net in our 
consolidated statements of operations. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recognized approximately 
$0.4 million interest and penalty income, $0.6 million interest and penalty expense and $1.1 million interest and penalty income, 
respectively. 

Approximately $6.7 million and $8.8 million of accrued interest and penalties related to our uncertain tax position liability was 
included in other long-term liabilities and accrued expenses and other current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets at 
December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

2020 Annual Report    F-47

 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

20. Contingencies - Legal Proceedings 

In the ordinary course of business, we and our affiliates are involved in various legal proceedings alleging, among other things, 
liability issues or breach of contract or tortious conduct in connection with the performance of services and/or materials provided, 
the various outcomes of which cannot be predicted with certainty. We and our affiliates are also subject to government inquiries 
in the ordinary course of business seeking information concerning our compliance with government construction contracting 
requirements and various laws and regulations, the outcomes which cannot be predicted with certainty.

Some of the matters in which we or our joint ventures and affiliates are involved may involve compensatory, punitive, or other 
claims or sanctions that, if granted, could require us to pay damages or make other expenditures in amounts that are not probable 
to be incurred or cannot currently be reasonably estimated. In addition, in some circumstances our government contracts could be 
terminated, we could be suspended, debarred or incur other administrative penalties or sanctions, or payment of our costs could 
be disallowed. While any of our pending legal proceedings may be subject to early resolution as a result of our ongoing efforts to 
resolve the proceedings, whether or when any legal proceeding will be resolved is neither predictable nor guaranteed.

Accordingly, it is possible that future developments in such proceedings and inquiries could require us to (i) adjust existing accruals, 
or (ii) record new accruals that we did not originally believe to be probable or that could not be reasonably estimated. Such 
changes could be material to our financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows in any particular reporting period. In 
addition to matters that are considered probable for which the loss can be reasonably estimated, disclosure is also provided when 
it is reasonably possible and estimable that a loss will be incurred or when it is reasonably possible that the amount of a loss will 
exceed the amount recorded.

Liabilities relating to legal proceedings and government inquiries, to the extent that we have concluded such liabilities are probable 
and the amounts of such liabilities are reasonably estimable, are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets. The aggregate 
liabilities recorded as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 related to these matters were immaterial. The aggregate range of possible 
loss related to (i) matters considered reasonably possible, and (ii) reasonably possible amounts in excess of accrued losses recorded 
for probable loss contingencies, including those related to liquidated damages, could have a material impact on our consolidated 
financial statements if they become probable and the reasonably estimable amount is determined.

On August 13, 2019, a securities class action was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California 
against the Company, James H. Roberts, our former President and Chief Executive Officer, and Jigisha Desai, our former Senior Vice 
President and Chief Financial Officer and current Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer. An Amended Complaint was 
filed on February 20, 2020 that, among other things, added Laurel Krzeminski, our former Chief Financial Officer, as a defendant. 
The amended complaint is brought on behalf of an alleged class of persons or entities that acquired our common stock between 
April 30, 2018 and October 24, 2019, and alleges claims arising under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act 
of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder. The Amended Complaint seeks damages based on allegations that in the Company’s SEC 
filings the defendants made false and/or misleading statements and failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company’s 
business, operations and prospects. On May 20, 2020, the Court denied, in part, the Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss the Amended 
Complaint. On January 21, 2021, the Court granted Plaintiff’s motion for class certification. We are in the pretrial stages of the 
litigation, and we cannot predict the outcome or consequences of this case, which we intend to defend vigorously.

On October 23, 2019, a putative class action lawsuit was filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz against 
the Company, James H. Roberts, our former President and Chief Executive Officer, Laurel Krzeminski, our former Chief Financial 
Officer, and the then-serving Board of Directors on behalf of persons who acquired shares of Company common stock in the 
Company’s June 2018 merger with Layne. The complaint asserts causes of action under the Securities Act of 1933 and alleges that 
the registration statement and prospectus were negligently prepared and included materially false and misleading statements and 
failed to disclose facts required to be disclosed. On August 10, 2020, the Court sustained our demurrer dismissing the complaint 
with leave to amend. On September 16, 2020, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint. We have filed a demurrer seeking to 
dismiss the amended complaint. We are in the preliminary stages of the litigation and, as a result, we cannot predict the outcome 
or consequences of the case, which we intend to defend vigorously.

F-48    Granite Construction Incorporated 

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

On May 6, 2020, a stockholder derivative lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California 
against James H. Roberts, our former President and Chief Executive Officer, Jigisha Desai, our former Senior Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer and current Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Laurel Krzeminski, our former Chief Financial 
Officer, and our then-current Board of Directors (collectively, the “Individual Defendants”), and the Company, as a nominal 
defendant, asserting claims for breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, and violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
that occurred between April 30, 2018 and October 24, 2019. The lawsuit alleges that the Individual Defendants knowingly inflated 
the Company’s revenue, income, and margins in violation of U.S. GAAP, which caused the results during the relevant periods to 
be materially false and misleading. The complaint seeks monetary damages and corporate governance reforms. The Court has 
ordered that the lawsuit in the derivative action be stayed until further order of the Court or until entry of a final judgment in the 
putative securities class action lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. We are in the 
preliminary stages of the litigation and, as a result, we cannot predict the outcome or consequences of this case, which we intend 
to defend vigorously.

As of December 31, 2020, no liability related to above matters was recorded because we have concluded the amounts of such 
liabilities are not reasonably estimable.

In connection with our disclosure of the Audit Committee’s independent Investigation, we voluntarily contacted the San Francisco 
office of the SEC Division of Enforcement regarding that Investigation. The SEC has issued us subpoenas for documents in connection 
with the independent Investigation. We have produced documents to the SEC regarding the accounting issues identified during the 
independent Investigation and will continue to cooperate with the SEC in its investigation.

21. Business Segment Information

Our reportable business segments are the same as our operating segments and correspond with how our chief operating decision 
maker (our President) regularly reviews financial information to allocate resources and assess performance. Our reportable business 
segments are: Transportation, Water, Specialty and Materials. 

The Transportation segment focuses on construction and rehabilitation of roads, pavement preservation, bridges, rail lines, airports 
and marine ports for use mostly by the general public.

The Water segment focuses on water-related construction and water management solutions for municipal agencies, commercial 
water suppliers, industrial facilities and energy companies. It also provides trenchless cured-in-place pipe for sanitary and storm 
water rehabilitation.

The Specialty segment focuses on construction of various complex projects including infrastructure/site development, mining, 
public safety, tunnel and power projects.

The Materials segment focuses on production of aggregates, asphalt and construction related materials as well as proprietary 
sanitary and storm water rehabilitation products including cured-in-place pipe felt and fiberglass-based lining tubes both for 
internal use and for sale to third parties.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (see 
Note 1). We evaluate segment performance based on gross profit or loss, and do not include selling, general and administrative 
expenses or non-operating income or expense. Segment assets include property and equipment, intangibles, goodwill, inventory 
and equity in construction joint ventures.

2020 Annual Report    F-49

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Summarized segment information is as follows (in thousands):

Years Ended December 31,

  Transportation   

Water    Specialty    Materials   

Total 

2020

  Total revenue from reportable segments

$ 2,017,989    $440,317    $723,391    $ 548,439    $ 3,730,136 

  Elimination of intersegment revenue

  Revenue from external customers

  Gross (loss) profit

—     

—     

—      (167,677)    

(167,677)

  2,017,989      440,317      723,391      380,762      3,562,459 

133,748      54,241      92,180     

64,619     

344,788 

  Depreciation, depletion and amortization

19,933      35,753      23,911     

22,554     

102,151 

  Segment assets

2019

303,435      133,969      109,967      351,606     

898,977 

  Total revenue from reportable segments

$ 1,892,149    $468,730    $727,537    $ 530,063    $ 3,618,479 

  Elimination of intersegment revenue

  Revenue from external customers

  Gross profit

—     

—     

—      (172,873)    

(172,873)

  1,892,149      468,730      727,537      357,190      3,445,606 

55,001      29,766      86,729     

50,182     

221,678 

  Depreciation, depletion and amortization

17,579      41,964      26,766     

24,258     

110,567 

  Segment assets

2018

308,668      284,559      129,103      369,930      1,092,260 

  Total revenue from reportable segments

$ 1,946,750    $345,861    $625,666    $ 514,939    $ 3,433,216 

  Elimination of intersegment revenue

  Revenue from external customers

  Gross profit

—     

—     

—      (146,185)    

(146,185)

  1,946,750      345,861      625,666      368,754      3,287,031 

137,086      59,134      89,935     

48,685     

334,840 

  Depreciation, depletion and amortization

26,715      25,779      24,017     

24,015     

100,526 

  Segment assets

348,810      317,633      142,699      353,208      1,162,350 

As of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 segment assets included $12.4 million, $14.7 million and $15.1 million, respectively, 
of property and equipment located in foreign countries (primarily Mexico). During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 
2018 the majority of our revenue was derived in United States.

A reconciliation of segment gross profit to consolidated (loss) income before (benefit from) provision for income taxes is as follows 
(in thousands):

Years Ended December 31,

Total gross profit from reportable segments

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Acquisition and integration expenses

Non-cash impairment charges

Gain on sales of property and equipment

Total other expense (income)

 2020   

2019     

2018 

  $ 344,788    $221,678    $334,840 

    353,320      307,981      272,776 

53      15,299      61,520 

    156,690     

—     

— 

(6,930)    

(18,703)    

(7,672)

8,118     

(5,821)    

(112)

(Loss) income before provision for (benefit from) income taxes

  $ (166,463)   $ (77,078)   $

8,328 

F-50    Granite Construction Incorporated 

 
   
       
       
       
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
       
       
       
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
       
       
       
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

A reconciliation of segment assets to consolidated total assets is as follows (in thousands): 

December 31,

Total assets for reportable segments

Assets not allocated to segments:

  Cash and cash equivalents

  Short-term and long-term marketable securities

  Receivables, net

  Other current assets, excluding segment assets

  Property and equipment, net, excluding segment assets

Investments in affiliates

  ROU assets

  Deferred income taxes, net

  Other noncurrent assets, excluding segment assets

  Consolidated total assets

2020   

2019 

  $ 898,977    $ 1,092,260 

436,136     

262,273 

5,200     

32,799 

540,812     

547,417 

207,138     

257,457 

49,079     

43,477 

75,287     

84,176 

62,256     

72,534 

41,839     

50,158 

63,272     

59,537 

  $ 2,379,996    $ 2,502,088 

2020 Annual Report    F-51

 
   
       
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

Non-GAAP Financial Information

The Annual Report contains financial information calculated other than in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting 
principles (“U.S. GAAP”). Specifically, management believes that non-GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating operating 
performance and are regularly used by securities analysts, institutional investors and other interested parties, and that such 
supplemental measures facilitate comparisons between companies that have different capital and financing structures and/or tax 
rates. We are also providing the non-GAAP financial measures, including adjusted income (loss) before benefit from income taxes, 
adjusted provision for (benefit from) income taxes, adjusted net income (loss) attributable to Granite Construction Incorporated 
and adjusted diluted net income (loss) per share to indicate the impact of amortization of debt discount related to our convertible 
notes and non-recurring acquisition, integration, acquired intangible amortization expenses, acquisition related depreciation and 
synergy costs (collectively referred to as “transaction costs”) related to the acquisition of the Layne Christensen Company and 
LiquiForce and other significant non-recurring items as required. Acquisition and integration costs include external transaction 
costs, professional fees and internal travel. Synergy costs include expenses incurred which will be eliminated as the integration of 
Layne and LiquiForce is completed.

Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures facilitate comparisons between industry peer companies and 
management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in evaluating the Company’s performance. However, the reader is cautioned 
that any non-GAAP financial measures provided by the Company are provided in addition to, and not as alternatives for, the 
Company’s reported results prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Items that may have a significant impact on the Company’s 
financial position, results of operations and cash flows must be considered when assessing the Company’s actual financial 
condition and performance regardless of whether these items are included in non-GAAP financial measures. The methods used 
by the Company to calculate its non-GAAP financial measures may differ significantly from methods used by other companies to 
compute similar measures. As a result, any non-GAAP financial measures provided by the Company may not be comparable to 
similar measures provided by other companies. 

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED

Adjusted Net (Loss) Income Reconciliation

(Unaudited - in thousands, except per share data)

Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes

  Transaction costs

  Amortization of debt discount(1)

  Non-cash impairment

  Non-recurring legal and accounting fees

Adjusted income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

  Tax effect of the transaction costs and amortization of debt discount(2)

Adjusted provision for (benefit from) income taxes

Net income (loss) attributable to Granite Construction Incorporated

 After-tax transaction costs, amortization of debt discount, non-cash impairment and  
non-recurring legal and accounting fees

Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to Granite Construction Incorporated

Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders

  After-tax transaction costs and amortization of debt discount

Adjusted diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders

Years Ended December 31,

2020   

2019 

 $

(166,463)   $

(77,078)

23,287   

6,606   

156,690   

35,575   

43,497 

1,071 

— 

— 

55,695    $

(32,510)

(282)   $

(20,376)

17,022   

11,588 

16,740    $

(8,788)

(145,117)   $

(60,191)

205,136   

32,980 

60,019    $

(27,211)

(3.18)   $

4.48   

1.30    $

(1.29)

0.71 

(0.58)

 $

 $

 $

 $

 $

 $

 $

(1) 

 Under U.S. GAAP, certain convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash on conversion are required to be separately accounted for as 
liability and equity components of the instrument in a manner that reflects the issuer’s non-convertible debt borrowing rate. Accordingly, the 
$230.0 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes that were issued in November 2019 (the “2.75 % Convertible Notes”), 
are separated into liability and equity components on the consolidated balance sheets. The equity component represents the excess of the 
$230.0 million principal amount of the 2.75% Convertible Notes over the carrying amount of the liability component (“debt discount”). We 
are amortizing the debt discount to interest expense using an effective interest rate of 6.62% over the expected life of the 2.75% Convertible 
Notes. 

(2)  The tax effect of transaction costs was calculated using the Company’s estimated annual statutory tax rate.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Claes G. Bjork 
Chairman of the Board 

Michael F. McNally 
Chairman of the Board Elect 
Retired President and Chief Executive Officer 
Skanska USA Inc.

Molly C. Campbell 
Infrastructure Advisor 
US Treasury Office of Technical Assistance

David C. Darnell 
Retired Vice Chairman 
Global Wealth and Investment Management 
Bank of America Corporation

Patricia D. Galloway 
Chairman 
Pegasus Global Holdings, Inc.

David H. Kelsey 
Retired Chief Financial Officer 
Verdezyne, Inc.

Alan P. Krusi 
Retired President, Strategic Development 
AECOM Technology Corporation

Jeffrey J. Lyash 
President and Chief Executive Officer 
Tennessee Valley Authority

Celeste B. Mastin 
Chief Executive Officer 
Petro Choice Lubrication Solutions

Gaddi H. Vasquez 
Retired Senior Vice President 
of Government Affairs 
Edison International and 
Southern California Edison

OFFICERS

Kyle T. Larkin 
President 

Elizabeth L. Curtis 
Executive Vice President 
and Chief Financial Officer

Jigisha Desai 
Executive Vice President 
and Chief Strategy Officer

James A. Radich 
Executive Vice President 
and Chief Operating Officer

Timothy W. Gruber 
Senior Vice President, Human Resources

M. Craig Hall 
Senior Vice President, General Counsel, 
Corporate Compliance Officer, and Secretary

Brian R. Dowd 
Senior Vice President and Group Manager

James D. Richards 
Senior Vice President and Group Manager

Michael G. Tatusko 
Senior Vice President and Group Manager

Michael W. Barker 
Vice President, Investor Relations 

Kenneth B. Olson 
Vice President, Treasurer, 
and Assistant Financial Officer

Nicholas B. Blackburn 
Senior Director of Corporate Taxation 
and Assistant Secretary

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

Granite’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders 
will be held at 10:30 a.m. PDT on June 
2, 2021, in a virtual meeting format 
(virtualshareholdermeeting.com/GVA2021). 
Proxy materials are available on our website 
at investor.graniteconstruction.com or on 
written request to:

Investor Relations 
Granite Construction Incorporated 
P.O. Box 50085 
Watsonville, CA 95077-5085

DIVIDEND POLICY

The company’s Board of Directors has 
declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.13 
per share of common stock payable on April 
15, 2021, to shareholders of record as of 
March 31, 2021. Declaration and payment 
of dividends are at the sole discretion of the 

Board of Directors, subject to limitations 
imposed by Delaware law, and will depend on 
the company’s earnings, capital requirements, 
financial condition, and other factors as the 
Board of Directors deems relevant.

ELECTRONIC DEPOSIT OF DIVIDENDS 

Registered holders may have their quarterly 
dividends deposited to their checking 
or savings account free of charge. Call 
Computershare at (877) 520-8549 for US 
residents or (732) 491-0616 for non-US 
residents to enroll.

FORM 10-K

A copy of the company’s Annual Report on 
Form 10-K, which is filed with the Securities 
and Exchange Commission, is available free of 
charge on our website or on written request to:

Investor Relations 
Granite Construction Incorporated 
P.O. Box 50085 
Watsonville, CA 95077-5085

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC 
ACCOUNTING FIRM

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
405 Howard Street   
Suite 600 
San Francisco, CA 94105

REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT

Computershare 
250 Royall Street 
Canton, MA 02021

SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES

Michael W. Barker 
Vice President, Investor Relations 
(831) 768-4365 
mike.barker@gcinc.com

CERTIFICATIONS

Granite’s principal executive officer and 
principal financial officer have each submitted 
certifications concerning the accuracy of 
financial and other information in Granite’s 
Annual Report on Form 10-K, as required by 
Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 
of 2002.

After the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, 
the company intends to file with the New York 
Stock Exchange (NYSE) the CEO certification 
regarding our compliance with the NYSE’s 
corporate governance listing standards as 
required by NYSE Rule 303A.12(a). The 2019 
certification was filed on June 7, 2019.

Granite Construction Incorporated 
585 West Beach Street 
Watsonville, CA 95076 
graniteconstruction.com

© 2021 Granite Construction Incorporated. All rights reserved.