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

FORM 10-K

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
         For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007
OR
 
o 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
77-0239383
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
   
585 West Beach Street
 
Watsonville, California
95076
(Address of principal executive offices)
(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
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
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  x No o
 
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  o No x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  x No o
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Large accelerated filer  x Accelerated filer  o    Non-accelerated filer  o     Smaller reporting company  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  o No x
 
The aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $2.3 billion as of June 30, 2007, based upon the average of the bid and asked prices per share of the registrant’s Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on such date. Shares of Common Stock held by each executive officer and director and by each person who owns 5% or more of the outstanding Common Stock have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.
 
At February 13, 2008, 38 ,952,477 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 May 19 , 2008, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after December 31, 2007.
 


 
 
Index

PART I
 
 
 
 
 
 

PART II
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PART III
 
 
 
 
 

PART IV
 
EXHIBIT 10.1  
EXHIBIT 10.10  
EXHIBIT 23.1  
EXHIBIT 31.1  
  EXHIBIT 31.2   
  EXHIBIT 32   

FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLOSURE
 
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains statements that are not based on historical facts and which may be forward-looking in nature. Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, a “safe harbor” may be provided to us for certain of these forward-looking statements. Words such as “outlook,”  “believes,”  “expects,”  “appears,”  “may,”  “will,”  “should,”  “anticipates” or the negative thereof or comparable terminology, are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are estimates reflecting the best judgment of our senior management and are based on our current expectations and projections concerning future events, many of which are outside of our control, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those more specifically described in this Report under “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” Granite undertakes no obligation to publicly revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason. As a result, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Report.

PART I

Item 1. BUSINESS

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

We are one of the largest heavy civil construction contractors in the United States. We operate nationwide, serving both public and private sector clients. Within the public sector, we primarily concentrate on infrastructure projects, including the construction of roads, highways, bridges, dams, canals, mass transit facilities and airport infrastructure. Within the private sector, we perform site preparation and infrastructure services for residential development, commercial and industrial buildings, plants and other facilities. Our diversification in both the public and private sectors and our mix of project types and sizes have contributed to our profitability in various economic environments.

We own and lease substantial aggregate reserves and own a number of construction materials processing plants. We also have one of the largest contractor-owned heavy construction equipment fleets in the United States. We believe that the ownership of these assets enables us to compete more effectively by ensuring availability of these resources at a favorable cost.

Operating Structure
 
Historically, we were organized into two operating segments, the Branch Division and the Heavy Construction Division (“HCD”). The Branch Division was comprised of branch offices that served local markets, while HCD was composed of regional offices and pursued major infrastructure projects throughout the nation.
 
In February 2007, we announced an organizational realignment of our business operations which is designed to accommodate growth of our vertically integrated Branch business in the West and improve profitability of our large, complex HCD projects. This realignment involved the reorganization of our operating divisions geographically into “Granite West” and “Granite East.” Granite West includes the operations of our former Branch Division as well as the western portion of our large project business that was formerly included in HCD. Granite West retains our successful decentralized operating structure, with each of its branch locations aligning under one of three operating groups: Northwest, Northern California and Southwest. Granite East includes the eastern portion of our large project business that had been included in HCD and is aligned to focus on enhancing project management oversight and discipline from estimating through execution.  With the Division office in Lewisville, Texas, Granite East also operates out of three regional offices: the Central Region, based in Lewisville, Texas; the Southeast Region, based in Tampa, Florida; and the Northeast Region, based in Tarrytown, New York.

During 2007, we completed the reassignment of our large projects in the West from our former Heavy Construction Division to our Granite West Division (with the exception of certain projects nearing completion which remain with our Granite East Division) and made substantial progress on other aspects of the realignment.  As a result, we are reporting Granite West and Granite East as new reportable segments.  Prior period results have been reclassified to conform to the new organizational structure (see Note 1 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements”).  
The following table shows the impact on revenue and gross profit of the three projects reassigned from our former Heavy Construction Division to the newly created Granite West:
             
Granite West
Years ended December 31,
 
(in thousands)
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Branch Division revenue
 
$
1,828,024
 
 
$
1,848,725
 
 
$
1,591,545
 
Reassigned projects revenue
 
 
100,727
 
 
 
79,271
 
 
 
7,913
 
Granite West Division revenue
 
 
1,928,751
 
 
 
1,927,996
 
 
 
1,599,458
 
Branch Division gross profit
 
 
357,871
 
 
 
364,878
 
 
 
253,890
 
Reassigned projects gross profit (loss)
 
 
12,558
 
 
 
(14,291
)
 
 
-
 
Granite West Division gross profit
 
 
370,429
 
 
 
350,587
 
 
 
253,890
 
                         
Granite East 
Years ended December 31,
 
(in thousands)
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Heavy Construction Division revenue
 
$
869,178
 
 
$
1,085,888
 
 
$
1,030,109
 
Reassigned projects revenue
 
 
(100,727
)
 
 
(79,271
)
 
 
(7,913
)
Granite East Division revenue
 
 
768,451
 
 
 
1,006,617
 
 
 
1,022,196
 
Heavy Construction Division gross profit (loss)
 
 
38,382
 
 
 
(86,856
)
 
 
50,470
 
Reassigned projects gross profit
 
 
(12,558
 
 
14,291
 
 
 
-
 
Granite East Division gross profit (loss)
 
 
25,824
 
 
 
(72,565
)
 
 
50,470
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The backlog related to the three reassigned projects was $208.0 million and $122.1 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
Granite West: In 2007 and 2006, Granite West contract revenue and sales of construction materials was $1.9 billion (70.4% and 64.9% of our total revenue, respectively). Granite West has both public and private sector clients. Typical public sector projects include both new construction and improvement of streets, roads, highways and bridges. Typical major private sector contracts include site preparation for housing and commercial development, including excavation, grading and street paving and installation of curbs, gutters, sidewalks and underground utilities.

Granite West currently has  15 branch offices in the western United States with additional satellite operations. Each branch reports under one of three operating groups: Northwest, Northern California and Southwest. Although most Granite West projects are started and completed within a year, the division also has the capability of constructing larger projects and currently has five active projects, each with total contract revenue greater than $50.0 million, including two projects from our legacy Heavy Construction Division. I n 2007, individual branch revenues ranged from $72.7 million to $236.4 million.

As part of our strategy, our branches mine aggregates and/or operate plants that process aggregates into construction materials for internal use and for sale to others. These activities are vertically integrated into Granite West, providing both a source of profits and a competitive advantage to our construction business through the readily available supply of materials. We have significant aggregate reserves that we have acquired by ownership in fee or through long-term leases. The amount of aggregate products produced that were used in our construction projects was approximately 43.0% during 2007 and has ranged from 37.0% to 44.0%  over the last five years. The remainder is sold to unaffiliated parties and accounted for the following:
               
Years Ended December 31,  
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
(in thousands)      
Material sales to unaffiliated parties
 
$
375,700
 
$
410,159
 
$
334,290
 
Percent of total revenue
   
13.7
%
 
13.8
%
 
12.7
%
Percent of Granite West revenue
   
19.5
%
 
21.3
%
 
20.9
%
 
Granite East: In 2007, revenue from Granite East was $768.5 million (28.1% of our total revenue), compared with $1.0 billion (33.9% of our total revenue) in 2006. Granite East operates in the eastern portion of the United States with a focus on large, complex infrastructure projects including major highways, large dams, mass transit facilities, bridges, pipelines, canals, waterway locks and dams, and airport infrastructure.  It also performs activities such as demolition, clearing, large-scale earthwork and grading, dewatering, drainage improvements, structural concrete, rail signalization, and concrete and asphalt paving.  Granite East also has the ability, if needed, to process locally sourced aggregates into construction materials using owned or rented portable crushing, concrete and asphalt processing plants.
With Division offices in Lewisville, Texas, Granite East also operates out of three regional offices: the Central Region, based in Lewisville, Texas; the Southeast Region, based in Tampa, Florida; and the Northeast Region, based in Tarrytown, New York. These regional offices provide management and administrative support and are the primary hubs for estimating efforts. Granite East construction contracts are typically greater than two years in duration with an average contract size of greater than $100.0 million .
 
Both Granite East and Granite West participate in joint ventures with other large construction companies. Joint ventures are used for large, technically complex projects, including design/build projects, where it is desirable to share risk and resources. Joint venture partners typically provide independently prepared estimates, shared financing and equipment and often also bring local knowledge and expertise (see “Joint Ventures; Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements” under “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation”).
 
Design/build is increasingly being used as a method of project delivery. Unlike traditional 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 design and construction. Revenue from design/build projects represented 62.2% and 65.3% of Granite East revenue in 2007 and 2006, respectively. Revenue from design/build projects represented 8.1% and 6.0% of Granite West revenue in 2007 and 2006, respectively. Although these projects carry additional risk as compared to traditional bid/build projects, the profit potential can also be higher. We frequently bid design/build projects as a part of a joint venture team.
 
Granite Land Company:  We purchase, develop, operate, sell and otherwise invest in real estate through our Granite Land Company subsidiary (“GLC”), which also provides real estate services for other Granite operations.  GLC’s portfolio of projects includes both commercial and residential development and is geographically diversified throughout the West and Texas. In 2007, revenue from GLC was $40.7 million (1.5% of our total revenue), compared with $35.0 million (1.2% of our total revenue) in 2006.
 
Additional information about our business segments is contained in Note 16 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.”
 
Business Strategy

Our fundamental objective is to increase long-term shareholder value by focusing on consistent profitability from controlled revenue growth. Shareholder value is measured by the appreciation of the value of our common stock over a period of years as well as a return from dividends. Further, it is a specific measure of our financial success to achieve a return on net assets greater than the cost of capital, creating “Granite Value Added.” We believe that the following are key factors in our ability to achieve this objective:

Employee Development - We believe that our employees are key to the successful implementation of our business strategies. Significant resources are employed to attract, nurture and retain extraordinary talent and fully develop each employee’s capabilities.

Infrastructure Construction Focus  - We concentrate our core competencies on this segment of the construction industry, which includes the building of roads, highways, bridges, dams and tunnels, mass transit facilities, railroad infrastructure and underground utilities as well as site preparation. This focus allows us to most effectively utilize our specialized strengths, which include grading, paving and concrete structures.

Ownership of Aggregate Materials and Construction Equipment  - We own and lease aggregate reserves and own processing plants that are vertically integrated into our construction operations and we own a large fleet of carefully maintained heavy construction equipment. By ensuring availability of these resources and providing quality products, we believe we have bidding advantages in many of our markets, as well as a reliable source of revenue and income from the sale of construction materials to unaffiliated parties.

Selective Bidding  - We focus our resources to bid on jobs that meet our selective bidding criteria, which include analyzing the risk of a potential job in relation to available personnel to estimate and prepare the proposal, as well as personnel to effectively manage and build the project, degree of competition, experience with the type of work, relationship with the owner, local resources and partnerships, equipment resources, size and complexity of the job and profitability.

Diversification  - To mitigate the risks inherent in construction and general economic factors, we pursue projects: (i) in both the public and private sectors; (ii) for a wide range of customers within each sector (from the federal government to small municipalities and from large corporations to individual homeowners); (iii) in diverse geographic markets; (iv) that are design/build, lump sum and fixed unit price; and (v) of various sizes, durations and complexity .
Decentralized Profit Centers  - We approach each selected market with a local focus through our decentralized structure. Each of our Granite West branch offices and Granite East regional offices are individual profit centers.

Profit-based Incentives  - We incentivize our profit center managers with a substantial variable cash and restricted stock incentive element based primarily on the annual profit performance of their respective profit centers.
 
Controlled Expansion  - We intend to continue our expansion by selectively adding branches or branch satellite locations in the western United States, exploring opportunities to establish branch-like businesses in other areas of the country through acquisitions, and selectively pursuing major infrastructure projects throughout the nation where we have an established presence. Additionally, we intend to leverage our financial capacity by investing in a limited number of real estate development projects that we believe will provide an acceptable return on our investment.
 
Accident Prevention  - We believe that preventing accidents is both a moral obligation and good business. By identifying and concentrating resources to address jobsite hazards, we continually strive to reduce our incident rates and the costs associated with accidents.

Environmental Responsibility  - We believe it benefits everyone to maintain environmentally responsible operations. We are committed to effective measures to protect the environment and maintain good community relations. We continually monitor our performance in this area and take our responsibilities to the communities where we work and compliance with government agency requirements seriously.

Quality and High Ethical Standards  - We emphasize the importance of performing high quality work and maintaining high ethical standards through an established code of conduct and an effective corporate compliance program.

Customers

We have customers in both the public and private sectors. The largest volume customer of Granite West is the California Department of Transportation (“Caltrans”).   In 2007, contracts with Caltrans represented 10.0% of our total revenue, and total public sector revenue generated in California represented 23.5% of our total revenue. Other Granite West customers include departments of transportation of other states, county and city public works departments, school districts and developers and owners of industrial, commercial and residential sites. Granite East’s customers are predominantly in the public sector and currently include the numerous state departments of transportation as well as local transit authorities and federal agencies   (see Concentrations in Note 1 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements”).
 
Backlog

Our backlog includes the total value of awarded contracts that have not been completed, including our proportionate share of unconsolidated joint venture contracts. Our backlog was approximately $2.1 billion and $2.3 billion at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Approximately $1.2 billion of the December 31, 2007 backlog is expected to be completed during 2008. With the exception of certain federal government contracts, we include a construction project in our backlog at such time as a contract is awarded and funding is in place. Substantially all of the contracts in our 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”). Certain Granite West projects are added and completed within each year and therefore not reflected in our year-end backlog. Backlog by segment is presented in “Backlog” under “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.”
Equipment and Plants  

We own many pieces of equipment, including cranes, bulldozers, barges, backhoes, excavators, scrapers, motor graders, loaders, trucks, pavers and rollers as well as construction materials processing plants. In 2007 and 2006, we spent approximately $ 88.4 million and $91.0 million, respectively, for construction equipment, plants and vehicles. Additionally, our equipment fleet increased in 2007 as a result of our acquisitions (see Note 17 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements”). At December 31, 2007 and 2006, we owned the following construction equipment, plants and vehicles:
                 
December 31,      
2007
 
 
2006
   
Heavy construction equipment (units)
    3,366    
2,641
   
Trucks, truck-tractors and trailers and vehicles (units)
    5,579    
5,338
   
Aggregate crushing plants
   
55
   
55
   
Asphalt concrete plants
   
69
   
53
   
Portland cement concrete batch plants
   
25
   
25
   
Asphalt rubber plants
   
5
   
4
   
Lime slurry plants
   
9
   
9
   
 
We believe that ownership of equipment is generally preferable to leasing because ownership ensures the equipment is available as needed and normally results in lower equipment costs. We keep our equipment as fully utilized as possible by pooling certain equipment for use by both Granite West and Granite East. We regularly lease or rent equipment on a short-term basis to supplement existing equipment and respond to construction activity peaks.
 
Employees  

On December 31, 2007, we employed approximately 2,100 salaried employees, who work in management, estimating and clerical capacities, plus 2,100 hourly employees. The total number of hourly personnel employed by us is subject to the volume of construction in progress. During 2007, the number of hourly employees ranged from  2,100 to 5,400 and averaged approximately 4,600. Three of our wholly owned subsidiaries - Granite Construction Company, Granite Construction Northeast, Inc. and Wilder Construction Company (“Wilder”) are parties to craft collective bargaining agreements in many areas in which they work.

We believe our employees are our most valuable resource and that our workforce possesses a strong dedication to and pride in our company. Among salaried and non-union hourly employees, this dedication is reinforced by 16.8 % equity ownership through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan, our Profit Sharing and 401k Plan and performance-based incentive compensation arrangements at December 31, 2007. Our managerial and supervisory personnel have an average of approximately 10  years of service with us.

Competition
 
Factors influencing our competitiveness include price, reputation for quality, the availability of aggregate materials, machinery and equipment, financial strength, knowledge of local markets and conditions, and project management and estimating abilities. Although some of our competitors are larger than us and may possess greater resources, we believe that we compete favorably on the basis of the foregoing factors. Historically, the construction business has not usually required large amounts of capital, particularly for the smaller size construction work pursued by Granite West, which can result in relative ease of market entry for companies possessing acceptable qualifications. Granite West competitors range from small local construction companies to large regional and national construction companies. While the market areas of these competitors overlap with several of the markets served by our branches, few compete in all of our market areas. Many of our Granite West competitors have the ability to perform work in either the private or public sectors. When the market for projects in one sector contracts, these competitors will move to the other. This greater competition can reduce revenue growth and/or increase pressure on gross profit margins. In addition, we own and/or have long-term leases on aggregate resources that provide an extra measure of competitive advantage in certain markets. Granite East normally competes with large regional and national construction companies, which may or may not be larger than Granite. 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
 
Our contracts with our customers are primarily either “fixed unit price” or “fixed price.” Under fixed unit price contracts, we are committed to provide materials or services required by a project at fixed unit prices (for example, dollars per cubic yard of concrete poured 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, faulty 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 of performing all the work for the specified amount. The percentage of fixed price contracts in our backlog increased to approximately 72.0% at December 31, 2007 compared with approximately 68.0% at December 31, 2006. Our contracts are generally obtained through competitive bidding in response to advertisements by federal, state and local government agencies and private parties. Less frequently, contracts may be obtained through direct negotiations with private owners. Our contract risk mitigation process includes identifying risks and opportunities during the bidding process, review of bids fitting certain criteria by various levels of management and, in some cases, by the executive committee of our Board of Directors.
 
There are a number of factors that can create variability in contract performance and results as compared to a project’s original bid. The most significant of these include the completeness and accuracy of the original bid, costs associated with added scope changes, extended overhead due to owner and weather delays, subcontractor performance issues, changes in productivity expectations, site conditions that differ from those assumed in the original bid (to the extent contract remedies are unavailable), the availability and skill level of workers in the geographic location of the project and a change in the availability and proximity of equipment or materials. All of these factors can impose inefficiencies on contract performance, which can drive up costs and lower profits. Conversely, if any of these or other factors are more positive than the assumptions in our bid, project profitability can improve. However, the ability to realize improvements on project profitability is more limited than the risk of lower profitability. Design/build projects carry additional risks such as the risk inherent in estimating quantities and prices before the project design is completed and design error risk, including higher construction costs due to any design errors, liability to the contract owner for the design of the project and right-of-way and permit acquisition costs. Although we manage this additional risk by adding contingencies to our bid amounts, obtaining errors and omissions insurance and obtaining indemnifications from our design consultants where possible, there is no guarantee that these risk management strategies will always be successful.
 
All of our state and federal government contracts and most of our other contracts provide for termination of the contract for 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 can be significant.
 
We act as prime contractor on most of the construction projects we undertake. We accomplish 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. We manage this risk by reviewing the size of the subcontract, the financial stability of the subcontractor and other factors and, based on this review, determine whether to require that the subcontractor furnish a bond or other type of security that guarantees their performance. Disadvantaged business enterprise regulations require us to use our best efforts to subcontract a specified portion of contract work done for governmental agencies to certain types of disadvantaged subcontractors. As with all of our subcontractors, some may not be able to obtain surety bonds or other types of performance security.
 
Insurance and Bonding

We maintain general and excess liability, construction equipment and workers’ compensation insurance; all in amounts consistent with industry practices.

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 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 projects throughout the market. In order to help mitigate this risk, we employ a co-surety structure involving three sureties. Although we do not believe that fluctuations in surety market capacity has significantly impacted our ability to grow our business, there is no assurance that it will not significantly impact our ability to obtain new contracts in the future (see “Item 1A. Risk Factors”).
Government and Environmental Regulations
 
Our operations are subject to compliance with regulatory requirements of federal, state and local government agencies and authorities, including regulations concerning workplace safety, labor relations and disadvantaged businesses. Additionally, all of 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. 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. We believe that tighter regulations for the protection of the environment and other factors will make it increasingly difficult to obtain new permits and renewal of existing permits may be subject to more restrictive conditions than currently exist.
 
In July 2007, the California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) approved a regulation that will require California equipment owners/operators to reduce diesel particulate emissions from in-use off-road diesel equipment to meet emission targets proposed for each year from 2010 to 2020. The emission targets will require California off-road diesel equipment owners to retrofit equipment with diesel particulate filters or replace equipment with new engine technology as it becomes available. Between now and the year 2020, Granite will be required to implement an equipment management strategy that includes accelerated turnover of off-road diesel equipment and retrofitting equipment with CARB approved diesel particulate filters. This will increase equipment related expenses in an amount which has not yet been determined.  
 
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). The Mine Safety and Health Administration and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration have established occupational thresholds for crystalline silica exposure as respirable dust. We monitor to verify that our dust control procedures are keeping occupational exposures at or below the requisite thresholds and to verify that respiratory protective equipment is made available when required. We also communicate, through safety information 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.
 
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 Securities and Exchange Commission (“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 .
 
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 the Report or otherwise adversely affect our business.
 
·
Our success depends on attracting and retaining qualified personnel in a competitive environment.  The single largest factor in our ability to profitably execute our work is our ability to attract, develop and retain qualified personnel particularly as we grow. Our success in attracting qualified people is dependent on the resources available in individual geographic areas and the impact on the labor supply due to general economic conditions as well as our ability to provide a competitive compensation package and work environment.
 
·
Reductions in government funding could have a negative impact on our business .  A substantial majority of our revenues are derived from contracts that are funded by federal, state and local government agencies. Our ability to obtain future public sector work at reasonable margins is highly dependent on the amount of work that is available to bid, which is largely a function of the level of government funding available.
·
Our commercial and residential site development work may be affected by economic downturns . The availability of private sector work can be adversely affected by economic downturns in the residential housing market, demand for commercial property or the availability of credit. To the extent these events occur, our operating results will be adversely affected.
 
·
Our fixed price and fixed unit price contracts subject us to the risk of increased project cost.  As more fully described under “Contract Provisions and Subcontracting” above, 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.
 
·
Accounting for our revenues and costs involves significant estimates.  As further described in “Critical Accounting Estimates” under “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation,” accounting for our contract related revenues and costs, as well as other cost items, requires management to make a variety of significant estimates and assumptions. Although we believe we have sufficient experience and processes to enable us to formulate appropriate assumptions and produce reasonably dependable estimates, these assumptions and estimates may change significantly in the future, and these changes could result in the reversal of previously recognized revenue and profit and have a material adverse effect on our financial position and the results of our operations.
 
·
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 scheduled date. If we subsequently fail to complete the project as scheduled we may be held responsible for cost impacts resulting from any delay, generally in the form of contractually agreed-upon liquidated damages. To the extent that these events occur, the total costs of the project could exceed our original estimates and we could experience reduced profits or, in some cases, a loss for that project.
 
·
Weather can significantly impact our quarterly revenues and profitability.  Our ability to perform work is significantly impacted by weather conditions such as precipitation and temperature. Changes in weather conditions can create significant variability in our quarterly revenues and profitability, particularly in the first and fourth quarters of the year. Additionally, delays and other weather impacts may increase a project’s cost and decrease its profitability.
   
·
 
  Our Granite Land Company is greatly affected by the performance of the real estate industry. Our real estate development activities are subject to numerous factors beyond our control, including local real estate market conditions, substantial existing and potential competition, general national, regional and local economic conditions, fluctuations in interest rates and mortgage availability and changes in demographic conditions. If our outlook for a project’s forecasted profitability deteriorates, we may find it necessary to curtail our development activities and evaluate our real estate assets for possible impairment.  If our real estate assets are determined to be impaired, the impairment would result in a charge to income from operations in the year of the impairment with a resulting decrease in our recorded net worth.
 
·
We work in a highly competitive marketplace.  As more fully described under “Competition” above, we have multiple competitors in all of the areas in which we work. During economic down cycles or times of lower government funding for public works projects, competition for the fewer available projects intensifies and this increased competition may result in a decrease in our ability to be competitive at acceptable margins.
 
·
An inability to secure and permit aggregate reserves could negatively impact our future operations and results.  Tighter regulations for the protection of the environment and the finite nature of property containing suitable aggregate reserves are making it increasingly challenging and costly to secure and permit aggregate reserves. Although we have thus far been able to secure and permit reserves to support our business, it is likely to become increasingly difficult to do so and there is no assurance that we will be able to secure and permit reserves in the future.

·
We are subject to environmental and other regulation.   As more fully described under “Government and Environmental Regulations” above, we are subject to a number of federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the environment, workplace safety and a variety of socioeconomic requirements, the noncompliance of which can result in substantial penalties, termination or suspension of government contracts as well as civil and criminal liability. 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 will not change and that compliance will not adversely affect our operations in the future.
·
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 our results and operations have not been significantly impacted by strikes or work stoppages in the past, such labor actions could have a significant impact on our operations if they occur in the future.
 
·
Unavailability of insurance coverage could have a negative impact 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 insurance coverage to meet our requirements in the past, there is no assurance that such insurance coverage will be available in the future.
 
·
An inability to obtain bonding would have a negative impact on our operations and results.  As more fully described in “Insurance and Bonding” above, 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 surety bonds in the future would significantly impact our ability to obtain new contracts, which would have a material adverse effect on our business.
 
·
Our joint venture contracts with project owners subject us to joint and several liability . If a joint venture partner fails to perform we could be liable for completion of the entire contract and, if the contract were unprofitable, this could result in a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
·
We use certain commodity products that are subject to significant price fluctuations.   Diesel fuel, liquid asphalt and other petroleum-based products are used to fuel and lubricate our equipment and fire our asphalt concrete processing plants and also constitute a significant part of the asphalt paving materials that are used in many of our construction projects and sold to outside parties. 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 cement, steel and other commodities in our construction projects that can be subject to significant price fluctuations. We have not been significantly adversely affected by price fluctuations in the past; however, there is no guarantee that we will not be in the future.
 
·
As a part of our growth strategy we expect to make future acquisitions and acquisitions involve many risks.  These risks include difficulties integrating the operations and personnel of the acquired companies, diversion of management’s attention from our ongoing operations, potential difficulties and increased costs associated with completion of any assumed construction projects, insufficient revenues to offset increased expenses associated with acquisitions and the potential loss of key employees or customers of the acquired companies. Acquisitions may also cause us to increase our liabilities, record goodwill or other non-amortizable intangible assets that will be subject to subsequent impairment testing and potential impairment charges and incur amortization expenses related to certain other intangible assets. Failure to manage and successfully integrate acquisitions could harm our business and operating results significantly.
  
·
Failure of our subcontractors to perform as anticipated could have a negative impact on our results.  As further described under “Contract Provisions and Subcontracting” above, we subcontract a portion of many of our contracts to specialty subcontractors and 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, and there is no guarantee that we will not incur a material loss due to subcontractor performance issues.
 
·
We may be unable to identify qualified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (“DBE”) contractors to perform as subcontractors. Certain of our government agency projects contain minimum DBE participation clauses. If we subsequently fail to complete these projects with the minimum DBE participation we may be held responsible for damages due to breach of contract including restrictions on our ability to bid on future projects and monetary damages . To the extent that these events occur, the total costs of the project could exceed our original estimates and we could experience reduced profits or, in some cases, a loss for that project.
·
A significant portion of our revenue is from government funded contracts. Approximately 70% of our consolidated revenue in 2007 was derived from contracts funded by federal, state and local government agencies and authorities. These government contracts are subject to specific procurement regulations, contract provisions and a variety of socioeconomic requirements relating to their formation, administration, performance and accounting. Many of these contracts include express or implied certifications of compliance with applicable laws and contract provisions. As a result of our government contracting, claims for civil or criminal fraud may be brought by the government for violations of these regulations, requirements or statutes. We may also be subject to qui tam (“Whistle Blower”) 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 these regulations, requirements or statutes, our existing government contracts could be terminated, we could be suspended from government contracting or subcontracting, including federally funded projects at the state level. If our government contracts are terminated for any reason, or if we are suspended from government work, we could suffer a significant reduction in expected revenue.
 
·
Our long-term debt and credit arrangements contain restrictive covenants and failure to meet these covenants could significantly harm our financial condition.  Our long-term debt and credit arrangements and related restrictive covenants are more fully described in Note 10 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” included in this report. In most cases, failure to meet the restrictive covenants would result in an immediate repayment of all amounts due and cancellation of open lines of credit. Additionally, failure to meet restrictive covenants related to our debt and credit agreements would trigger cross-default provisions that would cause us to also be in default of our surety agreements. Although we have not had difficulty meeting these covenants in the past, failure to do so in the future could have material adverse effects on our business and financial condition.
 
 
·
Our 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 backlog will be realized or, if realized, will result in profits. Projects may remain in our backlog for an extended period of time. In addition, project cancellations or scope adjustments may occur, from time to time, with respect to contracts reflected in our backlog. Backlog reductions can adversely affect the revenue and profit we actually receive from contracts reflected in our backlog. Future project cancellations and scope adjustments could further reduce the dollar amount of our backlog and the revenues and profits that we actually receive.
 
The foregoing list is not exhaustive. 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 also may adversely impact us. These developments could have material adverse effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations. For these reasons, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements.
 

None.
 

The following table provides our estimate of certain information about our properties as of December 31, 2007:
         
 
 
Land Area (acres)
 
Building Square Feet
 
 Permitted Aggregate Reserves (tons)
 
Unpermitted Aggregate Reserves (tons)
Office and shop space (owned and leased)
1,300
1,300,000
N/A
 N/A
Owned quarry property
N/A
N/A
424.0 million
435.0 million
Leased quarry property
N/A
N/A
359.0 million
565.0 million
Real estate held for development and sale
2,500
57,000
N/A
N/A

Approximately 83% of the office and shop space is used by Granite West at their various locations throughout the western United States and the remainder is primarily used by Granite East. The quarry property is located at Granite West locations throughout the western United States. We consider our available and future aggregate reserves adequate to meet our expected operating needs. We pursue a plan of acquiring new sources of aggregate reserves to replenish those depleted and to support future growth.
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
Silica Litigation
 
Our wholly owned subsidiary Granite Construction Company (“GCCO”) is one of approximately 100 to 300 defendants in nine active California Superior Court lawsuits. Of the nine lawsuits, five were filed against GCCO in 2005 and four were filed against GCCO in 2006, in Alameda County (Riley vs. A-1 Aggregates, et al.; Molina vs. A-1 Aggregates, et al.; Dominguez vs. A-1 Aggregates, et al.; Cleveland vs. A. Teichert & Son.; Guido vs. A. Teichert & Son, Inc.; Williams vs. A. Teichert & Son, Inc.; Horne vs. Teichert & Son, Inc.; Kammer vs.A-1 Aggregates, et al.; and Solis vs. The 3M Company et al.). Each lawsuit was brought by a single plaintiff who is seeking money damages by way of various causes of action, including strict product and market share liability, and alleges personal injuries caused by exposure to silica products and related materials during the plaintiffs’ use or association with sand blasting or grinding concrete. The plaintiff in each lawsuit has categorized the defendants as equipment defendants, respirator defendants, premises defendants and sand defendants. We have been identified as a sand defendant, meaning a party that manufactured, supplied or distributed silica-containing products. Our preliminary investigation revealed that we have not knowingly sold or distributed abrasive silica sand for sandblasting, and therefore, we believe the probability of these lawsuits resulting in an incurrence of a material liability is remote. We have been dismissed from fifteen other similar lawsuits.
 
Hiawatha Project DBE Issues
 
The Hiawatha Light Rail Transit (“HLRT”) project was performed by Minnesota Transit Constructors (“MnTC”), a joint venture that consisted of GCCO and other unrelated companies.  GCCO was the managing partner of the joint venture, with a 56.5% interest.  The Minnesota Department of Transportation (“MnDOT”) is the contracting agency for this federally funded project.  MnDOT and the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) each conducted a review of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (“DBE”) program maintained by MnTC for the HLRT project.  In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice (“USDOJ”) is conducting an investigation into compliance issues with respect to MnTC’s DBE Program for the HLRT project.  MnDOT and the OIG (collectively, the “Agencies”) have initially identified certain compliance issues in connection with MnTC’s DBE Program and, as a result, have determined that MnTC failed to meet the DBE utilization criteria as represented by MnTC. Although there has been no formal administrative subpoena issued, nor has a civil complaint been filed in connection with the administrative reviews or the investigation, MnDOT has proposed a monetary sanction of $4.3 million against MnTC and specified DBE training for  personnel from the members of the MnTC joint venture as a condition of future bidding on MnDOT work by joint venture members of MnTC.  MnTC is fully cooperating with the Agencies and the USDOJ and, on July 2, 2007, presented its response to the initial determinations of the Agencies as well as the investigation by the USDOJ.  We have yet to receive a formal reply from the Agencies or the USDOJ, although informal discussions have been continuing and we cannot rule out the possibility of a criminal action being brought against MnTC or one of its members.
 
I-494 Project DBE Issues
 
The I-494 project was performed by a joint venture (“JV”) that consisted of GCCO and another unrelated party.  GCCO was the managing partner of the JV, with a 60% interest.  MnDOT is the contracting agency for this federally funded project.  MnDOT conducted a review of the DBE program maintained by the JV for the I-494 project.  MnDOT has initially identified certain compliance issues in connection with the JV’s DBE program, and as a result, has determined that the JV failed to meet the DBE utilization criteria as represented by the JV.  Although there has been no formal administrative subpoena, nor has a civil complaint been filed in connection with the administrative reviews, MnDOT has proposed a monetary sanction of $200,000 against the JV and specified DBE training for personnel from the members of the JV as a condition of future bidding on MnDOT work by joint venture members of the JV.  The JV is fully cooperating with MnDOT and has the opportunity to present its response to MnDOT’s initial determinations.  The JV is investigating MnDOT’s initial determinations and preparing its response thereto.  Therefore, we cannot reasonably estimate the amount of any monetary sanction or what, if any, other sanction conditions might ultimately be imposed.
 
US Highway 20 Project
 
GCCO and its subsidiary, Wilder are the members of a joint venture known as Yaquina River Constructors (“YRC”) which is currently constructing a new road alignment of US Highway 20 near Eddyville, Oregon under contract with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).  The project involves constructing seven miles of new road through steep and forested terrain in the Coast Range Mountains.  During the fall and winter of 2006, extraordinary rain events produced runoff that overwhelmed erosion control measures installed at the project and resulted in discharges to surface water in alleged violations of the stormwater permit.  The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (“DEQ”) has issued notices of violation and fine of $90,000 to ODOT and $240,000 to YRC for these alleged violations.  YRC has filed an answer to the notice of violation and is attempting to negotiate resolution with the DEQ. The Oregon Department of Justice is conducting a criminal investigation in connection with stormwater runoff from the project. YRC and its members are fully cooperating in the investigation, but YRC does not know whether criminal or civil charges, if any, will be brought or against whom. Therefore, we cannot estimate what, if any, criminal or civil penalty or conditional assessment will result from this investigation.
 
Other Legal Proceedings
 
We are a party to a number of other legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business which, from time to time, include inquiries from public agencies seeking information concerning our compliance with government construction contracting requirements and related laws and regulations. We believe that the nature and number of these proceedings and compliance inquiries are typical for a construction firm of our size and scope. Our litigation typically involves claims regarding public liability or contract related issues. While management currently believes, after consultation with counsel, that the ultimate outcome of such proceedings and compliance inquiries which are currently pending, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or overall trends in results of operations or cash flows, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties. Were an unfavorable ruling to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on the results of operations, cash flows and/or financial position. While any one of our pending legal proceedings is subject to early resolution as a result of our ongoing efforts to settle, whether or when any legal proceeding will resolve through settlement is neither predictable nor guaranteed.
 

During the fourth quarter of 2007, no matter was submitted to a vote of security holders through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise.
 
Executive Officers of the Registrant

Our executive officers are as follows:
     
Name
Age
Position
William G. Dorey
63
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Mark E. Boitano
59
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
William E. Barton 63
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Michael F. Donnino 53
Senior Vice President and Granite East Division Manager
James H. Roberts
51
Senior Vice President and Granite West Division Manager
 
Granite Construction Incorporated was incorporated in Delaware in January 1990 as the holding company for Granite Construction Company, which was incorporated in California in 1922. All dates of service for our executive officers include the periods in which they served for Granite Construction Company.
 
Mr. Dorey has been an employee of Granite since 1968 and has served in various capacities, including President and Chief Executive Officer since January 2004, President and Chief Operating Officer from February 2003 to December 2003, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from 1998 to February 2003, Senior Vice President and Manager, Branch Division from 1987 to 1998, and Vice President and Assistant Manager, Branch Division from 1983 to 1987. Mr. Dorey has also served as a member of our Board of Directors since January 2004 and as a director of TIC Holdings, Inc. from 1997 to 2002. He received a B.S. degree in Construction Engineering from Arizona   State   University in 1967.
 
Mr. Boitano has been an employee of the Company since 1977 and has served in various capacities, including Chief Operating Officer since January 2004 and Executive Vice President since February 2003. He also served as Branch Division Manager from 1998 to January 2004, and Senior Vice President from 1998 to February 2003. Mr. Boitano received a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from Santa Clara   University in 1971 and an M.B.A. degree from California State   University Fresno in 1977.
 
Mr. Barton has been an employee of the Company since 1980 and has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since 1999, and as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 1990 to 1999. In 1997, he became a director of TIC Holdings, Inc. Mr. Barton received a B.S. degree in Accounting and Finance from San Jose State University in 1967 and an M.B.A. degree from Santa Clara University in 1973.
 
Mr. Donnino joined Granite in 1977 and has served as Senior Vice President since January 2005, Manager of Granite East since February 2007, and Heavy Construction Division Manager from January 2005 to February 2007. He served as Vice President and Heavy Construction Division Assistant Manager during 2004, Texas Regional Manager from 2000 to 2003 and Dallas Estimating Office Area Manager from 1991 to 2000. Mr. Donnino received a B.S.C.E. in Structural, Water and Soils Engineering from the University of Minnesota in 1976.
 
Mr. Roberts joined Granite in 1981 and has served in various capacities, including Senior Vice President since May 2004, Granite West Manager since February 2007, Branch Division Manager from May 2004 to February 2007, Vice President and Assistant Branch Division Manager from 1999 to 2004, and Regional Manager of Nevada and Utah Operations from 1995 to 1999. He received a B.S.C.E. in 1979 and an M.S.C.E. in 1980 from the University of California , Berkeley , and an M.B.A. from the University of Southern California in 1981.
 
13

 
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. See “Quarterly Results” under “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” for a two-year summary of quarterly dividends and high and low sales prices of our stock.

We have paid quarterly cash dividends since the second quarter of 1990, and we expect to continue to pay quarterly cash dividends. However, declaration and payment of dividends is within the sole discretion of our Board of Directors, subject to limitations imposed by Delaware law and compliance with our credit agreements, and will depend on our earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and other such factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant.

As of February 13, 2008, there were 38,952,477 shares of our common stock outstanding held by 1,259 shareholders of record.
 
During the three months ended December 31, 2007, we did not sell any of our equity securities that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The following table sets forth information regarding the repurchase of shares of our common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2007:
                   
Period
 
Total number of shares purchased
 
Average price paid per share
 
Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs 2  
 
Approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs 2
 
October 1, 2007 through October 31, 2007
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
$
200,000,000
 
November 1, 2007 through November 30, 2007
   
1,672,930
   $
 36.13
   
1,672,930
 
$
139,552,782
 
December 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007 1
   
798,836
   $
40.50
   
797,500
 
$
107,253,170
 
 
    2,471,766    $
37.54
   
2,470,430
       
 
1 The number of shares purchased includes 1,336 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for shares granted under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan and shares purchased under our share repurchase program.
 
2 In October 2007, our Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase, at management’s discretion, up to $200.0 million of our common stock.  Under the new repurchase program, the Company may repurchase shares from time to time on the open market or in private transactions.  The specific timing and amount of repurchases will vary based on market conditions, securities law limitations and other factors. The share repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice. This new program replaced a $25.0 million share repurchase program announced in 2002.
 
Performance Graph

The following graph compares the 5-year cumulative total return to shareholders on Granite Construction Incorporated s common stock relative to the cumulative total returns of the S&P 500 index and the Dow Jones US Heavy Construction index. The Dow Jones US Heavy Construction index includes the following companies:  EMCOR Group Inc., Fluor Corp., Granite Construction Inc., Insituform Technologies Inc., Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., McDermott International Inc., Quanta Services Inc. and Shaw Group Inc. An investment of $100 (with reinvestment of all dividends) is assumed to have been made in our common stock and in each of the indexes on December 31, 2002 and its relative performance is tracked through December 31, 2007.

The comparisons in the graph below are based on historical data and are not intended to forecast the possible future performance of our common stock.
 
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
 
                           
   
2002
 
2003
 
2004
 
2005
 
2006
 
2007
 
Granite Construction Incorporated
   $
100
   $
154.79
   $
178.40
   $
243.98
   $
344.72
   $
250.01
 
S & P 500
   
100
   
128.68
   
142.69
   
149.70
   
173.34
   
182.87
 
Dow Jones US Heavy Construction
   
100
   
136.41
   
165.42
   
239.03
   
298.17
   
566.39
 
 
Item 6. SELECTED  FINANCIAL DATA

The selected consolidated operations data for 2007, 2006 and 2005 and consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 set forth below have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included herein, and are qualified by reference to those consolidated financial statements. The selected consolidated operations data for 2003 and 2004 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2003, 2004 and 2005 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements not included herein. These historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for any future period.
   
Selected Consolidated Financial Data
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004*
 
2003
 
Operating Summary
 
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
 
Revenue
  $
2,737,914
  $
2,969,604
  $
2,641,352
  $
2,136,212
  $
1,844,491
 
Gross profit
   
410,744
   
295,720
   
319,372
   
222,021
   
226,450
 
   As a percent of revenue
   
15.0
   
10.0
   
12.1
   
10.4
   
12.3
 
General and administrative expenses
   
246,202
   
204,281
   
183,392
   
157,035
   
151,879
 
   As a percent of revenue
   
9.0
   
6.9
   
6.9
   
7.4
   
8.2
 
Provision for (reversal of) legal judgment
   
-
   
(4,800
 
9,300
   
-
   
-
 
Goodwill impairment charge**
   
-
   
18,011
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Acquisition expense***       7,752      -      -      -      -  
Net income
   
112,065
   
80,509
   
83,150
   
57,007
   
60,504
 
   As a percent of revenue
   
4.1
   
2.7
   
3.1
   
2.7
   
3.3
 
Net income per share:
                     
   Basic
  $
2.74
  $
1.97
  $
2.05
  $
1.41
  $
1.51
 
   Diluted
   
2.71
   
1.94
   
2.02
   
1.39
   
1.48
 
Weighted average shares of common stock:
                     
   Basic
   
40,866
   
40,874
   
40,614
   
40,390
   
40,175
 
   Diluted
   
41,389
   
41,471
   
41,249
   
41,031
   
40,808
 
Balance Sheet
                     
Total assets
  $
1,786,418
  $
1,632,838
  $
1,472,230
  $
1,277,954
  $
1,060,410
 
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities
   
485,348
   
394,878
   
301,381
   
277,692
   
201,985
 
Working capital
   
397,568
   
319,762
   
367,801
   
355,927
   
274,947
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
   
28,696
   
28,660
   
26,888
   
15,861
   
8,182
 
Long-term debt
   
268,417
   
78,576
   
124,415
   
148,503
   
126,708
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
46,441
   
58,419
   
46,556
   
40,641
   
29,938
 
Shareholders’ equity
   
700,199
   
694,544
   
621,560
   
550,474
   
504,891
 
Book value per share
   
17.75
   
16.60
   
14.91
   
13.23
   
12.16
 
Dividends per share
   
0.43
   
0.40
   
0.40
   
0.40
   
0.40
 
Common shares outstanding
   
39,451
   
41,834
   
41,682
   
41,612
   
41,528
 
Backlog
  $
2,084,545
  $
2,256,587
  $
2,331,540
  $
2,437,994
  $
1,985,788
 
 
* Effective January 1, 2004, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003) “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities”.
 
**During the year ended December 31, 2006, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of approximately $18.0 million related to our Granite Northeast operation in New York .
 
***During the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2007, we  incurred a charge of $7.8 million associated with the acquisition of the remaining shares of Wilder Construction Company (see Note 15 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements”).
 
 
Item 7.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
 
General
 
We are one of the largest heavy civil contractors in the United States as well as one of the largest construction materials production companies in the Western United States. We are engaged in the construction of highways, dams, airport infrastructure, mass transit facilities and other infrastructure-related projects as well as residential and commercial site development. We have offices in Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Texas, Utah and Washington. Our business involves three operating segments: Granite West, Granite East and Granite Land Company (“GLC”) .

Our contracts are obtained primarily through competitive bidding in response to advertisements by federal, state and local agencies and private parties and to a lesser extent through negotiation with private parties. Our bidding activity is affected by such factors as backlog, current utilization of equipment and other resources, ability to obtain necessary surety bonds and competitive considerations. Bidding activity, backlog and revenue resulting from the award of new contracts may vary significantly from period to period.

The two primary economic drivers of our business are (1) federal, state and local public funding levels and (2) the overall health of the economy, both nationally and locally. The level of demand for our services will have a direct correlation to these drivers. For example, a weak economy will generally result in a reduced demand for construction in the private sector. This reduced demand increases competition for fewer 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. Greater competition can reduce revenue growth and/or increase pressure on gross profit margins. A weak economy also tends to produce less tax revenue, thereby decreasing the funds available for spending on public infrastructure improvements. There are funding sources that have been specifically earmarked for infrastructure spending, such as gasoline taxes, which are not necessarily directly impacted by a weak economy. However, even these funds can be temporarily at risk as state and local governments struggle to balance their budgets. Conversely, higher public funding and/or a robust economy will increase demand for our services and provide opportunities for revenue growth and margin improvement.

Our general and administrative costs include salaries and related expenses, incentive compensation, discretionary profit sharing and other variable compensation, as well as other overhead costs to support our overall business. In general, these costs will increase in response to the growth and the related increased complexity of our business. These costs may also vary depending on the number of projects in process in a particular area and the corresponding level of estimating activity. For example, as large projects are completed or if the level of work slows down in a particular area, we will often re-assign project employees to estimating and bidding activities until another project gets underway, temporarily moving their salaries and related costs from cost of revenue to general and administrative expense. Additionally, our compensation strategy for selected management personnel is to rely heavily on a variable cash and restricted stock performance-based incentive element. The cash portion of these incentives is expensed when earned while the restricted stock portion is expensed over the vesting period of the stock (generally five years). Depending on the mix of cash and restricted stock, these incentives can have the effect of increasing general and administrative expenses in very profitable years and decreasing expenses in less profitable years.
 
In February 2007, we announced an organizational realignment of our business operations which is designed to accommodate growth of our vertically integrated Branch business in the West and improve profitability of our large, complex Heavy Construction Division (“HCD”) projects. This realignment involved the reorganization of our operating divisions geographically into “Granite West” and “Granite East.” Granite West includes the operations of our former Branch Division as well as the western portion of our large project business that was formerly included in HCD. Granite West retains our successful decentralized operating structure, with each of its branch locations aligning under one of three operating groups: Northwest, Northern California and Southwest. Granite East includes the eastern portion of our large project business that had been included in HCD and is aligned to focus on enhancing project management oversight and discipline from estimating through execution.  With the Division office in Lewisville, Texas, Granite East also operates out of three regional offices: the Central Region, based in Lewisville, Texas; the Southeast Region, based in Tampa, Florida; and the Northeast Region, based in Tarrytown, New York.

During 2007, we completed the reassignment of our large projects in the West from our former Heavy Construction Division to our Granite West Division (with the exception of certain projects nearing completion which remain with our Granite East Division) and made substantial progress on other aspects of the realignment.  As a result, we are reporting Granite West and Granite East as new reportable segments.  Prior period results have been reclassified to conform to the new organizational structure (see Note 1 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements”).  
Current Year Overview
   
 
 
Comparative Financial Summary              
Years ended December 31,  
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
(in thousands)      
Total revenue
 
$
2,737,914  
$
2,969,604
 
$
2,641,352
 
Gross profit
   
410,744
 
 
295,720
 
 
319,372
 
General and administrative expenses
 
 
246,202
 
 
204,281
 
 
183,392
 
Provision for (reversal of) legal judgment
   
-
 
 
(4,800
)
 
9,300
 
Goodwill impairment charge      -      18,011    
-
 
Gain on sales of property and equipment
 
 
10,343
 
 
10,408
 
 
8,235
 
Operating income
 
 
174,885
 
 
88,636
 
 
134,915
 
Acquisition expense       7,752      -      -  
Net income
 
 
112,065
 
 
80,509
 
 
83,150
 
 
Our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2007 reflect improved results from Granite East which realized positive gross margins during the year compared with negative gross margins for the year ended December 31, 2006 and higher gross profit from Granite West. Our operating results for the year ended December 31, 2007 included increases in general and administrative expenses due primarily to costs incurred to support our acquisitions, growth strategy and higher variable compensation resulting from improved profitability. Additionally, our net income for the year ended December 31, 2007 reflects a one-time expense related to our acquisition of the remaining shares of Wilder Construction Company which was partially offset by an increase in non-operating income due primarily to the gain on a sale of a building by a partnership in which we hold an equity method investment which was recorded as equity in income of affiliates in our statements of income.
 
Critical Accounting Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Our estimates, judgments and assumptions are continually evaluated based on available information and experience; however, actual amounts could differ from those estimates.

Certain of our accounting policies and estimates require higher degrees of judgment than others in their application. These include the recognition of revenue and earnings from construction contracts, the valuation of certain assets and insurance estimates. We evaluate all of our estimates and judgments on an on-going basis.

Revenue Recognition for Construction Contracts : Our contracts with our customers are primarily either “fixed unit price” or “fixed price.” Under fixed unit price contracts, we are committed to provide materials or services required by a project at fixed unit prices (for example, dollars per cubic yard of concrete poured or cubic yards 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, faulty 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 all the work profitably for the specified contract amount. The percentage of fixed price contracts in our backlog increased from approximately 68.0% at December 31, 2006 to approximately 72.0% at December 31, 2007. All state and federal government contracts and many of our other contracts provide for termination of the contract for the convenience of the party contracting with us, with provisions to pay us for work performed through the date of termination.
We use the percentage of completion accounting method for construction contracts in accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position 81-1, “Accounting for Performance of Construction-Type and Certain Production-Type Contracts.” Revenue and earnings on construction contracts, including construction joint ventures, are recognized using the percentage of completion method in the ratio of costs incurred to estimated final costs. Revenue in an amount equal to cost incurred is recognized prior to contracts reaching 25% completion. The related profit is deferred until the period in which such percentage completion is attained. It is our judgment that until a project reaches 25% completion, there is insufficient information to determine what the estimated profit on the project will be with a reasonable level of assurance. In the case of large complex design/build projects we may continue to defer profit recognition beyond the point of 25% completion based on an evaluation of specific project risks. The factors considered in this evaluation of risk associated with each design/build project include the stage of design completion, the stage of construction completion, status of outstanding purchase orders and subcontracts, certainty of quantities, certainty of schedule and the relationship with the owner.

Revenue from contract claims is recognized when we have a signed settlement agreement and payment is assured. Revenue from contract change orders, which occur in most large projects, is recognized when the owner has agreed to the change order in writing. Provisions are recognized in the statements of income 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. Contract cost consists 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). Depreciation is provided using accelerated methods for construction equipment. Contract cost is recorded as incurred and revisions in contract revenue and cost estimates are reflected when known. The completion threshold for the start of contract profit recognition is applied to all percentage of completion projects unless and until we project a loss on the project, in which case the estimated loss is immediately recognized.
 
The accuracy of our revenue and profit recognition in a given period is almost solely dependent on the accuracy of our estimates of the cost to complete each project. Our cost estimates for all of our significant projects use a highly detailed “bottom up” approach and we believe our experience allows us to provide materially reliable estimates.   There are a number of factors that can contribute to changes in estimates of contract cost and profitability. The most significant of these include the completeness and accuracy of the original bid, costs associated with added scope changes, extended overhead due primarily to owner and weather delays, subcontractor performance issues, changes in productivity expectations, site conditions that differ from those assumed in the original bid (to the extent contract remedies are unavailable), the availability and skill level of workers in the geographic location of the project and a change in the availability and proximity of equipment and materials. 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 between periods and these fluctuations may be significant. Substantial changes in cost estimates, particularly in our larger, more complex projects have had and can in future periods have a significant effect on our profitability.
 
Valuation of Real Estate Held for Development and Sale and other Long Lived Assets:  Real Estate held for development and sale and other long-lived assets, which include property, equipment and intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. We assess impairment of long-lived assets in accordance with FAS No. 144, “Impairment of Long-Lived Assets” (“FAS 144”) . Circumstances which could trigger a n impairment review include , but are not limited to: significant decreases in the market price of the asset ; significant adverse changes in the business climate or legal factors; accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or construction of the asset; 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; or current expectation that the asset will more likely than not be sold or disposed of significantly before the end of its estimated useful life.
 
Recoverability is   assessed based on the carrying amount of the asset and its fair value, which is generally determined based on the sum of the cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposal of the asset. An impairment loss is recognized in the Statement of Income when the carrying amount is not recoverable and exceeds fair value.  In 2007, our analysis determined that a $3.0 million portion of our real estate held for development and sale was impaired. As a result, we recorded this amount as an impairment charge in the quarter ended December 31, 2007.

The process of estimating future cash flows related to an asset involves significant judgment, including future cash inflows related to the use or eventual sale of the asset and future cash outflows related to the development or use of the asset.  Although we believe the estimates and assumptions we used in testing for impairment are reasonable and supportable, significant changes in any one of our assumptions could produce a significantly different result.
 
Insurance estimates:  We carry insurance policies to cover various risks, primarily general liability and workers compensation, under which we are liable to reimburse the insurance company for a portion of each claim paid. The amounts that we are liable for generally range from the first $250,000 to $1.0 million per occurrence. We accrue for the estimated ultimate liability for incurred losses, both reported and unreported, 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 result in a change in our assessment of the ultimate liability that could have a material effect on our operating results and financial position.
 
Current Year

Revenue
               
Total Revenue              
Years ended December 31,  
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
(in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Revenue by Division:
                                     
Granite West
 
$
1,928,751
   
70.4
 
$
1,927,996
   
64.9
 
$
1,599,458
   
60.6
 
Granite East
   
768,451
   
28.1
 
 
1,006,617
   
33.9
 
 
1,022,196
   
38.7
 
GLC
   
40,712
   
1.5
    34,991     1.2     19,698     0.7  
Total
  $
2,737,914
   
100.0
 
$
2,969,604
   
100.0
 
$
2,641,352
   
100.0
 
               
Granite West Revenue              
Years ended December 31,    
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
(in thousands)  
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
California:
                                     
Public sector
  $
595,733
   
56.7
 
537,967
   
48.5
 
374,642
   
43.0
 
Private sector
   
215,770
   
20.5
 
 
300,245
   
27.0
 
 
282,752
   
32.4
 
Material sales
   
239,660
   
22.8
 
 
272,039
   
24.5
 
 
214,520
   
24.6
 
Total
 
1,051,163
   
100.0
 
$
1,110,251
   
100.0
 
871,914
   
100.0
 
West (excluding California):
                                     
Public sector
  $
563,392
   
64.2
 
508,559
   
62.2
 
445,590
   
61.2
 
Private sector
   
178,156
   
20.3
 
 
171,166
   
20.9
 
 
164,821
   
22.7
 
Material sales
   
136,040
15.5
 
 
138,020
   
16.9
 
 
117,133
   
16.1
 
Total
  $
877,588
   
100.0
 
 817,745
   
100.0
 
727,544
   
100.0
 
Total Granite West Revenue:                                      
Public sector
 
1,159,125
   
60.1
  1,046,526      54.3   820,232      51.3  
Private sector
   
393,926
   
20.4
     471,411      24.4     447,573      28.0  
Material sales
   
375,700
   
19.5
    410,059      21.3     331,653       20.7  
Total
 
1,928,751
     100.0   1,927,996      100.0    1,599,458     100.0  
 
Granite West Revenue :   Revenue from Granite West for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased by $0.8 million, or 0.1%, compared with the year ended December 31, 2006.  Our California revenue in 2007 was most impacted by the continued slowing of residential construction which led to decreases in both private sector construction revenue and revenue from the sale of construction materials. These decreases were partially offset by increased California public sector revenue, primarily driven by a higher volume of projects available to bid. We continue to see additional competition for the available public sector work, as competitors migrate from the increasingly scarce private sector work. Our revenue from the West (excluding California ) in 2007 included approximately $89.0 million generated as a result of our acquisition of certain assets of the Superior Group of Companies on April 3, 2007. Other than Northern Nevada, our locations outside of California have generally been less impacted by the slowing of residential construction.
 
                         
Granite East Revenue
                         
Years ended December 31,    
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
(in thousands)  
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Revenue by Geographic Area:
                                     
Midwest
 
$
93,896
   
12.2
 
$
43,480
   
4.3
 
$
77,104
   
7.5
 
   Northeast    
196,653
   
25.6
   
259,462
   
25.8
    299,950    
29.4
 
South
 
 
125,164
   
16.3
 
 
217,647
   
21.6
 
 
199,579
   
19.5
 
   Southeast    
299,084
   
38.9
   
281,568
   
28.0
   
216,442
   
21.2
 
West
   
53,654
   
7.0
 
 
204,460
   
20.3
 
 
229,121
   
22.4
 
Total
 
768,451
   
100.0
 
$
1,006,617
   
100.0
 
$
1,022,196
   
100.0
 
Revenue by Market Sector:
                                     
Public sector
 
$
747,580
   
97.3
 
$
979,475
   
97.3
 
$
987,794
   
96.6
 
Private sector
   
20,871
   
2.7
 
 
27,042
   
2.7
 
 
31,765
   
3.1
 
Material sales
   
-
    -     100     -     2,637     0.3  
Total
  $
768,451
   
100.0
 
$
1,006,617
   
100.0
 
$
1,022,196
   
100.0
 
Revenue by Contract Type:
                                     
Fixed unit price
 
$
128,501
   
16.7
 
$
243,103
   
24.2
 
$
323,048
   
31.6
 
Fixed price, including design/build
   
639,950
   
83.3
 
 
763,395
   
75.8
 
 
696,511
   
68.1
 
Other
   
-
   
-
 
 
119
   
-
 
 
2,637
   
0.3
 
Total
 
768,451
   
100.0
 
$
1,006,617
   
100.0
 
$
1,022,196
   
100.0
 
 
Granite East Revenue :   Revenue from Granite East for the year ended December 31, 2007 decreased by $238.2 million, or 23.7%, compared with  the year ended December 31, 2006. Geographically, the largest decreases were experienced in the West , South and Northeast .  Under the realignment, Granite East retained a project in the West that was nearing completion and the decrease in revenue in the West reflects progress on the retained project over time.  In the South and Northeast the decreases were due primarily to certain large projects in Texas and New York nearing completion. Increases in the Southeast resulted from revenue contributions from a large design/build project in Mississippi that was awarded in February 2006. Increases in the Midwest resulted from revenue contributions from a large design/build project in  Missouri that was awarded in the fourth quarter of 2006.  The percent of our revenue from fixed price contracts increased in 2007 due primarily to a higher percentage of design/build projects in our backlog.
 
The following table provides additional information about our revenue from large projects for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005:
                   
Large Project Revenue
                 
 
2007
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
(in thousands)                        
Granite West
 
$
160,232
 
 
185,474
 
 
72,476
 
Number of projects *
 
6
 
 
6
 
 
3
    
Granite East
 
732,086
 
 
889,201
 
 
899,475
 
Number of projects *
 
31
 
 
28
 
 
34
 
Total
 
892,318
 
 
1,074,675
 
 
$
971,951
 
Number of projects *
 
37
 
 
34
 
 
37
 
 
* Includes only projects with a total contract value greater than $50.0 million and over $1.0 million of revenue in the respective periods.
 
Granite Land Company Revenue: Revenue from GLC for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased by $5.7 million, or 16.4%, compared with  the year ended December 31, 2006. GLC’s revenue is dependent on the timing of real estate sales transactions, which  are relatively few in number and can cause variability in the timing of revenue and profit recognition.
Backlog
       
Total Backlog
 
 
 
December 31,
 
2007
 
2006
 
(in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Backlog by Division:
                         
Granite West
 
$
854,142
   
41.0
 
$
1,015,674
   
45.0
 
Granite East
   
1,230,403
   
59.0
 
 
1,240,913
   
55.0
 
Total
 
2,084,545
   
100.0
 
$
2,256,587
   
100.0
 
       
Granite West Backlog          
December 31,    
2007
 
2006
 
(in thousands)    
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
California:
                         
Public sector
 
352,398
   
83.9
 
423,542
   
84.2
 
Private sector
   
67,479
   
16.1
 
 
79,718
   
15.8
 
Total
  $
419,877
   
100.0
 
503,260
   
100.0
 
West (excluding California):
                         
Public sector
 
398,380
   
91.7
 
438,256
   
85.5
 
Private sector
   
35,885
   
8.3
 
 
74,158
   
14.5
 
Total
 
434,265
   
100.0
 
512,414
   
100.0
 
Total Granite West backlog:                          
Public sector
  $
750,778
   
87.9
  $ 861,798     84.8  
Private sector
   
103,364
   
12.1
    153,876     15.2  
Total Granite West backlog
  $
854,142
    100.0   $ 1,015,674     100.0  
 
Granite West Backlog: Granite West backlog of $854.1 million at December 31, 2007 was $161.5 million, or 15.9%, lower than at December 31, 2006. The lower private sector backlog at December 31, 2007 compared with December 31, 2006 is primarily a result of the slowing demand for residential construction, particularly in certain California and Nevada markets. The lower 2007 public sector backlog in California wa s largely due to increased competition for the available work as contractors migrate from the increasingly scarce private sector work. Additionally , the lower public sector backlog reflects progress on a $234.2 million joint venture highway reconstruction project in Utah that was awarded at the end of 2005. Granite West project awards in the fourth quarter 2007 included  a $24.4 million highway reconstruction project near the California-Nevada border.
                   
Granite East Backlog
                 
December 31,    
2007
 
2006
 
(in thousands)    
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Backlog by Geographic Area:
                         
   Midwest    $
328,971
   
26.8
  $
422,942
   
34.1
 
   Northeast      133,052    
10.8
   
219,835
   
17.7
 
South
   
144,210
   
11.7
 
 
213,447
   
17.2
 
Southeast
   
613,057
   
49.8
   
322,619
   
26.0
 
West
   
11,113
   
0.9
 
 
62,070
   
5.0
 
Total
 
1,230,403
   
100.0
 
$
1,240,913
   
100.0
 
Backlog by Market Sector:
                         
Public sector
 
$
1,213,484
   
98.6
 
$
1,205,752
   
97.2
 
Private sector
   
16,919
   
1.4
 
 
35,161
   
2.8
 
Total
 
1,230,403
   
100.0
 
$
1,240,913
   
100.0
 
Backlog by Contract Type:
                         
Fixed unit price
 
$
64,580
   
5.2
 
$
171,239
   
13.8
 
Fixed price including design/build
   
1,165,823
   
94.8
 
 
1,069,674
   
86.2
 
Total
 
1,230,403
   
100.0
 
$
1,240,913
   
100.0
 

Granite East Backlog: Granite East backlog of $1.2 billion at December 31, 2007 was $10.5 million, or 0.8%, lower than at December 31, 2006. The higher 2007 backlog in the Southeast was largely driven by the award in March 2007 of a $464.0 million joint venture design/build highway project in Maryland . The backlog increase in the Southeast was offset by lower backlog in the other Granite East geographic areas as we continued our strategy of bidding at higher margins in our home markets. Additional project awards during the year ended December 31, 2007 included a $37.0 million freeway project in Texas , a $93.0 million turnpike project in Florida and approximately $76.7 million in additional awards related to our 20% share of a joint venture project to construct a transportation hub at the World   Trade   Center in New York . We currently expect that the total revenue on this contract could exceed $1.5 billion of which our share could exceed $300.0 million.    
The following tables provide additional information about our large project backlog at December 31, 2007 and 2006:
 
 
 
 
Large Project Backlog
 
 
 
December 31,
2007
 
2006
(in thousands)          
Granite West
223,952
 
313,522
Number of projects**
5
 
5
Granite East
1,189,998
 
1,193,919
     Number of projects**
18
 
24
Total
1,413,950
 
1,507,441
Number of projects**
23
 
29
 
** Includes only projects with total contract value greater than $50.0 million and remaining backlog over $1.0 million at the respective date.  
 
Large Project Backlog by Expected Profitability
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2007
(in thousands)
Number of  Projects***
Average Percent Complete
 
 
Backlog Amount
 
 Percent of Large Project Backlog
 
 
Projects with forecasted loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Granite West
 
1
 
38
%
 
$
80,688
 
5.7
%
 
Granite East
 
9
 
58
%
 
 
145,016
 
10.3
%
 
Total projects with a forecasted loss  
 
 10
 
51
%
 
 
225,704
 
16.0
%
 
Projects with forecasted profit                        
Granite West
 
4
 
44
%
 
 
143,264
 
10.1
%
 
Granite East
 
9
 
24
%
 
 
1,044,982
 
73.9
%
 
Total projects with forecasted profit
 
 13
 
27
%
 
 
1,188,246
 
84.0
%
 
Total
 
23
 
 
 
 
$
 1,413,950
 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2006
(in thousands)
Number of  Projects***
Average Percent Complete
 
 
Backlog Amount
 
 Percent of Large Project Backlog
 
 
Projects with forecasted loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Granite West
 
1
 
29
%
 
$
92,648
 
6.2
%
 
Granite East
 
9
 
70
%
 
 
294,699
 
19.5
%
 
Total projects with a forecasted loss
 
 10
 
60
%
 
 
387,347
 
25.7
%
 
Projects with forecasted profit                        
Granite West
 
4
 
32
%
 
 
220,874
 
14.6
%
 
Granite East
 
15
 
23
%
 
 
899,220
 
59.7
%
 
Total projects with forecasted profit
 
 19
 
25
%
 
 
1,120,094
 
74.3
%
 
Total
 
29
 
 
 
 
$
 1,507,441
 
100.0
%
 
 
*** Includes only projects with total contract value greater than $50.0 million and remaining backlog over $1.0 million.
Gross Profit
   
 
 
Years ended December 31,  
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
(in thousands)      
Granite West 
 
$
370,429
 
$
350,587
 
$
253,890
 
Percent of division revenue
   
19.2
%
 
18.2
%
 
16.0
%
Granite East
 
$
25,824
 
$
(72,565
$
50,470
 
Percent of division revenue
    3.4
%
 
(7.2
)%
 
4.9
%
GLC   $  15,840   $   17,570   $  12,271  
Percent of division revenue
     38.9
%
   50.2
%
    62.3
%
Other
 
$
(1,349
$
128
 
$
2,741
 
Total gross profit
 
$
410,744
 
$
295,720
 
$
319,372
 
Percent of total revenue
   
15.0
%
 
10.0
%
 
12.1
%
 
Gross Profit:  As more fully described under “Critical Accounting Estimates” we recognize revenue only equal to cost, deferring profit recognition, until a project reaches 25% completion. In the case of large, complex design/build projects, we may continue to defer profit recognition beyond the point of 25% completion until such time as we believe we have enough information to make a reasonably dependable estimate of contract revenue and cost. Because we have a large number of projects at various stages of completion in Granite West, this policy generally has a lesser impact on Granite West’s gross profit on a quarterly or annual basis. However, Granite East has fewer projects in process at any given time and those projects tend to be much larger than Granite West projects. As a result, Granite East gross profit as a percent of revenue can vary significantly in periods where one or several very large projects reach our completion threshold and the deferred profit is recognized or conversely, in periods where backlog is growing rapidly and a higher percentage of projects are in their early stages with no associated gross margin recognition.
 
Revenue from projects less than our completion threshold, for which no margin has been recognized, was as follows:
               
Revenue from Contracts with Deferred Profit
             
Years ended December 31,  
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
(in thousands)      
Granite West
 
$
43,590
 
$
24,868
 
$
26,498
 
Granite East 
 
 
131,694
 
 
16,397
 
 
49,614
 
Total revenue from contracts with deferred profit
  175,284   $ 41,265   $ 76,112  
 
Additionally, as we also describe under “Critical Accounting Estimates” we do not recognize revenue from contract claims until we have a signed agreement and payment is assured and we do not recognize revenue from contract change orders until the contract owner has agreed to the change order in writing. However, we do recognize the costs related to any contract claims or pending change orders in our forecasts when we are contractually obligated to incur them. As a result, our gross profit as a percent of revenue can vary during periods where a large volume of change orders or contract claims are pending resolution (reducing gross profit percent) or, conversely, during periods where large change orders or contract claims are agreed or settled (increasing gross profit percent). Although this variability can occur in both Granite West and Granite East, it can be much more pronounced in Granite East because of the larger size and complexity of its projects.
 
Granite West gross profit as a percent of revenue for 2007 increased to 19.2% from 18.2% for 2006.  The increase was largely due to the positive effect of project forecast changes in 2007 of approximately $23.0 million due to the settlement of outstanding issues with contract owners, higher productivity than originally estimated and the resolution of certain project uncertainties.  Additionally, in 2006 Granite West was negatively impacted by approximately $18.0 million in net project forecast changes – primarily from the estimated loss recorded on our highway project in western Oregon (see Note 2 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements”).  Construction materials gross profit as a percent of materials sales for 2007 decreased to 20 .1% from 23.6 % for 2006  primarily due to a change in product mix resulting from the reduced demand for certain products typically utilized in residential construction .
 
Granite East gross profit as a percent of revenue for 2007 increased to 3.4% from a negative gross margin of 7.2% for 2006. The improved gross profit margin in 2007 was driven by  a significantly  lower impact from negative forecast estimate changes. The net impact of project forecast estimate changes for 2007 was an increase in gross profit of approximately $3.0 million compared with a decrease of   approximately $123.0 million for 2006 (see Note 2 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements”).
When we experience significant contract forecast changes, 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 a change in estimate. In our review of these changes, we did not identify any material amounts that should have been recorded in a prior period.
 
GLC gross profit in 2007 and 2006 of $15.8 million and $17.6 million, respectively, included approximately $8.8 million and $7.8 million, respectively, related to our minority partners’ share. Included in GLC’s cost of revenue for 2007 was $3.0 million resulting from the partial impairment of a residential development project in California (see Note 6 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements”). 
 
General and Administrative Expenses
   
 
 
Years ended December 31,  
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
(in thousands)  
 
 
 
Salaries and related expenses
 
$
124,804
 
$
102,935
 
$
94,901
 
Incentive compensation, discretionary profit sharing and other variable compensation
   
37,745
   
33,094
   
28,294
 
Other general and administrative expenses
   
83,653
   
68,252
   
60,197
 
Total
 
$
246,202
 
$
204,281
 
$
183,392
 
Percent of revenue
   
9.0
%
 
6.9
%
 
6.9
%
 
General and Administrative Expenses:   General and administrative expenses increased by $41.9 million, or 20.5%, to $246.2 million in 2007 from $204.3 million in 2006. Salaries and related expenses in 2007 increased $21.9 million, or 21.2%, compared to 2006 primarily due to increased personnel and associated costs to support the addition of our new business in the state of Washington and our overall growth strategy - particularly in Granite West. Incentive compensation, discretionary profit sharing and other variable compensation in 2007 increased $4.7 million, or 14.1%, when compared to 2006 due to higher income and greater participation in our incentive compensation plans. Other general and administrative expenses in 2007 increased $15.4 million, or 22.6%, compared to 2006 due primarily to the addition of our new business in the state of Washington, increased costs related to technology upgrades and higher reserves for doubtful accounts. Other general and administrative expenses include information technology, occupancy, office supplies, depreciation, travel and entertainment, outside services, marketing, training and other miscellaneous expenses, none of which individually exceeded 10% of total general and administrative expenses.
 
Gain on Sales of Property and Equipment
   
 
 
Years ended December 31,  
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
(in thousands)  
 
 
 
Gain on sales of property and equipment
 
$
10,343
 
$
10,408
 
$
8,235
 

Gain on Sales of Property and Equipment: Gain on sales of property and equipment for  the year ended December 31, 2007  was comparable to the prior year.    

Other Income (Expense)
   
 
 
  Years ended December 31,  
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
(in thousands)  
 
 
Interest income
 
26,925
 
24,112
 
11,573
 
Interest expense
   
(6,367
 
(4,492
)
 
(6,932
)
Acquisition expense         (7,752    -      -  
Equity in income of affiliates
   
5,205
   
2,157
   
1,497
 
Other, net
   
5,498
   
2,604
   
1,258
 
Total
 
23,509
 
24,381
 
7,396
 

Other Income (Expense): Interest income increased $2.8 million, or 11.7%, in 2007 compared with 2006 due to higher balances of interest bearing investments. Interest expense increased in 2007 compared to 2006 due primarily to an increase in average debt outstanding under our revolving line of credit. Equity in income of affiliates for 2007 included a gain of approximately $3.9 million on a sale of a building by a partnership in which we hold an equity method investment. In December of 2007, we purchased all remaining shares of Wilder, which resulted in a charge of approximately $7.8 million (see Note 15 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements”). The increase in other (net) during 2007 was primarily related to capital gains of $2.9 million from certain mutual fund investments.
 
Provision for Income Taxes
   
 
 
Years ended December 31,
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
Provision for income taxes
 
$
65,470
 
$
38,678
 
$
41,413
 
Effective tax rate
   
33.0
%
 
34.2
%
 
29.1
%

Provision for Income Taxes: Our effective tax rate decreased to 33.0% in 2007 from 34.2% in 2006. The decrease was primarily d riven by higher minority interest in income of consolidated joint ventures and other entities   which are not subject to income taxes on a stand-alone basis.   The impact of higher minority interest was partially offset by the effect of the $7.8 million charge taken related to the purchase of the remaining Wilder shares which is not deductible for tax purposes (see Note 15 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements”).   
 
Minority Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries
   
 
 
Years ended December 31,  
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
(in thousands)  
 
 
 
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries
 
$
(20,859
$
6,170
 
$
(17,748
)
 
Minority Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries: Our minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries represents the minority owners’ share of the income or loss of our consolidated subsidiaries - primarily Wilder, certain real estate development entities and various consolidated construction joint ventures. In 2006 we recognized a net minority interest benefit of approximately $6.2 million due to our partners’ share of losses on certain joint venture construction projects.     
 
Two  of our joint venture projects are currently forecast at a loss and will require additional capital contributions from our minority partners if the forecasts do not improve.  Our joint venture agreements require that such capital contributions be made if needed.  Based on our most recent assessment of our partners’ financial condition, we currently believe that one of our partners do es not have the ability to contribute  its full proportionate share of the additional capital that will be needed if the project forecast does not improve.  Included in minority interest for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 is expense related to this potentially uncollectible partners balance of approximately $4.6 million and $ 9.4 million, respectively. Minority interest balances related to loss projects of $ 2.7 million and $1 4.8 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively have been included in other long-term assets in our consolidated balance sheet.
 
Outlook
 
We are optimistic about our opportunities in 2008. The diversity and resiliency of our business model and our employees’ capabilities will prove to be extremely valuable this year as we confront the economic challenges facing some of our branch businesses in the West and capitalize on the opportunities to increase profitability on our large projects in the East.

In our Granite East business, we expect to see continued earnings improvement through 2008. Driven by a strong backlog of work and improved execution, we are currently forecasting Granite East to achieve 2008 gross margins in the low teens. We have targeted several projects in each of our three Granite East regions to pursue this year; however, we will remain very selective with regard to the projects we bid. Our strategy for this business has not changed. We will continue to focus on our home markets with the near-term goal to maintain a Granite East business with revenues which allow us the best opportunity to maximize profitability and successfully execute at the project level.

We anticipate 2008 to be a challenging year for Granite West due to the continued downturn in the residential construction market, which is expected to negatively impact several of our branches, particularly those in the Central Valley of California and Northern Nevada. Competition in these markets is likely to remain high at least through the end of 2008. In this type of market, our bidding strategy is to be patient and cautious to avoid committing our capacity to lower margin work because we believe better opportunities will be available later in the year.

In contrast, some of our branches are poised to have a solid year, driven by a strong backlog, healthy markets and steady demand for our construction materials. Overall, we anticipate that Granite West will perform well in 2008 given the expected market conditions; however, we do not expect the business to perform near the level it has over the past two years. Our focus this year will be on targeting those opportunities where we have a competitive advantage.
Despite the current challenges, the long-term outlook for Granite West remains extremely positive. We are well-positioned in our markets with our construction businesses, aggregate reserves, key plant facilities, and most importantly, teams of experienced and dedicated people. Although not expected in 2008, we look forward to the ultimate recovery of the housing market which we believe will mark the beginning of another performance improvement cycle in Granite West.

With regard to our Granite Land Company, our strategy going forward is to enhance our regional and project diversity. Despite the impairment write-down of a residential property in California during 2007, we are very pleased with the overall quality of our real estate investment portfolio. In 2008, our goal is to work diligently on entitlements, construct improvements and evaluate longer term sales to optimize the varying time for recovery in our sub-regional markets.

On the political front, federal and state transportation funding for 2008 is expected to remain healthy. The fiscal 2008 federal appropriations bill package provides $40.2 billion for the core highway program, consistent with the 2008 level authorized in the current Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation, Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (“SAFETEA-LU”), with an additional $1.0 billion to repair deficient bridges. In the bill, the fiscal 2008 federal transit program will be funded at $9.5 billion. This represents an overall increase in federal transportation funding of $2.6 billion over fiscal 2007

Looking ahead, we were not pleased to hear that the Administration’s proposed federal budget for fiscal 2009 proposes a cut in Federal-Aid Highway Obligation Limits of $1.8 billion from fiscal 2008 spending levels. With the Congressional Budget Office’s recent projections indicating a revenue shortfall in the Highway Account of $1.1 billion less than the amount needed to meet SAFETEA-LU’s highway funding commitments in fiscal 2009, House leadership has identified trust fund solvency as a top priority for the 2008 congressional session.

Transportation funding post-SAFTEA-LU is a topic that will be highly debated over the year ahead. In January, the National Surface Policy and Revenue Study Commission, created by SAFETEA-LU, issued its long-awaited report.  After two years of reviewing the status of the nation's surface transportation infrastructure and conducting field hearings across the country, the report contains several recommendations that will likely spur debate as discussions begin about the 2009 reauthorization of the federal government’s role in transportation finance and policy.

The report proposes a complete overhaul of the current federal program. Significantly, the report calls for a $0.25 to $0.40 increase in the federal gasoline user fee to be phased in over five years, then indexed for inflation. The report estimates that the nation will need to invest at least $225 billion annually over the next 50 years to upgrade the existing surface transportation systems (highways, transit and passenger rail) to a state of good repair. This would nearly triple the annual rate of $85 billion that is being spent at all levels of government on all modes today.

In California, the state’s fiscal situation and the potential impact on transportation funding has been an issue we have also been watching closely. Fortunately, despite the current economic downturn, neither the Governor nor legislative leaders are proposing cuts to transportation in the upcoming 2008-09 budget year. The Governor's recently announced proposed Budget includes full funding for Proposition 42 (approximately $1.5 billion+ annually) and approximately $4.1   billion in Proposition 1B transportation funds.

With regard to raw materials costs, we are subject to energy and petroleum related price volatility as it relates to our use of diesel fuel for our rolling stock equipment, natural gas, propane and diesel fuel to heat our hot plants, as well as liquid asphalt for production of asphaltic concrete. We manage our exposure to these price changes by monitoring the escalation of these commodities and pricing them into our projects and contracts accordingly.  Some of our contracts include clauses for liquid asphalt and fuel escalation and de-escalation that provide protection in the event that oil product prices change significantly.  Although we are exposed to price spikes in projects that do not include such clauses, this potential impact can be mitigated by our significant portfolio of smaller, short-duration projects that minimizes cost escalations and provides the ability to price new business at the higher prices.

Longer term, we are excited about our opportunities ahead, largely driven by record levels of public transportation funding in California, the Company’s largest revenue-producing state, as well as improving results from our large projects business. Demand for our construction materials is also expected to remain healthy over the long term. We foresee bidding opportunities for large projects to continue to be robust, which will help support our strategy in Granite East of bidding new work selectively with considerably higher levels of profitability.

In summary, we are very pleased with our business performance to date, which has occurred despite the impact of the weakening housing market. Our Granite West business proved its durability in an uncertain economic environment during 2007 and is poised to perform well in the continued economic unrest of 2008. Our Granite East business is clearly on the road to improved profitability and on track for continued improvement going forward. Overall, we are very optimistic about the long-term view of our markets and are confident that our continued investment in the development of our people is key to increasing shareholder value over the long term.
Prior Years
 
Revenue :  Revenue from Granite West increased $328.5 million, or 20.5%, in the year ended December 31, 2006 from the year ended December 31, 2005. Included in this increase was $79.3 million which was added to Granite West results as part of our realignment. The remaining increased revenue from both construction and the sale of materials was driven by higher levels of public spending, particularly in California. Increased revenue from the sale of materials reflected an increase in average selling prices in 2006. A portion of the increase in Granite West revenue was also attributable to mild weather in the fourth quarter of 2006 which enabled many of our locations to complete more work in the quarter than in the fourth quarter of 2005.
 
Revenue from Granite East decreased $15.6 million, or 1.5%, in the year ended December 31, 2006 from the year ended December 31, 2005. Included in this change was a decrease of $79.3 million for 2006 due to our realignment.  Absent this realignment effect, revenue from Granite East increased $55.8 million in 2006 from 2005 due primarily to the increase in volume from a higher backlog at the beginning of 2006 and a large project award received in the first quarter of 2006. Revenue generated from projects with a contract value greater than $100 million increased to 72.9% of total Granite East revenue in 2006 from 57.6% in 2005, and our minority partners’ share of our consolidated joint venture revenue increased to approximately $214.6 million in 2006 from approximately $175.0 million in 2005. Geographically, the increased revenue in the West in 2006 was primarily attributable to a large design/build project in Utah which was awarded in late 2005. In the Southeast, the increased revenue for 2006 was due primarily to a large design/build project in Mississippi which was awarded in the first quarter of 2006. Decreases in revenue in the Northeast in 2006 were due primarily to more projects in New York reaching substantial completion during 2006 than in 2005 and a lack of new project awards during 2006.  Revenue from fixed price contracts increased from 68.4% of Granite East revenue in 2005 to 77.6% of Granite East revenue in 2006 due primarily to growth in design/build projects in our backlog.
 
Backlog: Granite West backlog at December 31, 2006 was $1,015.7 million, an increase of $165.3 million, or 19.5%, from December 31, 2005. Included in this increase was $208.0 million which was added to Granite West backlog as part of our realignment. Absent this realignment effect, Granite West backlog increased $79.4 million at December 31, 2006 compared to December 31, 2005. The increase was due primarily to higher public sector awards in California, partially offset by a decrease in private sector backlog in California. The increase in California public sector backlog included a $51.9 million share of a joint venture highway reconstruction project for the California Department of Transportation (“Caltrans”) that was awarded in the first quarter of 2006 and a $30.5 million highway widening project for Caltrans that was awarded in the third quarter of 2006. Granite West awards in the fourth quarter of 2006 included a $26.3 million highway reconstruction project and a $24.8 million road construction project in Southern California. Other Granite West awards in 2006 included an $81.8 million joint venture highway reconstruction project in Northern California, a $44.9 million road construction project near Bakersfield, California and a $21.3 million residential site development project in Nevada.
 
Backlog in Granite East at December 31, 2006 was $1,240.9 million, a decrease of $240.3 million, or 16.2%, from backlog at December 31, 2005. Included in this decrease was $208.0 million which was transferred from Granite East to Granite West as part of our realignment. The remaining decreased backlog reflected our strategy of bidding work at higher margins and focusing on successful execution of a lower volume of work. Granite East backlog included approximately $22.7 million related to our 20% portion of a joint venture project to construct a transportation hub at the World Trade Center in New York. Granite East awards in the fourth quarter of 2006 included a $420.0 million design/build consolidated joint venture highway reconstruction project in St. Louis, Missouri.
 
Gross Profit:   Gross profit as a percent of revenue in Granite West increased to 18.2% in 2006 from 16.0% in 2005. These results reflect a gross loss of $14.3 million from projects which were transferred from Granite East to Granite West as part of our realignment. Absent this realignment effect, t he increase in 2006 was attributable to higher profit margins for both construction and the sale of materials due to strong demand in both the private and public sectors. Granite West construction gross profit as a percent of revenue in 2006 increased to 18.6% from 14.3% in 2005.  Granite West gross profit from the sale of materials as a percent of revenue in 2006 increased to 23.6% from 22.3% in 2005.
 
Also, absent the realignment effect, Granite West gross profit for 2006 included the effects of changes in the estimates of the profitability of certain projects. The net impact of these estimate changes for 2006 was an increase in gross profit of approximately $3.8 million due primarily to the settlement of outstanding issues on two projects with no associated cost, partially offset by increases in estimated costs on several other projects. The net impact of such estimate changes for 2005 was a decrease in gross profit of approximately $2.5 million due primarily to unanticipated costs related to quality issues in work originally performed by a subcontractor on one project and changes in site conditions from our original expectations on a second project.
Granite East recognized a negative gross margin of 7.2% for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to a gross profit margin of 4.9% for 2005.  These results reflect a gross loss of $14.3 million which was transferred from Granite East to Granite West as part of our realignment. Absent this realignment effect, the reduction in gross margin was primarily due to additional estimated project costs that had the effect of reducing gross profit by approximately $145.0 million in 2006. This compares with reduced gross margin from reductions in e stimated project profitability of approximately $31.0 million in 2005. Additionally Granite East’s gross margin in 2006 was negatively impacted by lower estimated profitability in the division’s backlog at the beginning of 2006 resulting from the deterioration in estimated project margins experienced during 2005.
 
Granite Land Company gross profit in 2006 and 2005 was primarily related to sales of certain real estate development projects by consolidated subsidiaries of approximately $17.6 million and $12.3 million, respectively. The minority partners’ share of these gross profit amounts was approximately $7.8 million and $6.1 million, respectively.
 
General and Administrative Expenses:   General and administrative expenses increased by $20.9 million, or 11.4%, from 2005 to 2006. Salaries and related expenses increased in 2006 due primarily to additional staffing needed to support a higher volume of work. Incentive compensation, discretionary profit sharing and other variable compensation increased in 2006 due to higher profitability in Granite West and higher restricted stock amortization cost. The increase in other general and administrative expenses in 2006 related primarily to increased bidding activity and other costs related to higher revenue volume.
 
Provision for Legal Judgment: In June 2005, we recorded a provision of $9.3 million related to an unfavorable judgment in a legal proceeding.  In January 2007, we entered into an agreement to resolve the related dispute which resulted in a partial reversal of the provision during the year ended December 31, 2006.
 
Goodwill Impairment Charge: The goodwill balance represented the excess of the purchase price over the fair value assigned to the net assets acquired in our 2001 acquisition of our Granite Northeast operation in New York (“GNE”), a reporting unit in Granite East operating segment. During the fourth quarter of 2006 we performed our annual impairment test and determined that the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeded its implied fair value and that a full impairment of goodwill existed. This impairment conclusion was reached due to continuing losses at GNE, including significant unexpected losses in the quarter ended December 31, 2006.
 
Gain on Sales of Property and Equipment: Gain on sales of property and equipment for the year ended December 31, 2006 included approximately $2.3 million from the sale of a rental property recognized in the first quarter of 2006.
 
Other Income (Expense): Interest income increased $12.5 million, or 108.3%, in 2006 compared with 2005 due primarily to a higher average yield on higher average balances of interest bearing investments. Interest expense decreased $2.4 million, or 35.2% in 2006 compared with 2005 primarily due to a lower amount of debt outstanding during 2006. Additionally, in January 2007, we entered into an agreement to resolve a dispute which resulted in the reversal of accrued interest expense of approximately $337,000. Other, net in 2006 included approximately $3.2 million recognized on the sale of gold in the second quarter. The gold is produced as a by-product of one of our aggregate mining operations and held for investment.
 
Provision for Income Taxes: Our effective tax rate increased to 34.2% in 2006 from 29.1% in 2005 due primarily to the impact on the tax rate of minority interest losses in several of our construction joint ventures, which are not subject to income taxes on a standalone basis.
 
Minority Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries:   We recognized net minority interest benefit of approximately $6.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 primarily due to losses on certain construction joint venture projects.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
   
 
 
December 31,
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
(in thousands)  
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents excluding consolidated joint ventures
 
$
166,700
 
$
110,913
 
$
147,525
 
Consolidated joint venture cash and cash equivalents      185,734      93,980     52,356  
Total consolidated cash and cash equivalents 
  $ 352,434   $  204,893   $ 199,881  
Net cash provided by (used in):
                   
Operating activities
  $
234,788
  $
259,643
  $
146,501
 
Investing activities
   
(166,744
 
(183,683
)
 
(64,785
)
Financing activities
   
79,497
   
(70,948
)
 
(43,462
)
Capital expenditures
   
118,612
   
116,238
   
102,829
 
Working capital
   
397,568
   
319,762
   
367,801
 

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations and borrowings under our credit facilities. We expect the principal use of funds for the foreseeable future will be for acquisitions, capital expenditures, working capital, debt service, other investments and share repurchases. We have budgeted approximately $180.0 million for capital expenditures in 2008, which includes amounts for construction equipment, aggregate and asphalt plants, buildings, leasehold improvements and the purchase of land and aggregate reserves.
 
Our cash and cash equivalents and short-term and long-term marketable securities totaled $485.3 million at December 31, 2007 and included $185.7 million of cash and cash equivalents from our consolidated joint ventures (see Note 5 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements”). This joint venture cash is for the working capital needs of each joint venture’s project. The decision to distribute cash must generally be made jointly by all of the partners. We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, cash generated from operations and amounts available under our existing credit facilities will be sufficient to meet our expected working capital needs, capital expenditures, financial commitments and other liquidity requirements associated with our existing operations through the next twelve months and beyond. If we experience a significant change in our business such as the execution of a significant acquisition, we would likely need to acquire additional sources of financing, which may be limited by the terms of our existing debt covenants, or may require the amendment of our existing debt agreements.
 
Cash provided by operating activities of $234.8 million in 2007 represents a $24.9 million decrease from the amount provided by operating activities during 2006. Operating cash flow in 2006 benefited from an increase in net billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings resulting from large cash payments received to mobilize projects in the early stages of construction, which have the effect of increasing cash flow in the periods received and decreasing cash flow in subsequent periods as cash is expended toward project completion.     Net billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings decreased slightly in 2007.  The decrease in cash flow from net billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings in 2007 was partially offset by cash generated from lower accounts receivable balances at December 31, 2007 (net of the effect of lower accounts payable balances), due primarily to lower revenue – particularly in the fourth quarter. Cash provided by operating activities in 2006 increased by $113.1 million from 2005 primarily due to slower accounts receivable growth in 2006 compared with 2005 and an increase in net billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings in 2006.
 
Cash used in investing activities of $166.7 million for 2007 represents a $16.9 million decrease from the amount used in 2006 due primarily to a reduction in the purchases of marketable securities and an increase in the maturities of marketable securities.  This decrease was partially offset by the use of cash to fund the acquisition of certain assets of two businesses (see Note 17 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements”) and cash deposited into an escrow account related to our purchase of the remaining shares of Wilder Construction Company (see Note 15 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements”). Cash used in investing activities in 2006 increased by $118.9 million from 2005 due primarily to higher net purchases of marketable securities and net additions to property and equipment in 2006.

Cash provided by financing activities of $79.5 million for 2007 represents an increase of $150.4 million from 2006 due primarily to $200.0 million in new debt issued in December 2007 (see Note 10 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements”).  The increase was partially offset by our repayments of debt borrowed under our bank revolving line of credit and repurchases of our common stock. Cash used in financing activities in 2006 was $27.5 million higher than 2005 due primarily to increases in net repayments of long-term debt and net distributions to minority partners in 2006.
Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations outstanding as of December 31, 2007:
       
Contractual Obligations  
Payments due by period
 
(in thousands)  
Total
 
Less than 1 year
 
1-3 years
 
3-5 years
 
More than 5 years
 
Long term debt (1)
 
$
297,113
 
$
28,696
 
$
41,063
 
$
18,853
 
$
208,501
 
Operating leases (2)
   
53,275
   
8,674
   
12,931
   
9,076
   
22,594
 
Purchase obligations under construction contracts (3)
   
962,571
   
565,961
   
334,440
   
62,170
   
-
 
Other purchase obligations (4)
   
38,219
   
33,196
   
3,079
   
324
   
1,620
 
Deferred compensation obligations (5)
   
27,761
   
2,544
   
8,062
   
8,324
   
8,831
 
  Total
 
$
1,378,939
 
$
639,071
 
$
399,575
 
$
98,747
 
$
241,546
 
 
(1)  These obligations represent the aggregate minimum principal maturities of long-term debt and do not include interest. See Note 10 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.”
(2)  These obligations represent the minimum rental commitments and minimum royalty requirements under all noncancellable operating leases. See Note 15 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.”
(3)  These obligations represent our best estimate of future purchases of materials and subcontract services related to our current contract backlog.
(4)  These obligations represent firm purchase commitments for equipment and other goods and services not connected with our construction backlog which are individually greater than $10,000 and have an expected purchase after February 28, 2008.
(5)  The timing of expected payment of deferred compensation is based on estimated dates of retirement. Actual dates of retirement could be different and would cause the timing of payments to change.
(6)  Reserves for uncertain tax positions of approximately $4.8 million are not included in the table above because we cannot estimate the timing of payments related to such reserves.
 
We had standby letters of credit totaling approximately $4.4 million outstanding at December 31, 2007, all of which expire between March 2008 and February 2009. We are generally required by the beneficiaries of these standby letters of credit to replace them upon expiration. Additionally, we generally are 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, 2007, approximately $2.0 billion of our backlog was bonded and performance bonds totaling approximately $9.3 billion were outstanding. Performance bonds do not have stated expiration dates; rather, we are generally released from the bonds when each contract is accepted by the owner. 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.
 
We have a $150.0 million bank revolving line of credit, which allows for unsecured borrowings through June 24, 2011, with interest rate options. Interest on outstanding borrowings under the revolving line of credit is at our choice of selected LIBOR rates plus a margin that is recalculated quarterly. The margin was 0.80% at December 31, 2007. The unused and available portion of this line of credit was $145.6 million at December 31, 2007.
 
In December 2007, we issued  new debt in the amount of $200.0 million. These notes are due in five equal installments beginning in 2015 and bear interest at 6.11% per annum.
 
Restrictive covenants under the terms of our debt agreements require the maintenance of certain financial ratios and the maintenance of tangible net worth (as defined) (see Note 10 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements”). We were in compliance with these covenants at December 31, 2007. Failure to comply with these covenants could cause the amounts due under the debt agreements to become currently payable.
 
In October 2007, our Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase, at management’s discretion, up to $200.0 million of our common stock.   Under the new repurchase program, the Company may repurchase shares from time to time on the open market or in private transactions.  The Company intends to fund the repurchases through the use of existing sources of liquidity, borrowings under the current credit facility or new borrowings. The specific timing and amount of repurchases will vary based on market conditions, securities law limitations and other factors. The share repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice. This new program replaced the $25.0 million share repurchase program announced in 2002. At December 31, 2007, $107.3 million of the $200.0 million authorization was ava i lable   for repurchases (see “Item 5. Market for Registrant s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities”). Subsequent to December 31, 2007 through February 19, 2008 we repurchased and retired an additional 0.7 million shares for $25.0 million.
Included in the $51.7 million balance of real estate held for development and sale at December 31, 2007 is approximately $39.5 million related to residential housing projects.   Due to the downturn in the residential housing market we assessed whether our investments related to these projects were impaired.  As a result of this assessment, we recorded an impairment charge of $3.0 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2007 related to a project in central California , which is an area that has been particularly impacted by the slowing demand for new housing construction (see Note 6 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements”).
 
Joint Ventures; Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements  
 
We participate in various construction joint venture partnerships in order to share expertise, risk and resources for certain highly complex projects. Generally, each construction joint venture is formed to accomplish a specific project and is jointly controlled by the joint venture partners. We select our joint venture partners based on our analysis of their construction and financial capabilities, expertise in the type of work to be performed and past working relationships with us, 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.

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.
 
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 these discrete items is defined in the contract with the project owner and each venture partner bears the profitability risk associated with its own work. All partners in a line item joint venture are jointly and severally liable for the completion of the total project under the terms of the contract with the project owner. 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 project revenues and costs in our accounting system and include receivables and payables associated with our work in our consolidated financial statements.
 
The venture’s contract with the project owner typically requires joint and several liability among the joint venture partners. Although our agreements with our joint venture partners for both construction joint ventures and line item joint ventures provide that each party will assume and pay its share of any losses resulting from a project, if one of our partners was unable to pay its share we would be fully liable under our contract with the project owner. Circumstances that could lead to a loss under these guarantee arrangements include a partner’s inability to contribute additional funds to the venture in the event that the project incurred a loss or additional costs that we could incur should the partner fail to provide the services and resources toward project completion that had been committed to in the joint venture agreement. At December 31, 2007, approximately $650.0 million of work representing either our partners’ proportionate share of unconsolidated construction joint ventures or work that our partners are directly responsible for in line item joint ventures, had yet to be completed.  During 2007, we recorded approximately $4.6 million in additional minority interest cost related to our assessment that our partner in one construction joint venture project would be unable to pay its full share of the project’s projected loss. Prior to 2006, we had never incurred a loss under these joint and several liability provisions, however; it is possible that we could record additional losses in the future and such losses could be significant.  
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
See Note 1 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” for a description of recent accounting pronouncements, including the expected dates of adoption and effects on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Quarterly Results

The following table sets forth selected unaudited financial information for the eight quarters in the two-year period ended December 31, 2007. This information has been prepared on the same basis as the audited financial statements and, in the opinion of management, contains all adjustments necessary for a fair statement thereof.
                   
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
             
(unaudited - in thousands, except per share data)                  
2007 Quarters Ended
 
December 31
 
September 30
 
June 30
 
March 31
 
Revenue
 
$
633,065
 
$
846,313
 
$
770,876
 
$
487,660
 
Gross profit
   
98,437
   
136,637
   
127,634
   
48,036
 
As a percent of revenue
   
15.5
%
 
16.1
%
 
16.6
%
 
9.9
%
Net income (loss)
  $
17,168
 
53,300
 
43,846
 
(2,249
)
As a percent of revenue
   
2.7
%
 
6.3
%
 
5.7
%
 
(0.5
)%
Net income (loss) per share:
                         
Basic
 
0.43
 
$
1.30
 
$
1.07
 
$
(0.05
)
Diluted
 
0.42
 
$
1.28
 
$
1.05
 
$
(0.05
)
Dividends per share
 
$
0.13
 
$
0.10
 
$
0.10
 
$
0.10
 
Market price of common stock
                         
High
 
57.37
 
74.62
 
70.43
 
59.90
 
Low
 
32.46
 
50.33
 
54.57
 
47.74
 
                           
2006 Quarters Ended
   
December 31
   
September 30
   
June 30
   
March 31
 
Revenue
 
$
719,927
 
$
941,672
 
$
812,037
 
$
495,968
 
Gross profit
 
 
56,443
 
 
105,932
 
 
93,110
 
 
40,235
 
As a percent of revenue
   
7.8
%
 
11.2
%
 
11.5
%
 
8.1
%
Net income (loss)
 
2,917
 
45,725
 
33,289
 
(1,422
)
As a percent of revenue
   
0.4
%
 
4.9
%
 
4.1
%
 
(0.3
)%
Net income (loss) per share:
                         
Basic
 
$
0.07
 
$
1.12
 
$
0.81
 
$
(0.03
)
Diluted
 
$
0.07
 
$
1.10
 
$
0.80
 
$
(0.03
)
Dividends per share
 
$
0.10
 
$
0.10
 
$
0.10
 
$
0.10
 
Market price of common stock
                         
High
 
$
63.73
 
$
56.14
 
$
51.65
 
$
49.75
 
Low
 
$
47.69
 
$
37.35
 
$
37.63
 
$
35.42
 
 
Net income (loss) per share calculations are based on the weighted average common shares outstanding for each period presented. Accordingly, the sum of the quarterly net income (loss) per share amounts may not equal the per share amount reported for the year.
 
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
We maintain an investment portfolio of various holdings, types and maturities. We place our cash investments in instruments that meet high credit quality standards, as specified in our investment policy guidelines. We are prohibited from investing in auction rate and certain asset-backed securities. These guidelines also limit the amount of credit exposure to any one issue, issuer or type of instrument. The portfolio is limited to an average maturity of no more than one year from date of purchase. On an ongoing basis we monitor the credit ratings, financial condition and other factors that could impact the carrying amount of our investment portfolio.
  
Marketable securities, consisting of U.S. government obligations, commercial paper and municipal bonds, are generally classified as held-to-maturity and are stated at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and discounts to maturity.  Additionally we have a mutual fund portfolio which is classified as available-for-sale. Unrealized gains and losses on these mutual fund investments are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

We are exposed to financial market risks due largely to changes in interest rates, which we have managed primarily by managing the maturities in our investment portfolio. We currently do not have any material business transactions in foreign currencies.

The fair value of our short-term held-to-maturity investment portfolio and related income would not be significantly impacted by changes in interest rates since the investment maturities are short and the interest rates are primarily fixed. The fair value of our long-term held-to-maturity investment portfolio may be impacted by changes in interest rates. Our mutual fund portfolio of $ 34.2 million is exposed to equity price risks.
 
In a declining interest rate environment, as short term investments mature, reinvestment occurs at less favorable market rates. Given the short term nature of certain investments, anticipated declining interest rates will negatively impact our investment income.

At December 31, 2007 we had outstanding: (i) senior notes payable of $20.0 million which carry a fixed interest rate of 6.54% per annum with principal payments due in nine equal annual installments that began in 2002; (ii) senior notes payable of $50.0 million which carry a fixed interest rate of 6.96% per annum with principal payments due in nine equal annual installments that began in 2005; and (iii) senior notes payable of $200.0 million, which carry a fixed rate interest of 6.11% per annum with principal payments due in five equal annual installments beginning in 2015.

The table below presents principal amounts and related weighted average interest rates by year for our cash and cash equivalents, held-to-maturity investments and significant debt obligations (in thousands):
                               
   
2008
 
2009
 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
Assets
                                           
Cash, cash equivalents and held-to-maturity investments
 
$
396,026
 
$
39,301
 
$
15,855
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
451,182
 
Weighted average interest rate
   
4.66
%
 
5.13
%
 
5.16
%
 
-
%
 
-
%
 
-
%
 
4.72
%
Liabilities
                                           
   Fixed rate debt
                                           
   Senior notes payable
 
$
15,000
 
$
15,000
 
$
15,000
 
$
8,333
 
$
8,333
 
$
208,334
 
$
270,000
 
   Weighted average interest rate
   
6.77
%
 
6.77
%
 
6.77
%
 
6.96
%
 
6.96
%
 
6.14
%
 
6.30
%
                                             
The estimated fair value of our cash, cash equivalents and short-term held-to-maturity investments approximate the principal amounts reflected above based on the generally short maturities of these financial instruments. The estimated fair value of our long-term held-to-maturity investments approximates the principal amounts above due to the relatively minor difference between the effective yields of these investments and rates currently available on similar instruments. Rates currently available to us for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate fair value of existing debt. Based on the lower fixed borrowing rates currently available to us for bank loans with similar terms and average maturities, the fair value of the senior notes payable was approximately $ 270.0 million as of December 31, 2007 and $88.0 million as of December 31, 2006.
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The following consolidated financial statements of Granite 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 - At December 31, 2007 and 2006

Consolidated Statements of Income - Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income - Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Schedule II - Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Additionally, a two-year Summary of Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) is included in “Quarterly Results” under “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.”
 
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.
 
Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures : We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision of and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the design and operation 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”)). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2007, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective .

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting: During the fourth quarter of 2007, 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.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting:  Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d -15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in “Internal Control—Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on that evaluation our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2007.
 
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Attestation Report: PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007. The report, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, is included in Item 15 (1) under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”
 
Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.
 
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 May 19, 2008 (the “Proxy Statement”) pursuant to Regulation 14A 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 GOVERANCE

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 “Election of Directors” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” respectively, in the Proxy Statement. For information regarding our Audit/Compliance Committee’s financial expert and our Committees of the Board, we direct you to the section captioned “Committees of the Board” in the Proxy Statement. For information regarding our Nomination Policy, we direct you to the section captioned “Board of Directors’ Nomination Policy” in the Proxy Statement. For information regarding our Code of Conduct, we direct you to the section captioned “Code of Conduct” in the Proxy Statement. This information is incorporated herein by reference. Information regarding our executive officers is contained in the section entitled “Executive Officers of the Registrant,” in Part I of this Report.
 
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

For information regarding our Executive Compensation, we direct you to the section captioned “Executive & 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 Beneficial Owners and Certain 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 section captioned “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” 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 subsection captioned “Principal Accountant Fees and Services” in the Proxy Statement. This information is incorporated herein by reference.
 
PART IV   
 
Item 15. EXHIBITS  AND 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:
   
Schedule
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
F-1
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2007 and 2006
F-2
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
F-3
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
F-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
F-5
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
F-6 to F-27
 
2.   Financial Statement Schedule . The following financial statement schedule of Granite for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 is filed as part of this report and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of Granite.
   
Schedule
Page
Schedule II - Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
S-1

Schedules not listed above have been omitted because the required information is either not material, not applicable or is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

3.   Exhibits . The Exhibits listed in the accompanying Exhibit Index are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this report.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of
Granite Construction Incorporated:
 
In our opinion, the consolidated   financial statements listed in the  index appearing  under Item 15(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of   Granite Construction Incorporated and its subsidiaries   at  December 31, 2007   and December 31, 2006 , and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended  December 31, 2007   in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated   financial statements.  Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 , based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, 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 on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A .  Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits .   We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  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.  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.

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.
 
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
 
San Jose, California
February 22, 2008
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
December 31,  
2007
 
2006
 
ASSETS
Current assets
             
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
352,434
 
$
204,893
 
Short-term marketable securities
   
77,758
   
141,037
 
Accounts receivable, net
   
397,097
   
492,229
 
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings
   
17,957
   
15,797
 
Inventories
   
55,557
   
41,529
 
   Real estate held for development and sale      51,688      55,888  
Deferred income taxes
   
43,713
   
36,776
 
Equity in construction joint ventures
   
34,340
   
31,912
 
Other current assets
   
96,969
   
63,144
 
Total current assets
   
1,127,513
   
1,083,205
 
Property and equipment, net
   
502,901
   
429,966
 
Long-term marketable securities
   
55,156
   
48,948
 
Investments in affiliates
   
26,475
   
21,471
 
Other assets
   
74,373
   
49,248
 
Total assets
 
1,786,418
 
$
1,632,838
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
             
Current maturities of long-term debt
 
$
28,696
 
$
28,660
 
Accounts payable
   
213,135
   
257,612
 
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings
   
275,849
   
287,843
 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
   
212,265
   
189,328
 
Total current liabilities
   
729,945
   
763,443
 
Long-term debt
   
268,417
   
78,576
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
46,441
   
58,419
 
Deferred income taxes
   
17,945
   
22,324
 
Commitments and contingencies
             
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries
   
23,471
   
15,532
 
Shareholders’ 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 in 2007 and 2006; issued and outstanding 39,450,923 in 2007 and 41,833,559 in 2006
   
395
   
418
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
79,007
   
78,620
 
Retained earnings
   
619,699
   
612,875
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
1,098
   
2,631
 
Total shareholders’ equity
   
700,199
   
694,544
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
1,786,418
 
$
1,632,838
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-2

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Revenue
                   
Construction
 
2,321,502
 
$
2,524,454
 
$
2,287,364
 
Material sales
   
375,700
   
410,159
   
334,290
 
Real Estate 
   
40,712
      34,991     19,698  
Total revenue
   
2,737,914
   
2,969,604
   
2,641,352
 
Cost of revenue
                   
Construction
   
2,002,064
   
2,343,134
   
2,053,253
 
Material sales
   
300,234
   
313,329
   
261,300
 
Real Estate 
     24,872      17,421      7,427  
Total cost of revenue
   
2,327,170
   
2,673,884
   
2,321,980
 
Gross Profit
   
410,744
   
295,720
   
319,372
 
General and administrative expenses
   
246,202
   
204,281
   
183,392
 
Provision for (reversal of) legal judgment
   
 -
   
(4,800
 
9,300
 
Goodwill impairment charge    
 -
     18,011      -  
Gain on sales of property and equipment
   
10,343
   
10,408
   
8,235
 
Operating income
   
174,885
   
88,636
   
134,915
 
Other income (expense)
                   
Interest income
   
26,925
   
24,112
   
11,573
 
Interest expense
   
(6,367
 
(4,492
)
 
(6,932
)
Acquisition expense
     (7,752     -       -  
Equity in income of affiliates
   
5,205
   
2,157
   
1,497
 
Other, net
   
5,498
   
2,604
   
1,258
 
Total other income (expense)
   
23,509
   
24,381
   
7,396
 
Income before provision for income taxes and minority interest
   
198,394
   
113,017
   
142,311
 
Provision for income taxes
   
65,470
   
38,678
   
41,413
 
Income before minority interest
   
132,924
   
74,339
   
100,898
 
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries
   
(20,859
 
6,170
 
 
(17,748
)
Net income
 
112,065
 
80,509
 
83,150
 
                     
Net income per share
                   
Basic
 
$
2.74
 
$
1.97
 
$
2.05
 
Diluted
 
$
2.71
 
$
1.94
 
$
2.02
 
                     
Weighted average shares of common stock
                   
Basic
   
40,866
   
40,874
   
40,614
 
Diluted
   
41,389
   
41,471
   
41,249
 
                     
Dividends per share
 
$
0.43
 
$
0.40
 
$
0.40
 
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-3

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
(in thousands, except share data)
 
Years Ended December 31,
2005, 2006 and 2007
 
Outstanding Shares
 
Common Stock
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 
Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss)
 
Unearned Compensation
 
Total
 
Balances, December 31, 2004
   
41,612,319
 
$
416
 
$
76,766
 
$
482,635
 
$
1,475
 
$
(10,818
)
$
550,474
 
Comprehensive income:
                                           
Net income
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
83,150
   
-
   
-
       
Other comprehensive income:
                                           
Changes in net unrealized gains on investments
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
127
   
-
       
Total comprehensive income
                                       
83,277
 
Restricted stock issued
   
187,563
   
2
   
5,019
   
-
   
-
   
(5,318
)
 
(297
)
Amortized restricted stock
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
5,957
   
5,957
 
Repurchase of common stock
   
(204,543
)
 
(2
)
 
(5,261
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
(5,263
)
Cash dividends on common stock
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(16,684
)
 
-
   
-
   
(16,684
)
Common stock contributed to ESOP    
85,200
    1    
1,993
    -     -     -    
1,994
 
Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation  
     -      -      1,723      -      -      -     1,723  
Stock options exercised and other
   
1,471
   
-
   
379
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
379
 
Balances, December 31, 2005
   
41,682,010
   
417
   
80,619
   
549,101
   
1,602
   
(10,179
)
 
621,560
 
Comprehensive income:
                                           
Net income
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
80,509
   
-
   
-
       
Other comprehensive income:
                                           
Changes in net unrealized gains on investments
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
1,029
   
-
       
Total comprehensive income
                                       
81,538
 
Reclassification of restricted stock balance upon adoption of SFAS 123-R   
      -       -       (10,179     -       -         10,179       -  
Restricted stock issued
   
202,730
   
2
   
(2
 
-
   
-
   
-
 
 
-
 
Amortized restricted stock
   
-
   
-
   
7,572
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
7,572
 
Repurchase of common stock
   
(159,285
)
 
(2
)
 
(7,373
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
(7,375
)
Cash dividends on common stock
    -    
-
   
-
   
(16,735
)
 
-
   
-
   
(16,735
)
Common stock contributed to ESOP
   
45,300
   
-
   
1,995
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
1,995
 
Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation  
     -      -       3,390      -      -      -       3,390  
Stock options exercised and other
   
62,804
   
1
   
2,598
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
2,599
 
Balances, December 31, 2006
   
41,833,559
   
418
   
78,620
   
612,875
   
2,631
   
-
 
 
694,544
 
Comprehensive income:
                                           
Net income
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
112,065
   
-
   
-
     
Other comprehensive income:
                                           
Changes in net unrealized gains on investments
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(1,533
 
-
       
Total comprehensive income
                                       
110,532
 
Restricted stock issued
   
149,409
   
2
   
(2
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Stock issued for services       19,712      -      1,134      -      -      -      1,134  
Amortized restricted stock
   
-
   
-
   
6,208
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
6,208
 
Repurchase of common stock
   
(2,558,726
 
(25
 
(11,092
 
(86,897
 
-
   
-
   
(98,014
Cash dividends on common stock
    -    
-
   
-
   
(17,710
 
-
   
-
   
(17,710
Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation        -      -      3,659      -      -      -      3,659  
Impact of adopting FASB Interpretation No.  48
     -      -      -      (634                (634
Stock options exercised and other
   
6,969
   
-
   
480
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
480
 
Balances, December 31, 2007
   
39,450,923
 
$
395
 
$
79,007
 
$
619,699
 
$
1,098
 
$
-
 
$
700,199
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
               
Years Ended December 31,
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Operating Activities
             
Net income
 
$
112,065
 
$
80,509
 
$
83,150
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                   
Goodwill impairment charge
   
 -
     18,011      -  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
   
82,157
   
69,180
   
65,801
 
Gain on sales of property and equipment
   
(10,343
 
(10,408
)
 
(8,235
)
Change in deferred income taxes
   
(7,822
 
(29,462
)
 
(8,839
Stock-based compensation
   
7,342
   
7,572
   
5,957
 
Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation
     (3,659  
 (3,390
 
-
 
Common stock contributed to ESOP
   
 -
   
1,995
   
1,994
 
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries
   
20,859
   
(6,170
 
17,748
 
Acquisition expense
     7,752      -      -  
Equity in income of affiliates
   
(5,205
 
(2,157
)
 
(1,497
)
Gain on sale of equity investment 
      -       -       (1,187
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of the effects of acquisitions:
                   
Accounts receivable, net
   
106,886
   
(18,905
)
 
(115,255
)
Inventories
   
(9,913
 
(8,368
)
 
(1,450
Real estate held for development and sale
   5,179    
 (10,289
 
(13,071
Equity in construction joint ventures
   
(2,428
 
(4,504
)
 
(6,513
)
Other assets
   
(12,624
 
(10,073
)
 
(16,061
)
Accounts payable
   
(44,502
)  
24,805
   
41,025
 
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings, net
   
(14,154
 
106,823
 
 
75,206
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
3,198
   
54,474
   
27,728
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
234,788
   
259,643
   
146,501
 
Investing Activities
                   
Purchases of marketable securities
   
(152,954
 
(233,868
)
 
(96,877
)
Maturities of marketable securities
   
195,313
   
153,024
   
111,975
 
Additions to property and equipment
   
(118,612
 
(116,238
)
 
(102,829
)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
   
17,777
   
16,398
   
25,012
 
Proceeds from sales of equity investment
   
-
   
-
   
1,759
 
Acquisition of business
     (76,427     -       -  
Contributions to affiliates
   
(6,805
 
(6,982
 
(5,405
Acquisition of minority interest 
      (28,495    -      -  
Distributions from affiliates
      -    
 1,970
   
669
 
Other investing activities
   
3,459
   
2,013
   
911
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(166,744
 
(183,683
)
 
(64,785
)
Financing Activities
                   
Proceeds from long-term debt
   
330,260
   
56,869
   
29,100
 
Repayments of long-term debt
   
(139,598
 
(92,873
)
 
(44,498
)
Repurchase of common stock
   
(98,014
 
(7,375
)
 
(5,263
)
Dividends paid
   
(16,764
 
(16,722
)
 
(16,675
)
Contributions from minority partners
   
33,287
   
6,171
   
946
 
Distributions to minority partners
   
(33,813
 
(23,007
)
 
(7,451
)
Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation
     3,659    
3,390
   
-
 
Stock options and other financing activities
   
480
   
2,599
   
379
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
79,497
   
(70,948
)
 
(43,462
)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
  $
147,541
  $
5,012
  $
38,254
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year    
204,893
   
199,881
   
161,627
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year   $
352,434
  $
204,893
  $
199,881
 
Supplementary Information
                   
Cash paid during the period for:
                   
Interest
 
$
6,508
 
$
5,009
 
$
6,801
 
Income taxes
   
66,503
   
79,511
   
49,551
 
Non-cash investing and financing activity:
                   
Restricted stock issued for services, net
 
$
11,190
 
$
9,774
 
$
5,021
 
Dividends accrued but not paid
   
5,129
   
4,184
   
4,170
 
Financed acquisition of assets
   
3,202
   
5,335
   
2,337
 
Debt repayments from sale of assets
     9,237      13,398      -  
                     
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business : Granite Construction Incorporated is a heavy civil contractor and a construction materials producer. We are engaged in the construction of highways, dams, airport infrastructure, mass transit facilities, real estate site development and other infrastructure related projects with offices in Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, New York, Texas, Utah and Washington. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “we,”  “us,”  “our,” and “Granite” refer to Granite Construction Incorporated and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Principles of Consolidation : The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Granite Construction Incorporated and its wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries. All material inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated. We use the equity method of accounting for affiliated companies where we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control. Additionally, we participate in joint ventures with other construction companies. We have consolidated these joint ventures where we have determined that through our participation in these joint ventures we have a variable interest and are the primary beneficiary as defined by Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003) Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities , (“FIN 46”). Where we have determined we are not the primary beneficiary, we account for our share of the operations of jointly controlled construction joint ventures on a pro rata basis in the consolidated statements of income and as a single line item in the consolidated balance sheets in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 00-01, “Investor Balance Sheet and Income Statement Display under the Equity Method for Investments in Certain Partnerships and Other Ventures.”

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements : The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition:  We use the percentage of completion accounting method for construction contracts in accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position 81-1, “Accounting for Performance of Construction-Type and Certain Production-Type Contracts.” Revenue and earnings on construction contracts, including construction joint ventures, are recognized on the percentage of completion method in the ratio of costs incurred to estimated final costs. Revenue in an amount equal to cost incurred is recognized prior to contracts reaching 25% completion. The related profit is deferred until the period in which such percentage completion is attained. It is our judgment that until a project reaches 25% completion, there is insufficient information to determine what the estimated profit on the project will be with a reasonable level of assurance. In the case of large, complex design/build projects we may continue to defer profit recognition beyond the point of 25% completion based on evaluation of specific project risks. The factors considered in this evaluation of risk associated with each design/build project include the stage of design completion, the stage of construction completion, status of outstanding purchase orders and subcontracts, certainty of quantities, certainty of schedule and the relationship with the owner.
 
Revenue from contract claims is recognized when we have a signed settlement agreement and payment is assured.  Revenue from contract change orders, which occur in most large projects, is recognized when the owner has agreed to the change order in writing. During 2007, we settled various contract issues for which the associated cost was included in prior periods (see Note 2). Provisions are recognized in the statements of income 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. Contract cost consists 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). Depreciation is provided using accelerated methods for construction equipment. Contract cost is recorded as incurred and revisions in contract revenue and cost estimates are reflected when known. The completion threshold for the start of contract profit recognition is applied to all percentage of completion projects unless and until we project a loss on the project, in which case the estimated loss is immediately recognized.

Revenue from the sale of materials is recognized when delivery occurs and risk of ownership passes to the customer.
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
Real Estate Transactions: In recognizing revenue from real estate transactions, we follow the provisions in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 66, Accounting for Sales of Real Estate (“SFAS 66”). The specific timing of a sale is measured against various criteria in SFAS 66 related to the terms of the transaction and any continuing involvement in the form of management or financial assistance associated with the property. If the sales criteria are not met, we defer recognition and account for the continued operations of the property by applying the deposit, finance, installment or cost recovery methods, as appropriate. When a sale occurs within one of our real estate developments and we have not completed all infrastructure development related to the total project, we follow SFAS 66 and Statement of Financials Accounting Standards No. 67, Accounting for Costs and Initial Rental Operations of Real Estate Projects , to determine the appropriate cost of sales and the timing of recognition of the sale. In the calculation of cost of sales, we use estimates and forecasts to determine total costs at completion of the development project.
 
Balance Sheet Classifications : We include in current assets and liabilities amounts receivable and payable under construction contracts (principally retentions) that may extend beyond one year. Additionally, we include the cost of property purchased for development and sale in current assets. A one-year time period is used as the basis for classifying all other current assets and liabilities.

Cash and Cash Equivalents : Cash equivalents are securities having remaining maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase.
 
Marketable Securities : We determine the classification of our marketable securities at the time of purchase and reevaluate these determinations at each balance sheet date. Debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity when we have the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Held-to-maturity investments are stated at amortized cost. Debt securities for which we do not have the positive intent or ability to hold to maturity are classified as available-for-sale, along with any investments in equity securities. Securities available-for-sale are carried at fair value with the unrealized gains and losses, net of income taxes, reported as a separate component of other comprehensive income until realized. We have no investments that qualify as trading.

The amortized cost of debt securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity, which is included in interest income. Realized gains and losses are included in other income, net. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method.

Financial Instruments : 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.

Concentrations : We maintain the majority of cash balances and all of 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 financial institution. Additionally, a significant portion of our labor force is subject to collective bargaining agreements.
 
Revenue earned by both Granite West and Granite East from federal, state and local government agencies amounted to $1,907.0 million (69.6% of our total revenue) in 2007, $2,026.0 million (68.2%) in 2006 and $1,808.0 million (68.5%) in 2005. Revenue from the California Department of Transportation represented $272.5 million (10.0%) in 2007, $245.2 million (8.3%) in 2006 and $127.1 million (4.8%) in 2005. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, we had significant amounts receivable from these agencies. 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. We maintain an allowance for potential credit losses and such losses have been within management’s expectations. We have no foreign operations.
  GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
Inventories: Inventories consist primarily of quarry products valued at the lower of average cost or market.

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 seven years and the straight-line method over lives from three 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. Such property is held in property and equipment until sold. The cost and accumulated depreciation or depletion of property sold or retired is removed from the accounts and gains or losses, if any, are reflected in earnings for the period. We capitalized interest costs related to certain self-constructed assets of $4.1 million in 2007, $4.8 million in 2006 and $3.3 million in 2005. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred.
 
Real Estate Held for Development and Sale and other Long-Lived Assets:   Real estate held for development and sale and other Long-Lived Assets held and used by us are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  If we determine that such circumstances exist we assess and, if necessary, will record an impairment loss when the asset’s carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value.
 
We perform goodwill impairment tests annually during our fourth quarter and more frequently when events and circumstances occur that indicate a possible impairment of goodwill. In determining whether there is an impairment of goodwill, we calculate the estimated fair value of the reporting unit in which the goodwill is recorded using a discounted future cash flow method. We then compare the resulting fair value to the net book value of the reporting unit, including goodwill. If the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we measure the amount of the impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. To the extent that the carrying amount of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, we recognize a goodwill impairment loss.
 
Other intangible assets include covenants not to compete, permits and trade name which are being amortized on a straight-line basis over terms from three to thirty years.
 
Reclamation Costs: We account for the costs related to legal obligations to reclaim aggregate mining sites and other facilities in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations (“SFAS 143”). Accordingly, we record our estimated reclamation liability when incurred, capitalize the estimated liability as part of the related asset’s carrying amount and allocate 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 project. 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. 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 cost is estimated based on our experience with the type of work and any known risks relative to the project and was not material at December 31, 2007, 2006 or 2005.

Accrued Insurance Costs: We carry insurance policies to cover various risks, primarily general liability and workers compensation, under which we are liable to reimburse the insurance company for a portion of each claim paid. The amounts that we are liable for generally range from the first $250,000 to $1.0 million per occurrence. We accrue for the estimated ultimate liability for incurred losses, both reported and unreported, using actuarial methods based on historic trends modified, if necessary, by recent events.
 
Stock-Based Compensation : As more fully described in Note 12 , we provide certain stock-based compensation under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). Prior to January 1, 2006, we accounted for stock-based compensation under Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123. Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted FASB Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123-R”) and Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 (“SAB 107”) using the modified prospective transition method. Additionally, during 2007 we concluded our assessment of the impact of FASB Staff Position No. SFAS 123(R)-3, “ Transition Election Related to Accounting for Tax Effects of Share-Based Payments Awards ” (“SFAS 123(R)-3”).  Under the provisions of SFAS 123(R)-3, we elected to adopt the alternative method of calculating the historical pool of windfall tax benefits.
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED  
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
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 on the 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 portion 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.
 
The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes − an Interpretation of FASB Statement 109 (“FIN 48”). Accordingly, the Company reports a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as other expense in the statement of income.

Computation of Earnings Per Share : Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, excluding restricted common stock. Diluted earnings per share is computed giving effect to all dilutive potential common shares that were outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential common shares consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and upon the vesting of restricted common stock.
 
Reclassifications : Certain financial statement items have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s format. These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported net income, financial position or cash flows.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements: In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 157, Fair Value Measurements  (“SFAS 157”) which defines fair value, establishes guidelines for measuring fair value and expands disclosures regarding fair value measurements. SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements but rather eliminates inconsistencies in guidance found in various prior accounting pronouncements. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB partially deferred the effec tive date of SFAS 157 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually) to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. We will adopt SFAS 157 during 2008, except as it applies to those non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities for which the effective date has been deferred. The adoption of SFAS 157 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings. SFAS 159 is effective for us beginning January 1, 2008. We have chosen not to elect the fair value option.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 is an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 and is effective for us as of January 1, 2009. Under SFAS No. 160, the ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent must be clearly identified, labeled, and presented in the consolidated statement of financial position within equity, but separate from the parent’s equity and the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest be clearly identified and presented on the face of the consolidated statement of income. When a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained noncontrolling equity investment in the former subsidiary be initially measured at fair value. The gain or loss on the deconsolidation of the subsidiary is measured using the fair value of any noncontrolling equity investment rather than the carrying amount of that retained investment. Lastly, SFAS No. 160 requires entities provide sufficient disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. We are still assessing the impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141-R, Business Combinations (“SFAS No. 141-R”) which revised SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations  (“SFAS No. 141”). This pronouncement is effective for us as of January 1, 2009. Under SFAS No. 141, organizations utilized the announcement date as the measurement date for the purchase price of the acquired entity. SFAS No. 141-R requires measurement at the date the acquirer obtains control of the acquiree, generally referred to as the acquisition date. SFAS No. 141-R will have a significant impact on the accounting for transaction costs, restructuring costs as well as the initial recognition of contingent assets and liabilities assumed during a business combination. Under SFAS No. 141-R, adjustments to the acquired entity’s deferred tax assets and uncertain tax position balances occurring outside the measurement period are recorded as a component of the income tax expense, rather than goodwill. As the provisions of SFAS No. 141-R are applied prospectively, the impact on us cannot be determined until the transactions occur.
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
2. Change in Accounting Estimates
 
Our gross profit in the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 include the effects of changes in the estimates of the profitability of certain projects.
 
Granite East
 
The net effect of these estimate changes increased gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2007 and decreased gross profit for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005.  The following table presents the changes in Granite East accounting estimates for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 (dollars in millions):
               
Years Ended December 31,  
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Reduction in gross profit
 
 $
(57.0 )  $ (153.0  $ (62.0
Increase in gross profit
 
 
60.0
 
 
30.0
 
 
31.0
 
Net increase (reduction) in gross profit
   $
3.0
   $
(123.0
 $
( 31.0
Number of projects with significant downward estimate changes*
   
6
   
18
   
13
 
Range of reduction to gross profit from each project**
   $
2.0 - 32.0
   $
1.0 - 49.0
   $
2.0 - 8.0
 
Number of projects with significant upward estimate changes*
   
12
   
9
   
4
 
Range of increase to gross profit from each project**
   $
1.0 - 26.0
   $
1.0 - 7.0
   $
1.0 - 12.0
 
 
* Significant is defined as a change with a net gross margin impact of $1.0 million or greater and represents $54.0 of the $57.0 total reduction in gross profit.
 
** The reduction in gross profit from each project is net of any increase in the respective periods. The increase in gross profit from each project is net of any reduction in the respective periods.
 
The downward adjustments in estimated project profitability were made in response to unanticipated changes in project conditions occurring during the periods when recorded and were due to a variety of factors, including changes in productivity and quantity estimates based on experience gained in the period, site conditions that differed materially from our expectations, design issues on design/build projects, issues related to subcontractors, costs associated with owner directed scope changes and owner delays, changes in cost expectations in response to market factors for labor and certain materials and liquidated damages.
 
The following table presents additional information about the 6 projects with significant downward estimate changes in 2007 (dollars in millions):
                       
 
 
Number of Projects
 
Total Contract
Value
 
Gross Profit Reduction Impact
 
Backlog at December 31, 2007
 
Percent of Total Granite East Backlog at December 31, 2007
 
Projects between 96% and 99% complete
   
5
 
$
1,024.0
 
$
51.0
 
$
25.0
   
2.1
 
Project at 49% complete
   
1
   
51.0
   
3.0
   
26.0
   
2.1
 
Total for projects with significant downward changes
   
6
 
$
1,075.0
 
$
54.0
 
$
51.0
   
4.2
 
 
We recorded minority interest related to these estimate changes of approximately $2.4 million, $ 24.0 million and $3.4 million for years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Two of our joint venture projects are currently forecasted at a loss and will require additional capital contributions from our minority partners if the forecasts do not improve. Our joint venture agreements require that such capital contributions be made if needed. Based on our most recent assessment of our partners’ financial condition, we currently believe that one of our partners does not have the ability to contribute all of the additional capital that will be needed if the project forecasts do not improve. Included in minority interest for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 is expense related to potentially uncollectible partners’ balances of approximately $4.6 million and $ 9.4 million, respectively. Minority interest balances related to loss projects of $ 2.7 million and $14.8 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively have been included in other long-term assets in our consolidated balance sheet.
F-10

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
Nine of the twelve Granite East projects that generated significant increased gross profit from changes in estimates during the year ended December 31, 2007 were complete or substantially complete at December 31, 2007, and the remaining three projects ranged between 92% and 95% complete.  The increased gross profit resulted from a combination of the settlement of certain revenue issues with the project owners and the resolution of other project uncertainties. Six of the twelve projects that generated significant increased gross profit had experienced significant margin deterioration in prior periods.
 
Granite West
   
During the year ended December 31, 2007, Granite West recognized  increases in gross profit from the net effects of changes in the estimates of project profitability of approximately $23.0 million. This compares with an decrease of  approximately $18.0 million from the net effects of estimate changes during the year ended December 31, 2006.  The increased Granite West profitability estimates during the year ended December 31, 2007 were due primarily to the settlement of outstanding issues with contract owners, higher productivity than originally estimated and the resolution of certain project uncertainties. 
 
We currently have a highway project that was transferred to Granite West from our legacy Heavy Construction Division in connection with our realignment that involves construction of seven miles of highway in western Oregon.  The project includes construction of at least eight new structures over creeks, rivers and a railroad, as well as construction of several retaining walls, culverts and drainage improvements.  While clearing and excavating the site, numerous and massive deep-seated landslides (“Landslides”) throughout the seven-mile project site were discovered. At December 31, 2006, we had forecast this project at a loss of approximately $20.0 million, largely due to preliminary designs and estimates of cost associated with these Landslides. During the quarter ended March 31, 2007, a preliminary Landslide mitigation design was completed along with our analysis of the impact of these Landslides on the project. As a result of this analysis, we have determined that the potential cost would be significantly higher than our earlier estimates and that the project would take approximately two years longer to complete than originally anticipated. In December 2007, after conferring with the Oregon Department of Transportation (“ODOT”) on the most cost effective way to deal with these differing site conditions, we  agreed upon a written change order with ODOT that included a negotiated suspension of planned construction work aimed at minimizing on-going overhead and site direct costs while the parties jointly pursue a value engineering approach for determining more desirable and cost effective solutions to the Landslide conditions and to establish a process for determining and sharing project costs and time adjustments resulting from the value engineering approach.

We anticipate that we will resume construction work no earlier than May 2008. No agreement has been reached regarding the responsibility for the Landslide mitigation costs. Should negotiations fail, both parties have tentatively agreed to take the issue to the standing Dispute Review Board under the dispute resolution provisions of the contract, resulting in a non-binding ruling that is admissible as evidence in a future court proceeding. Upon completion of the value engineering redesign and cost estimate, and ideally a negotiated a greement on the final cost and schedule to complete the project, Granite will restart construction under a signed change order issued by ODOT.  Because there is remaining uncertainty surrounding the ultimate determination of responsibility for the Landslide mitigation costs as well as what those costs will ultimately be after the value engineering process is complete,  we have not recorded any adjustments to our project forecast during the year ended December 31, 2007.
 
Resolution of Revenue Issues
 
We believe we are entitled to additional compensation related to some of our downward estimate changes and are actively pursuing these issues with the contract owners. However, the amount and timing of any future recovery is highly uncertain. While we recognize the impact of estimated costs immediately when known, under our accounting policies we do not recognize revenue from contract changes until we have a signed change order or executed claim settlement. We believe that our current estimates of gross profit are achievable. However, it is possible that the actual cost to complete will vary from our current estimate and any future estimate changes could be significant.
 
When there are contract forecast changes having the significance of those we experienced in the year ended December 31, 2007, 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 a change in estimate. In our review of the changes for 2007, we did not identify any material amounts that should have been recorded in a prior period.
F-11

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
3. Marketable Securities

The carrying amounts of marketable securities were as follows at December 31, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands):
               
   
Held-to-Maturity
 
Available-for-Sale
 
Total
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2007
 
2006
 
2007
 
2006
 
Securities classified as current:
                         
U.S. Government and agency obligations
 
$
22,503
 
$
34,529
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
22,503
 
$
34,529
 
Commercial paper
   
6,473
   
58,493
   
-
   
-
   
6,473
   
58,493
 
Municipal bonds
   
14,616
   
15,037
   
-
   
-
   
14,616
   
15,037
 
Mutual funds
   
-
    -    
34,166
    32,978    
34,166
    32,978  
Total current marketable securities
   
43,592
   
108,059
   
34,166
   
32,978
   
77,758
   
141,037
 
Securities classified as long-term:
                                   
U.S. Government and agency obligations
   
 34,255
   
 37,315
   
-
   
-
   
34,255
   
37,315
 
Municipal bonds
   
20,901
   
11,633
   
-
   
-
   
20,901
   
11,633
 
Total long-term marketable securities
   
55,156
   
48,948
   
-
   
-
   
55,156
   
48,948
 
Total marketable securities
 
98,748
 
157,007
 
34,166
 
32,978
 
132,914
 
189,985
 

Held-to-maturity investments are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses for all debt securities were insignificant for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006. We recognized unrealized holding losses of $2.5 million ($1.5 million after tax), and gains of $1.7 million ($1.0 million after tax) and $0.2 million ($0.1 million after tax) related to our available-for-sale investment in mutual funds as a component of the other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

At December 31, 2007, scheduled maturities of held-to-maturity investments were as follows (in thousands):
         
Within one year
 
$
43,592
 
After one year through five years
   
55,156
 
Total
 
$
98,748
 
 
For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, changes in our marketable securities were as follows (in thousands):
           
   
2007
 
2006
 
   
Held-to-Maturity
 
Available-for-Sale
 
Total
 
Held-to-Maturity
 
Available-for-Sale
 
Total
 
Purchases
 
$
149,264
 
$
3,690
 
$
152,954
 
$
228,626
 
$
5,242
 
$
233,868
 
Maturities
   
(195,313
)    
-
   
(195,313
 
(153,024
)
 
-
 
 
(153,024
)
Amortization and other
   
(12,210
 
-
   
(12,210
 
5,931
 
 
-
   
5,931
 
Unrealized gains (losses)
   
-
   
(2,502
)  
(2,502
 
-
   
1,710
   
1,710
 
Net Change
 
(58,259
1,188
 
(57,071
81,533
 
6,952
 
88,485
 
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED  
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
4. Accounts Receivable (in thousands)
   
 
 
December 31,  
 
2007
 
2006
 
Construction contracts:
             
Completed and in progress
 
$
193,561
 
$
231,226
 
Retentions
   
158,389
   
191,613
 
Total construction contracts
   
351,950
   
422,839
 
Construction material sales
   
32,525
   
47,082
 
Other
   
15,011
   
24,735
 
Total gross accounts receivable
   
399,486
   
494,656
 
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts
   
(2,389
 
(2,427
Total net accounts receivable
 
$
397,097
 
$
492,229
 

Accounts receivable includes amounts billed and billable for public and private contracts and do not bear interest. The balances billed but not paid by customers pursuant to retainage provisions in construction contracts generally become due upon completion of the contracts and acceptance by the owners. Retainage amounts of $158.4 million at December 31, 2007 are expected to be collected as follows: $147.2 million in 2008, $3.2 million in 2009 and $8.0 million in 2010.
 
5. Construction Joint Ventures

We participate in various construction joint venture partnerships. 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 contract is limited to our stated percentage interest in the project. Although the venture’s contract with the project owner typically requires joint and several liability, our agreements with our joint venture partners provide that each partner will assume and pay its full proportionate share of any losses resulting from a project.  We have no significant commitments beyond completion of the contract. 

We have determined that certain of these joint ventures are variable interest entities as defined by FASB Interpretation No. 46 (“FIN 46”).  Accordingly, we have consolidated those joint ventures where we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary. The joint ventures we have consolidated are engaged in eight active construction projects with total contract values ranging from $126.9 million to $466.9 million. Our proportionate share of these consolidated joint ventures ranges from 52.5% to 99.0%.
 
Consistent with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 00-01, “Investor Balance Sheet and Income Statement Display under the Equity Method for Investments in Certain Partnerships and Other Ventures,” we account for our share of the operations of construction joint ventures in which we have determined we are not the primary beneficiary on a pro rata basis in the consolidated statements of income and as a single line item in the consolidated balance sheets.  The joint ventures in which we hold a significant interest but are not the primary beneficiary are engaged in  seven active construction projects with total contract values ranging from $94.4 million to $624.9 million.  Our proportionate share of equity in these joint ventures ranges from 20% to 40%, the most significant of which includes a 40% share and a 20% share, respectively, of two rapid transit projects in New York.
 
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 these discrete items is defined in the contract with the project owner and each venture partner bears the profitability risk associated with its own work. All partners in a line item joint venture are jointly and severally liable for the completion of the total project under the terms of the contract with the project owner. 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 project revenues and costs in our accounting system and include receivables and payables associated with our work in our consolidated financial statements.
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED  
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
The combined assets, liabilities and net assets of unconsolidated joint ventures in which we have determined we are not the primary beneficiary are as follows (in thousands):
   
 
 
December 31,  
 
2007
 
2006
 
Assets:
             
Total
 
$
272,603
 
$
158,178
 
Less other partners’ interest
   
195,394
   
103,723
 
Company’s interest
   
77,209
   
54,455
 
Liabilities:
   
       
Total
   
186,784
   
79,183
 
Less other partners’ interest
   
143,915
   
56,640
 
Company’s interest
   
42,869
   
22,543
 
Company’s interest in net assets
 
$
34,340
 
$
31,912
 
 
The revenue and costs of revenue of unconsolidated joint ventures in which we have determined we are not the primary beneficiary are as follows (in thousands):
   
 
 
December 31,  
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Revenue:
                   
Total
 
$
479,901
 
$
349,945
 
$
228,180
 
Less other partners’ interest
   
364,663
   
239,045
   
152,980
 
Company’s interest
   
115,238
   
110,900
   
75,200
 
Cost of revenue:
                   
Total
   
446,000
   
281,622
   
213,176
 
Less other partners’ interest
   
337,785
   
192,802
   
144,022
 
Company’s interest
   
108,215
   
88,820
   
69,154
 
Company’s interest in gross profit
 
$
7,023
 
$
22,080
 
$
6,046
 
 
Although our agreements with our joint venture partners for both construction joint ventures and line item joint ventures provide that each party will assume and pay its share of any losses resulting from a project, if one of our partners is unable to pay its share, we would be fully liable under our contract with the project owner. Circumstances that could lead to a loss under our joint venture arrangements beyond our proportionate share include a partner’s inability 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 toward project completion that had been committed to in the joint venture agreement. At December 31, 2007, approximately $650.0 million of work representing our partners’ share of unconsolidated and line item joint venture contracts in progress had yet to be completed.

6. Real Estate Partnerships and Investment in Affiliates
 
We participate in real estate partnerships through our Granite Land Company (“GLC”) subsidiary. Generally, each partnership is formed to accomplish a specific real estate development project. We have determined that certain of these partnerships are variable interest entities as defined by FIN 46. Accordingly, we have consolidated those partnerships where we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary. At December 31, 2007, the partnerships we have consolidated were engaged in development projects with total assets ranging from approximately $0.4 million to $26.8 million. Of the approximately $51.7 million classified as real estate held for development and sale and an additional $14.8 million included in property and equipment on our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2007, approximately $58.9 million was pledged as collateral for the obligations of consolidated real estate partnerships. Our proportionate share of the results of these partnerships varies depending on the ultimate profitability of the partnerships.
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED  
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
Included in the $51.7 million balance of real estate held for development and sale at December 31, 2007 is approximately $39.5 million related to residential housing projects.  Due to the downturn in the residential housing market we assessed whether our investments related to these projects were impaired.  As a result of this assessment, we recorded an impairment charge of $3.0 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2007 related to a project in central California , which is an area that has been particularly impacted by the slowing demand for new housing construction . This impairment charge was calculated as the excess of the carrying amount over the estimated fair value (computed using probability – weighted discounted future cash flows) and was recorded in cost of revenue in our consolidated income statement. We will continue to assess the carrying amount of this portfolio given the ongoing uncertainties in the housing markets. There is no assurance that future events will not adversely effect recoverability that could result in impairment.
 
We account for our share of the operations of real estate partnerships in which we have determined we are not the primary beneficiary using the equity method. Additionally we have other investments in affiliates that are accounted for using the equity method. The most significant of these investments is a 50% interest in a limited liability company which owns and operates an asphalt terminal in Nevada, a 48% interest in a limited liability company which develops land in Oregon, and a 42% interest in a limited partnership which develops land in Texas. We have made advances to the asphalt terminal limited liability company of which $5.0 million remained outstanding at December 31, 2007. 
 
Our investments in affiliates comprised (in thousands):
           
December 31,  
 
2007
 
2006
 
Equity method investments in affiliates
 
$
22,304
 
$
17,298
 
Cost method investment
   
4,171
   
4,173
 
Total investments in affiliates
 
$
26,475
 
$
21,471
 
 
The following table provides summarized financial information on a combined 100% basis for our affiliates accounted for under the equity method (in thousands):
           
December 31,  
 
2007
 
2006
 
Balance sheet data:
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
  $
74,922
  $
20,279
 
Long-term assets
   
73,185
   
107,562
 
Total assets
   
148,107
   
127,841
 
Current liabilities
   
18,518
   
17,433
 
Long-term liabilities
   
61,705
   
73,208
 
Total liabilities
   
80,223
   
90,641
 
Net assets
  $
67,884
  $
37,200
 
Company ’s interest in affiliates’ net assets
  $
22,304
  $
17,298
 
 
             
Years Ended December 31,  
 
2007  
 
2006  
 
2005
 
Earnings data:
             
Revenue
$
56,912
$
50,353
$
30,732
 
Gross profit
   
32,797
   
9,580
   
8,616
 
Earnings before taxes
   
20,502
   
3,158
   
2,170
 
Net income
   
20,502
   
3,158
   
2,170
 
Company’s interest in affiliates’ net income
   
5,205
   
2,157
   
1,497
 
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED  
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
7. Property and Equipment (in thousands)
   
 
 
December 31,  
 
2007
 
2006
 
Land and land improvements
 
$
93,862
 
$
56,797
 
Quarry property
   
135,749
   
112,654
 
Buildings and leasehold improvements
   
79,663
   
72,975
 
Equipment and vehicles
   
843,570
   
804,370
 
Office furniture and equipment
   
28,889
   
26,006
 
Gross property and equipment 
   
1,181,733
   
1,072,802
 
Less accumulated depreciation and depletion
   
678,832
   
642,836
 
Net property and equipment 
 
$
502,901
 
$
429,966
 
 
Depreciation and depletion expense for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $81.3 million, $70.7 million and $65.1 million, respectively. Certain property and equipment in 2007 was added as a result of acquisitions (see Note 17).
 
We have recorded liabilities associated with our legally required obligations to reclaim owned and leased quarry property and related facilities in accordance with SFAS 143. The following is a reconciliation of these asset retirement obligations which are primarily included in other long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet (in thousands):
   
 
 
December 31,  
 
2007
 
2006
 
Beginning balance
 
$
12,680
 
$
11,901
 
Revisions to estimates
   
4,742
   
216
 
Liabilities incurred
     1,800      -  
Liabilities settled
   
(317
 
(18
)
Accretion
   
624
   
581
 
Ending balance
 
$
19,529
 
$
12,680
 
 
8. Intangible Assets
 
The following table indicates goodwill which is included in other assets on our consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):
   
 
 
December 31,  
 
2007
 
2006
 
Granite West
 
$
9,900
 
$
9,900
 
Total goodwill
 
$
9,900
 
$
9,900
 
 
There were no additions to goodwill during 2007 or 2006.  During 2006, a goodwill impairment charge of $18.0 million was recorded in our Granite East segment associated with our New York-based Granite Northeast (“GNE”) reporting unit. This impairment conclusion was reached due to continuing losses at GNE, including significant unexpected losses in the quarter ended December 31, 2006.
 
We perform goodwill impairment tests in accordance with Financial Accounting Standard No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” on an annual basis at the end of the fourth quarter and more frequently when events and circumstances occur that indicate a possible impairment of goodwill. In determining whether there is an impairment of goodwill, we calculate the estimated fair value of the reporting unit in which the goodwill is recorded using a discounted future cash flow method. We then compare the resulting fair value to the net book value of the reporting unit, including goodwill. If the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we would measure the amount of the impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. To the extent that the carrying amount of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, we recognize a goodwill impairment loss.
 
F-16

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED  
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
The following other intangible assets are included in other assets on our consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):
       
   
December 31, 2007
 
   
Gross Value
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Value
 
Amortized intangible assets:
   
   
   
 
Permits
  $
36,362
   
(1,953
)
$
34,409
 
Trade names
   
1,425
   
(972
)
 
453
 
Covenants not to compete  
     1,661      (410    1,251  
Other
   
1,712
   
(671
)
 
1,041
 
Total amortized intangible assets
 
$
41,160
 
$
(4,006
)
$
37,154
 
                     
 
 
December 31, 2006 
 
   
Gross Value  
   
Accumulated Amortization
   
Net Value
 
Amortized intangible assets:
                   
Permits
  $
2,000
   
(761
)
$
1,239
 
Trade names
   
1,425
   
(768
)
 
657
 
Covenants not to compete
     161      (109    52  
Other
   
603
   
(193
)
 
410
 
Total amortized intangible assets
 
$
4,189
 
(1,831
)
2,358
 
 
During 2007, our intangible assets increased primarily due to our business acquisitions (see Note 17).  Amortization expense related to these intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $2.2 million, $0.6 million, and $0.7 million, respectively. Amortization expense expected to be recorded in the future is as follows: $3.0 million in 2008, $2.7 million in 2009, $2.2 million in 2010, $2.0 million in 2011, $1.8 million in 2012 and $25.4 million thereafter.
 
9. Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (in thousands)
           
December 31,
 
2007
 
2006
 
Payroll and related employee benefits
 
$
52,227
 
$
53,956
 
Accrued insurance
   
42,765
   
37,582
 
Loss job reserves      29,003      54,825  
Wilder purchase liability      27,332      -  
Other
   
60,938
   
42,965
 
Total 
 
$
212,265
 
$
189,328
 
 
Loss job reserves consist of the estimated costs for the  uncompleted portion of projects forecasted at a loss (see Note 2).
 
10. Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements (in thousands)
           
December 31,
 
2007
 
2006
 
Senior notes payable
 
$
270,000
 
$
85,000
 
Mortgages
   
26,463
   
21,436
 
Other notes payable
   
650
   
800
 
Total debt
   
297,113
   
107,236
 
Less current maturities
   
28,696
   
28,660
 
Total long-term debt
 
$
268,417
 
$
78,576
 
 
The aggregate minimum principal maturities of long-term debt for each of the five years following December 31, 2007 are as follows (in thousands): 2008 - $28,696; 2009 - $25,897; 2010 - $15,166; 2011 - $10,451; 2012 - $8,402; and beyond 2013 - $208,501.
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED  
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
Senior notes payable in the amount of $20.0 million are due to a group of institutional holders. The notes are due in nine equal annual installments which began in 2002 and bear interest at 6.54% per annum. Additional senior notes payable in the amount of $50.0 million are due to a second group of institutional holders.   The notes are due in nine equal annual installments which began in 2005 and bear interest at 6.96% per annum. A third set of senior notes payable in the amount of $200.0 million are due to a third group of institutional holders.  These notes are due in five equal installments beginning in 2015 and bear interest at 6.11% per annum.  Based on the borrowing rates currently available to us for bank loans with similar terms and average maturities, the fair value of the senior notes payable was approximately $ 270.0 million as of December 31, 2007 and $88.0 million as of December 31, 2006.
 
We have a $150.0 million bank revolving line of credit, which allows for unsecured borrowings through June 24, 2011, with interest rate options. Interest on outstanding borrowings under the revolving line of credit is at our choice of selected LIBOR rates plus a margin that is recalculated quarterly. The margin was 0.80% at December 31, 2007. At December 31, 2007 we had no amounts outstanding under this line of credit. We also have standby letters of credit totaling $4.4 million that reduce the amount available under the line of credit. The unused and available portion of this line of credit was $145.6 million at December 31, 2007.

Mortgages consist of notes incurred in connection with the purchase of property connected with our GLC subsidiary. These notes are collateralized by the property purchased and bear interest at 8.1% to 12.0 % per annum with principal and interest payable in installments through 2011 . The carrying amount of property pledged as collateral was approximately $58.9 million at December 31, 2007.

Restrictive covenants under the terms or our debt agreements require the maintenance of certain levels of working capital and cash flow, financial ratios and the maintenance of tangible net worth (as defined) of approximately $510.0 million. We were in compliance with these covenants at December 31, 2007.
 
11. Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Stock Ownership Plan : Our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) covers all employees not included in collective bargaining agreements, except employees of our subsidiary, Wilder, and of our consolidated construction joint ventures . As of December 31, 2007, the ESOP owned 5,146,261 shares of our common stock. Dividends on shares held by the ESOP are charged to retained earnings and all shares held by the ESOP are treated as outstanding in computing our earnings per share.
 
Contributions to the ESOP have been discretionary   and comprised shares of our stock that were purchased on the market and immediately contributed to the plan. Compensation cost is measured as the cost to purchase the shares (market value on the date of purchase and contribution). Contribution expense was $2.0 million in each of the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005. Effective January 1, 2007, the ESOP was amended to effectively freeze the plan. Under the amended plan, no new participants were added and no further contributions were made for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan : The plan is a defined contribution plan covering all employees not included in collective bargaining agreements, except employees of our subsidiary, Wilder, and our consolidated construction joint ventures. Each employee can elect to have up to 15% of gross pay contributed to the 401(k) plan on a before-tax basis. The plan allows for company matching and additional contributions at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Our contributions to the Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were $10.1 million, $8.1 million and $7.0 million, respectively. Included in the contributions were 401(k) matching contributions of $10.1 million, $5.6 million and $4.9 million, respectively. Additionally, Wilder provides a 401(k) plan covering all of its employees and a separate defined contribution plan covering employees not covered by other plans. Wilder’s contributions under these plans totaled approximately $1.2 million, $2.6 million and $2.4 million in the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
Other : Three of our wholly owned subsidiaries, Granite Construction Company, Granite Construction Northeast, Inc. (formerly Granite Halmar Construction Company, Inc.) and Wilder, also contribute to various multi-employer pension plans on behalf of union employees. Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, a contributor to a multi-employer plan is liable, upon termination or withdrawal from a plan, for its proportionate share of a plan’s unfunded vested liability. We currently have no intention of withdrawing from any of the multi-employer pension plans in which we participate. Contributions to these plans for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were $24.3 million, $25.3 million and $20.4 million, respectively. We also provide non-qualified deferred compensation plans to certain of our highly compensated employees that provide the participants the opportunity to defer payment of certain compensation as defined in the plan and provides for matching of certain amounts deferred as part of a retirement plan excess feature of the plan.
 
12. Shareholder's Equity
 
Stock-based Compensation : We provide certain stock-based compensation under our Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). Prior to January 1, 2006, we accounted for stock-based compensation under Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123. Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted FASB Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123-R”) and Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 (“SAB 107”) using the modified prospective transition method.
 
The Plan provides for the grant of restricted common stock, incentive and nonqualified stock options, performance units and performance shares to employees and awards to members of our Board of Directors in the form of stock units or stock options (“Director Options”). A total of 4,250,000 shares of our common stock have been reserved for issuance under the Plan of which approximately 2,245,279 remained available as of December 31 2007.
 
Restricted Stock : Restricted common stock is issued for services to be rendered and may not be sold, transferred or pledged for such period as determined by our compensation committee. Restricted stock compensation cost is measured as the stock’s fair value based on the market price at the date of grant. We recognize compensation cost only on restricted shares that 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 and the carrying amount of unearned compensation based on changes in those estimates over time. Prior to our adoption of SFAS 123-R, we did not estimate forfeitures at the time of grant; rather, we recognized the effects of forfeitures in the period in which the forfeitures occurred.
 
Restricted stock compensation cost is recognized ratably over the shorter of the vesting period (generally three to five 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 restricted shares become fully vested. Vesting of restricted shares is not subject to any market or performance conditions and vesting provisions are at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. An employee may not sell or otherwise transfer unvested shares and, in the event that employment is terminated prior to the end of the vesting period, any unvested shares are surrendered to us. We have no obligation to repurchase restricted stock.
 
A summary of the changes in our restricted stock during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 are as follows (shares in thousands):
               
December 31,
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
 
 
Shares
 
Weighted-average grant-date fair value per share
 
Shares
 
Weighted-average grant-date fair value per share
 
Shares
 
 Weighted-average grant-date fair value per share
 
Restricted shares outstanding, beginning balance
   
877
   $
27.06
   
1,005
   $
21.44
   
1,163
   $
19.58
 
Restricted shares granted
   
227
   
57.47
   
216
   
47.94
   
214
   
26.07
 
Restricted shares vested
   
(239
 
25.99
   
(331
 
23.55
   
(343
 
18.00
 
Restricted shares forfeited
   
(58
 
31.31
   
(13
 
29.22
   
(29
)  
21.63
 
    Restricted shares outstanding, ending balance
   
807
   $
35.62
   
877
   $
27.06
   
1,005
   $
21.44
 
 
Compensation cost related to restricted shares was approximately $6.2 million ($4.2 million net of tax), $7.6 million ($5.0 million net of tax) and $6.0 million ($4.2 million net of tax) for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The grant date fair value of restricted shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was approximately $6.2 million, $7.8 million and $6.2 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2007 there was $ 15.8 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted shares which will be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of 3.1 years.
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
Options and Stock Units : To date we have granted options and stock units only to members of our Board of Directors. Options granted to our Board of Directors are immediately exercisable and expire over varying terms not to exceed 10 years. We estimate and record the fair value of each option grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Each stock unit can be exchanged for a share of our common stock, has no vesting requirement and is recorded at fair value using the market price of our common stock at the date of grant. There were 49,000 options and 19,000 stock units outstanding at December 31, 2007. The number and financial impact of Director Options and units are considered immaterial for further disclosure.
 
Share Repurchase Authorization: In October 2007, our Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase, at management’s discretion, up to $200.0 million of our common stock.  Under the new repurchase program, the Company may repurchase shares from time to time on the open market or in private transactions.  The specific timing and amount of repurchases will vary based on market conditions, securities law limitations and other factors. The share repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice. This new program replaces a $25.0 million share repurchase program announced in 2002. During the fourth quarter we repurchased and retired 2.5 million shares of our common stock for $92.7 million.  At December 31, 2007, $107.3 million of the $200.0 million authorization was available for repurchase. Additionally, we repurchased and retired 0.7 million shares of our common stock for $25.0 million during the period from January 1, 2008 to February 19, 2008. The purchase price of our common stock repurchased and retired in excess of par value is allocated between additional paid-in capital and retained earnings in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 6 Status of Accounting Research Bulletins .
 
13. Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

A reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding used in calculating basic and diluted net income per share in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income is as follows (in thousands):
               
Years Ended December 31,
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                   
Weighted average common stock outstanding
   
41,699
   
41,803
   
41,678
 
Less: weighted average non-vested restricted stock outstanding
   
833
   
929
   
1,064
 
Total basic weighted average shares outstanding
   
40,866
   
40,874
   
40,614
 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
                   
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
   
40,866
   
40,874
   
40,614
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                   
Common stock options and units
   
43
   
46
   
70
 
Restricted stock
   
480
   
551
   
565
 
Total weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution
   
41,389
   
41,471
   
41,249
 
 
Restricted stock representing approximately 108,000 shares, 127,000 shares and 42,000 shares for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share because their effects are anti-dilutive. We calculate dilutive shares on a quarterly basis and average the quarterly amounts to determine the year-end amount.
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
14. Income Taxes
 
Uncertain tax positions: We adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, we recognized an increase in the liability for uncertain tax positions of approximately $4.8 million, of which approximately $0.6 million is accounted for as a decrease in the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings. Including the cumulative increase at the beginning of 2007, we had approximately $4.8 million of total gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2007. There were no unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the effective tax rate in any future period at either January 1, 2007 or December 31, 2007 and we do not believe it is reasonably possible that the total amount of our liability will significantly increase or decrease within twelve months of December 31, 2007. We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal and various state and local jurisdictions. We are currently under examination by the North Carolina taxing authorities for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006. We are not currently under examination by any other taxing authorities for any open tax years. The tax years 2003 through 2006 remain open to examination by the major taxing authorities to which we are subject. We record interest related to uncertain tax positions as interest and any penalties are recorded as other expense in our statement of income. Approximately $0.6 million in estimated interest was recognized in our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2007.
 
Tabular Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (in thousands):
         
December 31,    
2007
 
Unrecognized Tax Benefits - Opening Balance
  $ 4,783  
Gross increases - tax positions in prior period
    -  
Gross decreases - tax positions in prior period
    -  
Gross increases - current-period tax positions
    1,612  
Settlements
     -  
Lapse of statue of limitations
    (1,644 )
Unrecognized Tax Benefits - Ending Balance
  $ 4,751  
 
Provision for income taxes (in thousands):
               
Years Ended December 31,
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Federal:
                   
Current
 
$
61,189
 
$
57,416
 
$
42,399
 
Deferred
   
(7,313
 
(26,444
)
 
(7,682
Total federal 
   
53,876
   
30,972
   
34,717
 
State:
                   
Current
   
12,417
   
10,724
   
7,853
 
Deferred
   
(823
 
(3,018
)
 
(1,157
Total state 
   
11,594
   
7,706
   
6,696
 
Total provision for income taxes
 
$
65,470
 
$
38,678
 
$
41,413
 
 
Reconciliation of statutory to effective tax rate:
               
Years Ended December 31,
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Federal statutory tax rate
   
35.0
%
 
35.0
%
 
35.0
%
State taxes, net of federal tax benefit
   
3.7
 
 
3.6
 
 
3.2
 
Percentage depletion deduction
   
(1.7
)
 
(3.1
)
 
(2.8
)
Domestic production deduction       (1.9    (1.5   (0.9
Minority interest
   
(3.5
)
 
2.2
 
 
(4.1
)
Other
   
1.4
 
 
(2.0
)
 
(1.3
)
Effective tax rate 
   
33.0
%
 
34.2
%
 
29.1
%

The impact on the effective tax rate related to minority interest is a result of the consolidation of construction joint ventures and other entities which are not subject to income taxes on a stand-alone basis.
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED  
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities (in thousands):
           
December 31,
 
2007
 
2006
 
Deferred tax assets:
             
Accounts receivable
 
$
3,158
 
$
3,342
 
Inventory
   
3,740
   
4,390
 
Insurance
   
3,784
   
1,071
 
Deferred compensation
   
13,588
   
10,833
 
Other accrued liabilities
   
11,431
   
12,048
 
Contract recognition
   
25,201
   
22,280
 
Other 
     1,478      -  
Net operating loss carryforward
   
9,126
   
6,465
 
Valuation allowance
   
(10,591
 
(8,805
)
Total deferred tax assets 
 
60,915
 
51,624
 
Deferred tax liabilities:
             
Property and equipment
 
34,441
 
34,576
 
Unrealized gain on marketable securities
   
706
     1,675  
Other
   
-
   
921
 
Total deferred tax liabilities 
 
$
35,147
 
$
37,172
 

The deferred tax asset for other accrued liabilities relates to various items including accrued vacation and accrued reclamation costs which are deductible in future periods. The 2006 deferred tax assets and liabilities in the table above reflect certain immaterial reclassifications between categories.
 
Our deferred tax asset for net operating loss carryforward relates to state and local tax carryforwards for our Granite Northeast subsidiary (“GNE”), which expire between 2021 and 2027. We have provided a valuation allowance on the net deferred tax assets of GNE because of uncertainty regarding their realizability due to recent losses and uncertainty regarding the impact of any future tax law changes. The increase in the carryforward and valuation allowance in 2007 was the result of taxable losses generated by GNE.
 
15. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees

Leases: Minimum rental commitments and minimum royalty requirements under all noncancellable operating leases, primarily quarry property, in effect at December 31, 2007 were (in thousands):
       
Years Ending December 31,
     
2008
 
$
8,674
 
2009
   
7,115
 
2010
   
5,816
 
2011
   
5,189
 
2012
   
3,887
 
Later years (through 2056)
   
22,594
 
Total
 
$
53,275
 

Operating lease rental expense was $16.6 million in 2007, $14.6 million in 2006 and $9.5 million in 2005.
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
Litigation:
 
Silica Litigation
 
Our wholly owned subsidiary Granite Construction Company (“GCCO”) is one of approximately 100 to 300 defendants in nine active California Superior Court lawsuits. Of the nine lawsuits, five were filed against GCCO in 2005 and four were filed against GCCO in 2006, in Alameda County (Riley vs. A-1 Aggregates, et al.; Molina vs. A-1 Aggregates, et al.; Dominguez vs. A-1 Aggregates, et al.; Cleveland vs. A. Teichert & Son.; Guido vs. A. Teichert & Son, Inc.; Williams vs. A. Teichert & Son, Inc.; Horne vs. Teichert & Son, Inc.; Kammer vs.A-1 Aggregates, et al.; and Solis vs. The 3M Company et al.). Each lawsuit was brought by a single plaintiff who is seeking money damages by way of various causes of action, including strict product and market share liability, and alleges personal injuries caused by exposure to silica products and related materials during the plaintiffs’ use or association with sand blasting or grinding concrete. The plaintiff in each lawsuit has categorized the defendants as equipment defendants, respirator defendants, premises defendants and sand defendants. We have been identified as a sand defendant, meaning a party that manufactured, supplied or distributed silica-containing products. Our preliminary investigation revealed that we have not knowingly sold or distributed abrasive silica sand for sandblasting, and therefore, we believe the probability of these lawsuits resulting in an incurrence of a material liability is remote. We have been dismissed from fifteen other similar lawsuits.
 
Hiawatha Project DBE Issues
 
The Hiawatha Light Rail Transit (“HLRT”) project was performed by Minnesota Transit Constructors (“MnTC”), a joint venture that consisted of GCCO and other unrelated companies.  GCCO was the managing partner of the joint venture, with a 56.5% interest.  The Minnesota Department of Transportation (“MnDOT”) is the contracting agency for this federally funded project.  MnDOT and the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) each conducted a review of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (“DBE”) program maintained by MnTC for the HLRT project.  In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice (“USDOJ”) is conducting an investigation into compliance issues with respect to MnTC’s DBE Program for the HLRT project.  MnDOT and the OIG (collectively, the “Agencies”) have initially identified certain compliance issues in connection with MnTC’s DBE Program and, as a result, have determined that MnTC failed to meet the DBE utilization criteria as represented by MnTC.  Although there has been no formal administrative subpoena issued, nor has a civil complaint been filed in connection with the administrative reviews or the investigation, MnDOT has proposed a monetary sanction of $4.3 million against MnTC and specified DBE training for  personnel from the members of the MnTC joint venture as a condition of future bidding on MnDOT work by joint venture members of MnTC.  MnTC is fully cooperating with the Agencies and the USDOJ and, on July 2, 2007, presented its response to the initial determinations of the Agencies as well as the investigation by the USDOJ.  We have yet to receive a formal reply from the Agencies or the USDOJ, although informal discussions have been continuing and we cannot rule out the possibility of a criminal action being brought against MnTC or one of its members.
 
I-494 Project DBE Issues
 
The I-494 project was performed by a joint venture (“JV”) that consisted of GCCO and another unrelated party.  GCCO was the managing partner of the JV, with a 60% interest.  MnDOT is the contracting agency for this federally funded project.  MnDOT conducted a review of the DBE program maintained by the JV for the I-494 project.  MnDOT has initially identified certain compliance issues in connection with the JV’s DBE program, and as a result, has determined that the JV failed to meet the DBE utilization criteria as represented by the JV.  Although there has been no formal administrative subpoena, nor has a civil complaint been filed in connection with the administrative reviews, MnDOT has proposed a monetary sanction of $200,000 against the JV and specified DBE training for personnel from the members of the JV as a condition of future bidding on MnDOT work by joint venture members of the JV.  The JV is fully cooperating with MnDOT and has the opportunity to present its response to MnDOT’s initial determinations.  The JV is investigating MnDOT’s initial determinations and preparing its response thereto.  Therefore, we cannot reasonably estimate the amount of any monetary sanction or what, if any, other sanction conditions might ultimately be imposed.
 
US Highway 20 Project
 
GCCO and its subsidiary, Wilder are the members of a joint venture known as Yaquina River Constructors (“YRC”) which is currently constructing a new road alignment of US Highway 20 near Eddyville, Oregon under contract with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).  The project involves constructing seven miles of new road through steep and forested terrain in the Coast Range Mountains.  During the fall and winter of 2006, extraordinary rain events produced runoff that overwhelmed erosion control measures installed at the project and resulted in discharges to surface water in alleged violations of the stormwater permit.  The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (“DEQ”) has issued notices of violation and fine of $90,000 to ODOT and $240,000 to YRC for these alleged violations.  YRC has filed an answer to the notice of violation and is attempting to negotiate resolution with the DEQ. The Oregon Department of Justice is conducting a criminal investigation in connection with stormwater runoff from the project.  YRC and its members are fully cooperating in the investigation, but YRC does not know whether criminal or civil charges, if any, will be brought or against whom. Therefore, we cannot estimate what, if any, criminal or civil penalty or conditional assessment will result from this investigation.
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
Other Legal Proceedings
 
We are a party to a number of other legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business which, from time to time, include inquiries from public agencies seeking information concerning our compliance with government construction contracting requirements and related laws and regulations. We believe that the nature and number of these proceedings and compliance inquiries are typical for a construction firm of our size and scope. Our litigation typically involves claims regarding public liability or contract related issues. While management currently believes, after consultation with counsel, that the ultimate outcome of such proceedings and compliance inquiries which are currently pending, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or overall trends in results of operations or cash flows, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties. Were an unfavorable ruling to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on the results of operations, cash flows and/or financial position. While any one of our pending legal proceedings is subject to early resolution as a result of our ongoing efforts to settle, whether or when any legal proceeding will resolve through settlement is neither predictable nor guaranteed.
 
Other:
 
Guarantees: As discussed in Note 5, we participate in various construction joint venture partnerships. All partners in these joint ventures are jointly and severally liable for completion of the total project under the terms of the contract with the project owner.   Although our agreements with our joint venture partners provide that each party will assume and pay its share of any losses resulting from a project, if one of our partners was unable to pay its share we would be fully liable under our contract with the project owner. Circumstances that could lead to a loss under these guarantee arrangements include a partner’s inability to contribute additional funds to the venture in the event that the project incurred a loss or additional costs that we could incur should the partner fail to provide the services and resources toward project completion that had been committed to in the joint venture agreement. At December 31, 2007, approximately $650.0 million of work representing either our partners’ proportionate share of unconsolidated construction joint ventures or work that our partners are directly responsible for in line item joint ventures, had yet to be completed. During 2007 and 2006, we recorded approximately $ 4.6 million and $9.4 million, respectively, in additional minority interest cost related to our assessment that our partner in one construction joint venture project would be unable to pay its full share of the projects projected losses. Prior to 2006, we had never incurred a loss under these joint and several liability provisions, however, it is possible that we could record additional losses in the future and such losses could be significant.
 
Wilder: At December 31, 2006 we owned approximately 75% of the common shares of Wilder Construction Company (“Wilder”).  All of the remaining non-Granite held common shares were redeemable by the holders upon retirement, voluntary termination, death or permanent disability.  Approximately 52% of these non-Granite shares were held by Wilder founders or non-employees and were accounted for under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150 “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristic of Both Liabilities and Equity” and related pronouncements (“SFAS 150”).  The remaining 48% were accounted for as stock-based compensation under SFAS 123-R. As required by both SFAS 123-R and SFAS 150, the redemption value of these shares was included in other long-term liabilities.
 
In November 2007 , we received approval from the minority shareholders of Wilder to purchase all remaining shares for ap proximately $28.0 million in cash, which was approximately $7.8 million higher than the current redemption price. The purchase price was deposited with an exchange agent for the benefit of the minority shareholders in December 2007 and was paid to the minority shareholders in January 2008. The excess of the amount paid for these shares over the redemption liability was recorded in our statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2007, as a one-time charge of approximately $ 7.8 million and the purchase liability was reclassified from long-term to current at December 31, 2007.
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
 
16. Business Segment Information

We have completed a realignment of our former Branch and Heavy Construction Divisions into two geographically based divisions – Granite West and Granite East. Both Granite West and Granite East represent reportable segments and the prior period segment information presented below has been reclassified to conform to the new organizational structure.
 
Granite West is comprised of decentralized branch offices in the western United States that perform various heavy civil construction projects with a large portion of the work focused on new construction and improvement of streets, roads, highways and bridges as well as site preparation for housing and commercial development. Each branch reports under one of three operating groups: Northwest, Northern California and Southwest. Because the operating groups have similar economic characteristics as defined in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” (“SFAS 131”), we have aggregated them into the Granite West reportable segment. Although most Granite West projects are started and completed within a year, the division also has the capability of constructing larger projects and at December 31, 2007 had five active projects, each with total contract revenue greater than $50.0 million, including two projects from our legacy Heavy Construction Division. All of our revenue from the sale of construction materials is generated by Granite West which mines aggregates and operates plants that process aggregates into construction materials for internal use and for sale to others. These activities are vertically integrated into the Granite West business, providing both a source of profits and a competitive advantage to our construction business.
 
Granite East operates in the eastern portion of the United States with a focus on large, complex infrastructure projects including major highways, large dams, mass transit facilities, bridges, pipelines, canals, waterway locks and dams, and airport infrastructure. With Division offices in Lewisville, Texas, Granite East operates out of three regional offices: the Central Region, based in Lewisville , Texas; the Southeast Region, based in Tampa, Florida; and the Northeast Region, based in Tarrytown, New York.  Because the regions have similar economic characteristics as defined in SFAS 131, we have aggregated them into the Granite East reportable segment. Granite East construction contracts are typically greater than two years in duration.
 
Additionally, we purchase, develop, operate, sell and otherwise invest in real estate through our GLC, which also provides real estate services for other Granite operations. GLC’s portfolio of projects includes both commercial and residential development and is geographically diversified throughout the West and Texas.
 
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (see Note 1). We generally evaluate performance based on operating profit or loss (excluding gain on sales of property and equipment), and do not include income taxes, interest income, interest expense or other income (expense). Unallocated other corporate expenses principally comprise corporate general and administrative expenses. Segment assets include property and equipment, and real estate held for development and sale.
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
Summarized segment information is as follows (in thousands):
                     
Years Ended December 31,    
Granite West
 
Granite East
 
GLC
 
Total
 
2007
                   
Revenues from external customers
 
$
1,923,686
 
$
773,516
 
$
40,712
 
$
2,737,914
 
Intersegment revenue transfer
   
5,065
   
(5,065
 
-
   
-
 
Net revenue
   
  1,928,751
   
768,451
   
40,712
   
2,737,914
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
   
68,561
   
9,889
   
44
   
78,494
 
Operating income
   
230,191
   
766
   
12,031
   
242,988
 
Segment assets
   
450,843
   
27,644
   
51,794
   
530,281
 
2006
                         
Revenues from external customers
 
$
1,911,072
 
$
1,023,541
 
$
34,991
 
$
2,969,604
 
Intersegment revenue transfer
   
16,924
   
(16,924
)
 
-
   
-
 
Net revenue
   
1,927,996
   
1,006,617
   
34,991
   
2,969,604
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
   
51,965
   
13,802
   
27
   
65,794
 
Operating (loss) income
   
250,217
   
(123,052
)
 
14,927
   
142,092
 
Segment assets
   
363,970
   
41,762
   
55,994
   
461,726
 
2005
   
 
                   
Revenues from external customers
 
$
1,568,939
 
$
1,052,715
 
$
19,698
 
$
2,641,352
 
Intersegment revenue transfer
   
30,519
   
(30,519
)
 
-
   
-
 
Net revenue
   
1,599,458
   
1,022,196
   
19,698
   
2,641,352
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
   
44,706
   
15,317
   
75
   
60,098 
 
Operating income
   
153,675
   
12,472
   
9,427
   
175,574
 
 
A reconciliation of segment operating income to consolidated totals is as follows (in thousands):
               
Years ended December 31,
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Total operating income for reportable segments
 
$
242,988
 
$
142,092
 
$
175,574
 
Other income
   
23,509
   
24,381
   
7,396
 
Gain on sales of property and equipment
   
10,343
   
10,408
   
8,235
 
Unallocated other corporate expenses     (78,446   (63,864   (48,894
Income before provision for income taxes and minority interest
 
$
198,394
 
$
113,017
 
$
142,311
 
 
Reconciliation of segment assets to consolidated totals (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
2007
 
2006
 
Total assets for reportable segments
 
$
530,281
 
$
461,726
 
Assets not allocated to segments:
   
 
   
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
352,434
   
204,893
 
Marketable securities
   
132,914
   
189,985
 
Deferred income taxes
   
43,713
   
36,776
 
Other current assets
   
601,920
   
644,611
 
Property and equipment
   
24,308
   
24,128
 
Other assets
   
100,848
   
70,719
 
Consolidated total assets
 
$
1,786,418
 
$
1,632,838
 
F-26

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
17. Acquisitions
 
Superior Group of Companies
 
On April 3, 2007, we acquired certain assets of the Superior Group of Companies, a Pacific Northwest-based construction materials producer and asphalt paving company, for approximately $58.6 million in cash.  The acquisition agreement also provides for the payment of an additional $3.0 million for the assumption of a certain lease and related intangible assets which has not yet been completed.  The acquired business operates under the name Granite Northwest, Inc. as a wholly owned subsidiary of Granite Construction Incorporated and operates as the Columbia River Branch in our Granite West segment.  The purchased assets include 16 asphalt plants and related permits, more than 50 million tons of permitted aggregate reserves (owned and leased), construction equipment and rolling stock and all associated shops and buildings.  We have accounted for this transaction in accordance with SFAS No. 141 and the results of the acquired business’ operations are included in our consolidated financial statements as of April 3, 2007.

Purchase Price Allocation
 
In accordance with SFAS No. 141, the total purchase price was allocated to the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets based on their estimated fair values as of April 3, 2007 as set forth below. The estimated fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired  approximates the purchase price; therefore, no goodwill was recorded.  Purchased intangibles are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective useful lives.  The weighted average useful life remaining of these intangibles at December 31, 2007 was approximately 18 years. 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
   
Land & buildings
 
6,700
 
Plant & equipment
 
 
 23,800
 
Inventory
 
 
 3,900
 
Mining rights
 
 
 6,000
 
Permits
 
 
17,500
 
Other intangible assets
 
 
 2,000
 
Asset retirement obligations and other liabilities
 
 
 (1,300
Total purchase price
 
$
58,600
 
 
Pro Forma Financial Information (unaudited)
 
The financial information in the table below summarizes the combined results of operations of Granite and Superior, on a pro forma basis, as though the companies had been combined as of the beginning of each of the periods presented. The pro forma financial information is 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 at the beginning of each of the periods presented.
 
 
 
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
 
December 31,
 
2007
 
 
2006
 
Revenue
 
$
2,744,423
 
 
$
3,062,517
 
Net income
 
107,150
 
 
82,682
 
Basic net income per share
 
2.62
 
 
2.02
 
Diluted net income per share
 
2.59
 
 
1.99
 
 
Other Acquisitions
 
In June 2007, we also purchased certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of an asphalt concrete manufacturer near Santa Clara, California for cash consideration of approximately $17.8 million.  This purchase was accounted for in accordance with SFAS 141.  The results of the acquired business’s operations are included in our consolidated Granite West results as of June 1, 2007, the date of acquisition.  The estimated fair value of the assets acquired approximates the purchase price; therefore, no goodwill was recorded.
 

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/ William E. Barton                     
                                                     William E. Barton, Senior Vice President and
                                                     Chief Financial Officer
 
Date: February 22, 2008
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below on February 22, 2008, by the following persons in the capacities indicated.

 /s/ William G. Dorey                 
William G. Dorey, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
 
 /s/ William E. Barton                 
William E. Barton, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Principal Accounting and Financial Officer
 
 /s/ David H. Watts                    
David H. Watts, Chairman of the Board and Director
 
 /s/ Claes G. Bjork                     
Claes G. Bjork, Director
 
 /s/ James W. Bradford              
James W. Bradford, Director
 
 /s/ Gary M. Cusumano              
Gary M. Cusumano, Director
 
 /s/ David H. Kelsey                  
David H. Kelsey, Director
 
 /s/ Rebecca A. McDonald        
Rebecca A. McDonald, Director
 
 /s/ J. Fernando Niebla               
J. Fernando Niebla, Director
 
 /s/ William H. Powell                
William H. Powell, Director
 
 
 
 
SCHEDULE II
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
SCHEDULE OF VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(in thousands)
                   
Description
 
Balance at Beginning of Year
 
Charged to Expense
 
Deductions and Adjustments **
 
Balance at End of Year
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
                         
Allowance for long-term receivable
    $
3,500
   $
-
   $ -    $ 3,500  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
     2,427      3,894      (3,932    2,389  
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006
                         
Allowance for long-term receivable
   $ 3,500    $
-
   $ -    $ 3,500  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
     1,606      438      383      2,427  
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005
                         
Allowance for long-term receivable
   $ -    $ 3,500    $ -    $ 3,500  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
     1,848      106      (348    1,606  
 
** Deductions and adjustments primarily relate to accounts written off.
 
S-1

 
INDEX TO 10-K EXHIBITS
 
Exhibit
No.
 
Exhibit Description
     
3.1
*  
Certificate of Incorporation of Granite Construction Incorporated  [Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-33795]
 
3.1.a
*
Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Granite Construction Incorporated  [Exhibit 3.1.a to 10-K for year ended December 31, 1998]
 
3.1.b
*
Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of Granite Construction Incorporated [Exhibit 3.1.b to 10-K for year ended December 31, 2000]
 
3.1.c
*
Certificate of Correction of Certificate of Incorporation of Granite Construction Incorporated effective January 31, 2001 [Exhibit 3.1.c to 10-K for year ended December 31, 2000]
 
3.1.d
*
Certificate of Correction of Certificate of Incorporation of Granite Construction Incorporated filed May 22, 1998, effective January 31, 2001 [Exhibit 3.1.d to 10-K for year ended December 31, 2000]
 
3.1.e
*
Certificate of Correction of Certificate of Incorporation of Granite Construction Incorporated filed May 23, 2000, effective January 31, 2001 [Exhibit 3.1.e to 10-K for year ended December 31, 2000]
 
3.1.f
*
Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Granite Construction Incorporated effective May 25, 2001 [Exhibit 3.1 to 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2001]
 
3.1.g
*
Certificate of Incorporation of Granite Construction Incorporated as Amended effective May 25, 2001 [Exhibit 3.1.a to 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2001]
 
3.1.h
*
Certificate of Amendment to Granite’s Certificate of Incorporation, filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 25, 2006 [Exhibit 3.1.a to 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2006]
 
3.1.i
*
Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of Granite Construction Incorporated effective May 21, 2007 [Proxy Statement filed April 13, 2007]
 
3.2.a
*
Bylaws of Granite Construction Incorporated, as amended and restated effective February 27, 1991 [Exhibit 3.2 to 10-K for year ended December 31, 1991]
 
3.2.b
*
Bylaws of Granite Construction Incorporated, as amended effective November 30, 2007 [Exhibit 3.2 to 8-K filed December 4, 2007]
 
 
10.2
*
Granite Construction Incorporated Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan as amended effective January 1, 2008 [Exhibit 10.1 to 8-K filed January 25, 2008]
 
10.3
*
Credit Agreement dated as of June 24, 2005 [Exhibit 10.1 to 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2005]
 
10.3.a
*
Amendment No. 1 to the June 24, 2005 Credit Agreement dated as of June 23, 2006 [Exhibit 10.1 to 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2006]
 
10.3.a
*
Amendment No. 2 to the June 24, 2005 Credit Agreement dated as of December 7, 2007 [Exhibit 10.1 to 8-K filed February 1, 2008]
 
10.4
*
Guaranty Agreement dated as of June 24, 2005 from the Subsidiaries of Granite Construction Incorporated as Guarantors of financial accommodations pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement dated June 24, 2005 [Exhibit 10.2 to 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2005]
 
 
 

 
10.5
*
Note Purchase Agreement between Granite Construction Incorporated and certain purchasers dated May 1, 2001 [Exhibit 10.3 to 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2001]
 
10.5.a
*
First Amendment to Note Purchase Agreement between Granite Construction Incorporated and certain purchasers dated June 15, 2003 [Exhibit 10.4 to 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2003]
 
10.6
*
Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement from the Subsidiaries of Granite Construction Incorporated as Guarantors of the Guaranty of Notes and Note Agreement and the Guaranty of Payment and Performance dated May 1, 2001 [Exhibit 10.4 to 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2001]
 
10.7
*
Amendment to and Restated Note Purchase Agreement between Granite Construction Incorporated and certain purchasers dated November 1, 2001 [Exhibit 10.12 to 10-K for year ended December 31, 2001]
 
10.7.a
*
First Amendment to Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement between Granite Construction Incorporated and certain purchasers dated June 15, 2003 [Exhibit 10.3 to 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2003]
 
10.8
*
Subsidiary Guaranty Supplement from the Subsidiaries of Granite Construction Incorporated as Guarantors of the Guaranty of Notes and Note Agreement and the Guaranty of Payment and Performance dated November 15, 2001 [Exhibit 10.13.a to 10-K for year ended December 31, 2001]
 
10.9
*
Note Purchase Agreement between Granite Construction Incorporated and Certain Purchasers dated December 12, 2007 [Exhibit 10.1 to 8-K filed January 31, 2008]
 
 
10.11
*
**
Executive Retention and Severance Plan effective as of September 20, 2007 [Exhibit 99.1 to 8-K filed October 22, 2007]
 
10.12
*
International Swap Dealers Association, Inc. Master Agreement between BNP Paribas and Granite Construction Incorporated dated as of February 10, 2003 [Exhibit 10.5 to 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2003]
 
10.13
*
**
Form of Amended and Restated Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement [Exhibit 10.10 to 10-K for year ended December 31, 2002]
 
21
*
List of Subsidiaries of Granite Construction Incorporated [Exhibit 21 to 10-K for year ended December 31, 2005, filed March 2, 2006]
 
 
 
 
 
 
* Incorporated by reference
** Compensatory plan or management contract
Filed herewith
†† Furnished herewith
Exhibit  10.1      
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
 
KEY MANAGEMENT DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN II
 
1.   Introduction .
 
(a)   The purpose of the Plan is to provide deferred compensation to a select group of executive employees of the Company in recognition of their contributions to the Company and its affiliates.  This document constitutes the written instrument under which the Plan is maintained.
 
(b)   This Plan is the successor plan to the Granite Construction Incorporated Key Management Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended through December 31, 2004 and the Key Management Deferred Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended through December 31, 2004 (collectively, the “Prior Plans”).  Effective December 31, 2004, the Prior Plans are frozen and no new deferrals or Company contributions will be made to them; provided, however, that any deferrals or Company contributions made under the Prior Plans before January 1, 2005 shall continue to be governed by the terms and conditions of the Prior Plans as in effect on December 31, 2004.
 
(c)   Any deferrals and Company contributions made under the Prior Plans after December 31, 2004 are deemed to have been made under this Plan and all such deferrals and Company contributions shall be governed by the terms and conditions of this Plan as it may be amended from time to time; provided, however, that deferrals and Company contributions made in 2005 through 2007 are governed by the terms and conditions of this Plan along with the terms and conditions set forth in the Appendix.
 
(d)   This Plan is intended to be a plan that is unfunded and that is maintained by Granite Construction Incorporated primarily for the purpose of providing deferred compensation for a select group of management or highly compensated employees within the meaning of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.  This Plan also is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.
 
2.   Definitions .
 
(a)   Account ” means as to any Participant the separate account(s) established and maintained by the Company in order to reflect his or her interest in the Plan.  Each Participant’s Account or Accounts will reflect (i) allocations and earnings credited (or debited) thereto in accordance with Section 5 and (ii) amounts payable at different times and in different forms.
 
(b)   Beneficiary ” means the person or persons designated by the Participant or by the Plan under Section 7(g) to receive payment of the Participant’s Account in the event of the Participant’s death.
 
(c)   Board ” means the Board of Directors of Granite Construction Incorporated.
 
(d)   Bonus ” means the annual cash incentive compensation earned by the Participant, including, but not limited to, (i) the cash bonus payable under the Granite Construction Profit Sharing Cash Bonus Plan, if any and (ii) the excess cash incentive defined as cash incentive that exceeds the Participant’s usual and customary annual cash incentive, if any.
 
(e)   Change in Control ” means the effective date of any one of the following events but only to the extent that such change in control transaction is a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company as defined in the regulations promulgated under Section 409A of the Code:
 
(i)   an acquisition, consolidation, or merger of the Company with or into any other corporation or corporations, unless the stockholders of the Company retain, directly or indirectly, at least a majority of the beneficial interest in the voting stock of the surviving or acquiring corporation or corporations; or
 
(ii)   the sale, exchange, or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to a transferee other than a corporation or partnership controlled by the Company or the stockholders of the Company; or
 
(iii)   a transaction or series of related transactions in which stock of the Company representing more than thirty percent (30%) of the outstanding voting power of the Company is sold, exchanged, or transferred to any single person or affiliated persons leading to a change of a majority of the members of the Board.
 
The Board shall have final authority to determine, in accordance with Section 409A of the Code, whether multiple transactions are related and the exact date on which a Change in Control has been deemed to have occurred under subsections (i), (ii), and (iii) above.
 
(f)   Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
 
(g)   Committee ” means the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors and its delegatee, as applicable.
 
(h)   Company ” means Granite Construction Incorporated, a Delaware corporation, and any other affiliated entity that is designated from time to time by the Board.  As to a particular Participant, “Company” refers to the corporate entity which is his or her employer. For purposes of Sections 2(e) and (g), 5 and 10, “Company” refers only to Granite Construction Incorporated.
 
(i)   Disability ” means that an individual is (i) unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months or (ii) by reason of any medically determinable physical o mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than three months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Company.
 
(j)   Equity Incentive Plan ” means the Granite Construction Incorporated Amended and Restated 1999 Equity Incentive Plan.
 
(k)   ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
 
(l)   Identification Date ” means each December 31.
 
(m)   Key Employee ” means a Participant who, on an Identification Date, is:
 
(i)   An officer of the Company having annual compensation greater than the compensation limit in Section 416(i)(1)(A)(i) of the Code, provided that no more than fifty officers of the Company shall be determined to be Key Employees as of any Identification Date;
 
(ii)   A five percent owner of the Company; or
 
(iii)   A one percent owner of the Company having annual compensation from the Company of more than $150,000.
 
If a Participant is identified as a Key Employee on an Identification Date, then such Participant shall be considered a Key Employee for purposes of the Plan during the period beginning on the first April 1 following the Identification Date and ending on the next March 31.
 
(n)   Participant ” means each employee of the Company who is designated as such from time to time by the Committee.
 
(o)   Performance Units ” means an award granted pursuant to a Performance Unit Agreement under the Equity Incentive Plan.
 
(p)   Plan ” means the Granite Construction Incorporated Key Management Deferred Compensation Plan II, as set forth in this instrument and as hereafter amended.
 
(q)   Plan Year ” means the calendar year.
 
(r)   Prior Plans ” means the Granite Construction Incorporated Key Management Deferred Compensation Plan and the Granite Construction Incorporated Key Management Deferred Incentive Compensation Plan.
 
(s)   Retirement ” means a Participant’s Separation from Service at or after (i) age 55 with ten years of service or (ii) age 65 with five years of service.
 
(t)   Separation from Service ” means termination of employment with the Company, other than by reason of death.
 
(i)   A Participant shall not be deemed to have Separated from Service if the Participant continues to provide services to the Company in a capacity other than as an employee and if the former employee is providing services at an annual rate that is fifty percent (50%) or more of the services rendered, on average, during the immediately preceding three full calendar years of employment with the Company (or if employed by the Company less than three years, such lesser period).
 
(ii)   A Participant shall be deemed to have Separated from Service if a Participant’s service with the Company is reduced to an annual rate that is less than twenty percent (20%) of the services rendered, on average, during the immediately preceding three full calendar years of employment with the Company (or if employed by the Company less than three years, such lesser period).
 
(u)   Unforeseeable Emergency ” means a severe financial hardship to the Participant or Beneficiary resulting from:
 
(i)   An illness or accident of the Participant or Beneficiary, the Participant’s or Beneficiary’s spouse, or the Participant’s or Beneficiary’s dependent (as defined in Section 152(a) of the Code); or
 
(ii)   Loss of the Participant’s or Beneficiary’s property due to casualty (including the need to rebuild a home following damage to a home not otherwise covered by insurance); or
 
(iii)   Other similar extraordinary and unforeseeable circumstances arising as a result of events beyond the control of the Participant or Beneficiary.
 
Hardship shall not constitute an Unforeseeable Emergency under the Plan to the extent that it is, or may be, relieved by:
 
(i)   Reimbursement or compensation, by insurance or otherwise;
 
(ii)   Liquidation of the Participant’s or Beneficiary’s assets to the extent that the liquidation of such assets would not itself cause severe financial hardship. Such assets shall include but not be limited to stock options, Company stock, and 401(k) plan balances; or
 
(iii)   Cessation of deferrals under the Plan.
 
An Unforeseeable Emergency under the Plan does not include (among other events):
 
(i)   Sending a child to college; or
 
(ii)   Purchasing a home.
 
3.   Eligibility to Participate .  The Committee will, from time to time, designate Company employees to be Participants.  Each Participant selected by the Committee must belong to a select group of management and highly compensated employees of the Company.
 
4.   Vesting .  Each Participant will always be 100% vested in his or her Account; provided, however, that if a Participant is Separated from Service for “Cause” (as such term is defined in Section 2.1(d) of the Equity Incentive Plan), the Participant will forfeit all amounts other than his or her own Bonus and Performance Units deferrals, if any.
 
5.   Additions to Accounts .
 
(a)   Participant Bonus Deferrals .  Each Participant may annually elect to defer the receipt of a whole percentage (up to 100% or such other percentage as may be determined by the Board) of his or her Bonus.
 
(b)   Participant Performance Unit Deferrals .  Effective June 15, 2007, each Participant who is at least 62 years of age on the last day of the performance period applicable to of his or her Performance Units award may elect to defer the receipt of the 100% of the stock payable under his or her Performance Unit agreement.
 
(c)   Participant Dividend Deferrals .  Each Participant may annually elect to defer the receipt of the full amount of the quarterly cash dividends that are paid to the Participant under Section 13(a) of the Granite Construction Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
 
(d)   Company Matching Contributions .  Effective January 1, 2008, the Company will annually credit each Participant's Account with an amount equal to six percent of the first $100,000 a Participant defers under Section 5(a) of the Plan in the applicable Plan Year.
 
(e)      Hypothetical Investment Experience .  For each Plan Year, the balance of each Participant's Account (except that portion of the Account consisting of deferred Performance Units awards) will be credited quarterly with hypothetical earnings equal to one-quarter of the sum of the 30-day average of the Lehman Brothers long term bond index determined as of the December 1 of the prior Plan Year, plus 100 basis points, or as determined by the Committee.
 
6.   Deferral Elections .  Each Participant must complete a deferral form for each Plan Year.  To be effective, each such deferral form must satisfy the following rules:
 
(a)   Content and Form Requirements .  The deferral election form must be signed and dated by the Participant, and must specify the form(s) of payment and date(s) of distribution of the Participant’s Account.  A Participant’s deferral election is irrevocable on the first day of the Plan Year following the Plan Year in which it is made; provided, however, that a Participant’s election shall be suspended for the remainder of any Plan Year in which the such Participant receives a distribution on account of an Unforeseeable Emergency and thereafter the Participant must submit a new deferral election to resume participant in the Plan; provided further, however, that a Participant’s deferral election will terminate on the date the Participant Separates from Service.
 
(b)   Timing of Deferral Elections .  Except as provided in subsections (i) and (ii) below, a Participant’s deferral election must be received by the Committee before the beginning of the Plan Year in which the amount to be deferred is earned.  Any such deferral election must be accompanied by an election as to the time and form of payment of the Participant’s Account.
 
(i)   A Participant’s election to defer Performance Units must be received by the Committee at least six months prior to the date on which the Performance Units are no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture (the vesting date); provided, however, that such election shall be made prior to the date that the Performance Units are substantially certain to be paid or the number of Performance Units is readily ascertainable.
 
(ii)   A Participant’s deferral election may be received by the Committee both (i) within 30 days of the date on which the employee is notified of his or her eligibility to participate in the Plan, and (ii) before the date on which the amount subject to the deferral election is earned.
 
(c)   Special Distribution Election on or before December 31, 2007 .  Each Participant may make a special distribution election to receive a distribution of their Accounts in calendar year 2008 or later, provided that the distribution election is made at least twelve months in advance of the newly elected distribution date (and the previously scheduled distribution date, if any) and the election is made no later than December 31, 2007.  An election made pursuant to this Section 6(c) shall be subject to any special administrative rules imposed by the Committee including rules intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code, Notice 2005-1, A-19 and any subsequent guidance published thereunder.  No election under this Section 6(c) shall (i) change the payment date of any distribution otherwise scheduled to be paid in 2007 or cause a payment to be paid in 2007, or (ii) be permitted after December 31, 2007.
 
7.   Distribution of Accounts .
 
(a)   Distribution prior to Retirement .  If a Participant Separates from Service prior to the time such Participant is eligible for Retirement and not on account of his or her death or Disability, the Participant will receive a distribution of the balance of his or her Account in a lump sum at least six months (but not more than seven months) following the date he or she Separates from Service.
 
(b)   Form of Distribution Upon Retirement .  Subject to the provisions of this Section 7 and Section 10, each Participant who Separates from Service on account of Retirement, Disability or death will receive a distribution of the balance of his or her Account in the form specified in the Participant’s election form, which may be a lump sum cash payment and/or annual install­ments of substantially equal amounts payable over a period of years certain not to exceed ten.  Distribution elections made with respect to distributions made on account of Retirement are irrevocable when made.
 
(c)   Form of In-Service Distribution .
 
(i)   Subject to the provisions of this Section 7 and Section 10, each Participant may elect to receive one or more in-service distributions of his or her Accounts in the form specified in the Participant’s election form, which may be a lump sum cash payment and/or annual installments of substantial equal amounts payable over a period of years certain not to exceed ten.  Any such in-service distribution may be scheduled for any month and year prior to the Participant’s Separation from Service (as described below) and must be scheduled at least two years from the year in which the deferred amount is earned.  Any in-service distribution will commence on the first day of the month following the month designated by the Participant as the distribution month.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in-service distributions shall be made only prior to Separation from Service.  To the extent that a Participant Separates from Service, a distribution of the Participants Account(s) shall be made in accordance with Section 7(a) or Section 7(b); provided, however, that if an in-service distribution is an installment distribution and if it is in pay status, then such in-service distribution installments shall be paid in accordance with the Participant’s in-service distribution election and not in accordance with Section 7(a) or Section 7(b).
 
(ii)   A Participant who elects an in-service distribution may make a re-deferral election with respect to the in-service distribution election if the following conditions are met:  (1) the re-deferral election does not take effect until twelve months after the date the re-deferral election is made, (2) the new in-service distribution date is at least five years after the scheduled distribution date in effect on the date the re-deferral election is made, and (3) the re-deferral election is made not less than twelve months prior to the scheduled distribution date in effect on the date the re-deferral election is made.
 
(d)   Rules for Installment Distributions .  If, at any time after installment distributions have begun, the amount of any installment would be less than $1,000, the remainder of the Participant’s Account will be distributed in a lump sum.  For purposes of the Plan, installment payments shall be treated as a single distribution under Section 409A of the Code.  Participant Accounts will continue to be credited with hypothetical earnings under Section 5(e) while they are in pay status.
 
(e)   Special Rule for Separation from Service for “Cause” .  If a Participant is Separated from Service for “Cause” (as such term is defined in Section 2.1(d) of the Equity Incentive Plan) and the Participant forfeits all amounts other than his or her own Bonus and Performance Units deferrals, if any, then notwithstanding Sections 6 and 7, distribution of his or her Bonus and Performance Units deferrals, if any, will be made in a lump sum at least six months (but not more than seven months) following the date he or she Separates from Service.
 
(f)   Default Distribution Election .  In the absence of an effective distribution election as to the timing and/or form of distribution of a Participant’s Account, including but limited to a Participant’s failure to make a distribution election in accordance with Section 6(c) above, distribution of the Participant’s Account shall be made in a lump sum at least six months (but not more than seven months) following the date he or she Separates from Service for any reason.
 
(g)   Delayed Distribution to Key Employees .  Notwithstanding any other provision of Section 7 to the contrary, a distribution made on account of Separation from Service to a Participant who is identified as a Key Employee shall be delayed for a minimum of six months following the Participant’s Separation from Service.  The determination of which Participants are Key Employees shall be made by the Committee in its sole discretion in accordance with Section 2(m) of the Plan and Sections 416(i) and 409A of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
(h)   Beneficiary Designation .  Each Participant must designate a Beneficiary to receive a distribution of his or her Account if the Participant dies before it is distributed to him or her.  A Beneficiary designation form must be signed, dated and delivered to the Committee to become effective.  In the absence of a valid or effective Beneficiary designation, the Participant’s surviving spouse will be his or her Beneficiary or if there is no such spouse, the Participant’s children in equal shares, or if none, the Participant’s estate will be his or her Beneficiary.
 
(i)   Performance Units Distributions .  Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, that portion of the Participant’s Account consisting of Performance Units deferrals shall be distributed in shares of the Company’s Common Stock.
 
(j)   Hardship Distributions .  In the event of an Unforeseeable Emergency, a Participant may apply to the Committee for a distribution of part or all of his or her Account prior to the date that it would otherwise be distributed under this Section 7.  If the Committee approves such an application, it will make such distribution as a lump sum cash payment. Payments due to a Participant’s Unforeseeable Emergency shall be permitted only to the extent reasonably required to satisfy the Participant’s need.
 
(k)   Prohibition on Acceleration .  Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, no distribution shall be made from the Plan that would constitute an impermissible acceleration of payment as defined in Section 409A(a)(3) of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
8.   Withholding .  The Company will withhold from any Plan distribution all required federal, state, local and other taxes and any other payroll deductions required.  Each Participant agrees as a condition of participation in the Plan to have withheld annually from his or her salary such amounts as are necessary to satisfy all applicable taxes.
 
9.   Administration .  The Plan is administered and interpreted by the Committee.  The Committee has delegated to the Company’s Vice President and Director of Human Resources its delegable responsibilities under the Plan.  The Committee (and its delegatee) has the full and exclusive discretion to interpret and administer the Plan.  All actions, interpretations and decisions of the Committee (and its delegatee) are conclusive and binding on all persons, and will be given the maximum possible deference allowed by law.  The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the members of the Committee and any employee to whom the Committee delegates any responsibility under the Plan.
 
10.   Amendment or Termination .
 
(a)   Amendment or Suspension .                                                                The Company reserves the right, in its sole and unlimited discretion, to amend the Plan at any time, without prior notice to any Participant or Beneficiary.  The Board may, at any time, suspend the Plan.  Upon such suspension, Participants’ Accounts shall be paid in accordance with Section 7 of the Plan.
 
(b)   Termination in General .  The Board may terminate the Plan at any time and in the Board’s discretion the Accounts of Participants may be distributed within the period beginning twelve months after the date the Plan was terminated and ending twenty-four months after the date the Plan was terminated, or pursuant to Section 7, if earlier.  If the Plan is terminated and Accounts are distributed, the Company shall terminate all account balance non-qualified deferred compensation plans with respect to all participants and shall not adopt a new account balance non-qualified deferred compensation plan for at least three years after the date the Plan was terminated.
 
(c)   Change in Control .  The Board, in its discretion, may terminate the Plan thirty days prior to or within twelve months following a Change in Control and distribute the Accounts of the Participants within the twelve-month period following the termination of the Plan.  If the Plan is terminated and Accounts are distributed, the Company shall terminate all substantially similar non-qualified deferred compensation plans sponsored by the Company and all of the benefits of the terminated plans shall be distributed within twelve months following the termination of the plans.
 
(d)   Dissolution or Bankruptcy .  The Board, in its discretion, may terminate the Plan upon a corporate dissolution of the Company that is taxed under Section 331 of the Code or with the approval of a bankruptcy court pursuant to 11 U.S.C. Section 503(b)(1(A), provided that the Participants’ Accounts are distributed and included in the gross income of the Participants by the latest of (i) the calendar year in which the Plan terminates or (ii) the first calendar year in which payment of the Accounts is administratively practicable.
 
11.   Claims and Review Procedure .
 
(a)   Informal Resolution of Questions .  Any Participant or Beneficiary who has questions or concerns about his or her benefits under the Plan is encouraged to communicate with the Committee.  If this discussion does not give the Participant or Beneficiary satisfactory results, a formal claim for benefits may be made within one year of the event giving rise to the claim in accordance with the procedures of this Section 11.
 
(b)   Formal Benefits Claim – Review by Committee .  A Participant or Beneficiary may make a written request for review of any matter concerning his or her benefits under this Plan.  The claim must be addressed to the Committee, Key Management Deferred Compensation Plan II, Granite Construction Incorporated, 585 West Beach Street, PO Box 50085, Watsonville, California 95077.  The Committee shall decide the action to be taken with respect to any such request and may require additional information if necessary to process the request.  The Committee shall review the request and shall issue its decision, in writing, no later than 90 days after the date the request is received, unless the circumstances require an extension of time.  If such an extension is required, written notice of the extension shall be furnished to the person making the request within the initial 90-day period, and the notice shall state the circumstances requiring the extension and the date by which the Committee expects to reach a decision on the request.  In no event shall the extension exceed a period of 90 days from the end of the initial period.
 
(c)   Notice of Denied Request .  If the Committee denies a request in whole or in part, it shall provide the person making the request with written notice of the denial within the period specified in Section 11(b) above.  The notice shall set forth the specific reason for the denial, reference to the specific Plan provisions upon which the denial is based, a description of any additional material or information necessary to perfect the request, an explanation of why such information is required, and an explanation of the Plan’s appeal procedures and the time limits applicable to such procedures, including a statement of the claimant’s right to bring a civil action under Section 502(a) of ERISA following an adverse benefit determination on review.
 
(d)   Appeal to Committee .
 
(i)   A person whose request has been denied in whole or in part (or such person’s authorized representative) may file an appeal of the decision in writing with the Committee within 60 days of receipt of the notification of denial.  The appeal must be addressed to:  Committee, Key Management Deferred Compensation Plan II, Granite Construction Incorporated, 585 West Beach Street, PO Box 50085, Watsonville, California 95077.  The Committee, for good cause shown, may extend the period during which the appeal may be filed for another 60 days.  The appellant and/or his or her authorized representative shall be permitted to submit written comments, documents, records and other information relating to the claim for benefits.  Upon request and free of charge, the applicant should be provided reasonable access to and copies of, all documents, records or other information relevant to the appellant’s claim.
 
(ii)   The Committee’s review shall take into account all comments, documents, records and other information submitted by the appellant relating to the claim, without regard to whether such information was submitted or considered in the initial benefit determination.  The Committee shall not be restricted in its review to those provisions of the Plan cited in the original denial of the claim.
 
(iii)   The Committee shall issue a written decision within a reasonable period of time but not later than 60 days after receipt of the appeal, unless special circumstances require an extension of time for processing, in which case the written decision shall be issued as soon as possible, but not later than 120 days after receipt of an appeal.  If such an extension is required, written notice shall be furnished to the appellant within the initial 60-day period.  This notice shall state the circumstances requiring the extension and the date by which the Committee expects to reach a decision on the appeal.
 
(iv)   If the decision on the appeal denies the claim in whole or in part, written notice shall be furnished to the appellant.  Such notice shall state the reason(s) for the denial, including references to specific Plan provisions upon which the denial was based.  The notice shall state that the appellant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records, and other information relevant to the claim for benefits.  The notice shall describe any voluntary appeal procedures offered by the Plan and the appellant’s right to obtain the information about such procedures.  The notice shall also include a statement of the appellant’s right to bring an action under Section 502(a) of ERISA.
 
(v)   The decision of the Committee on the appeal shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all persons and shall be given the maximum possible deference allowed by law.
 
(e)   Exhaustion of Remedies .  No legal or equitable action for benefits under the Plan shall be brought unless and until the claimant has submitted a written claim for benefits in accordance with Section 11(b) above, has been notified that the claim is denied in accordance with Section 11(c) above, has filed a written request for a review of the claim in accordance with Section 11(d) above, and has been notified in writing that the Committee has affirmed the denial of the claim in accordance with Section 11(d) above; provided, however, that an action for benefits may be brought after the Committee has failed to act on the claim within the time prescribed in Section 11(b) and Section 11(d), respectively.
 
12.   Source of Payments .
 
(a)   No Plan Assets .  Subject to Section 12(b), all payments under the Plan will be paid in cash from the general funds of the Company, no separate fund will be established under the Plan, and the Plan will have no assets.  Any right of any person to receive any payment under the Plan is no greater than the right of any other unsecured creditor of the Company.  The Plan constitutes a mere promise by the Company to pay benefit payments in the future and is unfunded for purposes of both Title I of ERISA and the Code.
 
(b)   Rabbi Trust .  The Company will (i) establish a trust, (ii) fund such trust in the event that it determines that a Change in Control is imminent, and (iii) arrange to have such trust assume its obligations to pay benefits under the Plan.  Any trust created by the Company to assist it in meeting its obligations under the Plan will conform to the terms of the model trust as described in Revenue Ruling 92-64.
 
13.   Inalienability .  A Participant’s rights to benefits under the Plan are not subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment, or garnishment by creditors of the Participant or the Participant’s Beneficiary.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the procedures established by the Company for the determination of the qualified status of domestic relations orders and for making distributions under qualified domestic relations orders, as provided in Section 206(d) of ERISA, shall apply to the Plan, to the extent pertinent.  Amounts awarded to an alternate payee under a qualified domestic relations order shall be distributed in the form of a lump sum distribution as soon as administratively feasible following the determination of the qualified status of the domestic relations order.
 
14.   Applicable Law .  The provisions of the Plan will be construed, administered and enforced in accordance with ERISA and, to the extent applicable, the laws of the State of California.
 
15.   Severability .  If any provision of the Plan is held invalid or unenforceable, its invalidity or unenforceability will not affect any other provision of the Plan, and the Plan will be construed and enforced as if such provision had not been included.
 
16.   No Employment Rights .  Neither the adoption nor maintenance of the Plan will be deemed to constitute a contract of employment between the Company and any employee, or to be a consideration for, or an inducement or condition of, any employment.  Nothing contained in this Plan will be deemed to give an employee the right to be retained in the service of the Company or to interfere with the right of the Company to discharge, with or without cause, any employee at any time.
 
17.   Status of Plan as ERISA “Top Hat” Plan .  The Plan is intended to be an unfunded plan maintained primarily for the purpose of providing deferred compensation for a select group of management and highly compensated employees and will be administered and construed to effectuate this intent.  Accordingly, the Plan is subject to Title I of ERISA, but is exempt from Parts 2, 3 and 4 of such Title.
 

 
18.   Execution .
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Granite Construction Incorporated, by its duly authorized officers, has executed the Plan on the date(s) indicated below.
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
 
By      /s/ William G. Dorey                                                              
Its   C.E.O.
 
Dated     11-20-07                                                              
 
By     /s/ Michael Futch                                                              
Its
 
Dated     11/20/07                                                              
 

 
APPENDIX
 
Deferrals and Company contributions made in Plan Years 2005 through 2007 are governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan along with the terms and conditions set forth in this Appendix.  Defined terms not defined in this Appendix A but defined in the Plan will have the same definition as in the Plan.
 
1.   Definitions .
 
(a)   Compensation ” means “compensation” (as defined in the Company’s tax-qualified retirement plans) in excess of $210,000 in 2005 (as indexed under Section 401(a)(17) of the Code) but not in excess of $310,000 in 2005 (as indexed from time to time by the Committee).
 
(b)   Excess Cash Incentive ” means Compensation that exceeds a Participant’s usual and customary Compensation (as determined by the Committee).
 
2.   Additions to Accounts .
 
(a)   Participant Cafeteria Plan Deferrals .  Effective for Plan Years 2005 through 2007, under rules established by the Committee, each Participant may elect to defer the amount payable to the Participant under the Company’s “cafeteria plan” under Section 125 of the Code.
 
(b)   Participant Profit Sharing Deferrals .  Effective for Plan Years 2005 through 2007, each Participant may elect to defer an amount up to 85% of the Participant's cash bonus (in 5% increments) payable under the Granite Construction Profit Sharing Cash Bonus Plan.
 
(c)   Company Matching Contributions .  Effective for Plan Years 2005 through 2007, the Company will annually credit each Participant's Account with an amount equal to a percentage of the Compensation deferred by the Participant, which percentage will equal the matching contribution percentage determined under the Granite Construction Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan for such Plan Year.
 
(d)   Company Discretionary Contributions .  Effective for Plan Years 2005 through 2007 in which a Participant elects to defer a portion of his or her Compensation, the Company will credit each Participant's Account with an amount equal to a percentage of the Participant's Compensation that is equal to the total discretionary contribution percentage determined by the Board for the Granite Construction Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan and the Granite Construction Employee Stock Ownership Plan with respect to the Plan Year for which such Compensation was deferred.
 
(e)   Hypothetical Investment Experience .  Effective for Plan Years 2005 through 2007, the balance of each Participant’s Excess Cash Incentive Compensation Account will be credited quarterly with hypothetical earnings (or losses) equal to an amount determined by the Committee as though such Account had been invested in shares of Company common stock for such period.
 
3.   Deferral Elections .
 
(a)   Content and Form Requirements .  Effective for Plan Years 2005 through 2007, each annual Bonus deferral must be for a minimum amount of at least $1,000 and must be for a period of at least five years.  Also effective for Plan Years 2005 through 2007, a Participant may extend (but not reduce) the length of his or her deferral period for five-year periods, so long as such extensions are made at least twelve months prior to an otherwise schedule distribution date.
 
(b)   Special Elections in 2005 regarding Deferrals .  In accordance with IRS Notice 2005-1, A-20, (i) on or before March 15, 2005, Participants were permitted to defer Compensation earned on or before December 31, 2005.  Elections made pursuant to this Section 3(b) are irrevocable and subject to any special administrative rules imposed by the Committee consistent with Section 409A of the Code and Notice 2005-1, A-20.  No special election under this Section 3(b) shall be permitted after December 31, 2005.
 
(c)   Distribution Election .  Effective for Plan Years 2005 through 2007, any deferral election under Section 6 of the Plan also shall include an election as to the time and form of payment of the Compensation deferred and Company contributions attributable to services performed in the Plan Year following the Plan Year in which the distribution election is made.  Participants shall be permitted to make a separate distribution election with respect to each Plan Year.  A distribution election is irrevocable on the first day of the Plan Year following the Plan Year in which it is made.
 
(d)   Special Distribution Election on or before December 31, 2006 .  Certain Participants who are identified by the Committee in its sole discretion may make a special distribution election to receive a distribution of their Accounts in calendar year 2007 or later, provided that the distribution election is made at least twelve months in advance of the newly elected distribution date (and the previously scheduled distribution date, if any) and the election is made no later than December 31, 2006.  An election made pursuant to this Section 3(d) shall be subject to any special administrative rules imposed by the Committee including rules intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code and Notice 2005-1, A-19.  No election under this Section 3(d) shall (i) change the payment date of any distribution otherwise scheduled to be paid in 2006 or cause a payment to be paid in 2006, or (ii) be permitted after December 31, 2006.
 
4.   Distribution of Accounts .
 
(a)   Distribution upon Retirement, Disability or Death .  Effective for Plan Years 2005 through 2007, if a Participant Separates from Service on account of Retirement, Disability or death, the Participant will receive a distribution of the balance of his or her Account, in accordance with his or her election described in Section 7(b) of the Plan, at least six months (but not more than seven months) following the date he or she Separates from Service; provided, however, that a Participant may elect, in accordance with Section 6 of the Plan, to receive or begin receiving his or her Account balance 13 months, 25 months, 37 months, 49 months or 61 months following the date he or she Separates from Service.
 
(b)   Delayed Distribution of Excess Cash Incentive Account .  Effective for Plan Years 2005 through 2007, notwithstanding any other provision of Section 7 of the Plan to the contrary, a Participant’s Excess Cash Incentive Account must be deferred for a minimum of five years and distribution of this account shall be delayed until such minimum deferral period has been satisfied regardless of the Participant’s distribution election.  If distribution of the Excess Cash Incentive Account is delayed in accordance with this Section 4(b), then any payment that otherwise would have been made during such five-year deferral period, shall be made in one lump sum payment within thirty days following the date that is at least five years following the date that the Excess Cash Incentive was deferred.
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                            Exhibit  10.10
 










Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement












Dated as of December 12, 2007






$200,000,000 6.11% Series 2007-A Senior Notes
Due December 12, 2019
and
Additional Notes
of
Granite Construction Incorporated

Re:












Table of Contents
 
(Not a part of the Agreement)
 

 
SECTION 1.DEFINITIONS..........2
 
 
SECTION 2.GUARANTY OF NOTES AND NOTE AGREEMENT..........2
 
 
SECTION 3.GUARANTY OF PAYMENT AND PERFORMANCE..........3
 
 
SECTION 4.GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE GUARANTY..........4
 
 
SECTION 5.REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE GUARANTORS..........9
 
 
SECTION 6.AMENDMENTS, WAIVERS AND CONSENTS..........13
 
 
SECTION 7.NOTICES..........14
 

Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement
 
Re:      $200,000,000 6.11% Series 2007-A Senior Notes
Due December 12, 2019
and
Additional Notes
of
Granite Construction Incorporated

 
This Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement dated as of December 12, 2007 (the or this “Guaranty” ) is entered into on a joint and several basis by each of the undersigned, together with any entity which may become a party hereto by execution and delivery of a Subsidiary Guaranty Supplement in substantially the form set forth as Exhibit A hereto (a “Guaranty Supplement” ) (which parties are hereinafter referred to individually as a “Guarantor” and collectively as the “Guarantors” ).
 
Recitals
 
A.           Each Guarantor is a subsidiary of Granite Construction Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (the “Company” ), and a Material Subsidiary (as defined in the hereinafter defined Note Agreement).
 
B.           The Company has entered into that certain Note Purchase Agreement dated as of December 12, 2007 (as the same may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Note Agreement” ) between the Company and each of the purchasers named on Schedule A attached to said Note Agreement (the “2007-A Note Purchasers” ), providing for, among other things, the issue and sale by the Company to the 2007-A Note Purchasers of $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 6.11% Series 2007-A Senior Notes, due December 12, 2019 (as amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, the “Series 2007-A Notes” ).
 
C.           Pursuant to the Note Agreement, the Company may, from time to time, issue one or more additional Series (as defined in the Note Agreement) of its unsecured promissory notes (as amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, the “Additional Notes,” and collectively with the Series 2007-A Notes, the “Notes” ) to purchasers ( “Additional Purchasers” ) pursuant to a supplement (a “Supplement” ), provided that the aggregate principal amount of Additional Notes issued pursuant to Supplements in accordance with the terms of Section 2.2 of the Note Agreement shall not exceed $100,000,000.  In connection with the issuance of each Series of Additional Notes, the Guarantors will execute and deliver a Guaranty Accession Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B confirming that such Series of Additional Notes constitutes Notes hereunder and are entitled to the benefits hereof.  The 2007-A Note Purchasers and the Additional Purchasers together with their respective successors and assigns are collectively referred to herein as the “Holders.”
 
D.           The 2007-A Note Purchasers have required as a condition of their purchase of the Series 2007-A Notes and it is a condition of each Additional Purchaser’s purchase of Additional Notes that the Company cause each of the undersigned to enter into this Guaranty and to cause from time to time each Material Subsidiary to enter into a Guaranty Supplement, in each case as security for the Notes, and the Company has agreed to cause each of the undersigned to execute this Guaranty and to cause each from time to time Material Subsidiary to execute a Guaranty Supplement, in each case in order to induce the 2007-A Note Purchasers and the Additional Purchasers to purchase the Notes and thereby benefit the Company and its Subsidiaries (as defined in the Note Agreement) by providing funds to the Company for the purposes described in Section 5.14 of the Note Agreement or in the case of any Additional Notes, for the purposes described in the related Supplement.
 
Now, therefore, as required by Section 4.4 of the Note Agreement and in consideration of the premises and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency whereof are hereby acknowledged, each Guarantor does hereby covenant and agree, jointly and severally, as follows:
 
 
Section 1.
Definitions.
 
Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Note Agreement unless herein defined or the context shall otherwise require.
 
 
Section 2.
Guaranty of Notes and Note Agreement.
 
(a)           Each Guarantor jointly and severally does hereby irrevocably, absolutely and unconditionally guarantee unto the Holders:  (1) the full and prompt payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes from time to time outstanding, as and when such payments shall become due and payable whether by lapse of time, upon redemption or prepayment, by extension or by acceleration or declaration or otherwise (including (to the extent legally enforceable) interest due on overdue payments of principal, premium, if any, or interest at the rate set forth in the Notes) in federal or other immediately available funds of the United States of America which at the time of payment or demand therefor shall be legal tender for the payment of public and private debts, (2) the full and prompt performance and observance by the Company of each and all of the obligations, covenants and agreements required to be performed or owed by the Company under the terms of the Notes and the Note Agreement (including any Supplement) and (3) the full and prompt payment, upon demand by any Holder of all costs and expenses, legal or otherwise (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), if any, as shall have been expended or incurred in the protection or enforcement of any rights, privileges or liabilities in favor of the Holders under or in respect of the Notes, the Note Agreement (including any Supplement) or under this Guaranty or in any consultation or action in connection therewith or herewith.
 
(b)           To the extent that any Guarantor shall make a payment hereunder (a “Payment” ) which, taking into account all other Payments previously or concurrently made by any of the other Guarantors, exceeds the amount which such Guarantor would otherwise have paid if each Guarantor had paid the aggregate obligations satisfied by such Payment in the same proportion as such Guarantor’s Allocable Amount (as hereinafter defined) in effect immediately prior to such Payment bore to the Aggregate Allocable Amount (as hereinafter defined) of all of the Guarantors in effect immediately prior to the making of such Payment, then such Guarantor shall be entitled to contribution and indemnification from, and be reimbursed by, each of the other Guarantors for the amount of such excess, pro rata based upon their respective Allocable Amounts in effect immediately prior to such Payment; provided that each Guarantor covenants and agrees that such right of contribution and indemnification and any and all claims of such Guarantor against any other Guarantor, any endorser or against any of their property shall be junior and subordinate in right of payment to the prior indefeasible final payment in cash in full of all of the Notes and satisfaction by the Company of its obligations under the Note Purchase Agreement (including each Supplement) and by the Guarantors of their obligations under this Guaranty and the Guarantors shall not take any action to enforce such right of contribution and indemnification, and the Guarantors shall not accept any payment in respect of such right of contribution and indemnification, until all of the Notes and all amounts payable by the Guarantors hereunder have indefeasibly been finally paid in cash in full and all of the obligations of the Company under the Note Purchase Agreement (including each Supplement) and of the Guarantors under this Guaranty have been satisfied
 
As of any date of determination, (1) the “Allocable Amount” of any Guarantor shall be equal to the maximum amount which could then be claimed by the Holders under this Guaranty without rendering such claim voidable or avoidable under Section 548 of Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C. Sec. 101 et. seq.) or under any applicable state Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act, Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act or similar statute or common law; and (2) the “Aggregate Allocable Amount” shall be equal to the sum of each Guarantor’s Allocable Amount.
 
This clause (b) is intended only to define the relative rights of the Guarantors, and nothing set forth in this clause (b) is intended to or shall impair the obligations of the Guarantors, jointly and severally, to pay any amounts to the Holders as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance herewith.
 
Each Guarantor acknowledges that the rights of contribution and indemnification hereunder shall constitute an asset in favor of any Guarantor to which such contribution and indemnification is owing.
 
 
Section 3.
Guaranty of Payment and Performance.
 
This is a guarantee of payment and performance and each Guarantor hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any right to require that any action on or in respect of any Note or the Note Agreement (including any Supplement) be brought against the Company or any other Person or that resort be had to any direct or indirect security for the Notes or for this Guaranty or any other remedy.  Any Holder may, at its option, proceed hereunder against any Guarantor in the first instance to collect monies when due, the payment of which is guaranteed hereby, without first proceeding against the Company or any other Person and without first resorting to any direct or indirect security for the Notes or for this Guaranty or any other remedy.  The liability of each Guarantor hereunder shall in no way be affected or impaired by any acceptance by any Holder of any direct or indirect security for, or other guaranties of, any Debt, liability or obligation of the Company or any other Person to any Holder or by any failure, delay, neglect or omission by any Holder to realize upon or protect any such guarantees, Debt, liability or obligation or any notes or other instruments evidencing the same or any direct or indirect security therefor or by any approval, consent, waiver, or other action taken, or omitted to be taken by any such Holder.
 
The covenants and agreements on the part of the Guarantors herein contained shall take effect as joint and several covenants and agreements, and references to the Guarantors shall take effect as references to each of them and none of them shall be released from liability hereunder by reason of the guarantee ceasing to be binding as a continuing security on any other of them.
 
 
Section 4.
General Provisions Relating to the Guaranty.
 
(a)           Each Guarantor hereby consents and agrees that any Holder or Holders from time to time, with or without any further notice to or assent from any other Guarantor may, without in any manner affecting the liability of any Guarantor under this Guaranty, and upon such terms and conditions as any such Holder or Holders may deem advisable:
 
                 (1) extend in whole or in part (by renewal or otherwise), modify, change, compromise, release or extend the duration of the time for the performance or payment of any Debt, liability or obligation of the Company or of any other Person secondarily or otherwise liable for any Debt, liability or obligations of the Company on the Notes, or waive any Default with respect thereto, or waive, modify, amend or change any provision of any other agreement or waive this Guaranty; or
 
                 (2) sell, release, surrender, modify, impair, exchange or substitute any and all property, of any nature and from whomsoever received, held by, or for the benefit of, any such Holder as direct or indirect security for the payment or performance of any Debt, liability or obligation of the Company or of any other Person secondarily or otherwise liable for any Debt, liability or obligation of the Company on the Notes; or
 
                 (3) settle, adjust or compromise any claim of the Company against any other Person secondarily or otherwise liable for any Debt, liability or obligation of the Company on the Notes.
 
Each Guarantor hereby ratifies and confirms any such extension, renewal, change, sale, release, waiver, surrender, exchange, modification, amendment, impairment, substitution, settlement, adjustment or compromise and that the same shall be binding upon it, and hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any and all defenses, counterclaims or offsets which it might or could have by reason thereof, it being understood that such Guarantor shall at all times be bound by this Guaranty and remain liable hereunder.
 
(b)           Each Guarantor hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law:
 
                 (1) notice of acceptance of this Guaranty by the Holders or of the creation, renewal or accrual of any liability of the Company, present or future, or of the reliance of such Holders upon this Guaranty (it being understood that every Debt, liability and obligation described in Section 2 hereof shall conclusively be presumed to have been created, contracted or incurred in reliance upon the execution of this Guaranty);
 
                 (2) notice of the issuance of any Additional Notes pursuant to the Note Agreement or any Supplement thereto;
 
                 (3) demand of payment by any Holder from the Company or any other Person indebted in any manner on or for any of the Debt, liabilities or obligations hereby guaranteed; and
 
                 (4) presentment for the payment by any Holder or any other Person of the Notes or any other instrument, protest thereof and notice of its dishonor to any party thereto and to such Guarantor.
 
The obligations of each Guarantor under this Guaranty and the rights of any Holder to enforce such obligations by any proceedings, whether by action at law, suit in equity or otherwise, shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination, whether by reason of any claim of any character whatsoever or otherwise and shall not be subject to any defense, set-off, counterclaim (other than any compulsory counterclaim), recoupment or termination whatsoever.
 
(c)           The obligations of the Guarantors hereunder shall be binding upon the Guarantors and their successors and assigns, and shall remain in full force and effect irrespective of:
 
                 (1) the genuineness, validity, regularity or enforceability of the Notes, the Note Agreement, any Supplement or any other agreement or any of the terms of any thereof, the continuance of any obligation on the part of the Company or any other Person on or in respect of the Notes or under the Note Agreement, any Supplement or any other agreement or the power or authority or the lack of power or authority of the Company to issue the Notes or the Company to execute and deliver the Note Agreement, any Supplement or any other agreement or of any Guarantor to execute and deliver this Guaranty or to perform any of its obligations hereunder or the existence or continuance of the Company or any other Person as a legal entity; or
 
                 (2) any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the performance by the Company, any Guarantor or any other Person of any obligations of any kind or character whatsoever under the Notes, the Note Agreement, any Supplement, this Guaranty or any other agreement; or
 
                 (3) any creditors’ rights, bankruptcy, receivership or other insolvency proceeding of the Company, any Guarantor or any other Person or in respect of the property of the Company, any Guarantor or any other Person or any merger, consolidation, reorganization, dissolution, liquidation, the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of or winding up of the Company, any Guarantor or any other Person; or
 
                 (4) impossibility or illegality of performance on the part of the Company, any Guarantor or any other Person of its obligations under the Notes, the Note Agreement, any Supplement, this Guaranty or any other agreements; or
 
                 (5) in respect of the Company or any other Person, any change of circumstances, whether or not foreseen or foreseeable, whether or not imputable to the Company or any other Person, or other impossibility of performance through fire, explosion, accident, labor disturbance, floods, droughts, embargoes, wars (whether or not declared), civil commotion, acts of God or the public enemy, delays or failure of suppliers or carriers, inability to obtain materials, action of any federal or state regulatory body or agency, change of law or any other causes affecting performance, or any other force majeure , whether or not beyond the control of the Company or any other Person and whether or not of the kind hereinbefore specified; or
 
                 (6) any attachment, claim, demand, charge, Lien, order, process, encumbrance or any other happening or event or reason, similar or dissimilar to the foregoing, or any withholding or diminution at the source, by reason of any taxes, assessments, expenses, Debt, obligations or liabilities of any character, foreseen or unforeseen, and whether or not valid, incurred by or against the Company, any Guarantor or any other Person or any claims, demands, charges or Liens of any nature, foreseen or unforeseen, incurred by the Company, any Guarantor or any other Person, or against any sums payable in respect of the Notes or under the Note Agreement, any Supplement or this Guaranty, so that such sums would be rendered inadequate or would be unavailable to make the payments herein provided; or
 
                 (7) any order, judgment, decree, ruling or regulation (whether or not valid) of any court of any nation or of any political subdivision thereof or any body, agency, department, official or administrative or regulatory agency of any thereof or any other action, happening, event or reason whatsoever which shall delay, interfere with, hinder or prevent, or in any way adversely affect, the performance by the Company, any Guarantor or any other Person of its respective obligations under or in respect of the Notes, the Note Agreement, any Supplement, this Guaranty or any other agreement; or
 
                 (8) the failure of any Guarantor to receive any benefit from or as a result of its execution, delivery and performance of this Guaranty; or
 
                 (9) any failure or lack of diligence in collection or protection, failure in presentment or demand for payment, protest, notice of protest, notice of default and of nonpayment, any failure to give notice to any Guarantor of failure of the Company, any Guarantor or any other Person to keep and perform any obligation, covenant or agreement under the terms of the Notes, the Note Agreement, any Supplement, this Guaranty or any other agreement or failure to resort for payment to the Company, any Guarantor or to any other Person or to any other guaranty or to any property, security, Liens or other rights or remedies; or
 
                 (10) the acceptance of any additional security or other guaranty, the advance of additional money to the Company or any other Person, the renewal or extension of the Notes or amendments, modifications, consents or waivers with respect to the Notes, the Note Agreement, any Supplement or any other agreement, or the sale, release, substitution or exchange of any security for the Notes; or
 
                 (11) the failure to execute a Guaranty Accession Agreement in connection with the issuance of any Series of Additional Notes; or
 
                 (12) any merger or consolidation of the Company, any Guarantor or any other Person into or with any other Person or any sale, lease, transfer or other disposition of any of the assets of the Company, any Guarantor or any other Person to any other Person, or any change in the ownership of any shares of the Company, any Guarantor or any other Person; or
 
                 (13) any defense whatsoever that:  (i) the Company or any other Person might have to the payment of the Notes (principal, premium, if any, or interest), other than payment thereof in federal or other immediately available funds or (ii) the Company or any other Person might have to the performance or observance of any of the provisions of the Notes, the Note Agreement, any Supplement or any other agreement, whether through the satisfaction or purported satisfaction by the Company or any other Person of its debts due to any cause such as bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, merger, consolidation, reorganization, dissolution, liquidation, winding-up or otherwise; or
 
                 (14) any act or failure to act with regard to the Notes, the Note Agreement, any Supplement, this Guaranty or any other agreement or anything which might vary the risk of any Guarantor or any other Person; or
 
                 (15) any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, any Guarantor or any other Person in respect of the obligations of any Guarantor or other Person under this Guaranty or any other agreement;
 
provided that the specific enumeration of the above-mentioned acts, failures or omissions shall not be deemed to exclude any other acts, failures or omissions, though not specifically mentioned above, it being the purpose and intent of this Guaranty and the parties hereto that the obligations of each Guarantor shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be discharged, impaired or varied except by the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes in accordance with their respective terms whenever the same shall become due and payable as in the Notes provided, at the place specified in and all in the manner and with the effect provided in the Notes and the Note Agreement, as each may be amended or modified from time to time.  Without limiting the foregoing, it is understood that repeated and successive demands may be made and recoveries may be had hereunder as and when, from time to time, the Company shall default under or in respect of the terms of the Notes or the Note Agreement (including any Supplement) and that notwithstanding recovery hereunder for or in respect of any given default or defaults by the Company under the Notes or the Note Agreement (including any Supplement), this Guaranty shall remain in full force and effect and shall apply to each and every subsequent default.
 
(d)           All rights of any Holder may be transferred or assigned at any time and shall be considered to be transferred or assigned at any time or from time to time upon the transfer of such Note whether with or without the consent of or notice to the Guarantors under this Guaranty or to the Company.
 
(e)           To the extent of any payments made under this Guaranty, the Guarantors shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holder or Holders upon whose Notes such payment was made, but each Guarantor covenants and agrees that such right of subrogation shall be junior and subordinate in right of payment to the prior indefeasible final payment in cash in full of all amounts due and owing by the Company with respect to the Notes and the Note Agreement (including each Supplement) and by the Guarantors under this Guaranty, and the Guarantors shall not take any action to enforce such right of subrogation, and the Guarantors shall not accept any payment in respect of such right of subrogation, until all amounts due and owing by the Company under or in respect of the Notes and the Note Agreement (including each Supplement) and all amounts due and owing by the Guarantors hereunder have indefeasibly been finally paid in cash in full.  If any amount shall be paid to any Guarantor in violation of the preceding sentence at any time prior to the later of the indefeasible payment in cash in full of the Notes and all other amounts payable under the Notes, the Note Agreement (including each Supplement) and this Guaranty, such amount shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Holders and shall forthwith be paid to the Holders to be credited and applied to the amounts due or to become due with respect to the Notes and all other amounts payable under the Note Agreement (including each Supplement) and this Guaranty, whether matured or unmatured.
 
(f)           Each Guarantor agrees that to the extent the Company or any other Person makes any payment on any Note, which payment or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, voided, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside, recovered, rescinded or is required to be retained by or repaid to a trustee, receiver, or any other Person under any bankruptcy code, common law, or equitable cause, then and to the extent of such payment, the obligation or the part thereof intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect with respect to the Guarantors’ obligations hereunder, as if said payment had not been made.  The liability of the Guarantors hereunder shall not be reduced or discharged, in whole or in part, by any payment to any Holder from any source that is thereafter paid, returned or refunded in whole or in part by reason of the assertion of a claim of any kind relating thereto, including, but not limited to, any claim for breach of contract, breach of warranty, preference, illegality, invalidity or fraud asserted by any account debtor or by any other Person.
 
(g)           No Holder shall be under any obligation:  (1) to marshal any assets in favor of the Guarantors or in payment of any or all of the liabilities of the Company under or in respect of the Notes or the obligations of the Guarantors hereunder or (2) to pursue any other remedy that the Guarantors may or may not be able to pursue themselves and that may lighten the Guarantors’ burden, any right to which each Guarantor hereby expressly waives.
 
 
Section 5.
Representations and Warranties of the Guarantors.
 
Each Guarantor represents and warrants to each Holder that:
 
(a)           Such Guarantor is a corporation or other legal entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization, and is duly qualified as a foreign corporation or other legal entity and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is required by law, other than those jurisdictions as to which the failure to be so qualified or in good standing could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on (1) the business, operations, affairs, financial condition, assets, properties or prospects of such Guarantor and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (2) the ability of such Guarantor to perform its obligations under this Guaranty or (3) the validity or enforceability of this Guaranty (herein in this Section 5, a “Material Adverse Effect” ).  Such Guarantor has the power and authority to own or hold under lease the properties it purports to own or hold under lease, to transact the business it transacts and proposes to transact, to execute and deliver this Guaranty and to perform the provisions hereof.
 
(b)           Each subsidiary of such Guarantor is a corporation or other legal entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization, and is duly qualified as a foreign corporation or other legal entity and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is required by law, other than those jurisdictions as to which the failure to be so qualified or in good standing could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  Each subsidiary of such Guarantor has the power and authority to own or hold under lease the properties it purports to own or hold under lease and to transact the business it transacts and proposes to transact.
 
(c)           This Guaranty has been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of such Guarantor, and this Guaranty constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Guarantor enforceable against such Guarantor in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by (1) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and (2) general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
 
(d)           This Guaranty, the documents, certificates or other writings identified in Schedule 5.3 to the Note Agreement and the financial statements listed in Schedule 5.5 to the Note Agreement, taken as a whole, do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances under which they were made.  Except as disclosed in the Disclosure Documents, since December 31, 2006, there has been no adverse Material (as hereinafter defined) change in the financial condition, operations, business, properties or prospects of such Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
 
(e)           The execution, delivery and performance by such Guarantor of this Guaranty will not (1) contravene, result in any breach of, or constitute a default under, or result in the creation of any Lien in respect of any property of such Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries under any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan, purchase or credit agreement, lease, charter document or by-law, or any other agreement or instrument to which such Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries is bound or by which such Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective properties may be bound or affected, (2) conflict with or result in a breach of any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any order, judgment, decree or ruling of any court, arbitrator or Governmental Authority applicable to such Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries or (3) violate any provision of any statute or other rule or regulation of any Governmental Authority applicable to such Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries.
 
(f)           No consent, approval or authorization of, or registration, filing or declaration with, any Governmental Authority is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by such Guarantor of this Guaranty.
 
(g)           (1)           There are no actions, suits, investigations or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of such Guarantor, threatened against or affecting such Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries or any property of such Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries in any court or before any arbitrator of any kind or before or by any Governmental Authority that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
(2)           Neither such Guarantor nor any of its subsidiaries is in default under any term of any agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it is bound, or any order, judgment, decree or ruling of any court, arbitrator or Governmental Authority or is in violation of any applicable law, ordinance, rule or regulation (including without limitation Environmental Laws, ERISA or the USA Patriot Act) of any Governmental Authority, which default or violation, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
(h)           Such Guarantor and its subsidiaries have filed all income tax returns that are required to have been filed in any jurisdiction, and have paid all taxes shown to be due and payable on such returns and all other taxes and assessments payable by them, to the extent such taxes and assessments have become due and payable and before they have become delinquent, except for any taxes and assessments (1) the amount of which is not individually or in the aggregate material to the business, operations, affairs, financial condition, assets, properties or prospects of such Guarantor and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole (herein in this Section 5, “Material” ) or (2) the amount, applicability or validity of which is currently being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and with respect to which such Guarantor or one of its subsidiaries, as the case may be, has established adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP.  Such Guarantor knows of no basis for any other tax or assessment that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  The charges, accruals and reserves on the books of such Guarantor and its subsidiaries in respect of federal, state or other taxes for all fiscal periods are adequate.  The federal income tax liabilities of such Guarantor and its subsidiaries have been finally determined (whether by reason of completed audits or the statute of limitations having run) for all fiscal years up to and including the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003.
 
(i)           Such Guarantor and its subsidiaries have good and sufficient title to their respective properties that individually or in the aggregate are Material, including all such properties reflected in the most recent audited balance sheet referred to in Section 5.5 of the Note Agreement or purported to have been acquired by such Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries after said date (except as sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business), in each case free and clear of Liens prohibited by the Note Agreement.  All leases that individually or in the aggregate are Material are valid and subsisting and are in full force and effect in all material respects.
 
(j)           (1)           Such Guarantor and its subsidiaries own or possess all Material licenses, permits, franchises, authorizations, patents, copyrights, proprietary software, service marks, trademarks, trade names and domain names, or other rights with respect thereto.
 
(2)           To the best knowledge of such Guarantor, no product of such Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries infringes in any material respect any license, permit, franchise, authorization, patent, copyright, proprietary software, service mark, trademark, trade name, domain name or other right with respect thereto owned by any other Person.
 
(3)           To the best knowledge of such Guarantor, there is no Material violation by any Person of any right of such Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries with respect to any patent, copyright, proprietary software, service mark, trademark, trade name or other right with respect thereto owned or used by such Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries.
 
(k)           (1)           Such Guarantor and each ERISA Affiliate have operated and administered each Plan in compliance with all applicable laws in all material respects.  Neither such Guarantor nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred any Material liability pursuant to Title I or IV of ERISA or the penalty or excise tax provisions of the Code relating to employee benefit plans (as defined in Section 3 of ERISA), and no event, transaction or condition has occurred or exists that could reasonably be expected to result in the incurrence of any such Material liability by such Guarantor or any ERISA Affiliate, or in the imposition of any Material Lien on any of the rights, properties or assets of such Guarantor or any ERISA Affiliate, in either case pursuant to Title I or IV of ERISA or to such penalty or excise tax provisions or to Section 401(a)(29) or 412 of the Code or Section 4068 of ERISA.
 
(2)           The present value of the aggregate benefit liabilities under each of the Plans (other than Multiemployer Plans), determined as of the end of such Plan’s most recently ended plan year on the basis of the actuarial assumptions specified for funding purposes in such Plan’s most recent actuarial valuation report, did not exceed the aggregate current value of the assets of such Plan allocable to such benefit liabilities by more than $5,000,000 in the aggregate for all Plans.  The term “benefit liabilities” has the meaning specified in Section 4001 of ERISA and the terms “current value” and “present value” have the meanings specified in Section 3 of ERISA.
 
(3)           Such Guarantor and its ERISA Affiliates have not incurred Material withdrawal liabilities (and are not subject to Material contingent withdrawal liabilities) under Section 4201 or 4204 of ERISA in respect of Multiemployer Plans.
 
(4)           The expected postretirement benefit obligation (determined as of the last day of such Guarantor’s most recently ended fiscal year in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 106, without regard to liabilities attributable to continuation coverage mandated by Section 4980B of the Code) of such Guarantor and its subsidiaries is not Material.
 
(5)           The execution and delivery of this Guaranty will not involve any transaction that is subject to the prohibitions of Section 406 of ERISA or in connection with which a tax could be imposed pursuant to Section 4975(c)(1)(A)-(D) of the Code.  The representation by such Guarantor in the first sentence of this Section 5(k)(5) is made in reliance upon and subject to the accuracy of each Holder’s representation in Section 6.2 of the Note Agreement as to the sources of the funds used to pay the purchase price of the Notes to be purchased by such Holder.
 
(l)           Neither such Guarantor nor any of its subsidiaries is an “investment company” registered or required to be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or is subject to regulation under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005, as amended, the ICC Termination Act of 1995, as amended, or the Federal Power Act, as amended.
 
(m)           Neither such Guarantor nor any of its subsidiaries has knowledge of any Material claim or has received any notice of any Material claim, and no proceeding has been instituted raising any Material claim against such Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective real properties now or formerly owned, leased or operated by any of them or other assets, alleging any damage to the environment or violation of any Environmental Laws.
 
                 (1) Neither such Guarantor nor any of its subsidiaries has knowledge of any facts which would give rise to any Material claim, public or private, or Material violation of Environmental Laws or damage to the environment emanating from, occurring on or in any way related to real properties now or formerly owned, leased or operated by any of them or to other assets or their use.
 
                 (2) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries (i) has stored any Hazardous Materials on real properties now or formerly owned, leased or operated by any of them or (ii) has disposed of any Hazardous Materials in a manner contrary to any Environmental Laws; in each case in any manner that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
 
                 (3) All buildings on all real properties now owned, leased or operated by such Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries are in material compliance with applicable Environmental Laws.
 
(n)           Such Guarantor, when viewed on a consolidated basis with the Company and its other Subsidiaries, is solvent, has capital not unreasonably small in relation to its business or any contemplated or undertaken transaction and has assets having a value both at fair valuation and at present fair salable value greater than the amount required to pay its debts as they become due and greater than the amount that will be required to pay its probable liability on its existing debts as they become absolute and matured.  Such Guarantor does not intend to incur, or believe or should have believed that it will incur, debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they become due.  Such Guarantor, when viewed on a consolidated basis with the Company and its other Subsidiaries, will not be rendered insolvent by the execution and delivery of, and performance of its obligations under, this Guaranty.  Such Guarantor does not intend to hinder, delay or defraud its creditors by or through the execution and delivery of, or performance of its obligations under, this Guaranty.
 
(o)           The obligations of such Guarantor under this Guaranty rank pari passu in right of payment with all other unsecured Senior Debt (actual or contingent) of such Guarantor, including, without limitation, all unsecured Senior Debt of such Guarantor described in Schedule 5.15 to the Note Agreement.
 
 
Section 6.
Amendments, Waivers and Consents.
 
(a)           This Guaranty may be amended, and the observance of any term hereof may be waived (either retroactively or prospectively), with (and only with) the written consent of each Guarantor and the Required Holders, except that (1) no amendment or waiver of any of the provisions of Sections 3, 4 or 5, or any defined term (as it is used therein), will be effective as to any Holder unless consented to by such Holder in writing, and (2) no such amendment or waiver may, without the written consent of each Holder, (i) change the percentage of the principal amount of the Notes the Holders of which are required to consent to any such amendment or waiver, or (ii) amend Section 2 or this Section 6.  No consent of the Holders or the Guarantors shall be required in connection with the execution and delivery of a Guaranty Supplement or other addition of any additional Guarantor, and each Guarantor, by its execution and delivery of this Guaranty (or Guaranty Supplement) consents to the addition of each additional Guarantor.  No consent of the Guarantors shall be required in connection with the issuance and sale of Additional Notes, and each Guarantor, by its execution and delivery of this Guaranty (or Guaranty Supplement) consents to the issuance of Additional Notes pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement.
 
(b)           The Guarantors will provide each Holder (irrespective of the amount of Notes then owned by it) with sufficient information, sufficiently far in advance of the date a decision is required, to enable such Holder to make an informed and considered decision with respect to any proposed amendment, waiver or consent in respect of any of the provisions hereof.  The Guarantors will deliver executed or true and correct copies of each amendment, waiver or consent effected pursuant to the provisions of this Section 6 to each Holder promptly following the date on which it is executed and delivered by, or receives the consent or approval of, the requisite Holders.  The Guarantors will deliver executed copies of each executed Guaranty Supplement to each Holder promptly following the date on which it is executed.
 
(c)           No Guarantor will directly or indirectly pay or cause to be paid any remuneration, whether by way of fee or otherwise, or grant any security, to any Holder as consideration for or as an inducement to the entering into by such Holder of any waiver or amendment of any of the terms and provisions hereof unless such remuneration is concurrently paid, or security is concurrently granted, on the same terms, ratably to each Holder even if such Holder did not consent to such waiver or amendment.
 
(d)           Any amendment or waiver consented to as provided in this Section 6 applies equally to all Holders and is binding upon them and upon each future holder and upon the Guarantors.  No such amendment or waiver will extend to or affect any obligation, covenant or agreement not expressly amended or waived or impair any right consequent thereon.  No course of dealing between the Guarantors and any Holder nor any delay in exercising any rights hereunder shall operate as a waiver of any rights of any Holder.  As used herein, the term “this Guaranty” and references thereto shall mean this Guaranty as it may from time to time be amended or supplemented.
 
(e)           Solely for the purpose of determining whether the Holders of the requisite percentage of the aggregate principal amount of Notes then outstanding approved or consented to any amendment, waiver or consent to be given under this Guaranty, Notes directly or indirectly owned by any Guarantor, the Company or any of their respective subsidiaries or Affiliates shall be deemed not to be outstanding.
 
 
Section 7.
Notices.
 
All notices and communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing and sent (a) by telefacsimile if the sender on the same day sends a confirming copy of such notice by a recognized overnight delivery service (charges prepaid), or (b) by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested (postage prepaid) or (c) by a recognized overnight delivery service (charges prepaid).  Any such notice must be sent:
 
                 (1) if to a 2007-A Note Purchaser or its nominee, to such 2007-A Note Purchaser or its nominee at the address specified for such communications in Schedule A to the Note Agreement or at such other address as such 2007-A Note Purchaser or its nominee shall have specified to any Guarantor or the Company in writing,
 
                 (2) if to an Additional Purchaser or its nominee, to such Additional Purchaser or its nominee at the address specified for such communications in Schedule A to the applicable Supplement or at such other address as such Additional Purchaser or its nominee shall have specified to any Guarantor or the Company in writing,
 
                 (3) if to any other Holder, to such Holder at such address as such Holder shall have specified to any Guarantor or the Company in writing, or
 
                 (4) if to any Guarantor, to such Guarantor c/o the Company at its address set forth at the beginning of the Note Agreement to the attention of Chief Financial Officer, or at such other address as such Guarantor shall have specified to the Holders in writing.
 
Notices under this Section 7 will be deemed given only when actually received.
 
 
Section 8.
Miscellaneous;.
 
(a)           No remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to any Holder is intended to be exclusive of any other available remedy or remedies, but each and every such remedy shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every other remedy given under this Guaranty now or hereafter existing at law or in equity.  No delay or omission to exercise any right or power accruing upon any default, omission or failure of performance hereunder shall impair any such right or power or shall be construed to be a waiver thereof but any such right or power may be exercised from time to time and as often as may be deemed expedient.  In order to entitle any Holder to exercise any remedy reserved to it under the Guaranty, it shall not be necessary for such Holder to physically produce its Note in any proceedings instituted by it or to give any notice, other than such notice as may be herein expressly required.
 
(b)           The Guarantors will pay all sums becoming due under this Guaranty by the method and at the address specified for such purpose for such Holder, in the case of a Holder that is a 2007-A Note Purchaser, on Schedule A to the Note Agreement, and in the case of a Holder that is an Additional Purchaser, on Schedule A to the corresponding Supplement or by such other method or at such other address as any Holder shall have from time to time specified to the Guarantors in writing for such purpose, without the presentation or surrender of this Guaranty or any Note.
 
(c)           Any provision of this Guaranty that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall (to the full extent permitted by law) not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.
 
(d)           If the whole or any part of this Guaranty shall be now or hereafter become unenforceable against any one or more of the Guarantors for any reason whatsoever or if it is not executed by any one or more of the Guarantors, this Guaranty shall nevertheless be and remain fully binding upon and enforceable against each other Guarantor as if it had been made and delivered only by such other Guarantors.
 
(e)           This Guaranty shall be binding upon each Guarantor and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of each Holder and its successors and assigns so long as its Notes remain outstanding and unpaid.
 
(f)           This Guaranty may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original but all of which together shall constitute one instrument.  Each counterpart may consist of a number of copies hereof, each signed by less than all, but together signed by all, of the parties hereto.
 
(g)           This Guaranty shall be construed and enforced in accordance with, and the rights of the parties shall be governed by, the law of the State of New York excluding choice-of-law principles of the law of such State that would require the application of the laws of a jurisdiction other than such State.
 
In Witness Whereof, the undersigned has caused this Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement to be duly executed by an authorized representative as of this 12th day of December, 2007.

Granite Construction Company



By                   /s/ William G. Dorey
      William G. Dorey
President

 
By                     /s/ William E. Barton
William E. Barton
Sr. Vice President

 
Granite Construction Northeast, Inc.



By                   /s/ William G. Dorey
      William G. Dorey
President

 
By                     /s/ William E. Barton
William E. Barton
Sr. Vice President

 
Granite Land Company



By   /s/ Scott D. Wolcott
Scott D. Wolcott
President

 
By                  /s/ William E. Barton
William E. Barton
Sr. Vice President

 
Granite Northwest, Inc.



By                     /s/ Tracy Coppinger
      Tracy Coppinger
 President

 
By                     /s/ David J. Brunton
David J. Brunton
Treasurer

 
Intermountain Slurry Seal, Inc.



By                     /s/ Tracy Coppinger
      Tracy Coppinger
 President

 
By                     /s/ David J. Brunton
David J. Brunton
Treasurer

 
Pozzolan Products Company (P.P.C.)



By                     /s/ Tracy Coppinger
      Tracy Coppinger
 President

 
By                     /s/ David J. Brunton
David J. Brunton
Treasurer & Secretary


 
GILC Incorporated



By                    /s/ William E. Barton
        William E. Barton
President


 
By                     /s/ Jigisha Desai
Jigisha Desai
Chief Financial Officer


Subsidiary Guaranty Supplement




To the Holders (as defined in the
 
hereinafter defined Guaranty Agreement)
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
Whereas, Granite Construction Incorporated, a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Company” ), (i) issued (1) $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 6.11% Series 2007-A Senior Notes due December 12, 2019 (the “Series 2007-A Notes” ) pursuant to a Note Purchase Agreement dated as of December 12, 2007 (the “Note Agreement” ) between the Company and each of the purchasers named on Schedule A attached to said Note Purchase Agreement (the “Series 2007-A Note Purchasers” ) for the purposes described in Section 5.14 of the Note Purchase Agreement [and (2) _______ [insert information regarding any prior issuances of Additional Notes] and (ii) may, from time to time, issue and sell one or more additional Series of its unsecured promissory notes under the provisions of the Note Agreement pursuant to a supplement (a “Supplement” ), provided that the aggregate principal amount of Notes of all Series issued pursuant to all Supplements (the “Additional Notes,” and collectively with the Series 2007-A Notes, the “Notes” ) in accordance with the terms of Section 2.2 of the Note Purchase Agreement shall not exceed $100,000,000.  Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings set forth in the hereinafter defined Guaranty Agreement unless herein defined or the context shall otherwise require.
 
Whereas, as a condition precedent to their purchase of the Notes, the Holders required that from time to time certain subsidiaries of the Company enter into a Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement dated as of December 12, 2007 as security for the Notes (as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Subsidiary Guaranty” ).
 
Pursuant to Section 9.7 of the Note Agreement, the Company has agreed to cause the undersigned, ____________, a corporation organized under the laws of ______________ (the “Additional Guarantor” ), to join in the Subsidiary Guaranty.  In accordance with the requirements of the Subsidiary Guaranty, the Additional Guarantor desires to amend the definition of Guarantor (as the same may have been heretofore amended) set forth in the Subsidiary Guaranty attached hereto so that at all times from and after the date hereof, the Additional Guarantor shall be jointly and severally liable as set forth in the Subsidiary Guaranty for the obligations of the Company under the Note Agreement (including each Supplement) and the Notes to the extent and in the manner set forth in the Subsidiary Guaranty.
 
The undersigned is the duly elected ____________ of the Additional Guarantor, a subsidiary of the Company, and is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Guaranty Supplement to each of you.  The execution by the undersigned of this Guaranty Supplement shall evidence its consent to and acknowledgment and approval of the terms set forth herein and in the Subsidiary Guaranty and by such execution the Additional Guarantor shall be deemed to have made in favor of the Holders the representations and warranties set forth in Section 5 of the Subsidiary Guaranty.
 
Upon execution of this Subsidiary Guaranty Supplement, the Subsidiary Guaranty shall be deemed to be amended as set forth above.  Except as amended herein, the terms and provisions of the Subsidiary Guaranty are hereby ratified, confirmed and approved in all respects.
 
Any and all notices, requests, certificates and other instruments (including the Notes) may refer to the Subsidiary Guaranty without making specific reference to this Subsidiary Guaranty Supplement, but nevertheless all such references shall be deemed to include this Subsidiary Guaranty Supplement unless the context shall otherwise require.
 
Dated:  _________________, 20   .
 


 
[Name of Additional Guarantor]



 
By
 
 
Its


 
Form of Accession Agreement
 
Reference is hereby made to the Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement dated as of December 12, 2007 (as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Subsidiary Guaranty” ), entered into on a joint and several basis by each of the undersigned.  Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Subsidiary Guaranty.
 
The undersigned hereby confirm that the Additional Purchasers of the Additional Notes issued pursuant to the [Number] Supplement dated as of ________, 20__ are Holders as defined in the Subsidiary Guaranty and as such, are entitled to the full rights and benefits of Holders under the Subsidiary Guaranty.  The undersigned acknowledge the terms of the Subsidiary Guaranty and agree to be bound thereby.


Date:
[Guarantors]


By:                                                                           
Name:
Title:
 
Exhibit 23.1
 
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (No. 333-43422) and S-8 (Nos. 333-118299) of Granite Construction Incorporated of our report dated February 22, 2008 relating to the financial statements, financial statement schedule, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.
 
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
 
San Jose, California
February 22, 2008
                                              
Exhibit 3 1.1
 
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
 
I, William G. Dorey, certify that:
 
 
1.      I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Granite Construction Incorporated;
   
 
2.      Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
   
 
3.      Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
   
 
4.      The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
a)   Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
b)   Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principals;
 
 
c)   Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
d)   Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
 
 5.      The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:
 
 
a)   All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
   
 
b)   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
 
Dated: February 22, 2008
 
 /s/ William G. Dorey
William G. Dorey
President & Chief Executive Officer
 
Exhibit 3 1.2
 
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
 
I, William E. Barton, certify that:
 
 
1.      I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Granite Construction Incorporated;
   
 
2.      Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
   
 
3.      Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
   
 
4.      The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
a)   Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
b)   Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principals;
 
 
c)   Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
d)   Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
 
 5.      The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:
 
 
a)   All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
   
 
b)   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 

 
Dated: February 22, 2008
 
 /s/ William E. Barton
William E. Barton
Senior Vice President
& Chief Financial Officer
 
Exhibit 3 2
 
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), the undersigned officers of Granite Construction Incorporated (the “Company”) do hereby certify to such officers’ knowledge that:

(i) The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 of the Company fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (ii) the information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.



Dated: February 22, 2008
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dated: February 22, 2008
 /s/ William G. Dorey
William G. Dorey
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ William E. Barton
 
William E. Barton
Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer


A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signatures that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to Granite Construction Incorporated and will be retained by Granite Construction Incorporated and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.