The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2020 AND 2019
(In thousands, except per share data)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2020 AND 2019
(Unaudited and in thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2020 AND 2019
(Unaudited and in thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2020 AND 2019
(Unaudited and in thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Basis of Presentation
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., a Nevada holding company, and its wholly owned subsidiaries. References in this report to "we," "us,"
"our," the "Company," and similar expressions refer to Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information
and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933. In preparing financial statements, it is necessary for management to make assumptions and estimates affecting the amounts reported
in the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes. These estimates and assumptions are developed based upon all information available. Actual results could differ from estimated amounts. In the opinion of management, the
accompanying financial statements include all adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented, such adjustments being of a normal recurring nature.
Certain information and footnote disclosures have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The December 31, 2019, condensed consolidated balance sheet was derived from our audited balance
sheet as of that date. Our operating results are subject to seasonal trends when measured on a quarterly basis; therefore operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected
for the year ending December 31, 2020. These condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2019. Results of operations in interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for a full year.
Risks and Uncertainties
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel strain of coronavirus ("COVID-19") a global pandemic, and the President of the United States declared the COVID-19 a national emergency. The rapid
spread of the pandemic and the continuously evolving responses to combat it have had an increasingly negative impact on the global economy. In view of the rapidly changing business environment, unprecedented market volatility and heightened degree
of uncertainty resulting from COVID-19, we are currently unable to fully determine its future impact on our business. However, we are monitoring the progression of the pandemic, further government response and development of treatments and vaccines
and their potential effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. These events could have an impact in future periods on certain estimates used in the preparation of our first quarter financial results,
including, but not limited to impairment of goodwill, other intangible assets and other long-lived assets, income tax provision, and recoverability of certain receivables. Should the pandemic continue for an extended period of time, the impact on
our operations could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards not yet adopted
In June 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which will require an entity to measure credit losses for certain financial instruments and
financial assets, including trade receivables. Under this update, on initial recognition and at each reporting period, an entity will be required to recognize an allowance that reflects the entity’s current estimate of credit losses expected to be
incurred over the life of the financial instrument. This update will be effective for our annual reporting period beginning January 1, 2023, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently
evaluating the impacts the adoption of this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation for book purposes is determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, while depreciation
for tax purposes is generally recorded using an accelerated method. Depreciation of revenue equipment is our largest item of depreciation. We have historically depreciated new tractors over five years to salvage values of approximately 15% of their
cost. We generally depreciate new trailers over seven years for refrigerated trailers and ten years for dry van trailers to salvage values of approximately 25% of their cost. At least annually, we review the reasonableness of our estimates
regarding useful lives and salvage values of our revenue equipment and other long-lived assets based upon, among other things, our experience with similar assets, conditions in the used revenue equipment market, and prevailing industry practice.
Changes in the useful life or salvage value estimates, or fluctuations in market values that are not reflected in our estimates, could have a material effect on our results of operations. Gains and losses on the disposal of property and equipment
are included in depreciation expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
Basic (loss) income per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted (loss)
income per share reflects the dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in our earnings. There were
approximately 240,000 shares issuable upon conversion of unvested restricted shares for the three months ended March 31, 2020. Such shares were not included in the computation of diluted (loss) income per share for the same period as the inclusion
would have been anti-dilutive due to the net loss. There were no outstanding stock options at March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019. Income per share is the same for both Class A and Class B shares.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the calculation of net (loss) income per share included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations:
We have four reportable segments:
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in our 2019 Form 10-K. Substantially all intersegment sales prices are market based. We
evaluate performance based on operating income of the respective business units.
The following table summarizes our total revenue by our four reportable operating segments, disaggregated to the service offering level, as used by our chief operating decision maker in making decisions regarding
allocation of resources etc., organized first by reportable operating segment and then by service offering for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019:
Under ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), companies are required to apply an estimated annual tax rate to interim period results on a year-to-date basis. In some cases, a
company may not be able to make a reliable estimate of its estimated annual effective tax rate. If a reliable estimate of the estimated annual effective tax rate cannot be made, the actual effective tax rate for the year may be the best estimate
of the annual effective tax rate. Based on our current projections, which have fluctuated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we believe that using actual year-to-date results to compute our effective tax rate will produce a more reliable
estimate of our tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2020. As such, in contrast with our previous methods of recording income tax expense, we recorded a tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2020 based on actual
year-to-date results, in accordance with ASC 740.
Income tax expense in both 2020 and 2019 varies from the amount computed by applying the federal corporate income tax rates of 21% to income before income taxes, primarily due to state income taxes, net of federal
income tax effect, adjusted for permanent differences, the most significant of which is the effect of the per diem pay structure for drivers. Drivers who meet the requirements to receive per diem receive non-taxable per diem pay in lieu of a
portion of their taxable wages. This per diem program increases our drivers' net pay per mile, after taxes, while decreasing gross pay, before taxes. As a result, salaries, wages, and related expenses are slightly lower and our effective income
tax rate is higher than the statutory rate. Generally, as pre-tax income increases, the impact of the driver per diem program on our effective tax rate decreases, because aggregate per diem pay becomes smaller in relation to pre-tax income, while
in periods where earnings are at or near breakeven the impact of the per diem program on our effective tax rate is significant. Due to the partially nondeductible effect of per diem pay, our tax rate will fluctuate in future periods based on
fluctuations in earnings.
Our liability recorded for uncertain tax positions as of March 31, 2020 has increased by less than $0.1 million since December 31, 2019.
The net deferred tax liability of $78.7 million primarily relates to differences in cumulative book versus tax depreciation of property and equipment, partially off-set by net operating loss carryovers and insurance
claims that have been reserved but not paid. The carrying value of our deferred tax assets assumes that we will be able to generate, based on certain estimates and assumptions, sufficient future taxable income in certain tax jurisdictions to
utilize these deferred tax benefits. If these estimates and related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to establish a valuation allowance against the carrying value of the deferred tax assets, which would result in additional
income tax expense. On a periodic basis, we assess the need for adjustment of the valuation allowance. Based on forecasted taxable income resulting from the reversal of deferred tax liabilities, primarily generated by accelerated depreciation for
tax purposes in prior periods, and tax planning strategies available to us, a valuation allowance has been established at March 31, 2020, for $0.4 million related to certain state net operating loss carryforwards. If these estimates and related
assumptions change in the future, we may be required to modify our valuation allowance against the carrying value of the deferred tax assets.
On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). The CARES Act, among other things, includes provisions for refundable payroll tax credits,
deferral of employer-side social-security payments, net operating loss carryback periods, alternative minimum tax credit refunds, modifications to the net interest deduction limitations, and technical corrections to tax depreciation methods for
qualified improvement property. Although the Company is still assessing the impact of the legislation, we do not expect there to be a material income tax impact to our consolidated financial statements at this time.
Current and long-term debt and lease obligations consisted of the following at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
We and substantially all of our subsidiaries are parties to the Credit Facility with Bank of America, N.A., as agent (the "Agent") and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (together with the Agent, the "Lenders"). The Credit
Facility is a $95.0 million revolving credit facility, with an uncommitted accordion feature that, so long as no event of default exists, allows us to request an increase in the revolving credit facility of up to $50.0 million subject to Lender
acceptance of the additional funding commitment. The Credit Facility includes, within our $95.0 million revolving credit facility, a letter of credit sub facility in an aggregate amount of $95.0 million and a swing line sub facility in an
aggregate amount equal to the greater of $10.0 million or 10% of the Lenders' aggregate commitments under the Credit Facility from time-to-time. The Credit Facility matures in September 2021.
Borrowings under the Credit Facility are classified as either "base rate loans" or "LIBOR loans." Base rate loans accrue interest at a base rate equal to the greater of the Agent’s prime rate, the federal funds rate
plus 0.5%, or LIBOR plus 1.0%, plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.5% to 1.0%; while LIBOR loans accrue interest at LIBOR, plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.5% to 2.0%. The applicable rates are adjusted quarterly based on average
pricing availability. The unused line fee is the product of 0.25% times the average daily amount by which the Lenders' aggregate revolving commitments under the Credit Facility exceed the outstanding principal amount of revolver loans and the
aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding letters of credit issued under the Credit Facility. The obligations under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by us and secured by a pledge of substantially all of our assets, with the notable exclusion
of any real estate or revenue equipment pledged under other financing agreements, including revenue equipment installment notes and finance leases.
Borrowings under the Credit Facility are subject to a borrowing base limited to the lesser of (A) $95.0 million, minus the sum of the stated amount of all outstanding letters of credit; or (B) the sum of (i) 85% of
eligible accounts receivable, plus (ii) the lesser of (a) 85% of the appraised net orderly liquidation value of eligible revenue equipment, (b) 95% of the net book value of eligible revenue equipment, or (c) 35% of the Lenders' aggregate revolving
commitments under the Credit Facility, plus (iii) the lesser of (a) $25.0 million or (b) 75% of the appraised fair market value of eligible real estate, as reduced by a periodic amortization amount. We had $24.3 million of borrowings outstanding
under the Credit Facility as of March 31, 2020, undrawn letters of credit outstanding of approximately $35.1 million, and available borrowing capacity of $35.6 million. The interest rate on outstanding borrowings as of March 31, 2020, was 3.8%
on $4.3 million of base rate loans and there were $20.0 million LIBOR loans with an interest rate of 2.8%. Based on availability as of March 31, 2020 and 2019, there was no fixed charge coverage requirement.
The Credit Facility includes usual and customary events of default for a facility of this nature and provides that, upon the occurrence and continuation of an event of default, payment of all amounts payable under
the Credit Facility may be accelerated, and the Lenders' commitments may be terminated. If an event of default occurs under the Credit Facility and the Lenders cause, or have the ability to cause, all of the outstanding debt obligations under the
Credit Facility to become due and payable, this could result in a default under other debt instruments that contain acceleration or cross-default provisions. The Credit Facility contains certain restrictions and covenants relating to, among other
things, debt, dividends, liens, acquisitions and dispositions outside of the ordinary course of business, and affiliate transactions. Failure to comply with the covenants and restrictions set forth in the Credit Facility could result in an event of
default.
Pricing for the revenue equipment installment notes is quoted by the respective financial affiliates of our primary revenue equipment suppliers and other lenders at the funding of each group of equipment acquired and
include fixed annual rates for new equipment under retail installment contracts. The notes included in the funding are due in monthly installments with final maturities at various dates ranging from July 2020 to September 2024. The notes contain
certain requirements regarding payment, insuring of collateral, and other matters, but do not have any financial or other material covenants or events of default except certain notes totaling $216.9 million are cross-defaulted with the Credit
Facility. Additional borrowings from the financial affiliates of our primary revenue equipment suppliers and other lenders are expected to be available to fund new tractors expected to be delivered in 2020, while any other property and equipment
purchases, including trailers, are expected to be funded with a combination of available cash, notes, operating leases, finance leases, and/or from the Credit Facility.
In August 2015, we financed a portion of the purchase of our corporate headquarters, a maintenance facility, and certain surrounding property in Chattanooga, Tennessee by entering into a $28.0 million variable rate
note with a third party lender. Concurrently with entering into the note, we entered into an interest rate swap to effectively fix the related interest rate to 4.2%.
We finance a portion of our revenue equipment, office and terminal properties, computer and office equipment, and other equipment using leases. A number of these leases
include one or more options to renew or extend the agreements beyond the expiration date or to terminate the agreement prior to the lease expiration date, and such options are included in or excluded from the lease term, respectively, when those
options are reasonably certain to be exercised.
Finance lease obligations are utilized to finance a portion of our revenue equipment and are entered into with certain finance companies who are not parties to our Credit
Facility. The finance leases in effect at March 31, 2020 terminate from September 2020 through November 2024 and contain guarantees of the residual value of the related equipment by us. As such, the residual guarantees are included in the related
debt balance as a balloon payment at the end of the related term as well as included in the future minimum finance lease payments. These lease agreements require us to pay personal property taxes, maintenance, and operating expenses. Our
operating lease obligations do not typically include residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
A summary of our lease obligations at March 31, 2020 are as follows:
At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, right-of-use assets of $53.3 million and $58.8 million for operating leases and $31.8 million and $35.6 million for finance
leases, respectively, are included in net property and equipment in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Operating lease right-of-use asset amortization is included in revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation, communication
and utilities, and general supplies and expenses, depending on the underlying asset, in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. Amortization of finance leased assets is included in depreciation and amortization expense in the
condensed consolidated statement of operations.
Our future minimum lease payments as of March 31, 2020, are summarized as follows by lease category:
(1) Excludes the three months ended March 31, 2020.
Our Third Amended and Restated 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended (the "Incentive Plan") governs the issuance of equity awards and other incentive compensation to management and members of the board of
directors. On May 8, 2019, the stockholders, upon recommendation of the board of directors, approved the First Amendment (the “First Amendment”) to the Incentive Plan. The First Amendment (i) increases the number of shares of Class A common stock
available for issuance under the Incentive Plan by an additional 750,000 shares, (ii) implements additional changes designed to comply with certain shareholder advisory group guidelines and best practices, (iii) makes technical updates related to
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code in light of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, (iv) re-sets the term of the Incentive Plan to expire with respect to the ability to grant new awards on March 31, 2029, and (v) makes such other miscellaneous,
administrative and conforming changes as were necessary.
The Incentive Plan permits annual awards of shares of our Class A common stock to executives, other key employees, consultants, non-employee directors, and eligible participants under various types of options,
restricted stock awards, or other equity instruments. As of March 31, 2020, there were 502,213 remaining of the 2,300,000 shares available for award under the Incentive Plan. No participant in the Incentive Plan may receive awards of any type of
equity instruments in any calendar year that relates to more than 200,000 shares of our Class A common stock. No awards may be made under the Incentive Plan after March 31, 2029. To the extent available, we have issued treasury stock to satisfy all
share-based incentive plans.
Included in salaries, wages, and related expenses within the condensed consolidated statements of operations is the recognition of approximately $0.5 million and $1.3 million stock-based compensation expense for the
three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. All stock compensation expense recorded in 2020 and 2019 relates to restricted shares, as no unvested options were outstanding during these periods.
The Incentive Plan allows participants to pay the federal and state minimum statutory tax withholding requirements related to awards that vest or allows participants to deliver to us shares of Class A common stock
having a fair market value equal to the minimum amount of such required withholding taxes. To satisfy withholding requirements for shares that vested through March 31, 2020, certain participants elected to forfeit receipt of an aggregate of 817
shares of Class A common stock at a weighted average per share price of $12.91 based on the closing price of our Class A common stock on the dates the shares vested in 2020, in lieu of the federal and state minimum statutory tax withholding
requirements. We remitted less than $0.1 million to the proper taxing authorities in satisfaction of the employees' minimum statutory withholding requirements.
From time-to-time, we are a party to ordinary, routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, most of which involves claims for personal injury and property damage incurred in connection with the
transportation of freight.
Our subsidiary Covenant Transport, Inc. (“Covenant Transport”) is a defendant in a lawsuit filed on November 9, 2018, in the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, California. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of
Richard Tabizon (a California resident and former driver) who is seeking to have the lawsuit certified as a class action. The complaint asserts that the time period covered by the lawsuit is from October 31, 2014 to the present and alleges claims
for failure to properly pay drivers for rest breaks, failure to provide accurate itemized wage statements and/or reimbursement of business related expenses, unlawful deduction of wages, failure to pay proper minimum wage and overtime wages, failure
to provide all wages due at termination, and other related wage and hour claims under the California Labor Code. Since the original filing date, the case has been removed from the Los Angeles Superior Court to the U.S. District Court in the
Central District of California and subsequently the case was transferred to the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Tennessee where the case is now pending. We do not currently have enough information to make a reasonable estimate as to
the likelihood, or amount of a loss, or a range of reasonably possible losses as a result of this claim, as such there have been no related accruals recorded as of March 31, 2020.
On February, 28 2019, Covenant Transport was named in a separate (but related) lawsuit filed in the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, California requesting civil penalties under the California Private Attorneys’
General Act for the same underlying wage and hour claims at issue in the putative class action case noted above. On August 1, 2019, the Los Angeles Superior Court entered an order staying the action pending completion of the earlier-filed action
that is pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. We do not currently have enough information to make a reasonable estimate as to the likelihood, or amount of a loss, or a range of reasonably possible losses
as a result of this claim, as such there have been no related accruals recorded as of March 31, 2020.
We maintain insurance to cover liabilities arising from the transportation of freight for amounts in excess of certain self-insured retentions. In management's opinion, our potential exposure under pending legal
proceedings is adequately provided for in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.
Based on our present knowledge of the facts and, in certain cases, advice of outside counsel, management believes the resolution of open claims and pending litigation, taking into account existing reserves, is not
likely to have a materially adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.
We had $35.1 million and $35.2 million of outstanding and undrawn letters of credit as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The letters of credit are maintained primarily to support our insurance
programs.
We own a minority investment in Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC ("TEL"). TEL is a tractor and trailer equipment leasing company and used equipment reseller. We have not guaranteed any of TEL's debt and have no
obligation to provide funding, services, or assets. TEL’s majority owners are generally restricted from transferring their interests in TEL, other than to certain permitted transferees, without our consent. We sold no tractors or trailers to TEL
during the three-months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, and we received $2.3 million and $2.4 million, respectively, for providing various maintenance services, certain back-office functions, and for miscellaneous equipment. We recognized a net
reversal of previously deferred gains totaling less than $0.1 million for the three-months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, representing 49% of the gains on units sold to TEL less any gains previously deferred and recognized when the equipment was
subsequently sold to a third party. Deferred gains, totaling $0.2 million at March 31, 2020, are being carried as a reduction in our investment in TEL. At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had accounts receivable from TEL of $1.4
million and $1.3 million, respectively, related to cash disbursements made pursuant to our performance of certain back-office and maintenance functions on TEL’s behalf.
We have accounted for our investment in TEL using the equity method of accounting, and thus our financial results include our proportionate share of TEL's 2020 net loss through March 31, 2020, or $0.7 million. We
received no equity distribution from TEL during the three-months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019. Our investment in TEL, totaling $31.2 million and $31.9 million, at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, is included in other assets in
the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
See TEL's summarized financial information below:
On July 3, 2018, we acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of Landair Holdings, Inc., a Tennessee corporation (“Landair”). Landair is a dedicated and for-hire truckload carrier, as well as a supplier of
transportation management, warehousing and logistics inventory management services. Landair’s results have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. Landair’s trucking operations’ results are reported
within our Truckload segment, while Landair’s logistics operations’ results are reported within our Managed Freight segment.
As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had goodwill of $42.5 million.
A summary of other intangible assets as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is as follows:
The above intangible assets, excluding goodwill, have a weighted average remaining life of 125 months as of March 31, 2020. The expected amortization of these assets for the next five successive years is as follows:
On February 10, 2020, the Company announced that the Board approved the repurchase of up to $20.0 million worth of the Company's outstanding Class A common stock. The program was suspended on March 26, 2020, with
approximately $2.5 million remaining authorized. There were 1.4 million shares repurchased in the open market for $17.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and there were zero shares repurchased during the three months ended March
31, 2019. The Company has the ability to reinstate the stock repurchase program as circumstances warrant based on market conditions, cash flow requirements, securities law limitations, and other factors.
Our business requires significant capital investments over the short-term and the long-term. We generally finance our capital requirements with borrowings under our Credit Facility, cash flows from operations, long-term operating leases,
finance leases, secured installment notes with finance companies, and proceeds from the sale of our real estate and used revenue equipment. We had cash and cash equivalents of $39.7 million and $43.6 million at March 31, 2020 and December 31,
2019, respectively. We had working capital (total current assets less total current liabilities) of $114.1 million and $93.1 million at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Our working capital on any particular day can vary
significantly due to the timing of collections and cash disbursements. Based on our expected financial condition, net capital expenditures, results of operations, related net cash flows, installment notes, other sources of financing, and cash
and cash equivalents on hand, we believe our working capital and sources of liquidity will be adequate to meet our current and projected needs for at least the next year.
As of March 31, 2020, we had $24.3 million of borrowings outstanding, undrawn letters of credit outstanding of approximately $35.1 million, and available borrowing capacity of $35.6 million under the Credit Facility. Fluctuations in the
outstanding balance and related availability under our Credit Facility are driven primarily by cash flows from operations and the timing and nature of property and equipment additions that are not funded through notes payable, as well as the
nature and timing of collection of accounts receivable, payments of accrued expenses, and receipt of proceeds from disposals of property and equipment.
As part of our strategic focus to reduce overhead costs and in response to the uncertainty of the upcoming economic environment as a result of COVID-19, we have begun taking measures to preserve our liquidity, including capital reductions,
financing, cost reduction, and working capital actions. Additionally, we have other potential flexible sources of liquidity that we can leverage if needed, including certain unencumbered assets we could add to the borrowing base of our Credit
Facility.
Note 13.
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Subsequent Events
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On May 22, 2020, we closed on the sale of our Dallas-area terminal for approximately $10.0 million net of commissions and fees. We expect to record a pre-tax gain in the second quarter of 2020 of approximately $6.5 million from such sale.
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., a Nevada holding company, and its wholly owned subsidiaries.
References in this report to "we," "us," "our," the "Company," and similar expressions refer to Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.
This report contains certain statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and such statements are subject to the safe harbor created by those sections and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical or current fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including without limitation: any projections of earnings, revenues, or other financial items;
any statement of plans, strategies, and objectives of management for future operations; any statements concerning proposed new services or developments; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; and any statements of
belief and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. In this Form 10-Q, statements relating to future reclassification of losses arising from derivative instruments and the performance of counterparties to such instruments,
future impact of accounting standards, future third-party transportation provider expenses, future tax rates, expenses, and deductions, expected freight demand and volumes and trucking industry conditions, potential results of a default and testing
of our fixed charge covenant under the Credit Facility or other debt agreements, expected sources of working capital and liquidity (including our mix of debt, finance leases, and operating leases as means of financing revenue equipment), expected
capital expenditures, allocations, and requirements, expected terminal dispositions and the impact thereof, future customer relationships, expected debt reduction, future driver market conditions, expected cash flows, expected operating income,
future investments in and growth of our segments and services, future trucking capacity, future rates and prices, future utilization, future depreciation and amortization, future salaries, wages, and related expenses, including driver compensation,
expected net fuel costs, strategies for managing fuel costs, the effectiveness and impact of, and cash flows relating to, our fuel hedging contracts and fuel surcharge programs, future fluctuations in operations and maintenance expenses, expected
effects and mix of our solo and team operations, future fleet size, management, and upgrades, the market value of used equipment, including equipment subject to operating or finance leases relative to our payment obligations under such operating
leases (including residual value guarantees and the proceeds from the sale thereof), the anticipated impact of our investment in TEL, anticipated levels of and fluctuations relating to insurance, claims, and litigation expenses, and the anticipated
impact of the recent coronavirus outbreak or other similar outbreaks, among others, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of terms or phrases such as "believe," "may," "could," “would,” “will,”
"expects," "estimates," "projects," "anticipates," "plans," " outlook," "focus," "seek," "potential," "continue," "goal," "target," "objective," "intends," derivations thereof, and similar terms and phrases. Such statements are based on currently
available operating, financial, and competitive information. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified, which could cause future events and actual results to
differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the sections entitled "Item
1A. Risk Factors," set forth in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. Readers should review and consider the factors discussed in "Item 1A. Risk Factors," set forth in this Form 10-Q and in our Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2019, along with various disclosures in our press releases, stockholder reports, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Form 10-Q. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking
statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in the
events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
Executive Overview
Our first quarter 2020 was marked by three big themes: internal energy around our strategic plan, our response to COVID-19, and a declining used equipment market. The market
environment pressured our operating margin but also provided impetus to accelerate the execution of our strategic plan. We are very proud of our team’s rapid and effective implementation of our strategic plan, which we believe will bolster
liquidity to weather any short-term economic uncertainty while strengthening the Company for the long term as it is fully executed.
The main positives in the first quarter were 1) completion and initiation of certain elements of our plan to reduce our total capital employed while reducing leverage and prioritizing our higher margin and less
volatile core service offerings, 2) cost control planning and ongoing execution to provide significant cost savings as we move through the fiscal year, 3) the swift and effective response to COVID-19 by our teammates, 4) year-over-year average
freight revenue per tractor increases in each of the Highway Services and Dedicated Truckload segments, 5) combined truckload (Highway Services and Dedicated reportable segments) operating costs, net of fuel surcharges increased just 0.4 cents per
mile compared to the first quarter of 2019, even with excessively adverse insurance and claims expense during the quarter which was partially offset by the $1.7 million gain on the sale of our Orlando terminal, and 6) growth and increased
profitability from our Factoring segment. The main negatives in the quarter were 1) the revenue and related profitability lost while two of our large dedicated automotive customers shutdown operations in mid-March related to COVID-19 precautionary
measures and are just now slowly stepping up production late May 2020, 2) the pass-through loss from our investment in TEL, and 3) net indebtedness increasing $32.2 million from the end of 2019 as we made the decision to repurchase $17.5 million of
our Class A common stock and to grow our Factoring segment significantly.
Additional items of note for the first quarter of 2020 include the following:
COVID-19
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. The outbreak of COVID-19 has resulted in governmental authorities implementing numerous measures to try to contain the virus, such as
travel bans and restrictions, quarantines, shelter in place orders, increased border and port controls and closures, and shutdowns.
The overall impact of COVID-19 on our first quarter results was not material. Local, state and national governments continue to emphasize the importance of transportation and have designated it as an essential
service. The health and safety of our team members and the community is our first priority, as such, we've put certain measures into place, including remote work arrangements, enforced social distancing, and increased sanitation protocols, among
others.
We believe we have sufficient liquidity to satisfy our cash needs, however we continue to evaluate and act, as necessary to maintain sufficient liquidity to ensure our ability to operate during these unprecedented
times. However, the extent to which COVID-19 could impact our operations, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, and cash flows is highly uncertain and will depend on future developments. We will continue to evaluate the nature and
extent of these potential impacts to our business.
Outlook
We are encouraged by the initial positive results of our strategic plan execution and structural advancements, as an improved business mix and our cost control efforts offset the impact of a challenging volume and
pricing environment in April. However, we expect volatility from month to month over the remainder of the year due to external factors as well as gains and losses associated with our internal initiatives and changes in our revenue and cost
structure. Accordingly, our prior outlook for 2020 is no longer applicable and we do not expect to provide earnings or similar expectations for the foreseeable future. In the near term, we are well-prepared to support our partner-customers as their
productivity, the economy and business levels return to normal. Over the longer term, we believe the influential structural improvements and strategic initiatives we are executing will strengthen our position in the U.S. logistics industry, de-risk
our leverage profile, and concentrate our less-cyclical business model on more sustainable, higher margin sectors where we can add considerably greater value to our partner-customers and for our stakeholders.
Non-GAAP Reconciliation
In addition to operating ratio, we use "adjusted operating ratio" as a key measure of profitability. Adjusted operating ratio is not a substitute for operating ratio measured in accordance with GAAP. There are
limitations to using non-GAAP financial measures. Adjusted operating ratio means operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge revenue, expressed as a percentage of revenue, excluding fuel surcharge revenue. We believe the use of adjusted operating
ratio allows us to more effectively compare periods, while excluding the potentially volatile effect of changes in fuel prices. Our Board and management focus on our adjusted operating ratio as an indicator of our performance from period to period.
We believe our presentation of adjusted operating ratio is useful because it provides investors and securities analysts the same information that we use internally to assess our core operating performance. Although we believe that adjusted
operating ratio improves comparability in analyzing our period-to-period performance, it could limit comparability to other companies in our industry, if those companies define adjusted operating ratio differently. Because of these limitations,
adjusted operating ratio should not be considered a measure of income generated by our business or discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business. Management compensates for these limitations by primarily relying on GAAP
results and using non-GAAP financial measures on a supplemental basis.
Operating Ratio
|
|
Three months ended
March 31,
|
|
GAAP Operating Ratio:
|
|
2020
|
|
|
OR %
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
OR %
|
|
Total revenue
|
|
$
|
213,553
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
219,181
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
212,845
|
|
|
|
99.7
|
%
|
|
|
213,755
|
|
|
|
97.5
|
%
|
Operating income
|
|
$
|
708
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
5,426
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted Operating Ratio:
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue
|
|
$
|
213,553
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
219,181
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel surcharge revenue
|
|
|
(21,232
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(23,420
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Freight revenue (total revenue, excluding fuel surcharge)
|
|
|
192,321
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
195,761
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
212,845
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
213,755
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted for:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel surcharge revenue
|
|
|
(21,232
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(23,420
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of intangibles
|
|
|
(731
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(731
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted operating expenses
|
|
|
190,882
|
|
|
|
99.3
|
%
|
|
|
189,604
|
|
|
|
96.9
|
%
|
Adjusted operating income
|
|
$
|
1,439
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
6,157
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue and Expenses
We focus on targeted markets throughout the United States where we believe our service standards can provide a competitive advantage. We are a major carrier for transportation companies such as parcel freight
forwarders, less-than-truckload carriers, and third-party logistics providers that require a high level of service to support their businesses, as well as for traditional truckload customers such as manufacturers, retailers, and food and beverage
shippers.
We have four reportable operating segments, which include:
In our Highway Services and Dedicated segments, we primarily generate revenue by transporting freight for our customers. Generally, we are paid a predetermined rate per mile for our truckload services. We enhance our
truckload revenue by charging for tractor and trailer detention, loading and unloading activities, and other specialized services, as well as through the collection of fuel surcharges to mitigate the impact of increases in the cost of fuel. The
main factors that could affect our Highway Services revenue are the revenue per mile we receive from our customers, the percentage of miles for which we are compensated, and the number of shipments and miles we generate. The main factors that could
affect our Dedicated revenue are the rates and utilization under the contracts with our Dedicated customers. These factors relate, among other things, to the general level of economic activity in the United States, inventory levels, specific
customer demand, the level of capacity in the trucking industry, and driver availability.
The main expenses that impact the profitability of our Highway Services and Dedicated segments are the variable costs of transporting freight for our customers. These costs include fuel expenses, driver-related
expenses, such as wages, benefits, training, and recruitment, and purchased transportation expenses, which primarily include compensating independent contractors. Expenses that have both fixed and variable components include maintenance and tire
expense and our total cost of insurance and claims. These expenses generally vary with the miles we travel, but also have a controllable component based on safety, self-insured retention versus insurance premiums, fleet age, efficiency, and other
factors. Historically, our main fixed costs include rentals and depreciation of long-term assets, such as revenue equipment and terminal facilities, and the compensation of non-driver personnel.
Within our asset-based transportation service offerings (Highway Services and Dedicated), we operate tractors driven by a single driver and also tractors assigned to two-person driver teams. Our single driver
tractors generally operate in shorter lengths of haul, generate fewer miles per tractor, and experience more non-revenue miles, but the lower productive miles are expected to be offset by generally higher revenue per loaded mile and the reduced
employee expense of compensating only one driver. In contrast, our two-person driver tractors generally operate in longer lengths of haul, generate greater miles per tractor, and experience fewer non-revenue miles, but we typically receive lower
revenue per loaded mile and incur higher employee expenses of compensating both drivers. We expect operating statistics and expenses to shift with the mix of single and team operations.
Within our Managed Freight segment, we derive revenue from providing Brokerage, TMS, and warehousing services, particularly arranging transportation services for customers directly and through relationships with
thousands of third-party carriers and integration with our Highway Services segment, utilizing technology and process management to provide detailed visibility into a customer’s movement of freight – inbound and outbound – throughout the customer’s
network providing focused customer support through multiyear contracts, and empowering customers to outsource warehousing management including moving containers and trailers in or around freight yards. We provide Brokerage services directly and
through agents, who are paid a commission for the freight they provide. The main factors that impact profitability in terms of expenses are the variable costs of outsourcing the transportation freight for our customers and managing fixed costs,
including salaries, facility warehousing costs, and selling, general, and administrative expenses.
Within our Factoring segment, we derive revenue from purchasing accounts receivables from external logistics providers at a discount and collecting on the accounts receivables from the end consumers.
In May 2011, we acquired a 49.0% interest in TEL. TEL is a tractor and trailer equipment leasing company and used equipment reseller. We have accounted for our investment in TEL using the equity method of accounting
and thus our financial results include our proportionate share of TEL's net income since May 2011.
Our main measures of profitability are operating ratio and adjusted operating ratio, which we define as operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge revenue, divided by total revenue, less fuel surcharge revenue (or
freight revenue) and amortization of intangibles. See page 19 for the uses and limitations associated with adjusted operating ratio.
Revenue Equipment
At March 31, 2020, we operated 2,967 tractors and 6,609 trailers. Of such tractors, 1,891 were owned, 784 were financed under operating leases, and 292 were provided by independent contractors, who provide and drive
their own tractors. Of such trailers, 5,049 were owned and 1,560 were financed under finance type leases. We finance a small portion of our tractor fleet and larger portion of our trailer fleet with operating leases, which generally run for a
period of three to five years for tractors and five to seven years for trailers. At March 31, 2020, our fleet had an average tractor age of 1.8 years and an average trailer age of 4.3 years.
Independent contractors provide a tractor and a driver and are responsible for all operating expenses in exchange for a fixed payment per mile. We do not have the capital outlay of purchasing or leasing the
tractor. The payments to independent contractors and the financing of equipment under operating leases are recorded in revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation. Expenses associated with owned equipment, such as interest and
depreciation, and expenses associated with employee drivers, including driver compensation, fuel, and other expenses, are not incurred with respect to independent contractors. Obtaining equipment from independent contractors and under operating
leases effectively shifts financing expenses from interest to "above the line" operating expenses, and as such, we evaluate our efficiency using net income margin as well as operating ratio.
RESULTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS
COMPARISON OF THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2020 TO THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2019
The following tables set forth the percentage relationship of certain items to total revenue and freight revenue (total revenue less fuel surcharge revenue) for the periods indicated, where applicable (dollars in
thousands):
Revenue
For the quarter ended March 31, 2020, total revenue decreased approximately $5.6 million, or 2.6%, to $213.6 million from $219.2 million in the 2019 quarter. Freight revenue decreased approximately $3.4 million, or
1.8%, to $192.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, from $195.8 million in the 2019 quarter, while fuel surcharge revenue decreased $2.2 million quarter-over-quarter. The decrease in revenue resulted from a $1.8 million, $1.7 million, and
a $0.8 million decrease in Managed Freight, Dedicated, and Highway Services freight revenue, respectively, partially offset by a $0.9 million increase in freight revenue from our Factoring segment. See the Results of Segment Operations section
below for additional discussion of segment revenue.
For comparison purposes in the discussion below, we use total revenue and freight revenue (total revenue less fuel surcharge revenue) when discussing changes as a percentage of revenue. As it relates to the
comparison of expenses to freight revenue, we believe removing fuel surcharge revenue, which is sometimes a volatile source of revenue, affords a more consistent basis for comparing the results of operations from period-to-period. Nonetheless,
freight revenue represents a non-GAAP financial measure and is not a substitute for revenue measured in accordance with GAAP. There are limitations to using non-GAAP financial measures. Our Board and management focus on our freight revenue as an
indicator of our performance from period to period. We believe our presentation of freight revenue is useful because it provides investors and securities analysts the same information that we use internally to assess our core operating performance.
Although we believe that freight revenue improves comparability in analyzing our period-to-period performance, it could limit comparability to other companies in our industry, if those companies define freight revenue differently. Because of these
limitations, freight revenue should not be considered a measure of total revenue generated by or available to our business. Management compensates for these limitations by primarily relying on GAAP results and using non-GAAP financial measures on a
supplemental basis.
For each expense item discussed below, we have provided a table setting forth the relevant expense first as a percentage of total revenue, and then as a percentage of freight revenue.
Salaries, wages, and related expenses
Salaries, wages, and related expenses increased approximately $3.3 million, or 4.2%, for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared with the same quarter in 2019. As a percentage of total revenue, salaries,
wages, and related expenses increased to 38.8% of total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2020, from 36.3% in the same quarter in 2019. As a percentage of freight revenue, salaries, wages, and related expenses increased to 43.1% of
freight revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2020, from 40.6% in the same quarter in 2019. The increase of $3.3 million is the result of driver and non-driver pay increases since the first quarter of 2019 as well as increases in group
health insurance and workers' compensation insurance, partially offset by a reduction in contract labor support as compared to the 2019 quarter.
We believe salaries, wages, and related expenses will increase going forward as a result of higher healthcare costs, and, in certain periods, increased incentive compensation due to better
performance. However, we expect these increases to be partially offset by cost saving measures put into place during the second quarter of 2020, including pay reductions for certain employees and temporary suspension of employer contributions to
the 401(k) plan. In addition, if freight market rates increase, we would expect to, as we have historically, pass a portion of those rate increases on to our professional drivers. Salaries, wages, and related expenses will fluctuate to some
extent based on the percentage of revenue generated by independent contractors and our Managed Freight segment, for which payments are reflected in the purchased transportation line item.
Fuel expense
Total fuel expense decreased $2.6 million to $25.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared with $27.8 million the same quarter in 2019. As a percentage of total revenue, total fuel
expense decreased to 11.8% of total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2020, from 12.7% in the same quarter in 2019. As a percentage of freight revenue, total fuel expense decreased to 13.1% of freight revenue for the three months ended
March 31, 2020, as compared to 14.2% for the 2019 quarter.
We receive a fuel surcharge on our loaded miles from most shippers; however, this does not cover the entire increase in fuel prices for several reasons, including the following: surcharges cover only loaded miles we
operate; surcharges do not cover miles driven out-of-route by our drivers; and surcharges typically do not cover refrigeration unit fuel usage or fuel burned by tractors while idling. Moreover, most of our business relating to shipments obtained
from freight brokers does not carry a fuel surcharge. Finally, fuel surcharges vary in the percentage of reimbursement offered, and not all surcharges fully compensate for fuel price increases even on loaded miles.
The rate of fuel price changes also can have an impact on results. Most fuel surcharges are based on the average fuel price as published by the Department of Energy ("DOE") for the week prior to the shipment, meaning
we typically bill customers in the current week based on the previous week's applicable index. Therefore, in times of increasing fuel prices, we do not recover as much as we are currently paying for fuel. In periods of declining prices, the
opposite is true. Fuel prices as measured by the DOE decreased $0.14 per gallon in the first quarter of 2020 compared with the same quarter in 2019.
To measure the effectiveness of our fuel surcharge program, we subtract fuel surcharge revenue (other than the fuel surcharge revenue we reimburse to independent contractors and other third parties which is included
in purchased transportation) from our fuel expense. The result is referred to as net fuel expense. Our net fuel expense as a percentage of freight revenue is affected by the cost of diesel fuel net of fuel surcharge revenue, the percentage of
miles driven by company tractors, our fuel economy, our percentage of deadhead miles, for which we do not receive material fuel surcharge revenues, and the net impact of fuel hedging gains and losses. Net fuel expense is shown below:
Net fuel expense decreased $0.5 million, or 7.3%, for the quarter as compared to the same 2019 period. As a percentge of freight revenue, net fuel expense decreased to 3.5% from 3.8% for the quarter ended March 31,
2020. The change in net fuel expense is primarily due to a lower fuel prices in the 2020 quarter. During the quarter ended March 31, 2020, we entered into fuel hedging contracts with a fair market value of $0.7 million recorded as other
liabilities in our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2020. These contracts will be reclassified into fuel expense as they mature beginning in April 2020. We did not have any fuel hedges in place during the same 2019 quarter.
We expect to continue managing our idle time and tractor speeds, investing in more fuel-efficient tractors to improve our miles per gallon, locking in fuel hedges when deemed appropriate, and partnering with
customers to adjust fuel surcharge programs that are inadequate to recover a fair portion of fuel costs. Going forward, our net fuel expense is expected to fluctuate as a percentage of revenue based on factors such as diesel fuel prices, percentage
recovered from fuel surcharge programs, percentage of uncompensated miles, percentage of revenue generated by team-driven tractors (which tend to generate higher miles and lower revenue per mile, thus proportionately more fuel cost as a percentage
of revenue), percentage of revenue generated by refrigerated operation (which uses diesel fuel for refrigeration, but usually does not recover fuel surcharges on refrigeration fuel), percentage of revenue generated from independent contractors, and
the success of fuel efficiency initiatives.
Operations and maintenance
Operations and maintenance decreased approximately $2.3 million, or 15.5% for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, compared with the same quarter in 2019. As a percentage of total revenue, operations and
maintenance decreased to 6.0% of total revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, from 6.9% in the same quarter of 2019. As a percentage of freight revenue, operations and maintenance decreased to 6.7% of freight revenue for the quarter ended
March 31, 2020, from 7.8% the same 2019 quarter. The change in operations and maintenance for the three months ended March 31, 2020, is primarily related to the timing of the trade cycle for our tractors as compared to the same 2019 quarter, as
well as decreased maintenance and repair expense on our young fleet of tractors and trailers, a reduction in unloading charges due to a change in business mix, and a plan reduction in outside driver recruiting expense related to improved efficiency
of advertising dollars.
Going forward, we believe this category will fluctuate based on several factors, including our continued ability to maintain a relatively young fleet, accident severity and frequency, weather, and the reliability of
new and untested revenue equipment models.
Revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation
Revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation decreased approximately $2.6 million, or 5.4%, for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared with the same quarter in 2019. As a percentage of total
revenue, revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation decreased to 21.6% of total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2020, from 22.2% in the same quarter in 2019. As a percentage of freight revenue, revenue equipment rentals and
purchased transportation decreased to 24.0% of freight revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2020, from 24.9% in the same quarter in 2019.
These decreases were primarily the result of a reduction in the percentage of the total miles run by independent contractors from 12.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2019, to 12.1% for the same 2020 quarter.
We expect purchased transportation to increase as we seek to grow the freight brokerage and TMS within the Managed Freight segment. In addition, if fuel prices increase, it would result in a further increase in what
we pay third party carriers and independent contractors. However, this expense category will fluctuate with the number and percentage of loads hauled by independent contractors, loads handled by Managed Freight, and tractors, trailers, and other
assets financed with operating leases. In addition, factors such as the cost to obtain third party transportation services and the amount of fuel surcharge revenue passed through to the third party carriers and independent contractors will affect
this expense category. If industry-wide trucking capacity were to tighten in relation to freight demand, we may need to increase the amounts we pay to third-party transportation providers and independent contractors, which could increase this
expense category on an absolute basis and as a percentage of freight revenue absent an offsetting increase in revenue. If we were to recruit more independent contractors we would expect this line item to increase as a percentage of revenue.
Operating taxes and licenses
For the periods presented, the changes in operating taxes and licenses were not significant as either a percentage of total revenue or freight revenue.
Insurance and claims
Insurance and claims, consisting primarily of premiums and deductible amounts for liability, physical damage, and cargo damage insurance and claims, increased approximately $4.4 million, or 39.0%, for the three
months ended March 31, 2020 compared with the same quarter in 2019. As a percentage of total revenue, insurance and claims increased to 7.3% of total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2020, from 5.1% in the same quarter in 2019. As a
percentage of freight revenue, insurance and claims increased to 8.1% of freight revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2020, from 5.7% in the same quarter in 2019. Insurance and claims per mile cost increased to 19.5 cents per mile in the
first quarter of 2020 compared to 13.9 cents per mile in the first quarter of 2019. These increases are due to an increase in overall cost per claim as well as adverse development on prior period claims.
Our auto liability (personal injury and property damage), cargo, and general liability insurance programs include significant self-insured retention amounts. We are also
self-insured for physical damage to our equipment. Because of these significant self-insured exposures, insurance and claims expense may fluctuate significantly from period-to-period. Any increase in frequency or severity of claims, or any
increases to then-existing reserves, could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. We periodically evaluate strategies to efficiently reduce our insurance and claims expense. The auto liability policy contains a feature
whereby we are able to retroactively obtain a partial refund of the premium in exchange for taking on the liability for incidents that occurred during the period and releasing the insurers. This is referred to as "commuting" the policy or "policy
commutation." In several past periods we have commuted the policy, which has lowered our insurance and claims expense. We intend to evaluate our ability to commute the current policy and any such commutation could significantly impact insurance and
claims expense. Our prior auto liability policy that ran from October 1, 2014 through March 31, 2018, included a commutation provision if we were to commute the policy for the entire 42 months. Based on claims paid to date the policy premium
release refund could range from zero to $7.6 million, depending on actual claims settlements in the future. Effective April 2018, we entered into new auto liability policies with a three-year term. The policy includes a limit for a single loss of
$9.0 million, an aggregate of $18.0 million for each policy year, and a $30.0 million aggregate for the 36-month term ended March 31, 2021. The policy includes a policy release premium refund or commutation option of up to $14.0 million, less any
future amounts paid on claims by the insurer. A decision with respect to commutation of the policy could be made before April 1, 2021. Management cannot predict whether or not future claims or the development of existing claims will justify a
commutation of either policy period, and accordingly, no related amounts were recorded at March 31, 2020.
Effective April 1, 2020, consistent with an extremely difficult insurance market for the industry, our insurance renewal terms include a higher fixed premium expense of
approximately $0.5 million per quarter, greater self-insured retention, and lower aggregate limits than prior coverage. In future periods, insurance and claims cost may be more variable depending on our future accident experience, which could
contribute to earnings volatility.
Communications and utilities
For the periods presented, the changes in communications and utilities were not significant as either a percentage of total revenue or freight revenue.
General supplies and expenses
General supplies and expenses increased approximately $1.8 million, or 27.3%, for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared with the same quarter in 2019. As a percentage of total revenue, general supplies and
expenses increased to 4.0% of total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to 3.1% for the same quarter in 2019. As a percentage of freight revenue, general supplies and expenses increased to 4.5% of freight revenue for
the three months ended March 31, 2020, from 3.4% in the same quarter in 2019.
The increases for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 primarily relate to investments made in strategic planning and process improvement review within the Company as well as additional reserves put in place for
potentially uncollectible accounts receivable. For the remainder of 2020, we expect the changes in general supplies and expenses versus the prior year period to decrease as a result of cost-saving efforts enacted as part of our strategic focus to
reduce overhead costs.
Depreciation and amortization, including gains and losses on disposition of property and equipment
Depreciation and amortization, including gains and losses on disposition of property and equipment ("depreciation and amortization"), consists primarily of depreciation of tractors, trailers, and other capital assets
offset or increased, as applicable, by gains or losses on dispositions of capital assets, as well as amortization of intangible assets. Depreciation and amortization decreased by $3.0 million, or 15.5%, for the three months ended March 31, 2020,
compared with the same quarter in 2019. As a percentage of total revenue, depreciation and amortization decreased to 7.8% of total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2020, from 9.0% in the same quarter in 2019. As a percentage of freight
revenue, depreciation and amortization decreased to 8.7% of freight revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2020, from 10.1% in the same quarter in 2019.
Excluding gains and losses, depreciation decreased $1.6 million to $17.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, compared to $19.1 million in the same 2019 quarter. Gains on the sale of property and equipment
were $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to gains of $0.1 million in the same 2019 quarter. Amortization of intangible assets was $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
By the end of 2020, we expect to reduce our operating tractors by 12.0% to 14.0% compared to the end of 2019, which we expect to reduce depreciation expense going forward. Our planned fleet reduction, however, could
result in equipment impairments and losses on sale, especially given the current used equipment market. If the used equipment market declines further, we could have to adjust residual values and increase depreciation or experience increased losses
on sale. Additionally, while we are still assessing the impact of our planned closure of our Texarkana terminal, we expect that we may experience an impairment on the Texarkana terminal in the second quarter of 2020. We also expect to experience
other expenses related to the closure of our Texarkana terminal, as well as the closure of our Orlando terminal and our Dallas-area terminal, however, we are currently unable in good faith to make a determination of an estimate of the amount or
range of any other amounts expected to be incurred in connection with such terminal closures.
Interest expense, net
Interest expense, net increased approximately $0.4 million, or 18.3%, for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared with the same quarter in 2019. As a percentage of total revenue,
interest expense, net increased to 1.4% of total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to 1.1% for the same quarter in 2019. As a percentage of freight revenue, interest expense, net increased to 1.5% of freight revenue for
the three months ended March 31, 2020, from 1.2% in the same quarter in 2019. These increases are primarily the result of an increase in our balance sheet debt, including operating and finance leases, of $67.3 million to $376.4 million as of
March 31, 2020 from $309.1 million as of March 31, 2019, partially offset by a decrease in our weighted average interest rate for the three months ended March 31, 2020 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2019.
This line item will fluctuate based on our decision with respect to purchasing revenue equipment with balance sheet debt versus operating leases as well as our ability to continue to generate profitable results and
reduce our leverage. Going forward, we expect this line item to decrease if we are able to reduce our debt as planned. Interest expenses may increase absent our ability to reduce indebtedness through the closure of Texarkana, reduction in tractor
fleet, or otherwise.
(Loss) income from equity method investment
We have accounted for our investment in TEL using the equity method of accounting and thus our financial results include our proportionate share of TEL's net income. For the three months
ended March 31, 2020 our earnings from equity method investment declined to a loss of $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The decrease in TEL's contribution to our results for the three months ended March 31, 2020 is the
result of the revenue impact associated with a customer bankruptcy during the fourth quarter of 2019. We expect the impact on our earnings resulting from our investment in TEL to be down year-over-year for the second quarter of 2020 as a result
of the discontinued business, however, we expect our earnings resulting from our investment in TEL to improve relative to those of the first quarter of 2020.
Income tax (benefit) expense
Income tax (benefit) expense decreased approximately $2.3 million, or 144.6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared with the same quarter in 2019. As a percentage of total revenue, income tax expense
decreased to 0.3% of total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2020, from 0.7% in the same quarter in 2019. As a percentage of freight revenue, income tax expense decreased to 0.4% of freight revenue for the three months ended March 31,
2020, from 0.8% in the same quarter in 2019.
These decreases were primarily related to the $8.9 million decrease in the pre-tax income in the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to the same 2019 quarter, resulting from the decline in operating
income and the loss on investment in TEL noted above.
The effective tax rate is different from the expected combined tax rate due primarily to permanent differences related to our per diem pay structure for drivers. Due to the partial nondeductible effect of the per
diem payments, our tax rate will fluctuate in future periods as income fluctuates.
RESULTS OF SEGMENT OPERATIONS
We have four reportable segments, Highway Services, Dedicated, Managed Freight, and Factoring. Highway Services represents non-dedicated, irregular route truckload services without fixed volume commitments in the
expedited and over-the-road solo markets. Dedicated represents truckload services under long-term contracts that generally include minimum prices and volumes. Our Managed Freight segment has service offerings ancillary to our Highway Services and
Dedicated segments, including: freight brokerage service provided both directly and through freight brokerage agents, who are paid a commission for the freight they provide, TMS, and warehousing services. In addition, our Factoring segment offers
accounts receivable factoring services for external carriers. Our Highway Services and Managed Freight operations each consist of multiple operating segments, which are aggregated into our reportable segments due to having similar economic
characteristics and meeting the aggregation criteria.
COMPARISON OF THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2020 TO THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2019
The following table summarizes financial and operating data by reportable segment:
For the quarter ended March 31, 2020, total revenue decreased approximately $5.6 million, or 2.6%, to $213.6 million from $219.2 million in the 2019 quarter. Freight revenue decreased approximately $3.4 million, or
1.8%, to $192.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, from $195.8 million in the 2019 quarter, while fuel surcharge revenue decreased $2.2 million quarter-over-quarter. The decrease in freight revenue resulted from a $1.8 million, $1.7
million, and a $0.8 million decrease in Managed Freight, Dedicated, and Highway Services freight revenue, respectively, partially offset by a $0.9 million increase in freight revenue from our Factoring segment.
The decrease in Highway Services revenue relates to an 81 (or 5.8%) average tractor decrease partially offset by an increase in average freight revenue per tractor per week of 5.1% compared to the 2019 quarter. The
increase in average freight revenue per tractor per week for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 is the result of a 9.2% increase in average miles per unit partially offset by a 7.0 cents per mile (or 3.6%) decrease in average rate per total
mile compared to the 2019 quarter. Highway Services team-driven trucks averaged 848 teams in the first quarter of 2020, an increase of approximately 5.7% from the average of 802 teams in the first quarter of 2019.
The decrease in Dedicated revenue relates to a 53 (or 3.1%) average tractor decrease partially offset by an increase in average freight revenue per tractor per week
of 0.6% compared to the 2019 quarter. The increase in average freight revenue per tractor per week for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 is the result of a 2.2% increase in average miles per unit partially offset by a 3.0 cents per
mile (or 1.6% decrease in average rate per total mile compared to the 2019 quarter.
Managed Freight total revenue decreased $1.8 million for the 2020 quarter compared to the same 2019 quarter, as a result of a 14.9% decrease in revenue per load.
The increase in Factoring revenue is the result of new customers as well as growth with existing customers.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our business requires significant capital investments over the short-term and the long-term. We generally finance our capital requirements with borrowings under our Credit Facility, cash
flows from operations, long-term operating leases, finance leases, secured installment notes with finance companies, and proceeds from the sale of our real estate and used revenue equipment. Going forward, we expect revenue equipment acquisitions
through purchases and finance leases to increase as a percentage of our fleet as we decrease our use of operating leases. Further, we expect to increase our capital allocation toward Dedicated and Managed Freight segments to become the go-to
partner for our customers’ most critical transportation and logistics needs. We had cash and cash equivalents of $39.7 million and $43.6 million at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. We had working capital (total current assets
less total current liabilities) of $114.1 million and $93.1 million at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Our working capital on any particular day can vary significantly due to the timing of collections and cash disbursements.
Based on our expected financial condition, net capital expenditures, results of operations, related net cash flows, installment notes, other sources of financing, and cash and cash equivalents on hand, we believe our working capital and sources
of liquidity will be adequate to meet our current and projected needs for at least the next year.
With an average fleet age of 1.8 years at March 31, 2020, we believe we have flexibility to manage our fleet, and we plan to regularly evaluate our tractor replacement cycle, new tractor purchase requirements, and
purchase options. If we were to grow our independent contractor fleet, our capital requirements would be reduced.
As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 we had $376.4 million and $348.2 million in long-term debt and lease obligations, respectively, consisting of the following:
The increase in our revenue equipment installment notes was primarily due to the purchase of new company tractors through installment notes in the first three months of 2020. The decrease in operating lease
obligations was primarily due to amortization of the liability during the first three months of 2020.
As of March 31, 2020, we had $24.3 million of borrowings outstanding, undrawn letters of credit outstanding of approximately $35.1 million, and available borrowing capacity of $35.6 million under the Credit Facility.
Fluctuations in the outstanding balance and related availability under our Credit Facility are driven primarily by cash flows from operations and the timing and nature of property and equipment additions that are not funded through notes payable,
as well as the nature and timing of collection of accounts receivable, payments of accrued expenses, and receipt of proceeds from disposals of property and equipment. Refer to Note 5, “Debt and Lease Obligations” of the accompanying condensed
consolidated financial statements for further information about material debt agreements.
Our net capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2020 totaled $16.5 million as compared to $33.3 million for the prior year period. In the first quarter of 2020, we took delivery of approximately 250
new tractors and 65 new trailers, while disposing of approximately 375 used tractors and 190 used trailers. Our current tractor fleet plan for fiscal 2020 includes the delivery of 35 new company replacement tractors and the disposal of 340 used
tractors from our current operating fleet throughout the course of the year. Our current trailer fleet plan for fiscal 2020 includes the delivery of 35 new company replacement trailers and the disposal of 340 used trailers from our current
operating fleet throughout the course of the year. By the end of 2020, the size of our operating tractor fleet is expected to be reduced by 12.0% to 14.0% compared to the end of 2019. Gains on disposal of equipment and real estate in the first
quarter of 2020 were $1.5 million compared to $0.1 million in the prior-year quarter.
As part of our strategic focus to reduce overhead costs and in response to the uncertainty of the upcoming economic environment as a result of COVID-19, we have begun taking measures to
preserve our liquidity, including capital reductions, financing, cost reduction, and working capital actions. Additionally, we have other potential flexible sources of liquidity that we can leverage if needed, including certain unencumbered
assets we could add to the borrowing base of our Credit Facility.
Cash Flows
Net cash flows used by operating activities was $3.5 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, compared to net cash flows provided by operating activities of $9.2 million for the same 2019 period,
primarily due to increases in receivables and driver advances as a result of an increase in volume for our Factoring segment, as well as a net loss of $2.2 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020 compared to net income of $4.4
million in the same 2019 period. These changes were partially offset by the timing and amount of payments on our accounts payable and accrued expenses as well as the sale of a terminal in the 2020 period compared to the same 2019 period.
Additionally, as a result of activity claims within our insurance carrier's coverage, there was an increase in insurance and claims accruals for amounts that we may be obligated to pay on behalf of our insurer, that we will then collect back from
our third-party insurer.
Net cash flows used by investing activities was $16.5 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, compared to $33.5 million in the same 2019 period. The change in net cash flows used by investing
activities was primarily the result of the timing of our trade cycle whereby we took delivery of approximately 250 new company tractors and disposed of approximately 375 used tractors in the 2020 period compared to delivery and disposal of
approximately 209 and 40 tractors, respectively in the same 2019 period.
Net cash flows provided by financing activities was approximately $16.1 million for the three-months ended March 31, 2020, compared to $32.2 million in the same 2019 period. The
change in net cash flows provided by financing activities was primarily a function of our stock repurchase program during the first quarter of 2020 partially offset by net proceeds from our notes payable and Credit Facility of $35.0 million in 2020
compared to $34.5 million in the same 2019 period.
On February 10, 2020, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the purchase of up to $20.0 million of our Class A common stock from time-to-time
based upon market conditions and other factors. The stock could be repurchased on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The repurchased shares are held as treasury stock and may be used for general corporate purposes as our Board
of Directors may determine. On March 26, 2020, our Board of Directors temporarily suspended the stock repurchase program for added flexibility in response to the uncertain impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Between February 10, 2020 and March 26,
2020, we repurchased 1.4 million shares of our Class A common stock in the open market for $17.5 million.
Going forward, our cash flows may fluctuate depending on capital expenditures, future stock repurchases, strategic investments or divestitures, and the extent of future income tax obligations and refunds.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
During the three months ended March 31, 2020, there were no material changes in our commitments or contractual liabilities.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires us to make decisions based upon estimates, assumptions, and factors we consider as relevant to
the circumstances. Such decisions include the selection of applicable accounting principles and the use of judgment in their application, the results of which impact reported amounts and disclosures. Changes in future economic conditions or other
business circumstances may affect the outcomes of our estimates and assumptions. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those anticipated. There have been no material changes to our most critical accounting policies and estimates during
the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to those disclosed in Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," included in our 2019 Form 10-K.