Back to GetFilings.com
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
[x] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number 0-24806
-------
U.S. XPRESS ENTERPRISES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada 62-1378182
(State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
Incorporation or Organization)
4080 Jenkins Road
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (423) 510-3000
--------------
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
----
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Class A Common
--------------
Stock, $0.01 Par Value
- ----------------------
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
YES X NO
----- -----
Indicate by check mark 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 amendments to
this Form 10-K. [_]
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
Registrant was $161,845,272.75 as of March 3, 1999 (based upon the $16.625 per
share average of the closing bid and asked price on that date as reported by
NASDAQ). In making this calculation the Registrant has assumed, without
admitting for any purpose, that all executive officers, directors, and holders
of more than 10% of a class of outstanding common stock, and no other persons,
are affiliates.
As of March 3, 1999, the Registrant had 13,069,754 shares of Class A Common
Stock and 3,040,262 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: The information set forth under Part III,
Items 11, 12, and 13 of this Report is incorporated by reference from the
Registrant's definitive proxy statement dated March 30, 1999 for the 1999 annual
meeting of stockholders.
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
This report contains forward-looking statements relating to future events or the
future financial performance of the Company. Such forward-looking statements are
within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section
21E of the Exchange Act. Such statements may include, but not be limited to,
projections of revenues, income or loss, capital expenditures, acquisitions,
plans for growth and future operations, financing needs or plans or intentions
relating to acquisitions by the Company, as well as assumptions relating to the
foregoing. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and
uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events
and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated
by or underlying the forward-looking statements.
General
U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc. (the "Company") provides transportation and
logistics services in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Company is one
of the five largest publicly-owned truckload carriers in the United States. The
Company is a leader in the expedited services segment of the truckload market
and in the adoption of proven new technologies to improve service and reduce
costs.
The Company has two business segments, U.S. Xpress, Inc. ("U.S. Xpress")
and CSI/Crown, Inc. ("CSI/Crown"). U.S. Xpress, accounted for approximately 90%
of the Company's 1998 revenues. U.S. Xpress provides three principal services:
i) time-definite and expedited services with medium and long lengths of haul of
800 to 3,000 miles; ii) time-definite and expedited regional services with
lengths of haul of 100 to 1,200 miles in the Western, Southeastern, Midwestern
and Eastern regions of the United States; and iii) expedited truckload
transportation logistics services for the air freight industry.
CSI/Crown provides logistics services to the floorcovering industry, including:
i) consolidation of separate customer orders into truckload quantities; ii)
coordination of truckload transportation to Company-owned service centers and
third-party agent facilities for local delivery to warehousing services; and iv)
retail sales of installation supplies, including the Company's private-label
"Installer's Choice" brand of floorcovering installation products.
The Company's mission is to provide high levels of service to customers
utilizing proven technologies and skilled employees. The Company's operating and
growth strategies are focused on seizing specific market opportunities and
capitalizing on evolving trends in the transportation industry. These
strategies include:
1) Position the Company as a premier high-quality service provider. The Company
focuses on providing time-definite and expedited truckload services to customers
that operate supply chain management systems, and particularly those that manage
their flow of raw materials, in-process products and finished goods on a "just-
in-time" basis. The Company was one of the first in the industry to establish
time-definite pickups and deliveries as a standard for service quality. Time-
definite service is a critical element in efficient supply chain and
distribution systems management. In addition, the Company is one of the few
truckload carriers to provide expedited service throughout the continental
United States and in parts of Canada and Mexico. This is particularly important
to shippers that operate multiple, geographically-separated facilities. In
addition, the Company has consistently been a leader in the truckload industry
in providing customers with access to operating and service-related technologies
that provide value to shippers. The Company's electronic commerce ("E-Commerce")
capabilities, in particular, differentiate the Company from most other truckload
suppliers. The Company provides its customers with capabilities to use E-
Commerce using the Internet, private networks and third-party networks.
2) Expand core carrier relationships with shippers. Many shippers are reducing
the number of carriers they use and instead are expanding relationships with
their most highly-valued carriers. Those companies selected for the most
significant supplier relationships with shippers are called "core carriers".
This trend is resulting in opportunities in which the Company's depth and
breadth of service capabilities provides it with an advantage over many of its
competitors in competing for the reduced
2
number of core carrier positions with major shippers and with third-party
providers that manage logistics operations for many shippers. The Company
provides longhaul and regional truckload services, expedited and time-definite
services and dedicated fleet management services. This range of capabilities,
coupled with the Company's capacity of approximately 4,400 tractors at December
31, 1998, have positioned the Company to be qualified to serve as a core carrier
for the very largest shippers in the United States. The Company has established
dozens of core carrier relationships with major shippers and third-party
logistics providers. In seeking core carrier relationships, the Company
emphasizes its service capabilities and capacity, as well as its commitment to
flexibility, responsiveness and analytical planning. Among the Company's
customers that have designated the Company as a core carrier are major shippers
Armstrong World Industries, Amana, Carrier Corporation, DuPont, Federal Express,
Hewlett-Packard and Kimberly Clark.
3) Position the Company as a driver-friendly employer. The labor market for
qualified professional truck drivers is extremely competitive, providing a
competitive advantage to driver-friendly employers like the Company. The
Company focuses significant resources and attention on the successful
recruiting, hiring, training and retention of qualified professional solo and
team drivers. At December 31, 1998, the Company operated 4,425 tractors in its
fleet, an increase of 56% from December 31, 1997. This increase was achieved
through internal growth and the acquisitions of truckload carriers Victory
Express and PST Vans. The Company was able to hire sufficient numbers of drivers
and to retain most of the drivers employed by the acquired companies to operate
the larger fleet. Management believes that its success in hiring and retaining
qualified solo and team drivers is due to its high-quality equipment; high
utilization of equipment, which translates into high miles and take-home pay for
drivers; driver-friendly freight that does not require drivers to load or
unload; flexible work schedules that enable some drivers to work schedules that
accommodate their personal obligations and lifestyles; and creative recruiting
strategies that recognize the changing demographics of the American work force
and seek to expand the diversity of the driver force. Management also believes
that it is critical that the Company remains in the upper tier of carriers for
total driver compensation in order to continue to attract and retain experienced
drivers. Continuing success in recruiting, hiring, training and retaining
sufficient drivers to staff the increasingly larger fleet is critical to the
Company achieving its financial growth objectives.
4) Emphasize relationships with logistics providers. Many major manufacturers
and distributors are increasingly focusing on their core competencies and
outsourcing some or all of their logistics and transportation requirements to
logistics firms. Some shippers recognize significant cost savings and improved
performance by outsourcing transportation requirements and focusing their
resources on their core businesses. Logistics providers typically manage
transportation purchasing, coordination and freight allocation for their
customers. This trend is providing opportunities for the Company to establish
working relationships with important logistics suppliers, and thereby obtain
significant new customer accounts. Industry analysts have estimated that about
5% of freight in the U.S. is managed by logistics providers, and this share is
expected to grow to 10% by the year 2000. A small number of logistics providers
have jumped to the forefront of this young industry and have obtained
significant business volumes from large shippers.
The Company has established relationships with three of the leading logistics
suppliers -- J.B. Hunt Logistics, Menlo Logistics and Ryder Integrated
Logistics. These relationships have resulted in significant business
opportunities to serve large shippers whose logistics are managed by these
third-party logistics firms. For example, the Company now serves four large
shippers represented by J.B. Hunt Logistics. Management believes that as it
continues to demonstrate its capabilities and performs to the demanding
requirements of logistics providers, it can earn additional business
opportunities from quality logistics providers.
5) Pursue acquisition opportunities. Many carriers are experiencing competitive
and/or financial pressures that are increasingly making it difficult for them to
successfully compete in the truckload industry. This is resulting in
acquisition opportunities for well-capitalized carriers like the Company. The
Company has grown significantly through eleven strategic acquisitions in the
1990s. U.S. Xpress now includes the operations of seven companies acquired in
the 1990s -- Southwest Motor Freight, Hall Systems, National Freight Systems,
Michael Lima Transportation, JTI, Inc., Victory Express, Inc and PST Vans, Inc.
Victory Express was acquired in January 1998 and PST Vans was acquired in August
1998. CSI/Crown's operations include two companies -- Crown Transport Systems
and CSI/Reeves; and assets purchased from Great Southern Xpress and Rosedale
Transport. These acquisitions have significantly expanded the Company's
capabilities and capacity and have been a significant contributor to the
Company's growth. While acquisitions remain an important part of the Company's
long-term future
3
direction, the Company is placing its primary emphasis in 1999 on improving its
operating results, including those obtained through acquisitions.
Services
Time Definite Service
The Company's principal service specialty is time-definite service, which is the
pickup and delivery of freight to prescribed schedules over distances ranging
from 200 to 3,000 miles. Time-definite transportation requires pickups and
deliveries to be performed to exact appointment times or within a specified
number of minutes. This service is a key point of differentiation from many
other trucking companies, which typically provide service only within time
"windows" ranging from a few hours to a few days. Time-definite service is
particularly important to the Company's customers that operate just-in-time
manufacturing, distribution and retail inventory systems and to customers in the
air freight industry.
Expedited Service
The Company's expedited service consists of the pick up and delivery of freight
on prescribed schedules at transit times competitive to deferred air freight
service. The Company is able to meet these transit times through the use of
team drivers or relays at much lower cost than deferred air freight. In 1998,
revenue from expedited services to manufacturers, distributors, third-party
logistics providers and air freight companies was $193.4 million, an increase of
37.8% from 1997. Shipments from air freight customers in 1998 increased 51.4%
from 1997 to $56.0 million and accounted for 29% of expedited services revenue.
The remaining 71% was derived from service to manufacturers, distributors,
retailers, freight forwarders, consolidators and third-party logistics providers
in various industries.
Regional Service
About 70% of the freight transported in the U.S. moves over distances of less
than 1,000 miles. In addition, the average length of haul of shipments is
shrinking as manufacturers and distributors increasingly bring the various
elements of their supply and distribution chains into closer geographical
proximity to each other. These factors make regional service capabilities an
important aspect in qualifying the Company for core carrier accounts. The
Company provides regional service involving shipments of 200-1,000 miles in the
Southeast, Midwest and Western regions of the United States. In 1998, revenues
from regional service totaled $131.5 million, an increase of 35.5% from 1997.
Dedicated Services
Some shippers use transportation or logistics companies to manage all or part of
their logistics and transportation operations. Many of these shippers have
historically operated their own fleets to transport their products. The
Company's management expertise, capacity and systems have positioned it to
provide dedicated services in which specific tractors and drivers are assigned
to specific customer accounts. Through dedicated service relationships,
customers obtain a high degree of assurance of available capacity to meet their
requirements. U.S. Xpress benefits by receiving increased business volume from
key customers and by improving planning of equipment requirements. Driver
safety is enhanced because the same drivers travel the same lanes repeatedly.
Drivers also benefit through enhanced predictability of their schedules, reduced
downtime between loads and more predictability of their off-duty time. These
dedicated accounts represented $34.8 million in revenues in 1998. In addition,
approximately 514 tractors at U.S. Xpress are dedicated to specific customers or
geographic lanes.
Logistics Services
U.S. Xpress provides logistics services, principally expedited truckload
services, utilizing Company equipment and a network of contract carriers. Most
of the customers for these services are airlines, air freight forwarders and
customs brokers involved in the air freight industry. Customers are identified
and acquired through the Company's own sales efforts and through a network of
sales agents. The contract carrier network also provides supplementary capacity
to U.S. Xpress when U.S. Xpress equipment is not available.
Floorcovering Logistics
CSI/Crown is a leading independent nationwide provider of logistics services for
the floorcovering industry. CSI/Crown picks
4
up floorcovering products from manufacturers; consolidates shipments into
truckloads bound for specific destinations; contracts with U.S. Xpress and other
truckload carriers to deliver the products to CSI/Crown service centers or to
contract agents and delivery services; and delivers the products to
floorcovering distributors and retailers in all 50 states, Canada and Mexico. In
addition, CSI/Crown provides warehouse facilities and cutting services and sells
floorcovering installation supplies. CSI/Crown also provides dedicated services
by assigning specific equipment to specific customers and uses the equipment to
promote the customers' brands on the equipment. In this way, customers obtain
the benefits of assured capacity and brand promotion without incurring the
management costs and inherent inefficiencies of operating a private fleet.
CSI/Crown benefits by being assured consistent volume for its dedicated
equipment and drivers. CSI/Crown's 1998 revenues were $74.5 million, an increase
of 3.0% from 1997.
Marketing and Customers
The Company's success in marketing its services is based on its commitment to
high levels of service, capabilities, capacity, flexibility, responsiveness,
analytical planning and information technology management. The Company's
marketing department and field sales personnel identify new business prospects
and implement marketing programs to obtain and retain customer accounts.
Mr. Quinn, the Company's Co-Chairman, and Mr. Lusk, the Executive Vice President
of Marketing, are directly involved in marketing the Company's services at the
national account level and supporting local sales activities. In addition, the
Company employs 25 full-time marketing representatives, who are geographically
dispersed.
The Company's top 50 customers, most of which have designated the Company as a
core carrier, accounted for approximately 51% of revenues in 1998. During 1998,
no single customer accounted for more than 6% of the Company's revenue.
Technology
The Company utilizes proven new technologies that yield both competitive service
advantages and the ability to more profitably serve its niche markets. The
Company has long been a leader in the truckload industry in adopting new
operation technologies. Management believes that the Company's information
systems are one of its principal competitive advantages.
Qualcomm
The Company is a leader in the innovation of computer information systems that
are integrated with the QUALCOMM Omnitracs satellite communications system ("the
QUALCOMM system"). These systems integrate operations systems and the principal
back-office functions of payroll, billing, fuel and accounting with the QUALCOMM
system. The QUALCOMM system was first utilized by the Company in 1990. The
QUALCOMM system simplifies the location of equipment and permits timely and
efficient communication of critical operating data, such as shipment orders,
loading instructions, routing, fuel, taxes paid, mileage operated, payroll,
safety, traffic and maintenance information. For example, load planners assign
loads by entering the required information into the system. Drivers then access
the previously-planned load from the system and acquire all the necessary
customer, order and routing information through their onboard display unit, thus
eliminating waiting time and inefficient dependence on truck stop telephones.
The QUALCOMM system permits transmission of load assignments directly to the
onboard display unit and will signal a driver when an assignment is available so
that he or she may sleep in the tractor pending an assignment. In addition,
through the QUALCOMM system, drivers have direct access to the Company's IBM
AS/400 computer. This capability enables the driver to access information from
operations and payroll systems, such as requesting payroll settlement
information and cash advances on the road.
Load Planning/Dispatch
The Company operates the QUALCOMM Decision Support System ("QDSS"), a dispatch
optimization software system. This software package provides the capability to
efficiently allocate equipment and drivers to available loads. QDSS maximizes
utilization of the Company's equipment and contributes to improved customer and
driver satisfaction. Load planners convert customer orders into daily pre-
planned freight dispatches. Driver managers then send instructions to drivers
via the QUALCOMM system. Drivers access the order when they are ready for the
next load assignment. Drivers can obtain shipment orders, pickup and delivery
instructions, customer location and routing information through the onboard
computer. Through QDSS, the Company seeks to identify potential problems of too
much or too little freight in a particular geographic
5
region. The Company seeks additional freight in the affected area, or its
logistics group seeks alternative carriers to handle overflow loads.
Document Imaging
The Company utilizes an optical character recognition system that scans
documents such as bills of lading, driver logs and fuel receipts onto optical
disks or other storage media. This system has reduced clerical management time
required to enter and retrieve information, while enhancing the availability and
increasing the utilization of data by customers.
E-Commerce
The Company's E-Commerce capabilities provide customers with an efficient means
of communicating with the Company and performing a myriad of tasks. These
capabilities have been developed over the last ten years, as the Company
continuously enhanced its electronic communication capabilities with customers.
Until 1996, most of the electronic communication with customers was conducted
using private computer networks or networks administered by third parties. In
1996, the Company introduced its proprietary Internet-based "Xpress Connect"
system that enables customers to perform E-Commerce functions via the Internet.
The Company's automated administrative and operating systems enable customers to
obtain freight rates, place orders, obtain real-time information on the status
of their shipments, receive invoices, pay bills, obtain optically-imaged proofs
of delivery and generate reports. This system provides significant operating
advantages to U.S. Xpress and its customers, including real-time information
flow, reduction or elimination of paperwork, error-free transcription and
reductions in clerical personnel. The Company's broad range of E-Commerce
capabilities enables customers to obtain and exchange information with the
Company in a variety of computer formats.
Management believes that its E-Commerce capabilities are an important aspect of
the total service it provides to customers. Management also believes that it
must continue to enhance its E-Commerce capabilities to ensure future
competitiveness in its industry. The Company is working toward a goal of
providing direct connectivity between its customers and drivers via the
Internet. The Company's Internet web site, located at www.usxpress.com, provides
----------------
customer-specific information to qualified customers and provides security
protection to ensure that only specific customers can access information about
their orders.
Approximately 65% of the Company's customers use some form of E-Commerce with
the Company, and more than half of the participants in E-Commerce use the
specific capabilities to receive and pay invoices through electronic funds
transfers.
Eaton Vorad
Eaton Vorad collision avoidance systems are specified equipment on Century Class
tractors used by U.S. Xpress. These radar-based systems are designed to detect
traffic ahead and to the side of trucks, and to provide drivers with additional
response time, resulting in a safer vehicle for drivers and the motoring public.
Transit Technologies
The Pre-Pass(TM) technology enables a tractor to stop at one weigh station and
receive clearance for travel on participating highways. After the truck conducts
an initial visit to a weigh station, information regarding the truck and its
contents are downloaded onto a transponder located on the tractor. Thereafter,
a sensor located along the highway reads the information contained in the
transponder and allows the truck and its contents to be electronically cleared
without the delays associated with multiple weigh station visits. The Company
participated in beta tests for these technologies and equipped a majority of its
tractors with these systems in 1997. The Company has begun to implement a
similar technology to expedite movement through toll plazas. These technologies
enhance fuel economy, improve equipment utilization, improve transit times and
reduce accidents.
Year 2000 Compliance
Some computer systems that use two digits to indicate a year will not be able to
process data properly for the Year 2000. The
6
Company has assessed the ability of its software and operating systems to
function in the Year 2000 and beyond. Systems in use by the Company in
operations, accounting and purchasing are Year 2000 compliant. A complete
comprehensive test of the U.S. Xpress systems for Year 2000 compliance is
scheduled for July 1999. Systems in use at CSI/Crown are presently 50% compliant
with Year 2000 requirements. Programming to make CSI/Crown systems compliant is
expected to be completed by June 30, 1999. Testing of CSI/Crown systems is
scheduled for July 1999. U.S. Xpress is currently obtaining status updates and
information concerning the Year 2000 compliance from its suppliers and
customers. In the event that any of the Company's significant suppliers or
customers do not successfully and timely achieve Year 2000 compliance, the
Company's business or operations could be adversely affected. With that in mind,
U.S. Xpress is putting in place a plan to replace those vendors and/or suppliers
that will not be compliant. The costs to the Company in achieving Year 2000
compliance have not been material and are not expected to be material in the
future.
Equipment
The Company determines the specifications of equipment purchases based on such
factors as vehicle and component quality, warranty service, driver preferences,
new vehicle prices and the likely resale market. Because the fleet is
standardized and has warranty maintenance agreements with original equipment
suppliers, the Company has minimized parts inventories and maintenance costs.
The Company has negotiated a substantial portion of its repurchase commitments
from its primary equipment vendors for disposal of a substantial portion of its
equipment. These agreements reduce the Company's risks related to equipment
disposal values.
Tractors
In the early 1990s, the Company's management and drivers worked with the
Company's principal tractor supplier, Freightliner, to design improvements in
its conventional tractors, such as more spacious and functional sleeper
compartments and improved aerodynamics. In 1996, the Company was among the
first to purchase the new Freightliner Century Class tractors, which provide
superior levels of operating safety, fuel efficiency, information management
capabilities and driver comforts. The Company was among the first to use
Detroit Diesel 60 Series engines, which provide significant performance
improvements and maintenance cost reductions over non-electronic engines. The
Company's engines are designed with enough power to enable the tractor to stay
with the flow of traffic on most upgrades, which enhances safety and minimizes
driver frustration. In addition, they contain electronic speed controls. The
Company's tractors are also equipped with anti-lock braking systems for improved
safety.
The Company now purchases or leases Century Class tractors or Volvo VIN 770s for
substantially all of the additions and replacements to its fleet. Tractors are
typically replaced every 36 to 48 months, generally well in advance of the need
for major engine overhauls. This schedule can be accelerated or delayed based
on resale values in the used truck market and the differential between those
values and new truck prices. In January 1998, the Company acquired Victory
Express, Inc. and in August 1998, the Company acquired PST Vans, Inc. These two
acquisitions resulted in the Company acquiring ownership and assuming leases for
tractors of various ages that were generally older than the Company's fleet.
Trailers
The Company's dry van trailers have cubic capacity that is among the largest in
the industry. In 1997, the Company began purchasing composite plate trailers
from Wabash National Corporation that are more durable, have greater cubic
capacity and stiffer sidewalls, and do not fracture as easily as conventional
aluminum trailers. The Company currently purchases Wabash Duraplate trailers
for substantially all of the additions and replacements to its fleet.
Competition
The transportation services business is extremely competitive. The Company
competes primarily with other truckload carriers and, particularly in the longer
haul markets, with intermodal transportation, railroads and providers of
deferred air freight service. Competition from railroads and intermodal
transportation likely would increase if state or federal highway fuel taxes were
increased without a corresponding increase in taxes imposed on fuel used by
railroads.
Generally, competition for the freight transported by the Company is based on
service, efficiency and freight rates. Historically, increased competition has
created downward pressure on the truckload industry's pricing structure.
Prolonged weakness in freight markets or downward pressure on freight rates
could adversely affect the Company's results of operations
7
or financial condition. Some competitors have greater financial resources,
operate more equipment and transport more freight than the Company.
Regulation
The Company is a motor carrier that is subject to safety rules and regulations
promulgated by the Department of Transportation and various laws and regulations
enforced by state agencies. These regulatory authorities have broad powers,
generally governing activities such as authority to engage in motor carrier
operations, accounting systems, certain mergers, consolidations, acquisitions
and periodic financial reporting. Subject to federal, state and provincial
regulatory authorities, the Company may transport most types of freight to and
from any point in the United States, Mexico and certain Canadian provinces over
any route selected by the Company. The trucking industry is subject to possible
regulatory and legislative changes (such as increasingly stringent environmental
regulations or limits on vehicle weight and size) that may affect the economics
of the industry by requiring changes in operating practices or by affecting the
cost of providing truckload services.
The Company has underground storage tanks for diesel fuel in use at terminals in
Birmingham, Alabama; Tunnel Hill, Georgia; Lincoln, Nebraska; Medway, Ohio;
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Salt Lake City, Utah. As a result, the Company is
subject to regulations promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency
("EPA") in 1988 governing the design, construction and operation of underground
fuel storage tanks from installation to closure. For underground fuel storage
tanks in existence at the time the regulations were promulgated in 1988, which
includes the tank at the Medway terminal, the regulations require that tanks be
upgraded to meet specified standards concerning corrosion protection, spill or
overfill protection and release detection on a phased timetable which began in
1989 and ended in 1998. The Company believes all of its tanks are in compliance
with EPA regulations.
Safety and Risk Management
The Company is committed to safe driving. The Company regularly communicates
with drivers to promote safety and to instill safe work habits through Company
media, safety review sessions and ethics and responsibility training. These
programs reinforce the importance of driving safely, abiding by all laws and
regulations such as speed limits and driving hours, performing regular equipment
inspections and acting as good citizens on the road. The Company's accident
review committee meets regularly to review any new accidents, take appropriate
action related to drivers, examine accident trends and implement changes in
procedures or communications to address any safety issues.
Management's emphasis on safety also is demonstrated through its equipment
specifications, such as anti-lock brakes, electronic engines, special mirrors,
conspicuity tape and the implementation of Eaton Vorad collision avoidance
systems on all Freightliner Century Class tractors. The Eaton Vorad system is
designed to provide drivers with visible and audible warnings when other
vehicles are beside them and when vehicles ahead are traveling at slower speeds
than the truck. The system provides drivers with additional response time to
prevent accidents.
The Company requires prospective drivers to meet higher qualification standards
than those required by the DOT. The DOT requires the Company's drivers to
obtain national commercial driver's licenses pursuant to the regulations
promulgated by the DOT. The DOT also requires that the employer implement a
drug-testing program in accordance with DOT regulations. The Company's program
includes pre-employment, random, reasonable cause, post-accident and post-injury
drug testing.
Interstate motor carrier operations are subject to safety requirements
prescribed by the DOT. Such matters as equipment weight and dimensions are also
subject to federal and state regulations. DOT evaluates carriers and provides
safety fitness ratings based on conformance with requirements and accident
frequency. U.S. Xpress and CSI/Crown each have satisfactory safety fitness
ratings. Victory Express and PST Vans, which were acquired by the Company in
1998, also had satisfactory ratings at the time of their acquisitions.
The Company secures appropriate insurance coverage at cost-effective rates. The
primary claims arising in the Company's business consist of cargo loss and
damage and auto liability (personal injury and property damage). The Company
currently
8
purchases primary and excess coverage for these types of claims at levels that
management believes are sufficient to adequately protect the Company from
significant claims. The Company also maintains primary and excess coverage for
damage to physical properties and equipment damage resulting from collisions or
other losses.
Personnel
The Company considers relations with its employees, all of whom are non-union,
to be good. At December 31, 1998, the Company and its subsidiaries employed
7,165 persons. In 1997, the Company entered into an arrangement with a third
party in which the Company outsourced payroll and benefits administration,
unemployment insurance and workers' compensation. This agreement terminated
effective August 1998.
Driver Recruiting, Training and Retention
The Company employed 5,648 drivers at December 31, 1998. Of this total, 5,386
were employed as over-the-road drivers for U.S. Xpress with the remainder
involved in local delivery. Employment turnover of over-the-road drivers is a
significant industry-wide problem. Recruiting, training and retention of
qualified drivers is essential to support the Company's continued growth.
Management believes that meeting drivers' reasonable expectations is critical to
driver satisfaction and retention. Driver recruiters are trained to provide
candidates with a realistic view of work requirements and the lifestyles
required of a long-haul, over-the-road driver. The Company's recruiting efforts
include targeted advertising, recruitment by the Company drivers and other
methods. Detailed statistics are continually maintained and evaluated to
determine the effectiveness of recruiting efforts. The Company compensates its
drivers for successful recruiting efforts and periodically holds special
incentive contests to encourage drivers to assist with recruiting.
The Company also maintains a "quick response" system that investigates
prospective drivers' credentials and driving histories and in most instances
approves drivers for hiring within one business day of application. Management
believes that this system is critical to hiring quality drivers who are making a
job change and may have applied to several prospective employers at the same
time. New driver candidates are carefully screened on the basis of prior
driving and safety records. In accordance with DOT requirements, the Company
operates a drug-free workplace. Accordingly, all drivers are required to submit
to pre-employment, random, reasonable cause, post-accident and post-injury drug
testing.
Management believes that one of the key elements to recruiting and retaining
professional drivers is providing competitive compensation. The Company's
compensation and benefits package has been structured to attract and retain
quality drivers. Company drivers are compensated primarily on the basis of miles
driven, with base pay per mile increasing with a driver's length of employment.
Team drivers can earn additional mileage pay through mileage incentive bonuses.
Management believes drivers' primary interest in compensation is their take-home
pay rather than their base mileage pay. Employee benefits include paid holidays
and vacations, health insurance, an employee stock purchase plan and a 401(k)
retirement plan in which the Company matches 50% of employee contributions, up
to six percent of compensation.
In January 1998, the Company assumed operations of a professional driver
training school at its facility in Medway, Ohio that was formerly operated by
Victory Express before its acquisition by U.S. Xpress. The school was certified
in 1998 by the Professional Truck Driving Institute of America. In 1998, the
Company trained 573 students, who then became driver trainees with U.S. Xpress.
The training program provides drivers with information about the Company, its
equipment and expectations, and comprehensive operational safety instruction in
which students learn prescribed techniques of operating the Company's tractors
and trailers. Upon graduation from the training program, the trainees are
placed with experienced driver trainers to gain additional over-the-road
experience. Graduates of other accredited professional driver training schools
are selected based on their driving and safety records and receive additional
instruction prior to being assigned to the driver training program. Management
believes that continued effective operation of its driver training school and
training program provides the Company with an additional source of new drivers.
To maintain high equipment utilization, particularly during periods of rapid
additions of equipment to its fleet and periods of soft freight demand, the
Company has implemented a number of ongoing initiatives to retain existing
drivers and recruit new
9
ones, such as handling driver-friendly freight, adopting an attractive
compensation and benefits package, providing equipment with desirable driver
amenities and providing a Company-wide culture of support for drivers' needs.
The Company's late-model, conventional tractors are designed for driver comfort
and safety. The Company's over-the-road tractor fleet is almost entirely
comprised of Century Class tractors. Standard equipment includes double sleeper
bunks, extra large cabs, air-ride suspensions and additional storage for
personal items. The Company also has developed specific satellite
communications applications that enable drivers to remain in touch with their
families, receive information about pay and expense advances, directions to
customer locations, weather updates and load assignments. The Company also
provides pre-paid telephone calling cards that contain 30 minutes of free
calling time per month to drivers. Drivers have the ability to add time to the
cards by charging a personal credit card or through payroll deduction. The
Company also participates in an electronic mail system in which drivers can
exchange personal electronic mail via the Internet using the onboard QUALCOMM
system. Drivers pay for the cost of e-mail messaging through their telephone
calling card.
Independent Contractors
In addition to its driver workforce, the Company has contractual relationships
with independent contractors who own and operate their own equipment and provide
professional driving services to the Company. At December 31, 1998, 450
independent contractors provided professional driving services to the Company.
Fuel
Shortages of fuel or increases in fuel prices could have a materially adverse
effect on the operations and profitability of the Company. However, many of the
Company's customer contracts contain fuel surcharge provisions to mitigate
increases in the cost of fuel. However, there is no assurance that such fuel
surcharges could be used to offset future increases in fuel prices.
Additionally, at times fuel purchase contracts are used to mitigate the effects
of increases in the prices of fuel. During 1998, fuel prices steadily declined.
The Company maintains fuel storage tanks at certain of its terminals. Leakage
or damage to these tanks could subject the Company to environmental clean-up
costs. The Company believes it is in compliance with all laws and regulations.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
In late 1998, the Company entered into a five-year lease of a newly constructed
corporate office and operations facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. By early
January 1999, the Company had completed the move of approximately 500 employees
from previously leased facilities to the new headquarters. The new facility
encompasses nearly 100,000 square feet of office space and includes state-of-
the-art information management and communications systems.
Most of the Company's operating facilities and terminals are leased. Through
its acquisition of Victory Express in 1998, the Company acquired a leased
facility in Medway, Ohio. In the August 1998 acquisition of PST Vans, the
Company acquired ownership of the facility based in Salt Lake City, Utah. At
year-end 1998, U.S. Xpress operated terminal facilities in these locations:
Birmingham, Alabama; Fontana and Sacramento, California; Tunnel Hill, Georgia;
Boise, Idaho; Bowling Green, Kentucky; Lincoln, Nebraska; Medway, Ohio; Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma; North Sioux City, South Dakota; Houston, Texas and Salt Lake
City, Utah. Eight of these terminals include maintenance facilities. Several
terminals include driver lounges and customer service functions for local
pickups and deliveries.
CSI/Crown is based in Tunnel Hill, Georgia, approximately 25 miles from the
Chattanooga location. The Tunnel Hill facility includes a 101-door loading dock
facility in which floorcovering shipments from multiple manufacturers are
consolidated into truckloads for delivery to Company-owned and agent-operated
distribution service centers. At year-end 1998, CSI/Crown operated 21
distribution service centers, all of which were leased properties.
10
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Effective January 1, 1997, the Company entered into an agreement with Employee
Solutions, Inc. ("ESI"), a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) in which the
PEO is a co-employer with the Company for substantially all of the Company's
personnel. The PEO was responsible for processing and the administration of the
Company's payroll, including tax reporting, and provided group health benefits
and workers' compensation coverage. On July 22, 1998, the Company filed suit
against ESI in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of
Tennessee, at Chattanooga. The complaint alleged that ESI agreed to perform
certain employer organization services for the Company, including administration
of programs related to wages, payroll taxes, workers' compensation, employee
benefit programs and other insurance and related administration services. The
Company has alleged that ESI breached its contract to provide such services and
wrongfully attempted to terminate the contract. The Company seeks reimbursement
of approximately $2,500 wrongfully withheld by ESI, and other contractual and
punitive damages. Effective August 20, 1998, the contract with ESI terminated
and U.S. Xpress assumed total control of all payroll functions. On December 2,
1998, an agreed order was entered submitting all matters in dispute between the
parties to binding arbitration, which is presently set for May 4, 1999. The
Company presently believes that the contract termination and litigation will not
have a material adverse impact on the Company.
The Company is party to certain other legal proceedings incidental to its
business. The ultimate disposition of these matters, in the opinion of
management, based in part on the advice of legal counsel, will not have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of
operations.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
During the quarter ended December 31, 1998, no matters were submitted to a vote
of security holders.
11
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Common Stock and Stockholder Data
The Company's Class A Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market
System under the symbol XPRSA. At March 3, 1999, there were 184 registered
stockholders and an estimated 2,700 beneficial owners. At March 3, 1999 there
were 13,069,754 shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding and 3,040,262 shares
of Class B Common Stock outstanding. On March 3, 1999, the closing price for
the Common Stock was $16.625. Listed below is the trading activity for each
quarter in the last two fiscal years:
Average
Quarter Ending High Low Daily Volume
- -------------- ---- --- ------------
March 31, 1997 $17.75 $12.25 22,081
June 30, 1997 20.50 17.13 34,115
September 30, 1997 20.75 19.00 77,765
December 31, 1997 24.62 21.00 63,526
March 31, 1998 24.88 18.38 57,270
June 30, 1998 21.12 15.50 92,357
September 30, 1998 18.38 10.38 87,053
December 31, 1998 16.75 9.38 66,876
Dividends
The Company does not pay cash dividends and intends to continue to retain
earnings to finance the growth of the Company for the foreseeable future.
12
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(In thousands, except per share and operating data)
Year Ended Nine Months Ended Year Ended
December 31, December 31, March 31,
--------------------- --------------------- -------------------------------
1998 1997(5) 1997(4) 1996(5) 1997 1996 1995
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income Statement Data(1)
Operating revenue:
U.S. Xpress $513,154 $370,674 $290,800 $228,484 $307,928 $261,533 $236,552
CSI/Crown 74,533 72,330 57,645 51,158 65,845 47,817 23,915
Intercompany (6,286) (9,169) (6,173) (8,386) (10,954) (9,653) (6,136)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Consolidated $581,401 $433,835 $342,272 $271,256 $362,819 $299,697 $254,331
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Income from operations $ 44,341 $ 31,109 $ 26,126 $ 14,736 $ 19,716 $ 5,251 $ 18,159
Income before taxes $ 34,497 $ 25,592 $ 21,983 $ 10,627 14,236 $ 75 $ 13,557
Net income $ 20,717 $ 15,362 $ 13,191 $ 5,708 $ 7,878 $ 94 $ 8,263
Earnings per share - basic $ 1.38 $ 1.17 $ .98 $ .47 $ .65 $ .01 $ .77
Weighted average number
of shares outstanding -
basic 15,038 13,126 13,467 12,081 12,082 12,003 10,705
Earnings per share - diluted $ 1.37 $ 1.16 $ .97 $ .47 $ .65 $ .01 $ .76
Weighted average number
of shares outstanding -
diluted 15,162 13,236 13,582 12,151 12,168 12,076 10,806
Truckload Operating Data(2)
Total revenue miles (in
thousands) 418,665 308,813 241,541 194,324 261,596 222,496 204,804
Average revenue per mile $ 1.18 $ 1.15 $ 1.16 $ 1.16 $ 1.15 $ 1.14 $ 1.14
Tractors at end of period 4,425 2,839 2,839 2,214 2,246 1,975 1,721
Trailers at end of period 10,413 5,875 5,875 5,331 5,520 4,396 3,643
Average revenue per tractor,
per week $ 2,661 $ 2,656 $ 2,734 $ 2,794 $ 2,761 $ 2,646 $ 2,807
Total loads 464,586 308,063 239,730 187,986 254,214 185,565 142,742
Average tractors during
period 3,572 2,537 2,615 2,091 2,111 1,848 1,613
Tractor miles 459,643 333,411 265,102 209,935 282,985 239,599 216,581
Balance Sheet Data
Working capital $ 98,306 $ 44,813 $ 44,813 $ 23,097 $ 33,829 $ 19,606 $ 10,786
Total assets 426,539 233,777 233,777 183,479 178,084 177,821 146,070
Long-term debt,
net of current maturities 202,450 52,120 52,120 65,509 59,318 61,789 46,157
Stockholders' equity(3) 153,667 128,493 128,493 60,990 63,162 55,086 54,082
(1) Data for U.S. Xpress includes data for all truckload operations, including
the following from their date of acquisition: Hall Systems, Inc. in October
1995; JTI, Inc. in April 1997; Victory Express, Inc. in January 1998; and
PST Vans, Inc. in August 1998. Data for CSI/Crown includes from their date
of acquisition CSI/Reeves, Inc. in August 1995 and the floorcovering assets
of Rosedale Transport, Inc. in April 1997.
(2) Average revenue per mile is net of fuel surcharges. Tractor and trailer
data includes owned and leased equipment.
(3) Reflects the sale by the Company of 2,500,000 and 2,885,000 shares of Class
A Common Stock in fiscal 1995 and the 1997 transition period, respectively.
Reflects in fiscal 1998, the issuance of 994,447 shares in connection with
the purchase of PST and repurchase of 1,134,289 shares of Class A Common
Stock.
(4) Effective December 31, 1997, the Company changed its fiscal year-end to
December 31 from March 31. As a result, the transition period ended December
31, 1997 is a nine-month period.
(5) The twelve months ended December 31, 1997 and nine months ended December 31,
1996 unaudited information is supplementally provided for purposes of
comparison to the year ended December 31, 1998 and the nine months ended
December 31, 1997.
13
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Effective December 31, 1997, the Company changed its fiscal year-end from March
31 to December 31. Therefore, for purposes of the Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, "fiscal 1998" refers
to the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, "1997 transition period" relates to
the nine-month period ended December 31, 1997 and "fiscal 1997" refers to the
fiscal year ended March 31, 1997.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the components of the
consolidated statements of operations expressed as a percentage of operating
revenue:
Year Ended Nine Months Ended
December 31, December 31,
----------------- ---------------
1998 1997 1997 1996
----------------- ---------------
Operating Revenue 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
---------------- --------------
Operating Expenses:
Salaries, wages and benefits 40.2 40.8 40.5 40.7
Fuel and fuel taxes 13.3 15.9 15.3 16.6
Vehicle rents 5.6 6.5 6.4 5.7
Depreciation and amortization,
net of gain/loss 4.5 2.7 2.6 3.8
Purchased transportation 10.5 7.9 8.5 6.5
Operating expenses and supplies 6.4 6.4 6.6 6.3
Insurance premiums and claims 3.6 3.3 3.3 4.5
Operating taxes and licenses 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.7
Communications and utilities 1.5 1.7 1.7 1.8
General and other operating
expenses 5.1 6.0 6.0 7.0
---------------- --------------
Total operating expenses 92.4 92.8 92.4 94.6
---------------- --------------
Income from operations 7.6 7.2 7.6 5.4
Other expense, net (1.6) (1.3) (1.2) (1.5)
---------------- --------------
Income before income tax provision 6.0 5.9 6.4 3.9
Income tax provision 2.4 2.4 2.5 1.8
---------------- --------------
Net income 3.6% 3.5% 3.9% 2.1%
================ ==============
14
Comparison of the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 1998 to the
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 1997 (Unaudited)
Operating revenue during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 increased
$147.6 million, or 34.0%, to $581.4 million, compared to $433.8 million during
the same period in 1997. The revenue increase was primarily generated by a 44.2%
increase in weighted average tractors to 3,572 in 1998, compared to 2,537 in
1997, due in part to the acquisitions of Victory Express in January 1998 and PST
Vans in August 1998. The Company's average revenue per loaded mile increased
2.1% to $1.177 in 1998, versus $1.153 in 1999, due principally to per mile rate
increases negotiated by the Company.
Operating expenses represented 92.4% of operating revenue for the year ended
December 31, 1998, compared to 92.8% during the same period in 1997.
Salaries, wages and employee benefits as a percentage of revenue were 40.2%
during the year ended December 31, 1998, compared to 40.8% during the same
period in 1997. The decrease was primarily attributable to the significant
increase in the number of owner-operators to 450 at December 31, 1998 from 130
at December 31, 1997. The acquisition of PST Vans on August 28, 1998 added 277
owner-operators at the time of acquisition. All owner-operator expenses and
purchased linehaul services are reflected as purchased transportation.
Fuel and fuel taxes as a percentage of operating revenue were 13.3% during the
year ended December 31, 1998, compared to 15.9% during the same period in 1997.
This decrease was primarily attributable to 16.0% decrease in average price per
gallon, as well as the increased use of owner-operators who pay for their fuel
purchases. The Company's exposure to increases in fuel prices is managed by
fuel surcharges to its customers and, on a limited basis, by fuel purchase
contracts.
Vehicle rents as a percentage of operating revenue were 5.6% during the year
ended December 31, 1998, compared to 6.5% during the same period in 1997.
Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of operating revenue was 4.5% for
the year ended December 31, 1998, compared to 2.7% during the same period in
1997. The Company includes gains and losses from the sale of revenue equipment
in depreciation expense. Net losses from the sale of revenue equipment for the
year ended December 31, 1998 were $0.2 million compared to gains of $2.0 million
during the same period in 1997. Overall, as a percentage of operating revenue,
vehicle rents and depreciation were 10.1% during the year ended December 31,
1998, compared to 9.2% during the same period of 1997. The overall increase in
expense was due primarily to the reduction in gains experienced in 1998 as
compared to 1997, as stated above.
Purchased transportation as a percentage of operating revenue was 10.5% during
the year ended December 31, 1998, compared to 7.9% during the same period in
1997. This increase is primarily due to the significant increase in the use of
owner-operators in 1998. Owner-operators provide a tractor and driver and cover
substantially all of their operating expenses in exchange for a fixed payment
per mile, which is included in purchased transportation. Additionally,
logistics revenue increased 57.0% to $21.5 million during the year ended
December, 1998 from $13.7 million during the same period 1997. Logistics
revenue is serviced primarily by purchasing transportation from outside agents.
General and other operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue were
5.1% during the year ended December 31, 1998, compared to 6.0% during the same
period in 1997. This decrease was primarily due to the 34.0% increase in
revenue and that most items associated with general and other operating expenses
are relatively fixed. Additionally, the Company eliminated some terminals
during the second and third quarters in 1997, which reduced building rent and
overhead expenses in 1998.
Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 1998 increased $13.2
million, or 42.0%, to $44.3 million from $31.1 million during the same period in
1997. As a percentage of operating revenue, income from operations was 7.6% for
the twelve months ended December 31, 1998, compared to 7.2% during the same
period in 1997.
Interest expense increased $4.3 million, or 78.5%, to $9.9 million, compared to
$5.6 million in 1997. The increase results principally from the increase in
long term debt to finance the 1998 acquisitions of Victory Express and PST Vans.
The Company's effective tax rate remained constant at 40% in 1998 and 1997.
15
Comparison of the Nine-Month Period Ended December 31, 1997 to the
Nine-Month Period Ended December 31, 1996 (Unaudited)
Operating revenue during the 1997 transition period increased $71,000 or 26.2%
to $342,300 compared to $271,300 during the same period in 1996. This increase
resulted primarily from a 24.3% increase in revenue miles, which was partially
due to the April 1997 acquisition of JTI, Inc. Additionally, the non-truckload
revenue from CSI/Crown and U.S. Xpress' logistics operations increased $11,100
or 14.8%. The acquisition of JTI and Rosedale together contributed $32,700 of
the $71,000 increase.
Operating expenses represented 92.4% of operating revenue for the 1997
transition period, compared to 94.6% during the same period in 1996.
Salaries, wages and employee benefits as a percentage of operating revenue was
40.5% for the 1997 transition period, compared to 40.7% during the same period
in 1996. This decrease was due primarily to the growth of the Company's owner-
operator fleet and to revenues growing faster than non-driver wages. These
improvements were offset in part by an increase in driver pay of approximately
two cents per mile or approximately 6% implemented in July 1997.
Fuel and fuel taxes as a percentage of operating revenue was 15.3% for the 1997
transition period, compared to 16.6% during the same period in 1996. This
decrease was primarily attributable to a 3.73% decrease in the average price per
gallon, as well as a 1.48% increase in average miles per gallon. The Company
uses purchase commitments to mitigate the effects of changes in fuel prices.
Vehicle rents as a percentage of operating revenue was 6.4% for the 1997
transition period, compared to 5.7% for the same period in 1996. Depreciation
and amortization, net of gain on disposition on equipment, as a percentage of
operating revenue was 2.6% for the 1997 transition period versus 3.8% in 1996.
Overall, as a percentage of operating revenue, vehicle rents and depreciation
were 9.0% for the 1997 transition period, compared to 9.5% in 1996. This
decrease was due to the growth of the owner-operator fleet and an increase of
$0.8 million of gains on sale of revenue equipment. Owner-operators do not
require company expenditures for revenue equipment. The Company recorded gains
on the sale of revenue equipment of $1,700 for the 1997 transition period,
compared to $900 for the same period in 1996. The gains on these sales are
recorded as a reduction of depreciation expense.
Insurance premiums and claims as a percentage of operating revenue was 3.3% for
the 1997 transition period, compared to 4.5% for the same period in 1996. This
decrease was due primarily to overall improvements in insurance and claims cost
obtained through various insurance policies entered into in early 1997.
Additionally, the increases in non-truckload revenue and the use of owner-
operators do not require any additional company expenditures for insurance.
Purchased transportation as a percentage of operating revenue was 8.5% for the
1997 transition period, compared to 6.5% for the same period in 1996. This
increase was due in part to the $11,100 increase in non-truckload revenue from
CSI/Crown and U.S. Xpress' logistics operations, which is serviced by outside
agents. This increase was also the result of the growth of the owner-operator
fleet to 130 at December 31, 1997 from 33 at December 31, 1996.
General and other operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue was
6.0% for the 1997 transition period, compared to 7.0% for the same period in
1996. This decrease is due to a 10.6% drop in the sale of installation supplies
and a corresponding drop in the cost of goods sold related to those sales.
Income from operations for the 1997 transition period increased $11,400, or
77.6%, to $26,100 from $14,700 during the same period in 1996. As a percentage
of operating revenue, income from operations was 7.6% for the 1997 transition
period, compared to 5.4% during the same period in 1996.
16
Special Considerations
The trucking industry is affected by economic risks and uncertainties, some of
which are beyond its control. These include economic recessions and downturns
in customers' business cycles, increases in fuel prices, the availability of
qualified drivers and fluctuations in interest rates.
The trucking industry is highly competitive and includes numerous regional,
inter-regional and national truckload carriers. Some of these carriers have
greater financial resources, equipment and freight capacity than the Company.
Management believes its strategies of controlled growth and focused marketing
will continue to provide freight at sufficient volumes and prices to remain
profitable. Changes in economic conditions could reduce both the amount of
freight available and freight rates, which could have a material adverse effect
on the Company's results.
Fuel is one of the Company's largest expenditures. In periods of high fuel
prices, the Company offsets the effect of price increases through fuel
surcharges to customers or through rate increases in lieu of fuel surcharges.
The Company also periodically hedges against future fuel price increases by
purchasing defined quantities of fuel for future delivery at contracted prices.
Future increases or decreases in fuel prices are uncertain. To the extent the
Company is unable to offset fuel price increases through fuel surcharges, rate
increases or hedges, increased fuel prices could have a material adverse effect
on the Company's results.
Competition for available qualified drivers in the truckload industry is
intense, and will likely remain so for the foreseeable future. The Company and
many of its competitors experience high rates of turnover and occasionally have
difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified drivers in sufficient numbers
to operate all available equipment. Management believes the Company's current
pay structure, benefits, policies and procedures related to drivers are
effective in attracting and retaining drivers. However, there can be no
assurance that it will not be affected by a shortage of qualified drivers in the
future. The inability to attract and retain qualified drivers would have a
material adverse effect on the Company's results.
The trucking industry is extremely capital intensive. The Company depends on
operating leases, lines of credit, secured equipment financing and cash flows
from operations to finance the expansion and maintenance of its modern and cost
efficient revenue equipment and facilities. At present, the Company is more
highly leveraged than some of its competitors. If the Company were unable in the
future to obtain financing at acceptable levels, it could be forced to limit the
growth or replacement of its equipment and facilities. If interest rates
increased significantly, it could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's results.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company's primary sources of liquidity and capital resources during the
twelve month period ended December 31, 1998 were funds provided by operations,
borrowings under lines of credit, proceeds from sales of used revenue equipment,
and the use of long-term operating leases for revenue equipment acquisitions. On
December 31, 1998, the Company had in place a $225.0 million credit facility
with a group of banks with a weighted average interest rate of 6.09%, of which
$23.0 million was available for borrowing. The loan matures January 15, 2002.
Interest on outstanding borrowings is based upon the London Interbank Offered
Rate plus applicable margins, as defined in the credit agreement. The note is
collateralized by certain property and equipment of the Company. The Company
also had a $10.0 million credit facility at December 31, 1998, all of which was
available for borrowing. In 1999, the Company's primary sources of liquidity are
expected to be funds provided by operations, borrowings under lines of credit,
proceeds from sale of used revenue equipment and long-term operating lease
financing for the acquisition of revenue equipment.
Cash generated from operations increased to $29.9 million in fiscal 1998 from
$17.3 million for the 1997 transition period. Net cash used in investment
activities was $99.0 million in fiscal 1998 and $47.3 million for the 1997
transition period. Of the cash used in investment activities in fiscal 1998,
$96.8 million was used to acquire additional property and equipment, compared to
$58.7 million for the 1997 transition period. Additionally, the use of cash in
investment activities in 1998 included $62.6 million related principally to the
acquisition of Victory Express and PST Vans.
In 1998, the Company financed the acquisitions of Victory Express and PST Vans
and repaid a substantial portion of its long-
17
term debt with proceeds from the $225.0 million revolving line of credit
established in 1998. In 1998, the Company used cash to purchase 1,134,289 shares
of Class A Common Stock. In 1997, cash flows from financing activities included
$51.7 million from the sale of 2,885,000 shares of Class A Common Stock.
Management believes that funds provided by operations, borrowings under lines of
credit and long-term operating lease financing will be sufficient to fund its
cash needs and anticipated capital expenditures through at least the next twelve
months.
Inflation
Inflation has not had a material effect on the Company's results of operations
or financial condition during the past three years. However, inflation higher
than experienced during the past three years could have an adverse effect on the
Company's future results.
Seasonality
In the trucking industry, revenue generally shows a seasonal pattern as
customers reduce shipments during and after the winter holiday season and its
inherent weather variations. The Company's operating expenses also have
historically been higher in the winter weather.
Year 2000 Compliance
Some computer systems that use two digits to indicate a year will not be able to
process data properly for the Year 2000. The Company has assessed the ability
of its software and operating systems to function in the Year 2000 and beyond.
Systems in use by the Company in operations, accounting and purchasing are Year
2000 compliant. A complete comprehensive test of the U.S. Xpress systems for
Year 2000 compliance is scheduled for July 1999. Systems in use at CSI/Crown
are presently 50% compliant with Year 2000 requirements. Programming to make
CSI/Crown systems compliant is expected to be completed by June 30, 1999.
Testing of CSI/Crown systems is scheduled for July 1999. U.S. Xpress is
currently obtaining status updates and information concerning the Year 2000
compliance from its suppliers and customers. In the event that any of the
Company's significant suppliers or customers do not successfully and timely
achieve Year 2000 compliance, the Company's business or operations could be
adversely affected. With that in mind, U.S. Xpress is putting in place a plan
to replace those vendors and/or suppliers that will not be compliant. The costs
to the Company in achieving Year 2000 compliance have not been material and are
not expected to be material in the future.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments
and Hedging Activities". The Statement establishes accounting and reporting
standards requiring that every derivative instrument (including certain
derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) be recorded in the balance
sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. The Statement
requires that changes in the derivative's fair value be recognized currently in
earnings, unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Special accounting
for qualifying hedges allows a derivative's gains and losses to offset related
results on the hedged item in the income statement, and requires that a company
must formally document, designate and assess the effectiveness of transactions
that receive hedge accounting.
Statement 133 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999. A
company may also implement the Statement as of the beginning of any fiscal
quarter after issuance (that is, fiscal quarters beginning June 16, 1998 and
thereafter). Statement 133 cannot be applied retroactively. Statement 133 must
be applied to (a) derivative instruments and (b) certain derivative instruments
embedded in hybrid contracts that were issued, acquired or substantively
modified after December 31, 1997 (and, at the Company's election, before January
1, 1998).
Statement 133 could increase the volatility in earnings and other comprehensive
income, however, based on the Company's current and anticipated level of
derivative instruments and hedging activities, the Company does not believe the
impact would be material.
18
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Report of Independent Public Accountants
To U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of U.S. Xpress
Enterprises, Inc. (a Nevada corporation) and subsidiaries as of December 31,
1998 and 1997, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
stockholders' equity and cash flows for the periods ended December 31, 1998,
December 31, 1997 and March 31, 1997. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc.
and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for the periods ended December 31, 1998,
December 31, 1997 and March 31, 1997 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Chattanooga, Tennessee
February 19, 1999
19
U.S. XPRESS ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Nine
Year Ended Months Ended Year Ended
December 31, December 31, March 31,
1998 1997 1997
------------ ------------- ----------
Operating Revenue $581,401 $342,272 $362,819
-------- -------- --------
Operating Expenses:
Salaries, wages and benefits 233,580 138,582 148,850
Fuel and fuel taxes 77,046 52,438 61,268
Vehicle rents 32,399 21,912 21,603
Depreciation and amortization,
net of gain/loss on
disposition of equipment 26,007 8,806 13,203
Purchased transportation 60,773 29,205 22,682
Operating expenses and supplies 37,035 22,459 22,503
Insurance premiums and claims 21,069 11,425 15,265
Operating taxes and licenses 9,830 5,228 5,984
Communications and utilities 9,002 5,683 6,301
General and other operating expenses 30,319 20,408 25,444
-------- -------- --------
Total operating expenses 537,060 316,146 343,103
-------- -------- --------
Income from Operations 44,341 26,126 19,716
-------- -------- --------
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net (9,908) (4,168) (5,542)
Other income, net 64 25 62
-------- -------- --------
(9,844) (4,143) (5,480)
-------- -------- --------
Income before income tax provision 34,497 21,983 14,236
Income tax provision (13,780) (8,792) (6,358)
-------- -------- --------
Net Income $ 20,717 $ 13,191 $ 7,878
======== ======== ========
Earnings Per Share - basic $ 1.38 $ .98 $ .65
======== ======== ========
Weighted average shares - basic 15,038 13,467 12,082
======== ======== ========
Earnings Per Share - diluted $ 1.37 $ .97 $ .65
======== ======== ========
Weighted average shares - diluted 15,162 13,582 12,168
======== ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
20
U.S. XPRESS ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)
December 31,
--------------------
1998 1997
-------- --------
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,613 $ 2,734
Customer receivables, net of allowance of $3,751 and $2,900 94,814 58,496
Other receivables 22,327 9,085
Prepaid insurance and licenses 3,411 1,488
Operating and installation supplies 5,214 4,213
Deferred income taxes 4,223 3,092
Other current assets 1,312 508
-------- --------
Total current assets 137,914 79,616
-------- --------
Property and Equipment, at cost
Land and buildings 9,771 6,845
Revenue and service equipment 229,377 151,081
Furniture and equipment 14,864 13,062
Leasehold improvements 15,136 9,411
-------- --------
269,148 180,399
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (52,221) (44,344)
-------- --------
Net property and equipment 216,927 136,055
-------- --------
Other Assets
Goodwill, net 64,806 12,593
Other 6,892 5,513
-------- --------
Total other assets 71,698 18,106
-------- --------
Total Assets $426,539 $233,777
======== ========
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable $ 17,090 $ 8,634
Accrued wages and benefits 6,573 4,325
Claims and insurance accruals 8,382 5,750
Other accrued liabilities 6,694 5,200
Current maturities of long-term debt 869 10,894
-------- --------
Total current liabilities 39,608 34,803
-------- --------
Long-Term Debt, net of current maturities 202,450 52,120
-------- --------
Deferred Income Taxes 28,820 17,352
-------- --------
Other Long-Term Liabilities 1,994 1,009
-------- --------
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 3, 7 and 9)
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued -- --
Common Stock Class A, $.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized,
13,017,867 and 11,979,584 shares issued and outstanding at December 31,
1998 and 1997, respectively 130 120
Common Stock Class B, $.01 par value, 7,500,000 shares authorized, 3,040,262
shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 1998 and 1997 30 30
Additional paid-in capital 103,255 85,942
Retained earnings 63,351 42,634
Treasury Stock, Class A, 1,134,289 shares at December 31, 1998, at cost (12,866) --
Notes receivable from stockholders (233) (233)
-------- --------
Total stockholders' equity 153,667 128,493
-------- --------
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $426,539 $233,777
======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance
sheets.
21
U.S. XPRESS ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Nine
Year Ended Months Ended Year Ended
December 31, December 31, March 31,
1998 1997 1997
-------- -------- --------
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income $ 20,717 $ 13,191 $ 7,878
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Deferred income tax provision 8,882 4,160 3,103
Depreciation and amortization 25,770 10,522 14,492
(Gain)/loss on sales of equipment 237 (1,716) (1,289)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Receivables (8,889) (5,590) (7,309)
Prepaid insurance and licenses (1,313) 2,828 984
Operating and installation supplies (260) 729 (575)
Other assets (6,823) (1,138) (1,141)
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities (7,550) (4,867) (7,722)
Accrued wages and benefits (906) (804) (457)
Other 47 22 18
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities 29,912 17,337 7,982
-------- -------- --------
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Payments for purchases of property and equipment (96,822) (58,653) (24,868)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment 60,461 16,359 24,618
Repayment of notes receivable from stockholders -- -- 94
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired (62,626) (4,990) (3,048)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities (98,987) (47,284) (3,204)
-------- -------- --------
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net borrowings (payments) under lines of credit 169,500 (3,000) 1,000
Payment of long-term debt (84,174) (44,159) (26,450)
Borrowings under long-term debt -- 22,819 21,300
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 91 213 128
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net 403 51,716 --
Repurchase of restricted common stock -- -- (42)
Purchase of Class A Common Stock (12,866) -- --
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 72,954 27,589 (4,064)
-------- -------- --------
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents 3,879 (2,358) 714
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period 2,734 5,092 4,378
-------- -------- --------
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period $ 6,613 $ 2,734 $ 5,092
======== ======== ========
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid during the period for interest $ 10,062 $ 4,842 $ 5,643
======== ======== ========
Cash paid during the period for income taxes, net $ 2,600 $ 2,100 $ 2,766
======== ======== ========
Supplemental Disclosure of Significant Non-Cash
Investing and Financing Activities:
Issuance of long-term debt in connection with
purchase of business $ -- $ -- $ 792
======== ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
22
U.S. XPRESS ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands)
Notes
Common Stock Additional Receivable
---------------- Paid-In Retained Treasury From
Class A Class B Capital Earnings Stock Stockholders Total
------- ------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ --------
Balance, March 31, 1996 $ 89 $30 $ 33,774 $21,565 $ -- $(372) $ 55,086
Net income -- -- -- 7,878 -- -- 7,878
Repurchase of 18,390 shares
of restricted stock -- -- (87) -- -- 45 (42)
Repayment of notes receivable
from stockholders -- -- -- -- -- 94 94
Issuance of 2,542 shares of
Class A Common Stock for
non-employee director
compensation -- -- 18 -- -- -- 18
Proceeds from exercise of
27,008 stock options 1 -- 127 -- -- -- 128
---- --- -------- ------- -------- ----- --------
Balance, March 31, 1997 90 30 33,832 29,443 -- (233) 63,162
Net income -- -- -- 13,191 -- -- 13,191
Issuance of 1,210 shares of
Class A Common
Stock for non-employee director
compensation -- -- 22 -- -- -- 22
Proceeds from exercise of
36,832 stock options -- -- 213 -- -- -- 213
Issuance of 10,000 shares of
Class A Common Stock to officer 1 -- 188 -- -- -- 189
Issuance of 2,885,000 shares of
Class A Common Stock 29 -- 51,687 -- -- -- 51,716
---- --- -------- ------- -------- ----- --------
Balance, December 31, 1997 120 30 85,942 42,634 -- (233) 128,493
Net income -- -- -- 20,717 -- -- 20,717
Issuance of 2,661 shares of
Class A Common Stock for
non-employee director
compensation -- -- 47 -- -- -- 47
Proceeds from exercise of 15,167
stock options -- -- 91 -- -- -- 91
Issuance of 26,008 shares of
Class A Common Stock for employee
stock purchase -- -- 403 -- -- -- 403
Issuance of 994,447 shares of
Class A Common Stock for PST
acquisition 10 -- 16,772 -- -- -- 16,782
Repurchase of 1,134,289 shares
of Class A Common Stock -- -- -- -- (12,866) -- (12,866)
---- --- -------- ------- -------- ----- --------
Balance, December 31, 1998 $130 $30 $103,255 $63,351 $(12,866) $(233) $153,667
==== === ======== ======= ======== ===== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
23
U.S. XPRESS ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Effective December 31, 1997, the Company changed its fiscal year-end from March
31 to December 31. Therefore, for purposes of these financial statements and
notes, "fiscal 1998" refers to the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, "1997
transition period" relates to the nine-month period ended December 31, 1997 and
"fiscal 1997" refers to the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997.
1. Organization and Operations
U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc. (the "Company") provides transportation and
logistics services through two business segments. U.S. Xpress, Inc. ("U.S.
Xpress") is a truckload carrier serving the continental United States and parts
of Canada and Mexico. CSI/Crown, Inc. ("CSI/Crown") provides transportation and
logistics services to the floorcovering industry.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have
been eliminated.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles 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.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid investment instruments with
an original maturity of three months or less.
Recognition of Revenue
For financial reporting purposes, the Company generally recognizes revenue and
direct costs when shipments are completed.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Concentrations of credit risk with respect to customer receivables are limited
due to the large number of entities comprising the Company's customer base and
their dispersion across many different industries. The Company performs ongoing
credit evaluations and generally does not require collateral.
Operating and Installation Supplies
Operating supplies consist primarily of tires, parts, materials and supplies for
servicing the Company's revenue and service equipment. Installation supplies
consist of various accessories used in the installation of floorcoverings and
are held for sale at various CSI/Crown distribution centers. Operating and
installation supplies are recorded at the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-
out basis) or market. Tires and tubes purchased as part of revenue and service
equipment are capitalized as part of the cost of the equipment. Replacement
tires and tubes are charged to expense when placed in service.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation and amortization of
property and equipment are computed using the straight-line method for financial
reporting purposes and accelerated methods for tax purposes over the estimated
useful lives of the related assets (net of salvage value) as follows:
24
Buildings 10-30 years
------------------------------------------------
Revenue and service equipment 3-7 years
------------------------------------------------
Furniture and equipment 3-7 years
------------------------------------------------
Leasehold improvements 5-6 years
------------------------------------------------
The Company recognized $24,097, $9,895 and $13,837 in depreciation expense in
fiscal 1998, the 1997 transition period and fiscal 1997, respectively. Upon the
retirement of property and equipment, the related asset cost and accumulated
depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in
the Company's statement of operations with the exception of gains on trade-ins,
which are included in the basis of the new asset. Gains (losses) on sales of
equipment of $(237), $1,716 and $1,289 for fiscal 1998, the 1997 transition
period and fiscal 1997, respectively, are included in depreciation expense.
Expenditures for normal maintenance and repairs are expensed. Renewals or
betterments that affect the nature of an asset or increase its useful life are
capitalized.
Goodwill
The excess of the consideration paid by the Company over the estimated fair
value of net assets acquired has been recorded as goodwill and is being
amortized on the straight-line basis over periods ranging from 20 to 40 years.
The Company continually evaluates whether subsequent events and circumstances
have occurred that indicate the remaining estimated useful life of goodwill
might warrant revision or that the remaining balance may not be recoverable.
When factors indicate that goodwill should be evaluated for possible impairment,
the Company uses an estimate of the future undiscounted net cash flows of the
related businesses over the remaining life of the goodwill in measuring whether
goodwill is recoverable. The Company recognized $1,244, $323 and $272 of
goodwill amortization expense in fiscal 1998, the 1997 transition period and
fiscal 1997, respectively. Accumulated amortization was $2,595 and $1,351 at
December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Claims and Insurance Accruals
The primary claims in the Company's business are cargo loss and damage, physical
damage and automobile liability. Prior to January 1, 1997, most of the Company's
insurance provided for large self-insurance levels with excess coverage
sufficient to protect the Company from catastrophic claims. Beginning January
1997, the Company began purchasing policies with low deductibles, which
essentially fully insure cargo and auto liability, while physical damage has an
annual aggregate deductible. In connection with the Company's acquisitions in
1998, the Company assumed certain claims and insurance liabilities covered by
policies with larger self-insurance levels, primarily for claims before June 30,
1997. For open claims with larger self-insurance levels, estimated costs are
accrued based upon information provided by insurance adjusters for reported
claims and adjusted for expected loss development factors and the estimated
liability for claims incurred but not reported.
Other Long-Term Liabilities
Periodically, the Company receives volume rebates from vendors related to
certain operating leases for new revenue and service equipment. Additionally,
certain equipment leases include spare tires, which increase tire inventories.
The Company defers recognition of these rebates and amortizes such amounts as a
reduction of vehicle rent expense over the respective lease terms. At December
31, 1998 and 1997, other long-term liabilities include deferred rents of $1,752
and $1,009, respectively.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company has only limited involvement with derivative financial instruments
and does not use them for trading purposes. Interest rate swap agreements, which
are used by the Company to manage its interest rate exposure, are accounted for
on the accrual basis. Amounts to be paid or received under interest rate swap
agreements are recorded in interest expense in the period in which they accrue.
Earnings Per Share
Effective for the period ended December 31, 1997, the Company adopted Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 "Earnings Per Share" ("SFAS No. 128"),
which changes the criteria for reporting earnings per share ("EPS") by replacing
primary EPS with basic EPS and fully diluted EPS with diluted EPS. All prior
EPS data has been restated. The difference in basic
25
and diluted EPS is due to the assumed conversion of dilutive outstanding options
resulting in approximately 124,000, 115,000 and 86,000 equivalent shares in
fiscal 1998, the 1997 transition period and fiscal 1997, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation plans under Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees"
("APB No. 25"). Effective fiscal 1997, the Company adopted the disclosure
option of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation."
3. Acquisitions
All acquisitions have been accounted for under the purchase method of
accounting. The results of operations of the acquired businesses are included
in the financial statements from the dates of acquisition.
In June 1996, the Company acquired certain equipment and the right to fulfill a
contract to provide expedited truckload services in the Western United States to
a major air freight company from Michael Lima Transportation for $3,048 cash and
a $792 note payable. In addition, under the terms of the purchase agreement,
$1,000 was paid to the seller in January 1999 upon extension of the contract.
Effective April 1, 1997 the Company acquired certain assets involved in
providing transportation services to the floorcovering industry from Rosedale
Transport Inc. for $2,300 cash. Effective April 30, 1997, the Company acquired
revenue equipment and other assets from JTI, Inc. ("JTI"), a truckload carrier,
for $2,690 cash and the assumption of $17,500 in debt. In addition to these
amounts, the Company agreed to pay the former owners of JTI a percentage of the
net income from the JTI division for each of the following 10 years. In
February 1999, such future payments were eliminated under the terms of an
amended agreement requiring payment of $800 annually for three years beginning
February 1999.
In January 1998, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Victory
Express, Inc., ("Victory") a truckload carrier, for $51,000 and the assumption
of approximately $2,000 in debt. In August 1998, the Company acquired all of the
outstanding shares of PST Vans, Inc. ("PST"), a truckload carrier for
approximately $12,281 in cash, 994,447 shares of U.S. Xpress Common Stock, and
assumption of approximately $52,000 in debt. Subsequent to year-end, an
additional 41,901 shares of U.S. Xpress Common Stock were issued in connection
with previously issued PST options. The excess of the purchase price for Victory
and PST over the fair values of the net assets acquired was approximately
$52,300 and has been recorded as goodwill.
The following unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations are
presented as if the JTI, Victory and PST acquisitions had been made at the
beginning of the periods presented.
Fiscal 1997
1998 Transition Period
-------- -----------------
(Unaudited)
Operating Revenue $679,596 $504,511
Net Income 17,568 7,850
Basic Earnings Per Share 1.17 0.58
Diluted Earnings Per Share 1.16 0.58
The unaudited pro forma information is for comparative purposes only and does
not purport to be indicative of the results of operations that would have
occurred had the acquisitions been made at the beginning of the periods
presented or indicative of the results that may occur in the future.
26
4. Income Taxes
The income tax provision for fiscal 1998, the 1997 transition period and fiscal
1997 consisted of the following:
Fiscal 1997 Fiscal
1998 Transition Period 1997
-------- ----------------- ------
Current
Federal $ 4,171 $3,854 $2,726
State 727 778 529
------- ------ ------
4,898 4,632 3,255
Deferred 8,882 4,160 3,103
------- ------ ------
$13,780 $8,792 $6,358
======= ====== ======
A reconciliation of the income tax provision as reported in the consolidated
statements of operations to the amounts computed by applying federal statutory
rates is as follows:
Fiscal 1997 Fiscal
1998 Transition Period 1997
-------- ----------------- ------
Federal income tax at statutory rate $12,074 $7,694 $4,840
State income taxes, net of federal
income tax benefit 1,366 513 349
Goodwill amortization 349 58 75
Nondeductible driver per diems -- 193 650
Other, net (9) 334 444
------- ------ ------
Income tax provision $13,780 $8,792 $6,358
======= ====== ======
The tax effect of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions
of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 1998 and 1997 consisted
of the following:
1998 1997
------- -------
Deferred tax assets
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 1,303 $ 1,067
Insurance reserves 3,269 2,243
Alternative minimum tax credit
carryforwards 1,115 189
Claims and other reserves 673 219
Net operating loss carryforwards 5,100 --
Other 684 130
------- -------
Total deferred tax assets $12,144 $ 3,848
======= =======
Deferred tax liabilities
Book over tax basis of property
and equipment $35,233 $17,557
Prepaid license fees 1,005 509
Other 503 42
------- -------
Total deferred tax liabilities $36,741 $18,108
======= =======
At December 31, 1998, the Company has approximately $15,000 of net operating
loss ("NOL") carryforwards from the PST acquisition, which expire in 2010 and
2011. The utilization of the NOL carryforwards is limited to future net income
generated from PST. Management believes it will be able to utilize the NOL
carryforwards prior to their expiration. The Company also has approximately
$1,115 of alternative minimum tax ("AMT") credit carryforwards. AMT credits may
generally be carried forward indefinitely and used in future years to the extent
the Company's regular tax liability exceeds
27
the AMT liability for such future years.
5. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt at December 31, 1998 and 1997 consisted of the following:
1998 1997
-------- --------
Obligation under line of credit
with a group of banks, weighted average
interest rate of 6.09% at December 31, 1998,
maturing January 2002 $199,000 $ 29,500
Installment note with bank, interest rate
of 8.05% at December 31, 1998, maturing
December 2003 1,060 28,384
Capital lease obligations, maturing September
1999 through January 2008 2,284 --
Installment notes with finance companies, paid
in 1998 -- 3,744
Other 975 1,386
-------- --------
$203,319 $ 63,014
Less: current maturities of long-term debt (869) (10,894)
-------- --------
$202,450 $ 52,120
======== ========
In January 1998, the Company obtained a new line of credit through a syndicate
of banks with aggregate capacity up to $200,000. During the year, the aggregate
capacity was increased to $225,000. The new facility has among its financial
covenants, limitations on the amount of financial leverage and total debt, and
thresholds for the capital adequacy of the Company. A portion of the
availability under this new line was immediately used to payoff certain existing
long-term indebtedness bearing higher interest rates. Letters of credit
outstanding against the line of credit were $3,036, and $22,964 was available
under the facility at December 31, 1998. This facility is scheduled to mature
January 15, 2002.
Borrowings (including letters of credit) under the line of credit are limited to
the lesser of: (a) 90% of the book value of eligible revenue equipment plus 85%
of eligible accounts receivable or (b) $225,000. Borrowings under the line of
credit bear interest, at the option of the Company, equal to either: (i) the
greater of the bank's prime rate or the federal funds rate plus 1/2%, (ii) the
rate offered in the Eurodollar market for amounts and periods comparable to the
relevant loan plus a margin that is determined by several financial covenants,
or (iii) the rate offered to the Company for a loan of a specific amount and
maturity by any of the participating banks under a competitive bid process. At
December 31, 1998, the margin applicable to the Eurodollar interest rate was
equal to 0.875%.
The Company also obtained in fiscal 1998 a $10,000 revolving line of credit that
bears interest at the Federal Funds rate plus 1.00%, and has the same financial
covenants as the Company's $225,000 facility. No amounts were outstanding under
this line of credit at December 31, 1998.
The aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt for each of the next five
years are:
1999 $ 869
----------------
2000 387
----------------
2001 379
----------------
2002 199,430
----------------
2003 491
----------------
28
6. Derivative Financial Instruments
Interest rate swap agreements are used to manage well-defined interest rate
risks. Under interest rate swap agreements, the Company agrees with other
parties to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed rate
and variable rate interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed-upon
notional amount. Under these agreements, the Company receives interest payments
at rates equal to LIBOR reset quarterly, and pays interest at fixed
rates shown below:
Notional Fixed Rate Variable Rate Effective Expiration
Amounts Component Component Date Date
------- --------- --------- ----------------- -----------------
$20,000 5.730% 5.625% February 6, 1998 February 6, 2003
15,000 5.705 5.625 February 6, 1998 February 6, 2003
10,000 5.570 5.594 September 8, 1998 September 8, 2003
10,000 5.565 5.594 September 8, 1998 September 8, 2003
The Company is exposed to credit losses in the event of non-performance by the
counterparties to its interest rate swap agreements. The Company anticipates,
however, that the counterparties will be able to fully satisfy their obligations
under the contracts. The Company does not obtain collateral or other security
to support financial instruments subject to credit risk, but monitors the
credit-standing of counterparties.
The fair value of the interest rate swap agreements at December 31, 1998,
defined as the amount the Company would be required to pay to relinquish itself
from further obligations under the agreements, approximates $1,095. There were
no interest rate swap agreements outstanding at December 31, 1997.
7. Leases
The Company leases certain revenue and service equipment and office and terminal
facilities under long-term non-cancelable operating lease agreements expiring at
various dates through December 2003. Rental expense under non-cancelable
operating leases was approximately $37,213, $21,912 and $26,388 for fiscal 1998,
the 1997 transition period and fiscal 1997, respectively.
During 1998, the Company entered into a five-year lease of a new corporate
office and operations facility. Payments under the lease are based on LIBOR
rates applied to the cost of the facility funded by the lessor. The Company has
an option to renew the lease for up to three three-year extensions, subject to
certain conditions. If the Company does not purchase the property at the end of
the lease term, whether caused by expiration, default or otherwise, the Company
would guarantee a residual value to the lessor of up to the lessor's net
investment in the property. Under the lease, the Company is required to maintain
compliance with certain financial covenants.
Approximate aggregate minimum future rentals payable under these operating
leases for each of the next five years are:
1999 $51,013
---------------
2000 36,931
---------------
2001 25,158
---------------
2002 9,584
---------------
2003 4,064
---------------
29
8. Related Party Transactions
The Company leases certain office and terminal facilities from entities owned by
the two principal stockholders of the Company. The lease agreements are for
five-year terms and provide the Company with the option to renew the lease
agreements for four three-year terms. Rent expense of approximately $1,480,
$1,145 and $1,639 was recognized in connection with these leases during fiscal
1998, the 1997 transition period and fiscal 1997, respectively.
The two principal stockholders of the Company own 100% of the outstanding common
stock of Paragon Leasing LLC ("Paragon"). Paragon leases certain revenue and
service equipment to the Company on a temporary basis. Rent expense of
approximately $1,162, $1,276 and $869 was recognized in connection with these
leases during fiscal 1998, the 1997 transition period and fiscal 1997,
respectively.
The two principal stockholders of the Company and certain partnerships
controlled by their families own 45% of the outstanding common stock of
Transcommunications, Inc. ("Transcom"). Transcom makes a debit card system
available to the Company's drivers through which phone calls and Internet e-mail
can be credited while the driver is on the road. Total payments by the Company
to Transcom were approximately $209, $112 and $143 in fiscal 1998, the 1997
transition period and fiscal 1997, respectively.
9. Commitments and Contingencies
Effective January 1, 1997, the Company entered into an agreement with Employee
Solutions, Inc. ("ESI"), a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) in which the
PEO was a co-employer with the Company for substantially all of the Company's
personnel. The PEO was responsible for the processing and administration of the
Company's payroll, including tax reporting, and provided group health benefits
and workers' compensation coverage. In July 1998, ESI notified the Company it
was terminating its agreement with the Company. On July 22, 1998, the Company
filed suit against ESI in the United States District Court for the Eastern
District of Tennessee, at Chattanooga. The complaint alleged that ESI agreed to
perform certain employer organization services for the Company, including
administration of programs related to wages, payroll taxes, workers'
compensation, employee benefit programs and other insurance and related
administration services. The Company has alleged that ESI breached its contract
to provide such services and wrongfully attempted to terminate the contract.
Effective August 20, 1998, the contract with ESI terminated and U.S. Xpress
assumed total control of all payroll functions. The Company seeks reimbursement
of amounts wrongfully withheld by ESI, and other contractual and punitive
damages. On December 2, 1998, an agreed order was entered submitting all matters
in dispute between the parties to binding arbitration which is presently set for
May 4, 1999. At December 31, 1998, the Company has approximately $2,300 included
in other receivables related to amounts wrongfully withheld by ESI. The Company
presently believes that the contract termination and arbitration will not have a
material adverse impact on the Company.
The Company is party to certain other legal proceedings incidental to its
business. The ultimate disposition of these matters, in the opinion of
management, based in part on the advice of legal counsel, will not have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of
operations.
Letters of credit of $13,092 were outstanding at December 31, 1998. The letters
of credit are maintained primarily to support the Company's insurance program
(see Note 2). The Company pays commitment fees of .75% on the outstanding
portion of the letters of credit.
At December 31, 1998, the Company had commitments to purchase fuel amounts
ranging from 3,250,000 gallons in January 1999 to 750,000 gallons in December
1999 at varying price levels. Management estimates that the aggregate commitment
at December 31, 1998 will represent approximately 18% of the total fuel to be
purchased by the Company in 1999.
10. Employee Benefit Plans
The Company has in place an employee profit-sharing plan covering substantially
all non-driver employees. The plan provides for additional compensation to
employees, the amount of which is based on results of operations exceeding
certain goals.
30
The Company has a 401(k) retirement plan covering substantially all employees of
the Company, whereby participants may contribute a percentage of their
compensation, as allowed under applicable laws. The plan provides for a
matching contribution by the Company. Participants are 100% vested in
participant contributions and become vested in employer matching contributions
over a period of four years. The Company recognized $1,463, $1,152 and $400 in
expense under these employee benefit plans for fiscal 1998, the 1997 transition
period and fiscal 1997, respectively.
11. Stockholders' Equity
Public Offering
In the 1997 transition period, the Company completed a secondary public offering
through the issuance of 2,885,000 shares of Class A Common Stock. As a result
of this offering, the Company received proceeds, net of underwriting discounts
and commissions and issuance costs, of $51,716. The Company utilized the net
proceeds to acquire certain equipment previously leased under operating leases
and to reduce outstanding debt.
Stock Buyback
During fiscal 1998, as authorized by its Board of Directors, the Company
purchased 950,000 shares of the Company's outstanding Class A Common Stock in
the open market. In addition, the Company repurchased 184,289 shares of the
Company's Class A Common Stock in a private transaction with a non-affiliated
stockholder. In total, the Company repurchased 1,134,289 shares in the open
market and private transactions at an aggregate cost of $12,866.
Common Stock
Holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share. Holders of
Class B Common Stock are entitled to two votes per share. Once the Class B
Common Stock is no longer held by the two principal stockholders of the Company,
or their families, as defined, the stock is automatically converted into Class A
Common Stock on a share per share basis.
Preferred Stock
Effective December 31, 1993, the Board of Directors approved the designation of
2,000,000 shares of preferred stock with par value of $.01 per share. The Board
of Directors has the authority to issue these shares and to determine the
rights, terms and conditions of the preferred stock as needed.
Incentive Stock Plan
The Company maintains the U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc. Incentive Stock Plan
(the "Plan"). The Plan provides for the issuance of shares of restricted common
stock of the Company, as well as both incentive and nonstatutory stock options.
There may be issued under the Plan (as restricted stock, in payment of
performance grants, or pursuant to the exercise of stock options) an aggregate
of not more than the greater of (a) 1,038,138 shares of Class A Common Stock, or
(b) 8% of the total number of common shares of the Company outstanding at any
given time. Participants of the Plan may include key employees as selected by
the compensation committee of the Board of Directors. Under the terms of the
Plan, the Company may issue restricted shares of common stock, grant options, or
issue performance grants to participants in amounts and for such prices as
determined by the compensation committee. All options will vest immediately in
the event of a change in control of the Company, or upon the death, disability,
or retirement of the employee.
On November 30, 1993, 289,195 shares of restricted stock were sold to employees
at $4.72 per share, which approximated the fair market value of the shares at
the date of sale. Employees issued recourse notes payable to the Company as
proceeds for the issuance of the restricted shares. The notes bear interest at
6% and are due in three equal annual installments beginning November 30, 1999.
During fiscal 1997, 18,390 shares of restricted stock were forfeited, and
related notes receivable of $45 were canceled. There were no forfeitures or
note receivable cancellations in fiscal 1998 or the 1997 transition period.
The restrictions on the remaining initial shares issued on November 30, 1993
expired in 1998. On July 3, 1997, 10,000 restricted shares were issued. The
restrictions on these 10,000 shares expire over a five-year period beginning
July 3, 1998.
31
expire in the event of a change in control of the Company or upon the death,
disability or retirement of the employee.
Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan
In August 1995, the Company adopted the 1995 Non-Employee Directors Stock Award
and Option Plan (the "Directors Stock Plan") providing for the issuance of stock
options to non-employee directors upon their election to the Company's Board of
Directors. The Directors Stock Plan also provides non-employee directors the
option to receive certain board-related compensation in the form of the
Company's Class A Common Stock in lieu of cash. The number of shares of Class A
Common Stock available for option or issue under the Directors Stock Plan may
not exceed 50,000 shares.
The Directors Stock Plan provides for the grant of 1,200 options to purchase the
Company's Class A Common Stock to each non-employee director upon the election
or re-election of each such director to the board. The exercise price of options
issued under the Directors Stock Plan is set at the fair market value of the
Company's stock on the date granted. Options vest ratably on each of the first,
second and third anniversaries of the date of grant.
If a board member elects to receive board-related compensation in the form of
stock, the number of shares issued to each director in lieu of cash is
determined based on the amount of earned compensation divided by the fair market
value of the Company's stock on the date compensation is earned.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
In August 1997, the Company adopted an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP")
through which employees meeting certain eligibility criteria may purchase shares
of the Company's common stock at a discount. Under the ESPP, eligible employees
may purchase shares of the Company's common stock, subject to certain
limitations, at a 15% discount. Common stock is purchased for employees in
January and July of each year. Employees may not purchase more than 1,250
shares in any six-month period or purchase stock having a market value of more
than $25,000 per calendar year. The Company has reserved 300,000 shares for
issuance under the ESPP. In January and July 1998, employees purchased 17,001
and 9,007 shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock at $16.15 and $14.24 per
share, respectively. At December 31, 1998, 273,992 shares were available for
purchase under the ESPP. In January 1999 employees purchased 9,752 shares of
the Company's Class A Common Stock at $12.75 per share.
Stock Options
Stock options generally vest over periods ranging from three to six years and
expire ten years from the date of grant. A summary of the Company's stock
option activity for 1998, the 1997 transition period and fiscal 1997 follows:
Weighted-Average
Shares Option Price Exercise Price
------ ------------ --------------
Outstanding at March 31, 1996 167,464 $ 4.72 - $ 9.50 $ 4.79
Granted at market price 99,400 6.63 - 6.88 6.87
Exercised (27,008) 4.72 4.72
Canceled or expired (40,514) 4.72 - 6.88 5.12
-------
Outstanding at March 31, 1997 199,342 4.72 - 9.50 5.77
Granted at market price 109,900 18.00 - 19.13 18.93
Exercised (37,332) 4.72 - 6.88 5.72
Canceled or expired (667) 6.88 6.88
-------
Outstanding at December 31, 1997 271,243 4.72 - 19.13 11.10
Granted at market price 108,550 12.25 - 20.88 12.63
Exercised (15,167) 4.72 - 6.88 6.02
Canceled or expired (7,500) 6.88 - 19.12 15.04
-------
Outstanding at December 31, 1998 357,126 4.72 - 20.88 11.70
=======
32
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
For SFAS No. 123 purposes, the fair value of each option grant and each stock
purchase right under the ESPP has been estimated as of the date of grant using
the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions
for fiscal 1998, the 1997 transition period and fiscal 1997, respectively: risk-
free interest rate of 4.52%, 6.06% and 6.56%, expected life of five years,
expected dividend yield of 0% and expected volatility of 61%, 51% and 58%.
Using these assumptions, the fair value of the awards granted in fiscal 1998,
the 1997 transition period and fiscal 1997 is $756, $737 and $294, respectively,
which would be amortized as compensation expense over the vesting period. Had
compensation cost for the plan been determined in accordance with SFAS No. 123,
utilizing the assumptions detailed above, the Company's pro forma net income
would have been $20,500, $13,054 and $7,816 for fiscal 1998, the 1997 transition
period and fiscal 1997, respectively. Pro forma basic earnings per share would
have been $1.36, $.97 and $.65 for fiscal 1998, the 1997 transition period and
fiscal 1997, respectively. Pro forma diluted earnings per share would have been
$1.35, $.96 and $.64 for the same periods.
The pro forma effect on net income in this pro forma disclosure may not be
representative of the pro forma effect on net income in future years, because it
does not take into consideration pro forma compensation expense related to
grants made prior to March 31, 1996.
The weighted-average fair value of options granted during fiscal 1998, the 1997
transition period and fiscal 1997 was $6.45, $9.00, and $3.89, respectively. Of
the options outstanding at December 31, 1998, 141,276 have exercise prices
between $4.72 and $6.88, with a weighted average exercise price of $5.67 and a
weighted average contractual life of 6.1 years. Of these options, 104,723 were
exercisable at a weighted average exercise price of $5.57. Options to exercise
106,150 shares have exercise prices between $9.50 and $12.25, with a weighted
average exercise price of $12.19 and a weighted average remaining contractual
life of 9.7 years. Of these options, 2,400 were exercisable at a weighted
average exercise price of $9.50. Options to exercise the remaining 109,700
shares have exercise prices between $18.00 and $20.88, with a weighted average
exercise price of $19.01 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of
8.6 years. Of these options, 21,300 were exercisable at a weighted average
exercise price of $18.91. As of December 31, 1997, 77,259 of the options
outstanding were exercisable with a weighted average exercise price of $5.50 per
share. As of March 31, 1997, 73,050 of the options outstanding were exercisable
with a weighted average exercise price of $5.66 per share.
12. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, customer and other
receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities are reasonable estimates
of their fair values because of the short maturity of these financial
instruments. Based on the borrowing rates available to the Company for long-
term debt with similar terms and average maturities, the carrying amounts
approximate the fair value of such financial instruments.
13. Operating Segments
In June 1997, SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and
Related Information" was issued effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1997. The Company has two reportable segments based on the types of
services it provides to its customers: U.S. Xpress, which provides truckload
operations and related logistics services throughout the Continental United
States and parts of Canada and Mexico, and CSI/Crown, which provides
transportation and logistics services to the floorcovering industry.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the
summary of significant accounting policies. All intersegment sales prices are
market based. The Company evaluates performance based on operating income of
the respective business units.
33
U.S. Xpress CSI/Crown Consolidated
----------- --------- ------------
Fiscal 1997
- -----------
Revenues - external customers $296,974 $65,845 $362,819
Intersegment revenues 10,954 0 10,954
Operating income 18,016 1,700 19,716
Depreciation and amortization 13,743 749 14,492
Total assets 163,477 14,607 178,084
Capital Expenditures 24,345 523 24,868
1997 Transition Period
- ----------------------
Revenues - external customers $284,627 $57,645 $342,272
Intersegment revenues 6,173 0 6,173
Operating income 23,725 2,401 26,126
Depreciation and amortization 9,919 603 10,522
Total assets 215,402 18,375 233,777
Capital Expenditures 57,743 910 58,653
Fiscal 1998
- -----------
Revenues - external customers $506,867 $74,534 $581,401
Intersegment revenues 6,286 0 6,286
Operating income 41,776 2,565 44,341
Depreciation and amortization 24,874 896 25,770
Total assets 406,386 20,153 426,539
Capital Expenditures 95,653 1,169 96,822
The difference in consolidated operating income as shown above and consolidated
income before income tax provision on the consolidated statement of operations
is interest expense, net of $9,908, $4,168 and $5,542 and other income, net of
$64, $25 and $62 in fiscal 1998, the 1997 transition period and fiscal 1997,
respectively.
14. Change in Fiscal Year
Effective December 31, 1997, the Company changed its fiscal year end from March
31 to December 31. As a result, the December 31, 1997 results of operations are
for a nine-month period. Following are selected financial data for the twelve-
month periods ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 and the nine-month periods ended
December 31, 1997 and 1996.
Twelve-Month Nine-Month
Periods Ended Periods Ended
December 31, December 31,
------------------ --------------------
1998 1997 1997 1996
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Operating Revenue $581,401 $433,835 $342,272 $271,256
Income from operations 44,341 31,109 26,126 14,736
Income before income tax provision 34,497 25,592 21,983 10,627
Net income 20,717 15,362 13,191 5,708
Earnings per share - basic 1.38 1.17 0.98 0.47
Earnings per share - diluted 1.37 1.16 0.97 0.47
34
15. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Quarter Ended
---------------------------------------------------------------
March 31 (2) June 30 September 30 December 31 Total
----------- -------- ------------- ------------- --------
Year Ended December 31, 1998
Operating revenue $123,909 $138,434 $150,165 $168,893 $581,401
Income from operations 7,229 11,625 12,491 12,996 44,341
Income before income tax provision 5,475 9,467 9,800 9,755 34,497
Net income 3,284 5,683 5,879 5,871 20,717
Earnings per share--basic 0.22 0.38 0.39 0.39 1.38
Earnings per share--diluted (1) 0.22 0.38 0.39 0.39 1.37
Nine Months Ended December 31, 1997
Operating revenue $ -- $107,933 $115,378 $118,961 $342,272
Income from operations -- 8,034 8,838 9,254 26,126
Income before income tax provision -- 6,463 7,300 8,220 21,983
Net income -- 3,879 4,378 4,934 13,191
Earnings per share - basic -- 0.32 0.33 0.33 0.98
Earnings per share - diluted (1) -- 0.32 0.33 0.33 0.97
(1) The sum of quarterly earnings per share differs from annual earnings per
share because of differences in the weighted average number of common
shares used in the quarterly and annual computations.
(2) Due to the change in fiscal year end to December 31, 1997, there were only
three quarters for the 1997 transition period.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
No items have occurred within the 24 months prior to December 31, 1998 involving
a change of accountants or disagreements on accounting and financial disclosure
matters.
35
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Name Age Position
- ---- --- --------
James B. Baker 53 Director
Steven J. Cleary 41 President, CSI/Crown, Inc.
Robert P. Corker, Jr. 46 Director
William K. Farris 46 Director, Executive Vice President -
Operations and President, U.S. Xpress, Inc.
Max L. Fuller 46 Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors, Vice
President and Secretary
Ray M. Harlin 49 Director, Executive Vice President - Finance
and Chief Financial Officer
E. William Lusk, Jr. 42 Director and Executive Vice President -
Marketing
Ronald E. Pate 56 President, U.S. Xpress Leasing, Inc.
Patrick E. Quinn 52 Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors,
President and Treasurer
Robert J. Sudderth, Jr. 56 Director
A. Alexander Taylor, II 45 Director
James B. Baker has served as a director of the Company since 1994. Mr. Baker
has been a partner in River Associates, LLC since 1993. Mr. Baker is also a
director of Wellman, Inc. (chemical company).
Steven J. Cleary joined the Company in 1991 as Director of Human Resources and
was named Vice President of Human Resources and Safety in 1994 and Executive
Vice President of Human Resources in 1996. He was named Chief Executive Officer
and General Manager of CSI/Crown in 1997 and President of CSI/Crown later in
1997. Prior to joining the Company, he served in operations and human
resources management positions for Ryder Distribution Services and Rollins
Transportation Services.
Robert P. Corker, Jr. has served as a director of the Company since 1998. Mr.
Corker has served as President of Corker Group, Inc., a commercial real estate
developer, since 1982. From 1995 to 1996, Mr. Corker served as Commissioner of
Finance and Administration for the State of Tennessee. Mr. Corker also is a
director of JDN Realty, Inc., a real estate investment trust.
William K. Farris was named Executive Vice President - Operations of the Company
and President of U.S. Xpress in 1996. He previously had served as Vice
President of Operations of the Company since 1993. Prior to that, Mr. Farris
was Vice President of Operations of Southwest Motor Freight, a former operating
subsidiary of the Company, from 1991 to 1993. Mr. Farris was first elected a
director of the Company in 1994.
Max L. Fuller has served as Co-Chairman of the Board of the Company since March
1994 and Vice President and Secretary of the Company since 1985. Mr. Fuller was
first elected a director of the Company in 1985.
Ray M. Harlin joined the Company in 1997 as Executive Vice President - Finance
and Chief Financial Officer. He was elected a Director in August 1997. Mr.
Harlin was employed for 25 years with the public accounting firm of Arthur
Andersen LLP. He was a partner with that firm for the last 14 years.
E. William Lusk, Jr. has served as Vice President - Marketing of the Company
since 1991 and was named an Executive Vice President of the Company in 1996.
Mr. Lusk previously served as Executive Vice President of U.S. Xpress from 1987
to 1990. Mr. Lusk was first elected a director of the Company in 1994.
Ronald E. Pate joined the Company in 1994 as Assistant Director of Maintenance.
He was named Director of Maintenance later that year and was named Executive
Vice President of U.S. Xpress Leasing, Inc., the Company's equipment leasing and
maintenance subsidiary, in 1995. He was named President of U.S. Xpress Leasing,
Inc. in 1996. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Pate was Vice President of
Chattanooga Operations for Universal Tire Company in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
36
Patrick E. Quinn has served as Co-Chairman of the Board of the Company since
March 1994 and President and Treasurer of the Company since 1985. Mr. Quinn was
first elected a director of the Company in 1985.
Robert J. Sudderth, Jr. has served as a Director of the Company since 1998. Mr.
Sudderth has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SunTrust Bank,
Chattanooga, N.A. since 1989. Mr. Sudderth also is a director of SunTrust
Service Corporation and Dixie Group, Inc., a textile company.
A. Alexander Taylor, II has served as a director of the Company since 1994. Mr.
Taylor was named President and Chief Operating Officer of Chattem, Inc., a
consumer products company, in January 1998. Prior to that, Mr. Taylor had
served as a partner with the law firm of Miller & Martin LLP since 1983. Mr.
Taylor is also a director of Chattem, Inc. and The Krystal Company, a quick-
service restaurant company.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information set forth under the caption "Executive Compensation and Other
Information" on pages 7 through 9 of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein
by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT
The information set forth under the caption "Voting Securities and Principal
Holders Thereof" on pages 3 and 4 of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein
by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information set forth under the caption "Election of Directors" on pages 4
and 5 and "Certain Transactions" on page 6 of the Proxy Statement is
incorporated herein by reference.
37
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON
FORM 8-K
(a) 1. Financial Statements:
The financial statements are set forth in Part II, Item 8.
2. Financial Statement Schedules:
Report of Independent Public Accountants
Schedule II - - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
3. Exhibits:
See the Exhibit Index on page 41 of this Form 10-K.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
There were no reports on Form 8-K filed during the quarter ended
December 31, 1998.
38
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc.:
We have audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the
consolidated financial statements of U.S. XPRESS ENTERPRISES, INC. (a Nevada
corporation) AND SUBSIDIARIES in this Form 10-K and have issued our report
thereon dated February 19, 1999. Our audit was made for the purpose of forming
an opinion on the financial statements taken as a whole. Schedule II is the
responsibility of the Company's management and is presented for purposes of
complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not part of
the basic consolidated financial statements. This schedule has been subjected
to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic consolidated
financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly states in all material respects
the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic
consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.
/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Chattanooga, Tennessee
February 19, 1999
39
SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1997, THE NINE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
AND THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
(In Thousands)
Balance at
Beginning Charged to Charged to Balance at End
Description of Period Cost/Expenses Other (1) Deductions(2) of Period
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 3/31/97
Reserve for doubtful accounts $3,033 $1,259 $113 $1,672 $2,733
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED 12/31/97
Reserve for doubtful accounts $2,733 $774 $490 $1,097 $2,900
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 12/31/98
Reserve for doubtful accounts $2,900 $641 $2,219 $2,009 $3,751
(1) For the year ended 3/31/97
Recoveries on accounts written off $ 113
======
For the nine months ended 12/31/97
Recoveries on accounts written off $ 268
Balance acquired through purchase of JTI 222
------
$ 490
======
For the year ended 12/31/98
Recoveries on accounts written off $ 168
Balance acquired through purchase of Victory 252
Balance acquired through purchase of PST Vans 1,799
------
$2,219
======
(2) Accounts written off
40
(c) Exhibits
Exhibit No. Description
- ----------- -----------
(1) 3.1 Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company.
(1) 3.2 By-Laws of the Company.
(1) 4.1 Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company filed as Exhibit
3.1 and incorporated herein by reference.
(1) 4.2 By-Laws of the Company filed as Exhibit 3.2 and incorporated herein
by reference.
(1) 4.3 Stock Purchase Agreement dated June 10, 1993 by and among Max L.
Fuller, Patrick E. Quinn and the Company.
(1) 4.4 Agreement of Right of First Refusal with regard to Class B Shares
of the Company dated May 11, 1994 by and between Max L. Fuller and
Patrick E. Quinn.
(1) 10.1 Accounts Financing Agreement (Security Agreement) dated February 2,
1988, as amended, between Congress Financial Corp. (Southern) and
Southwest Motor Freight, Inc.
(1) 10.2 Security Agreement dated December 18, 1985, as amended, by and
between Exchange National Bank of Chicago and U.S. Xpress, Inc.
(1) 10.3 Security Agreement dated September 17, 1987, as amended, by and
between Exchange National Bank of Chicago and Crown Transport
Systems, Inc.
(1) 10.4 1993 Incentive Stock Plan of the Company.
(1) 10.5 Stock Option Agreement Under 1993 Incentive Stock Plan.
(1) 10.6 Stock Rights and Restrictions Agreement for Restricted Stock Award
Under 1993 Incentive Stock Plan.
(1) 10.7 Self-Funded Employee Benefits Plan Document of the Company.
(1) 10.8 Service Agreement dated May 2, 1994 by and between TTC, Illinois,
Inc. and the Company for the provision of leased personnel to the
Company.
(1) 10.9 Salary Continuation Agreement dated June 10, 1993 by and between
the Company and Max L. Fuller.
(1) 10.10 Salary Continuation Agreement dated June 10, 1993 by and between
the Company and Patrick E. Quinn.
(1) 10.11 Stock Purchase Agreement dated November 28, 1990 by and
between the Company and Clyde Fuller for the acquisition by the
Company of the capital stock of Southwest Motor Freight, Inc. held
by Mr. Fuller, such stock constituting all of the issued and
outstanding capital stock of Southwest Motor Freight, Inc.
(1) 10.12 Stock Purchase Agreement dated September 30, 1992 by and between
the Company and Clyde Fuller for the acquisition by the Company of
the capital stock of Chattanooga Leasing, Inc. held by Mr. Fuller,
such stock constituting all of the issued and outstanding capital
stock of Chattanooga Leasing, Inc.
(1) 10.13 Articles of Merger and Plan of Merger filed February 24, 1993,
pursuant to which Chattanooga Leasing, Inc. was merged with and
into Southwest Motor Freight, Inc.
41
Exhibit No. Description
- ----------- -----------
(1) 10.14 Stock Purchase Agreement dated January 1, 1993 by and among Max L.
Fuller, Patrick E. Quinn and the Company for the acquisition by the
Company of the capital stock of U.S. Xpress, Inc. held by Messrs.
Fuller and Quinn, such stock constituting all of the issued and
outstanding capital stock of U.S. Xpress, Inc.
(1) 10.15 Stock Purchase Agreement dated January 1, 1993 by and among Max L.
Fuller, Patrick E. Quinn and the Company for the acquisition by the
Company of the capital stock of U.S. Xpress Leasing, Inc. held by
Messrs. Fuller and Quinn, such stock constituting all of the issued
and outstanding capital stock of U.S. Xpress Leasing, Inc.
(1) 10.16 Stock Purchase Agreement dated March 10, 1994 by and between the
Company and L.D. Miller, III for the acquisition by the Company of
the capital stock of Crown Transport Systems, Inc. held by Mr.
Miller, such stock constituting 40% of the issued and outstanding
capital stock of Crown Transport Systems, Inc.
(1) 10.17 Stock Purchase Agreement dated March 17, 1994 by and between the
Company, Patrick E. Quinn and Max L. Fuller for the acquisition by
the Company of the capital stock of Crown Transport Systems, Inc.
held by Messrs. Quinn and Fuller, such stock constituting 60% of
the issued and outstanding capital stock of Crown Transport
Systems, Inc.
(1) 10.18 Stock Purchase Agreement dated March 18, 1994 by and between the
Company and Ken Adams for the acquisition by the Company of 50% of
the capital stock of Hall Systems, Inc. held by Mr. Adams and the
grant of an option to the Company to purchase the remaining 50% of
the capital stock of Hall Systems, Inc. from Mr. Adams, exercisable
beginning April 1, 1997.
(2) 10.19 Software Acquisition Agreement dated September 15, 1994 by and
among Qualcomm Incorporated, Xpress Data Services, Inc., U.S.
Xpress Enterprises, Inc., Patrick E. Quinn, Max L. Fuller,
Information Management Solutions, Inc. and James Coppinger.
(3) 10.20 Stock Purchase Agreement dated October 31, 1994 by and between the
Company and Ken Frohlich for the acquisition by the Company of the
capital stock of National Freight Systems, Inc. held by Mr.
Frohlich, such stock constituting all of the issued and outstanding
capital stock of National Freight Systems, Inc.
(4) 10.21 Asset Purchase Agreement with respect to acquisition of
CSI/Reeves, Inc.
(5) 10.22 Stock Purchase Agreement with respect to Hall Systems, Inc.
(5) 10.23 Credit Agreement with NationsBank.
(6) 10.24 Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement with NationsBank.
(7) 10.25 Asset Purchase Agreement dated June 18, 1996 with respect to
acquisition of Michael Lima Transportation, Inc.
(7) 10.26 Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 1, 1997 with respect to
acquisition of assets from Rosedale Transport, Inc. and Rosedale
Transport, Ltd.
(7) 10.27 Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 25, 1997 with respect to
acquisition of JTI, Inc.
(8) 10.28 Loan and Security Agreement dated June 24, 1997 by and between
Wachovia Bank, N.A. and U.S. Xpress Leasing.
42
Exhibit No. Description
- ----------- -----------
(9) 10.29 Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of December 24, 1997 by and
between U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc. and Richard H. Schaffer,
Richard H. Schaffer Irrevocable Trust dated December 24, 1991 and
Richard H. Schaffer Irrevocable Non-Withdrawal Trust dated December
24, 1991.
(9) 10.30 Credit Agreement dated as of January 15, 1998 among U.S. Xpress
Enterprises, Inc., Wachovia Bank, N.A., NationsBank, N.A.,
BankBoston, N.A., SunTrust Bank, Chattanooga, N.A. and the banks
listed therein.
21 List of the current subsidiaries of the Company.
23 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, Independent Public Accountants.
27 Financial Data Schedule
- --------------------
(1) Filed in Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 20, 1994.
(SEC File No. 33-79208)
(2) Filed in Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on
Form S-1 dated October 4, 1994. (SEC File No. 33-79208)
(3) Filed in Form 10-Q dated November 17, 1994
(4) Filed in Form 10-Q dated November 10, 1995
(5) Filed in Form 10-Q dated February 13, 1996
(6) Filed in Form 10-Q dated November 14, 1996
(7) Filed in Form 10-K dated March 31, 1997
(8) Filed in Registration Statement Form S-1 dated August 19, 1997.
(9) Filed in Form 8-K dated January 29, 1998
43
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, on the thirtieth day
of March, 1999.
U.S. XPRESS ENTERPRISES, INC.
Date: March 30, 1999 By: /s/ Ray M. Harlin
------------------- --------------------------
Ray M. Harlin
Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
/s/ Patrick E. Quinn Co-Chairman of the Board March 30, 1999
- --------------------------- of Directors, President and
Patrick E. Quinn Treasurer
/s/ Max L. Fuller Co-Chairman of the Board March 30, 1999
- --------------------------- of Directors, Vice President
Max L. Fuller and Secretary
/s/ Ray M. Harlin Executive Vice President March 30, 1999
- --------------------------- of Finance and Chief Financial
Ray M. Harlin Officer (principal financial
and accounting officer)
/s/ E. William Lusk, Jr. Director and Executive Vice March 30, 1999
- --------------------------- President of Marketing
E. William Lusk, Jr.
/s/ William K. Farris Director and Executive Vice March 30, 1999
- --------------------------- President of Operations
William K. Farris
/s/ James B. Baker Director March 30, 1999
- ---------------------------
James B. Baker
/s/ Robert P. Corker, Jr. Director March 30, 1999
- ---------------------------
Robert P. Corker, Jr.
/s/ Robert J. Sudderth, Jr. Director March 30, 1999
- ---------------------------
Robert J. Sudderth, Jr.
/s/ A. Alexander Taylor, II Director March 30, 1999
- ---------------------------
A. Alexander Taylor, II
44