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8-K - FFEX ANNOUNCES FIRST QUARTER 2012 FINANCIAL RESULTS - FROZEN FOOD EXPRESS INDUSTRIES INCform8k.htm
EXHIBIT 99.1
 
 
Frozen Food Express Industries, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2012 Financial Results
 
 
Results Show Improved Year-Over-Year Performance; On Track with Strategic Initiatives
 
 
DALLAS, May 1, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Frozen Food Express Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: FFEX) today announced its financial and operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2012. Highlights for the quarter include:
 
• Total operating revenue decreased 4.5% to $87.9 million in the first quarter of 2012 compared to $92.1 million in the same period of 2011.
 
• Total operating expenses decreased 7.7% to $93.1 million in the first quarter of 2012 compared to $100.9 million in the same period of 2011.
 
• Total operating revenue, net of fuel surcharges, decreased 4.5% to $70.1 million, compared to $73.4 million during the first quarter of 2011.
 
• Net loss decreased to $5.6 million during the first quarter of 2012, compared to a $7.9 million loss in the same period of 2011.
 
• Net loss per share of diluted common stock was ($0.32) in the first quarter of 2012 compared to ($0.45) in the same period of 2011.
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2012, total operating revenue decreased 4.5%, or $4.2 million, to $87.9 million compared to $92.1 million in the same period of 2011. Total operating revenue, excluding fuel surcharges, decreased 4.5% to $70.1 million from $73.4 million during the same period a year ago. Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $5.6 million, an improvement of 28.8% compared to a net loss of $7.9 million in the same period of 2011. In the first three months of 2012, on a per share basis, the net loss equated to ($0.32) per diluted share compared to ($0.45) per diluted share in the same period 2011.
 
Revenue (in $ millions) from:
Q1-12
Q1-11
% Change
     Total Truckload
34.8
           45.1
(22.9
)%
     Less-than-truckload (“LTL”)
28.3
26.2
8.0
%
     Brokerage, Logistics and Equipment Rental
7.0
2.1
238.7
%
Operating Revenue (Excluding Fuel Surcharges)
70.1
73.4
(4.5
)%
     Fuel Surcharges
17.8
18.7
(4.8
)%
Total Operating Revenue
87.9
92.1
(4.5
)%
 
 “Excluding revenue from dry freight services, our revenue showed a solid 4.3% improvement from the same period last year,” said Russell Stubbs, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer.  “While year-over-year comparisons in our truckload services are made difficult by our decision to exit the dry van services last year, revenue per truckload mile increased 7.8% during the first quarter of 2012, and we expect to realize favorable rate increases for the balance of the year.  Both pricing and demand for our LTL services continued to improve during the first quarter when compared to the same period last year.  As a result, our LTL revenue increased 8.0% during the quarter. This marks the strongest first quarter performance in our LTL business in three years, and we anticipate continued improvement throughout the remainder of the year.”
 
During the first quarter of 2012, total operating expenses decreased $7.7 million, or 7.7% to $93.1 million compared to $100.9 million during the first quarter of 2011.  Despite a 9.6% increase in fuel prices during the first quarter of 2012, fuel costs decreased $3.5 million and represented half of the year-over-year cost savings.  The reduction in fuel costs was related to fewer trucks in service, as well as increased fuel economy from a younger fleet.  Excluding the effects of fuel, the decrease in operating costs was primarily driven by decreases in claims and insurance and a gain on the sale of property and equipment.
 
 
 

 
 
The Company expects that quarterly results will continue to improve throughout the year.   In addition, capital expenditures are expected to range from approximately $3 million to $5 million, net of proceeds from disposition, and cash flows are expected to remain positive throughout the balance of fiscal 2012.  
 
“While we still have progress to make, during the first quarter we began to see the positive effects of our strategic plan.  We achieved cost savings from our younger and more fuel efficient fleet. We improved yields and grew volumes in our temperature control services.  Additionally, we saw the first meaningful revenue contribution from our recently introduced water transportation services.  Overall, the first quarter marked a solid start to 2012 and was consistent with our plan to restore profitably during this year,” Mr. Stubbs concluded.
 
About FFEX
 
Frozen Food Express Industries, Inc. is one of the leading temperature-controlled truckload and less-than-truckload carriers in the United States with core operations in the transport of temperature-controlled products and perishable goods including food, health care and confectionery products. Service is offered in over-the-road and intermodal modes for temperature-controlled truckload and less-than-truckload, as well as dry truckload. We also provide brokerage/logistics and dedicated services to our customers. Additional information about Frozen Food Express Industries, Inc. can be found at http://www.ffeinc.com. To join our email alert list, please click on the following link: http://financials.ffex.net/alerts.cfm. The Company's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select market under the symbol FFEX.
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
This press release contains certain statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include statements relating to plans, strategies, objectives, expectations, intentions, and adequacy of resources, and may be identified by words such as "will", "could", "should", "believe", "expect", "intend", "plan", "schedule", "estimate", "project", and similar expressions. Those statements are based on current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and change. Although our management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will be realized. Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties underlying such expectations not materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected. Among the key factors that are not within our management's control and that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements are demand for the Company's services and products, and its ability to meet that demand, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, weather conditions and the general economy, the availability and cost of labor and owner-operators, the ability to negotiate favorably with lenders and lessors, the effects of terrorism and war, the availability and cost of equipment, fuel and supplies, the market for previously-owned equipment, the impact of changes in the tax and regulatory environment in which the company operates, operational risks and insurance, risks associated with the technologies and systems used and the other risks and uncertainties described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Given the volatility in fuel prices and the impact fuel surcharge revenues have on total operating revenues, we often make reference to total operating revenue excluding fuel surcharges to provide a more consistent basis for comparison of operating revenue without the impact of fluctuating fuel prices. Readers should review and consider these factors along with the various disclosures by the Company in its press releases, stockholder reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not assume, and specifically disclaims, any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in the factors affecting the forward-looking information.
 
 

 
 
Frozen Food Express Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
(Unaudited and in thousands, except per-share amounts)
Assets
 
March 31, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
Current assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1,478
   
$
1,048
 
Accounts receivable, net
   
40,422
     
43,450
 
Tires on equipment in use, net
   
5,780
     
5,968
 
Equipment held for sale
   
-
     
3,437
 
Other current assets
   
4,997
     
7,868
 
Total current assets
   
52,677
     
61,771
 
                 
Property and equipment, net
   
53,759
     
57,757
 
Deferred income taxes
   
1,009
     
1,009
 
Other assets
   
6,023
     
5,867
 
Total assets
 
$
113,468
   
$
126,404
 
                 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
               
Current liabilities
               
Accounts payable
 
$
20,564
   
$
30,339
 
Insurance and claims accruals
   
9,325
     
10,667
 
Accrued payroll and deferred compensation
   
4,195
     
4,047
 
Accrued liabilities
   
1,006
     
1,251
 
Current maturities of notes payable and capital lease obligations
   
1,993
     
1,936
 
Deferred income taxes
   
690
     
690
 
Total current liabilities
   
37,773
     
48,930
 
                 
Borrowings under credit facility
   
24,241
     
19,888
 
Long-term notes payable and capital lease obligations
   
8,409
     
8,901
 
Insurance and claims accruals
   
5,715
     
5,783
 
Total liabilities
   
76,138
     
83,502
 
                 
Shareholders' equity
               
Common stock, $1.50 par value per share; 75,000 shares
               
     authorized; 18,572 shares issued
   
27,858
     
27,858
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
463
  
   
427
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(67
)
   
(67
)
Retained earnings
   
15,923
     
21,572
 
 Total common shareholders’ equity
   
44,177
     
49,790
 
Treasury stock (972 and 980 shares), at cost
   
(6,847
)
   
(6,888
)
Total shareholders' equity
   
37,330
     
42,902
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
113,468
   
$
126,404
 

 

 
 

 


 

 
Frozen Food Express Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations
 (Unaudited and in thousands, except per-share amounts)

   
Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Total operating revenue
 
$
87,935
   
$
92,107
 
Operating expenses
               
Salaries, wages and related expenses
   
29,225
     
29,460
 
Purchased transportation
   
15,833
     
16,216
 
Fuel
   
19,017
     
22,467
 
Supplies and maintenance
   
12,404
     
12,622
 
Revenue equipment rent
   
10,212
     
8,604
 
Depreciation
   
3,059
     
4,496
 
Communications and utilities
   
933
     
1,299
 
Claims and insurance
   
1,905
     
3,309
 
Operating taxes and licenses
   
1,087
     
1,035
 
(Gain) loss on sale of property and equipment
   
(1,760
)
   
1
 
Miscellaneous
   
1,233
     
1,380
 
 Total operating expenses
   
93,148
     
100,889
 
Loss from operations
   
(5,213
)
   
(8,782
)
                 
Interest and other (income) expense
               
Interest income
   
-
     
(2
)
Interest expense
   
371
     
96
 
Equity in earnings of limited partnership
   
(235
)
   
(99
)
Life insurance and other
   
242
     
100
 
 Total interest and other (income) expense
   
378
     
95
 
Loss before income taxes
   
(5,591
)
   
(8,877
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
58
     
(940
)
Net loss
 
$
(5,649
)
 
$
(7,937
)
                 
Net loss per share of common stock
               
Basic
 
$
(0.32
)
 
$
(0.45
)
Diluted
 
$
(0.32
)
 
$
(0.45
)
Weighted average shares outstanding
               
Basic
   
17,727
     
17,446
 
Diluted
   
17,727
     
17,446
 
Dividends declared per common share
 
$
-
   
$
-
 

 

 

 
 

 


 
The following table summarizes and compares the significant components of revenue and presents our operating ratio and revenue per truck per week for each of the three-month periods ended March 31:   
 

 
Revenue from: (a)
 
2012
   
2011
 
Temperature-controlled services
 
$
24,502
   
$
29,416
 
Dry-freight services
   
5,445
     
11,420
 
Total truckload linehaul services
   
29,947
     
40,836
 
Dedicated services
   
4,836
     
4,305
 
Total truckload
   
34,783
     
45,141
 
Less-than-truckload linehaul services
   
28,306
     
26,201
 
Fuel surcharges
   
17,794
     
18,683
 
Brokerage and logistics services
   
6,116
     
1,138
 
Equipment rental  
   
936
     
944
 
Total operating revenue
   
87,935
     
92,107
 
                 
Operating expenses
   
93,148
     
100,889
 
Loss from operations
 
$
(5,213
)
 
$
(8,782
)
Operating ratio (b)
   
105.9
%
   
 109.5
%
                 
Total truckload revenue
 
$
34,783
   
$
45,141
 
Less-than-truckload linehaul revenue
   
28,306
     
26,201
 
Total linehaul and dedicated services revenue 
 
$
63,089
   
$
71,342
 
                 
Weekly average trucks in service
   
1,482
     
1,774
 
Revenue per truck per week (c)
 
$
3,275
   
$
3,128
 
 
 
  Computational notes:
(a)
Revenue and expense amounts are stated in thousands of dollars.
(b)
Operating expenses divided by total revenue.
(c)
Average daily revenue, times seven, divided by weekly average trucks in service.
 
 

 

 
 

 


 
             The following table summarizes and compares selected statistical data relating to our freight operations for each of the three-month periods ended March 31:
 
 Truckload
 
2012
   
2011
 
    Total linehaul miles (a)
   
20,550
     
29,891
 
    Loaded miles (a)
   
18,156
     
26,636
 
    Empty mile ratio (b)
   
11.6
%
   
10.9
%
    Linehaul revenue per total mile (c)
 
$
1.46
   
$
1.37
 
    Linehaul revenue per loaded mile (d)
 
$
1.65
   
$
1.53
 
    Linehaul shipments (a)
   
19.6
     
29.2
 
    Loaded miles per shipment (e)
   
929
     
912
 
Less-than-truckload
               
    Hundredweight (a)
   
2,004
     
1,934
 
    Shipments (a)
   
67.1
     
61.0
 
    Linehaul revenue per hundredweight (f)
 
$
14.13
   
$
13.55
 
    Linehaul revenue per shipment (g)
 
$
422
   
$
430
 
    Average weight per shipment (h)
   
2,986
     
3,172
 
 
 
Computational notes:
(a)
Amounts are stated in thousands.
(b)
Total truckload linehaul miles less truckload loaded miles, divided by total truckload linehaul miles.
(c)
Revenue from truckload linehaul services divided by truckload total linehaul miles.
(d)
Revenue from truckload linehaul services divided by truckload loaded miles.
(e)
Total truckload loaded miles divided by number of truckload linehaul shipments.
(f)
LTL revenue divided by LTL hundredweight.
(g)
LTL revenue divided by number of LTL shipments.
(h)
LTL hundredweight times one hundred divided by number of shipments. 

 
The following table summarizes and compares the makeup of our fleet between company-provided tractors and tractors provided by owner-operators as of March 31:
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Total company tractors available
    1,312       1,529  
Total owner-operator tractors available
    250       294  
Total tractors available
    1,562       1,823  
Total trailers available
    3,118       3,367  

 
CONTACT: Frozen Food Express Industries, Inc.

         Russell Stubbs, President and CEO
         John Hickerson, EVP and COO
         John McManama, SVP and CFO
         (214) 630-8090
         Dave Mossberg, Investor Relations
         Three Part Advisors, LLC
         (817) 310-0051