10-K 1 ptsi20171231_10k.htm FORM 10-K
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
☒ Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
☐ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 20 17
or
For the transition period from ________to________
Commission File No. 0-15057
P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or
organization)
71-0633135
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
297 West Henri De Tonti Blvd, Tontitown, Arkansas 72770
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(479) 361-9111
Registrant's telephone number, including area code
Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Common Stock, $.01 par value
Name of each exchange on which registered
NASDAQ Global Market
Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes ☐ No ☑
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes ☐ No ☑
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 ☑ No ☐
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any,
every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of
this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and
post such files).
Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this
chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy
or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a
smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,”
“accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
☐
☐
Accelerated filer
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
☒
☐
☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition
period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the
Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
Yes ☐ No ☑
The aggregate market value of the common stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates of the registrant computed by
reference to the average of the closing bid and ask prices of the common stock as of the last business day of the
registrant's most recently completed second quarter was $44,740,455. Solely for the purposes of this response, the
registrant has assumed, without admitting for any purpose, that all executive officers and directors of the registrant, and
no other persons, are the affiliates of the registrant at that date.
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, as of February 23, 2018: 6,175,889 shares of $.01
par value common stock.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant ’s definitive Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 25,
2018, are incorporated by reference in answer to Part III of this report. Such proxy statement will be filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission of the registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Report”) contains forward-looking statements, including statements about our
operating and growth strategies, our expected financial position and operating results, industry trends, our capital
expenditure and financing plans and similar matters. Such forward-looking statements are found throughout this Report,
including under Item 1, Business, Item 1A, Risk Factors, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations, and Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. In those
and other portions of this Report, the words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,”
“project”, “could”, “should”, “would” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, our management, and our industry are
intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current
expectations and projections about future events and financial trends affecting our business. Actual results may differ
materially. Some of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause actual results to differ from these forward-
looking statements are described under the headings “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.”
All forward-looking statements attributable to us, or to persons acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified in their
entirety by this cautionary statement.
We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking events and
circumstances discussed in this Report might not transpire.
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P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
FORM 10-K
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20 17
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Business
Item 1
Item 1A Risk Factors
Item 1B Unresolved Staff Comments
Item 2
Item 3
Item 4 Mine Safety Disclosures
Properties
Legal Proceedings
PART I
PART II
Item 5 Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of
Equity Securities
Selected Financial Data
Item 6
Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 8
Item 9
Item 9A Controls and Procedures
Item 9B Other Information
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
PART III
Item 10 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11 Executive Compensation
Item 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
Matters
Item 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions , and Director Independence
Item 14 Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Item 15 Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
PART IV
SIGNATURES
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Item 1. Business.
PART I
Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to “P.A.M.,” the “Company,”
“we,” “our,” or “us” mean P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
We are a truckload dry van carrier transporting general commodities throughout the continental United States, as well
as in certain Canadian provinces. We also provide transportation services in Mexico under agreements with Mexican
carriers. Our freight consists primarily of automotive parts, expedited goods, consumer goods, such as general retail
store merchandise, and manufactured goods, such as heating and air conditioning units.
P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. is a holding company incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in June
1986. We conduct operations principally through the following wholly owned subsidiaries: P.A.M. Transport, Inc.,
T.T.X., LLC, P.A.M. Cartage Carriers, LLC, Overdrive Leasing, LLC, P.A.M. Logistics Services, Inc., Choctaw Express,
LLC, Choctaw Brokerage, Inc., Transcend Logistics, Inc., Decker Transport Co., LLC, East Coast Transport and
Logistics, LLC, S & L Logistics, Inc., and P.A.M. International, Inc. Our operating authorities are held by P.A.M.
Transport, Inc., P.A.M. Cartage Carriers, LLC, Choctaw Express, LLC, Choctaw Brokerage, Inc., T.T.X., LLC, Decker
Transport Co., LLC, and East Coast Transport and Logistics, LLC. Effective on January 1, 2010, the operations of most
of the Company’s operating subsidiaries were consolidated under the P.A.M. Transport, Inc. name in an effort to more
clearly reflect the Company’s scope and available service offerings.
We are headquartered and maintain our primary terminal, maintenance facilities, and our corporate and administrative
offices in Tontitown, Arkansas, which is located in northwest Arkansas, a major center for the trucking industry and
where the support services (including warranty repair services) for most major truck and trailer equipment
manufacturers are readily available.
Segment Financial Information
The Company's operations are all in the motor carrier segment and are aggregated into a single reporting segment in
accordance with the aggregation criteria under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”).
Operations
Our operations can generally be classified into truckload services or brokerage and logistics services. Truckload
services include those transportation services in which we utilize company owned trucks or independent contractor
owned trucks for the pickup and delivery of freight. The brokerage and logistics services consists of services such as
transportation scheduling, routing, mode selection, transloading and other value added services related to the
transportation of freight which may or may not involve the use of company-owned or independent contractor-owned
equipment. Both our truckload operations and our brokerage and logistics operations have similar economic
characteristics and are impacted by virtually the same economic factors as discussed elsewhere in this Report.
Truckload services operating revenues, before fuel surcharges, represented 86.3%, 88.4% and 87.6% of total operating
revenues for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The remaining operating revenues,
before fuel surcharge for the same periods were generated by brokerage and logistics services, representing 13.7%,
11.6%, and 12.4%, respectively.
Approximately 59% of the Company's revenues are derived from domestic shipments while approximately 41% of our
revenues are derived from freight originating from or destined to locations in Mexico or Canada.
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Business and Growth Strategy
Our strategy focuses on the following elements:
Providing a Full Suite of Complimentary Truckload Transportation Solutions. Our objective is to provide our customers
with a comprehensive solution to their truckload transportation needs. Our asset-based service offerings consist of
dedicated, expedited, regional, automotive, and long-haul truckload services with non-asset based supply chain
management, logistics and brokerage solutions rounding out our service offerings. Our range of service offerings also
include our complete range of asset-based and non-asset based services to Mexico and Canada.
Developing Customer Relationships within High Density Traffic Lanes. We strive to maximize utilization and increase
revenue per truck while minimizing our time and empty miles between loads. In this regard, we seek to provide
equipment to our customers in defined regions and disciplined traffic lanes. This strategy enables us to:
• maintain more consistent equipment capacity;
•
•
provide a high level of service to our customers, including time-sensitive delivery schedules;
attract and retain drivers; and
• maintain a sound safety record as drivers travel familiar routes.
Providing Superior and Flexible Customer Service . Our wide range of services includes expedited services, dedicated
fleet services, logistics services, time-definite delivery, two-person driving teams, cross-docking and consolidation
programs, specialized trailers, international services to Mexico and Canada, and Internet-based customer access to
delivery status. These services allow us to quickly and reliably respond to the diverse needs of our customers, and
provide an advantage in securing new business.
Many of our customers depend on us to deliver shipments on a time-definite basis, meaning that parts or raw materials
are scheduled for delivery as they are needed on a manufacturer’s production line. The need for this service is a
product of modern manufacturing and assembly methods that are designed to decrease inventory levels and handling
costs. Such requirements place a premium on our delivery performance and reliability.
Employing Stringent Cost Controls . Throughout our organization, emphasis is placed on gaining efficiency in our
processes with the primary goals of decreasing costs and improving customer satisfaction. Maintaining a high level of
efficiency and prioritizing our focus on improvements allows us to minimize the number of non-driving personnel we
employ and positively influence other overhead costs. Expenses are intensely scrutinized for opportunities for
elimination, reduction or to further leverage our purchasing power to achieve more favorable pricing.
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Industry
According to the American Trucking Association ’s “American Trucking Trends 2017” report, the trucking industry
transported approximately 70% of the total volume of freight transported in the United States during 2016, which
equates to 10.4 billion tons and over $650 billion in revenue. The truckload industry is highly fragmented and is
impacted by several economic and business factors, many of which are beyond the control of individual carriers. The
state of the economy, coupled with equipment capacity levels, can impact freight rates. Volatility of various operating
expenses, such as fuel and insurance, make the predictability of profit levels uncertain. Availability, attraction, retention
and compensation of drivers also affect operating costs, as well as equipment utilization. In addition, the capital
requirements for equipment, coupled with potential uncertainty of used equipment values, impact the ability of many
carriers to expand their operations. The current operating environment is characterized by the following:
•
•
•
•
Competition for freight;
Price increases by truck and trailer equipment manufacturers;
Volatile fuel costs; and
Pressure on less profitable or undercapitalized carriers to consolidate or exit the industry.
Competition
The trucking industry is highly competitive and includes thousands of carriers, none of which dominates the market in
which the Company operates. The Company's market share is less than 1%, and we compete primarily with other
irregular route medium- to long-haul truckload carriers, with private carriage conducted by our existing and potential
customers, and, to a lesser extent, with the railroads. We compete on the basis of quality of service and delivery
performance, as well as price. Many of the other irregular route long-haul truckload carriers have substantially greater
financial resources, own more equipment or carry a larger total volume of freight as compared to the Company.
Marketing and Significant Customers
Our marketing emphasis is directed to that portion of the truckload market which is generally service-sensitive, as
opposed to being solely price driven. We seek to become a “core carrier” for our customers in order to maintain high
utilization and capitalize on recurring revenue opportunities. Our marketing efforts are diversified and designed to gain
access to dedicated, expedited, regional, automotive, and long-haul opportunities (including those in Mexico and
Canada) and to expand supply chain solutions offerings.
Our sales efforts are conducted by a staff of nine employees who are located in our major markets and supervised from
our headquarters. These individuals work to improve profitability by maintaining an even flow of freight traffic (taking
into account the balance between originations and destinations in a given geographical area), high utilization, and
minimizing movement of empty equipment.
Our five largest customers, for which we provide carrier services covering a number of geographic locations, accounted
for approximately 41%, 43% and 44% of our total revenues in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. General Motors
Company accounted for approximately 18%, 18% and 15% of our revenues in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Fiat
Chrysler Automobiles accounted for approximately 10%, 9% and 11% of our revenues in 2017, 2016 and 2015,
respectively. Ford Motor Company accounted for approximately 9%, 10% and 11% of our revenues in 2017, 2016 and
2015, respectively.
We also provide transportation services to other manufacturers who are suppliers for automobile manufacturers.
Approximately 46%, 45% and 47% of our revenues were derived from transportation services provided to the
automobile industry during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
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Revenue Equipment
At December 31, 201 7, our truck fleet consisted of 1,721 trucks, which included 18 trucks leased under operating
leases and 560 independent contractor trucks. At December 31, 2017, our trailer fleet consisted of 5,795 trailers. Our
company-owned trucks and leased trucks are late model, well-maintained, premium trucks, which we believe help to
attract and retain drivers, maximize fuel efficiency, promote safe operations, minimize maintenance and repair costs,
and improve customer service by minimizing service interruptions caused by breakdowns. The average age of our
trucks and trailers as of December 31, 2017 was 1.49 years and 3.38 years respectively. We evaluate our equipment
purchasing decisions based on factors such as initial cost, useful life, warranty terms, expected maintenance costs, fuel
economy, driver comfort, customer needs, manufacturer support, and resale value.
We contract with independent contractors to provide greater flexibility in responding to fluctuations in consumer
demand. Independent contractors provide their own trucks and are contractually responsible for all associated
expenses, including financing costs, fuel, maintenance, insurance, and taxes, among other things. They are also
responsible for maintaining compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations.
Technology
We have installed Qualcomm display units in all of our trucks. The Qualcomm system is a satellite-based global
positioning and communications system that allows fleet managers to communicate directly with drivers. Drivers can
provide location, status, and updates directly to our computer system which increases productivity and convenience.
This system provides us with accurate estimated time of arrival information, which optimizes load selection and service
levels to our customers.
Our information systems manage the data provided by the Qualcomm devices to provide us with real-time information
regarding the location, status, and load assignment of our trucks, which permits us to better meet delivery schedules,
respond to customer inquiries, and match equipment with the next available load. Our system also provides real-time
information electronically to our customers regarding the status of freight shipments and anticipated arrival times. This
system provides our customers flexibility and convenience by extending supply chain visibility through electronic data
interchange, the Internet and e-mail.
Maintenance
We have a strictly-enforced, comprehensive preventive maintenance program for our trucks and trailers. Inspections
and various levels of preventive maintenance are performed at set intervals on both trucks and trailers. A maintenance
and safety inspection is performed on all vehicles each time they return to a terminal.
Our trucks carry full warranty coverage for at least three years or 375,000 miles. Extended truck warranties can be
negotiated with the truck manufacturer and manufacturers of major components, such as engine, transmission, and
differential manufacturers, for up to five years or 575,000 miles. Our trailers carry full warranties by the manufacturer for
up to five years with certain components covered for up to ten years.
Employees
At December 31, 2017, we employed 2,409 persons, of whom 1,770 were drivers, 172 were employed in maintenance,
249 were employed in operations, 40 were employed in marketing, 110 were employed in safety and personnel, and 68
were employed in general administration and accounting. A total of 2,391 of our employees were employed on a full-
time basis as of December 31, 2017. None of our employees are represented by a collective bargaining unit, and we
believe that our employee relations are good.
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Drivers
At December 31, 201 7, we utilized 1,770 company drivers in our operations. We also had 629 drivers for independent
contractors under contract who were compensated on a per mile basis. Our drivers are compensated on the basis of
miles driven, loading and unloading, extra stops, and layovers in transit. Drivers can earn bonuses by recruiting other
qualified drivers who become employed by us, and both cash and non-cash prizes are awarded for achieving certain
safety and miles-per-gallon goals. All of our drivers are recruited, screened, and drug tested and participate in our driver
training program. Our driver training program stresses the importance of safety and reliable, on-time delivery. Drivers
are required to report to their driver managers daily and at the earliest possible moment when any condition occurs en
route that might delay their scheduled delivery time.
We contract with independent contractors to supply one or more trucks and drivers for our use. Independent contractors
must pay their own truck expenses, fuel, maintenance, insurance, and driver costs. They must meet and operate within
our guidelines with respect to safety. We have a lease-purchase program whereby we offer independent contractors
the opportunity to lease a truck, with the option to purchase the truck at the end of the lease term. We believe our
lease-purchase program has contributed to our ability to attract and retain independent contractors. At December 31,
2017, approximately 290 independent contractors were leasing 355 trucks in this program.
In addition to strict application screening and drug testing, before being permitted to operate a vehicle, our drivers must
undergo classroom instruction on our policies and procedures, safety techniques as taught by the Smith System of
Defensive Driving, and the proper operation of equipment, and must pass both written and road tests. Instruction in
defensive driving and safety techniques continues after hiring, with seminars at several of our terminals. At December
31, 2017, we employed 93 persons on a full-time basis in our driver recruiting, training and safety instruction programs.
Intense competition in the trucking industry for qualified drivers has resulted in additional expense to recruit and retain
an adequate supply of drivers, and has had a negative impact on the industry. Our operations have also been impacted
and from time to time we have experienced under-utilization and increased expenses due to a shortage of qualified
drivers. We place a high priority on the recruitment and retention of an adequate supply of qualified drivers.
Available Information
The Company maintains a website where additional information concerning its business can be found. The address of
that website is www.pamtransport.com. The Company makes available free of charge on its website its Annual Report
on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or
furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) as soon as
reasonably practicable after it electronically files or furnishes such materials to the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
Seasonality
Generally, our revenues do not exhibit a significant seasonal pattern ; however, revenue is affected by adverse weather
conditions, holidays and the number of business days that occur during a given period because revenue is directly
related to the available work days of shippers. Operating expenses are typically higher in the winter months primarily
due to decreased fuel efficiency and increased maintenance costs associated with inclement weather. In addition,
automobile plants for which we transport a large amount of freight typically undergo scheduled shutdowns in July and
December and the volume of automotive freight we ship is reduced during such scheduled plant shutdowns.
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Regulation
We are a common and contract motor carrier regulated by various United States federal and state, Canadian provincial,
and Mexican federal agencies. These regulatory agencies have broad powers, generally governing matters such as
authority to engage in motor carrier operations, motor carrier registration, driver hours-of-service (“HOS”), drug and
alcohol testing of drivers, and safety, size, and weight of transportation equipment. The primary regulatory agencies
affecting the Company’s operations include the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (“FMCSA”), the Pipeline
and Hazardous Materials Safety Agency, and the Surface Transportation Board, which are all agencies within the U.S.
Department of Transportation (“DOT”). We believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with applicable
regulatory requirements relating to our business and operate with a “satisfactory” rating (the highest of three rating
categories) from the DOT. In addition, we are subject to compliance with cargo-security and transportation regulations
issued by the Transportation Security Administration, a component department within the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security. To the extent that we conduct operations outside the United States, we are subject to the Foreign
Corrupt Practices Act, which generally prohibits U.S. companies and their intermediaries from offering bribes to foreign
officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining favorable treatment.
In December 2011, the FMCSA released new rules regulating HOS that became effective in July 2013. These rules
reduced the maximum hours that could be worked in a consecutive seven day period from 82 to 70, required that a
driver take a mandatory thirty minute break during each consecutive eight hour driving period, and required that a driver
take a 34 hour rest period, or restart, that included two periods between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. that could only be
used one time every seven calendar days.
In December 2014, the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015 suspended enforcement of the
requirements for use of the 34 hour restart that became effective in July 2013 and replaced them with the previous
restart rules that were in effect on June 30, 2013 pending the completion of the Commercial Vehicle Driver Restart
Study which is designed to measure and compare the fatigue and safety performance of truck drivers using the two
different versions of the HOS restart provisions. As of December 31, 2017, the study has been completed, but the
findings have not been publicly disclosed.
In July 2012, Congress passed legislation renewing the mandate for electronic logging devices and designated authority
to the FMCSA to propose a new rule. In December 2015, the FMCSA amended the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Regulations to establish minimum performance and design standards for HOS electronic logging devices (“ELDs”);
requirements for the mandatory use of these devices by drivers currently required to prepare HOS records of duty
status; requirements concerning HOS supporting documents; and measures to address concerns about harassment
resulting from the mandatory use of ELDs. This ruling affects nearly all carriers, including us, and required ELDs to be
installed prior to December 2017, with enforcement beginning in April 2018. Since our trucks are currently ELD
equipped, we do not foresee a negative impact to our profitability as a result of this new rule; however, we believe that
more effective enforcement of HOS rules on smaller carriers may present challenges for them and may improve our
competitive position.
The FMCSA administers carrier safety compliance and enforcement through its Compliance, Safety, Accountability
(“CSA”) program that became effective in December 2010. CSA is designed to measure and evaluate the safety
performance of carriers and drivers through categorization of inspection and crash results into Behavior Analysis and
Safety Improvement Categories (“BASICs”) including unsafe/fatigued driving, driver fitness, controlled substances and
alcohol, maintenance, cargo, and crashes. BASIC scores are evaluated relative to carrier peer groups to determine
carriers that exceed certain thresholds, identifying them for intervention. Intervention status might include targeted
roadside inspections, onsite investigations and the development of cooperative safety plans, among other things.
Ongoing compliance with CSA may result in additional expenses to the Company or a reduction in the pool of drivers
eligible for us to hire. In addition to FMCSA action, a BASIC score that exceeds an intervention threshold might have a
negative impact on our ability to attract customers and drivers.
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The Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) jointly
developed new standards for various vehicles, including heavy duty trucks, that were adopted in August 2011 and cover
model years 2014 through 2018. The standard adopted for heavy duty trucks is intended to achieve a reduction in CO2
and fuel consumption ranging from 7% to 20% by model year 2017. In August 2016, the EPA and NHTSA finalized the
second phase of these standards which will further reduce GHG emissions and fuel consumption for heavy duty trucks
through model year 2027. In addition, the state of California has adopted its own fuel efficiency regulations that include
the use of special aerodynamic equipment for trucks and 53 foot trailers traveling through the state. Compliance with
these federal and state requirements has increased the cost of our equipment and may further increase the cost of
replacement equipment in the future.
Our motor carrier operations are also subject to environmental laws and regulations, including laws and regulations
dealing with the transportation of hazardous materials and other environmental matters, and our operations involve
certain inherent environmental risks. Our operations involve the risks of fuel spillage or seepage, environmental
damage, and hazardous waste disposal, among others. We have instituted programs to monitor and control
environmental risks and assure compliance with applicable environmental laws. As part of our safety and risk
management program, we periodically perform internal environmental reviews so that we can achieve environmental
compliance and avoid environmental risk. We transport a minimum amount of environmentally hazardous substances
and, to date, have experienced no significant claims for hazardous materials shipments. If we should fail to comply with
applicable regulations, we could be subject to substantial fines or penalties and to civil and criminal liability.
Company operations are often conducted in industrial areas, where truck terminals and other industrial activities are
conducted, and where groundwater or other forms of environmental contamination have occurred, which could
potentially expose us to claims that we contributed to the environmental contamination.
We believe we are currently in material compliance with applicable laws and regulations and that the cost of compliance
has not materially affected results of operations.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Set forth below, and elsewhere in this Report and in other documents we file with the SEC, are risks and uncertainties
that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements
contained in this Report.
Risks Related to Our Business
Our business is subject to general economic and business factors that are largely beyond our control, any of which
could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.
Our business is dependent upon a number of general economic and business factors that may adversely affect our
results of operations. These factors include significant increases or rapid fluctuations in fuel prices, excess capacity in
the trucking industry, surpluses in the market for used equipment, interest rates, fuel taxes, license and registration
fees, insurance premiums, self-insurance levels, and difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified drivers, independent
contractors, and third party carriers.
We operate in a highly competitive and fragmented industry, and our business may suffer if we are unable to
adequately address any downward pricing pressures or other factors that may adversely affect our ability to compete
with other carriers.
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Further, we are affected by recessionary economic cycles and downturns in customers ’ business cycles, particularly in
market segments and industries, such as the automotive industry, where we have a significant concentration of
customers. Economic conditions may also adversely affect our customers and their ability to pay for our services.
Deterioration in the United States and /or world economies could exacerbate any difficulties experienced by our
customers and suppliers in obtaining financing, which, in turn, could materially and adversely impact our business,
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Numerous competitive factors could impair our ability to operate at an acceptable profit. These factors include, but are
not limited to, the following:
•
•
we compete with many other truckload carriers of varying sizes and, to a lesser extent, with less-than-truckload
carriers and railroads, some of which have more equipment and greater capital resources than we do;
some of our competitors periodically reduce their freight rates to gain business, especially during times of reduced
growth rates in the economy, which may limit our ability to maintain or increase freight rates, maintain our margins
or maintain significant growth in our business;
• many customers reduce the number of carriers they use by selecting so-called “core carriers” as approved service
providers, and in some instances we may not be selected;
• many customers periodically accept bids from multiple carriers for their shipping needs, and this process may
depress freight rates or result in the loss of some of our business to competitors;
•
•
•
•
the trend toward consolidation in the trucking industry may create other large carriers with greater financial
resources and other competitive advantages relating to their size and with whom we may have difficulty competing;
advances in technology require increased investments to remain competitive, and our customers may not be willing
to accept higher freight rates to cover the cost of these investments;
competition from Internet-based and other logistics and freight brokerage companies may adversely affect our
customer relationships and freight rates; and
economies of scale that may be passed on to smaller carriers by procurement aggregation providers may improve
their ability to compete with us.
We are highly dependent on our major customers, the loss of one or more of which could have a material adverse effect
on our business.
A significant portion of our revenue is generated from our major customers. For 2017, our top five customers, based on
revenue, accounted for approximately 41% of our revenue, and our three largest customers, General Motors Company,
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and Ford Motor Company, accounted for approximately 18%, 10%, and 9% of our revenue,
respectively. We also provide transportation services to other manufacturers who are suppliers for automobile
manufacturers. As a result, the concentration of our business within the automobile industry is greater than the
concentration in a single customer. Approximately 46% of our revenues for 2017 were derived from transportation
services provided to the automobile industry.
Generally, we do not have long-term contractual relationships with our major customers, and we cannot assure that our
customer relationships will continue as presently in effect. A reduction in or termination of our services by our major
customers could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.
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We may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in the price and availability of diesel fuel.
Diesel fuel represents a significant operating expense for the Company and we do not currently hedge against the risk
of diesel fuel price increases. An increase in diesel fuel prices or diesel fuel taxes, or any change in federal or state
regulations that results in such an increase, could have a material adverse effect on our operating results to the extent
we are unable to recoup such increases from customers in the form of increased freight rates or through fuel
surcharges. Historically, we have been able to offset, to a certain extent, diesel fuel price increases through fuel
surcharges to our customers, but we cannot be certain that we will be able to do so in the future. We continuously
monitor the components of our pricing, including base freight rates and fuel surcharges, and address individual account
profitability issues with our customers when necessary. While we have historically been able to adjust our pricing to help
offset changes to the cost of diesel fuel through changes to base rates and/or fuel surcharges, we cannot be certain
that we will be able to do so in the future.
Difficulty in attracting drivers and independent contractors could affect our profitability and ability to grow.
The transportation industry often experiences significant difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified drivers and
independent contractors. This shortage is exacerbated by several factors, including demand from competing industries,
such as manufacturing, construction and farming, demand from other transportation companies, and the impact of
regulations, including CSA and new hours of service rules. Economic conditions affecting operating costs such as fuel,
insurance, equipment and maintenance costs can negatively impact the number of qualified independent contractors
available to us. We have from time to time experienced under-utilization and increased expenses due to a shortage of
qualified drivers. If we are unable to attract drivers or contract with independent contractors when needed, we could be
required to further adjust our driver compensation packages, increase driver recruiting efforts, or let trucks sit idle, any
of which could adversely affect our growth and profitability.
If we are unable to retain our key employees, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be
harmed.
We are highly dependent upon the services of our key employees and executive officers. The loss of any of their
services could have a material adverse effect on our operations and future profitability. We must continue to develop
and retain a core group of managers if we are to realize our goal of expanding our operations and continuing our
growth. We cannot be certain of our ability to retain these key individuals.
Ongoing insurance and claims expenses could significantly reduce our earnings.
Our future insurance and claims expenses might exceed historical levels, which could reduce our earnings. The
Company is self-insured for health and workers’ compensation insurance coverage up to certain limits. If medical costs
continue to increase, or if the severity or number of claims increase, and if we are unable to offset the resulting
increases in expenses with higher freight rates, our earnings could be materially and adversely affected. Healthcare
legislation and inflationary cost increases could also have a negative effect on our results.
Purchase price increases for new revenue equipment and/or decreases in the value of used revenue equipment could
have an adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
During the last decade, the purchase price of new revenue equipment has increased significantly as equipment
manufacturers recover increased materials and engine design costs resulting from compliance with increasingly
stringent EPA engine emission standards. Additional EPA emission mandates in the future could result in higher
purchase prices of revenue equipment which could result in higher than anticipated depreciation expenses. If we were
unable to offset any such increase in expenses with freight rate increases, our cash flows and results of operations
could be adversely affected. If the market price for used revenue equipment declines, we could incur substantial losses
upon disposition of our revenue equipment which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial
condition.
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We have significant ongoing capital requirements that could affect our liquidity and profitability if we are unable to
generate sufficient cash from operations or obtain sufficient financing on favorable terms.
The trucking industry is capital intensive. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash from operations in the future, we
may have to limit our growth, enter into unfavorable financing arrangements, or operate our revenue equipment for
longer periods, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our profitability.
We have a substantial amount of debt, which could restrict our growth, place us at a competitive disadvantage or
otherwise materially adversely affect our financial health. Our substantial debt levels could have important
consequences such as the following:
•
•
•
impair our ability to obtain additional future financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or
general corporate expenses;
limit our ability to use operating cash flow in other areas of our business due to the necessity of dedicating a
substantial portion of these funds for payments on our indebtedness;
limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;
• make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations;
•
•
increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; and
place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors.
Our ability to make scheduled payments on, or to refinance, our debt and other obligations will depend on our financial
and operating performance, which, in turn, is subject to our ability to implement our strategic initiatives, prevailing
economic conditions and certain financial, business and other factors beyond our control. If our cash flow and capital
resources are insufficient to fund our debt service and other obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay expansion
plans and capital expenditures, sell material assets or operations, obtain additional capital or restructure our debt. We
cannot provide any assurance that our operating performance, cash flow and capital resources will be sufficient to pay
our debt obligations when they become due. We also cannot provide assurance that we would be able to dispose of
material assets or operations or restructure our debt or other obligations if necessary or, even if we were able to take
such actions, that we could do so on terms that are acceptable to us.
Disruptions in the credit markets may adversely affect our business, including the availability and cost of short-term
funds for liquidity requirements and our ability to meet long-term commitments, which could adversely affect our results
of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
If cash from operations is not sufficient, we may be required to rely on the capital and credit markets to meet our
financial commitments and short-term liquidity needs. Disruptions in the capital and credit markets could adversely
affect our ability to draw on our bank revolving credit facility. Our access to funds under the credit facility is dependent
on the ability of banks to meet their funding commitments. A bank may not be able to meet their funding commitments if
they experience shortages of capital and liquidity or if they experience excessive volumes of borrowing requests from
other borrowers within a short period of time.
Longer term disruptions in the capital and credit markets as a result of uncertainty, changing or increased regulation,
reduced alternatives, or failures of significant financial institutions could adversely affect our access to liquidity needed
for our business. Any disruption could require us to take measures to conserve cash until the markets stabilize or until
alternative credit arrangements or other funding for our business needs can be arranged, which could adversely affect
our growth and profitability.
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We operate in a highly regulated industry and increased costs of compliance with, or liability for violation of, existing or
future regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our operations are authorized and regulated by various federal and state agencies in the United States, Mexico and
Canada, that generally govern such activities as authorization to engage in motor carrier operations, safety, and
financial reporting. Specific standards and regulations such as equipment dimensions, engine emissions, maintenance,
drivers’ hours of service, drug and alcohol testing, and hazardous materials are regulated by the Department of
Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency and various other state and
federal agencies. We may become subject to new or more restrictive regulations imposed by these authorities which
could significantly impair equipment and driver productivity and increase operating expenses.
The FMCSA administers carrier safety compliance and enforcement through its CSA program that beca me effective in
December 2010. The program places carriers in peer groups and assigns each carrier a relative ranking compared to
their peers in various categories. Carriers that exceed allowable thresholds in a particular category are placed in
“intervention” status by the FMCSA until the score improves to a level below the threshold. If future roadside
inspections or crashes were to result in the Company being placed in intervention status, we may incur additional
operating costs to improve our safety program in deficient categories, experience increased roadside inspections, or
have onsite visits by the FMCSA. If the intervention category is not remedied, it could affect our ability to attract and
retain drivers and customers as they seek competitive carriers with scores below intervention thresholds. In addition the
CSA program could increase competition and related compensation and recruitment costs for drivers and independent
contractors by reducing the pool of qualified drivers if existing drivers exit the profession, become disqualified due to
low scores or as carriers focus recruiting efforts on drivers with the best relative safety scores.
The EPA and the NHTSA jointly developed standards for various vehicles, including heavy duty trucks, that were
adopted in August 2011 and cover model years 2014 through 2018. These standards are designed to reduce GHG
emissions and improve fuel economy for heavy duty trucks. In August 2016, the EPA and NHTSA finalized the second
phase of these standards which will further reduce GHG emissions and fuel consumption for heavy duty trucks through
model year 2027. Compliance with these federal and state requirements has increased the cost of our equipment and
may further increase the cost of replacement equipment in the future.
The Regulation section in Item 1 of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K discusses several proposed and final
regulations that could materially impact our business and operations.
We are subject to certain risks arising from doing business in Mexico.
As we continue to grow our business in Mexico, we are subject to greater risks of doing business internationally,
including fluctuations in foreign currencies, changes in the economic strength of Mexico, difficulties in enforcing
contractual obligations and intellectual property rights, burdens of complying with a wide variety of international and
U.S. export and import laws, and social, political, and economic instability. We also face additional risks associated with
our Mexico business, including potential restrictive trade policies and imposition of any import or export taxes, duties,
fees, etc. If we are unable to address business concerns related to our international operations in a timely and cost
efficient manner, our financial position, results of operations or cash flows could be adversely affected. The agreement
permitting cross border movements for both United States and Mexican based carriers in the United States and Mexico
presents additional risks in the form of potential increased competition and the potential for increased congestion in our
lanes that cross the border between countries.
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A determination by regulators that independent contractors are employees could expose us to various liabilities and
additional costs.
Tax and other regulatory authorities often seek to assert that independent contractors in the transportation service
industry are employees rather than independent contractors. There can be no assurance that interpretations and tax
laws that support the independent contractor status will not change or that various authorities will not successfully
assert a position that re-classifies independent contractors to be employees. If our independent contractors are
determined to be our employees, that determination could materially increase our exposure under a variety of federal
and state tax, workers’ compensation, unemployment benefits, labor, employment and tort laws, as well as our potential
liability for employee benefits. In addition, such changes may be applied retroactively, and if so, we may be required to
pay additional amounts to compensate for prior periods. Any of the above increased costs would adversely affect our
business and operating results.
Our results of operations may be affected by seasonal factors.
Our productivity may decrease during the winter season when severe winter weather impedes operations. Also, some
shippers may reduce their shipments after the winter holiday season. At the same time, operating expenses may
increase and fuel efficiency may decline due to engine idling during periods of inclement weather. Harsh weather
conditions generally also result in higher accident frequency, increased freight claims, and higher equipment repair
expenditures. In addition, automobile plants for which we transport a large amount of freight typically undergo
scheduled shutdowns in July and December which reduces the volume of automotive freight we ship during these plant
shutdowns.
Our business may be disrupted by natural disasters and severe weather conditions causing supply chain disruptions.
Natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods or other adverse weather and climate
conditions, whether occurring in the United States or abroad, could disrupt our operations or the operations of our
customers or could damage or destroy infrastructure necessary to transport products as part of the supply chain.
Specifically, these events may damage or destroy our assets, disrupt fuel supplies, increase fuel costs, disrupt freight
shipments or routes, and affect regional economies. As a result, these events could make it difficult or impossible for us
to provide logistics and transportation services; disrupt or prevent our ability to perform functions at the corporate level;
and/or otherwise impede our ability to continue business operations in a continuous manner consistent with the level
and extent of business activities prior to the occurrence of the unexpected event, which could adversely affect our
business and results of operations or make our results more volatile.
We may incur additional operating expenses or liabilities as a result of potential future requirements to address climate
change issues.
A s global warming issues become more prevalent, federal, state and local governments as well as some of our
customers, have made efforts to respond to these issues. This increased focus on sustainability may result in new
legislation or regulations and customer requirements that could negatively affect us as we may incur additional costs or
be required to make changes to our operations in order to comply with any new regulations or customer requirements.
Legislation or regulations that potentially impose restrictions, caps, taxes, or other controls on emissions of greenhouse
gases such as carbon dioxide, a by-product of burning fossil fuels such as those used in the Company’s trucks, could
adversely affect our operations and financial results. More specifically, legislative or regulatory actions relating to
climate change could adversely impact the Company by increasing our fuel costs and reducing fuel efficiency and could
result in the creation of substantial additional capital expenditures and operating costs in the form of taxes, emissions
allowances, or required equipment upgrades. Any of these factors could impair our operating efficiency and productivity
and result in higher operating costs. In addition, revenues could decrease if we are unable to meet regulatory or
customer sustainability requirements. These additional costs, changes in operations, or loss of revenues could have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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Our operations are subject to various environmental laws and regulations, the violation of which could result in
substantial fines or penalties.
We are subject to various environmental laws and regulations dealing with the handling of hazardous materials,
underground fuel storage tanks, and discharge and retention of storm-water. We operate in industrial areas, where
truck terminals and other industrial activities are located, and where groundwater or other forms of environmental
contamination could occur. In prior years, we also maintained bulk fuel storage and fuel islands at two of our facilities.
Our operations may involve the risks of fuel spillage or seepage, environmental damage, and hazardous waste
disposal, among others. If we are involved in a spill or other accident involving hazardous substances, or if we are found
to be in violation of applicable laws or regulations, it could have a materially adverse effect on our business and
operating results. If we should fail to comply with applicable environmental regulations, we could be subject to
substantial fines or penalties and to civil and criminal liability.
If our employees were to unionize, our operating costs would increase and our ability to compete would be impaired.
None of our employees are currently represented by a collective bargaining agreement. However, we can offer no
assurance that our employees will not unionize in the future, particularly if legislation is passed that facilitates
unionization. If our employees were to unionize, our operating costs would increase and our profitability could be
adversely affected.
Our information technology systems are subject to certain cyber security and disaster risks that are beyond our control.
We depend heavily on the proper functioning and availability of our information, communications, and data processing
systems, including operating and financial reporting systems, in operating our business. Our operating system is critical
in meeting customer expectations, effectively tracking, maintaining and operating our equipment, directing and
compensating our employees, and interfacing with our financial reporting system. Our financial reporting system
receives, processes, controls and reports information for operating our business and for tabulation into our financial
statements.
While we are not aware of a breach that has resulted in lost productivity or exposure of sensitive information to date, we
are aware that our systems are targeted by various viruses and cyber-attacks and expect these efforts to continue. Our
systems and those of our technology and communications providers are vulnerable to interruptions caused by natural
disasters, power loss, telecommunication and internet failures, cyber-attack, and other events beyond our control.
Accordingly, information security and the continued development and enhancement of the controls and processes
designed to protect our systems, computers, software, data and networks from attack, damage or unauthorized access
remain a priority for us.
Although our information systems are protected through physical and software security as well as redundant backup
systems, they remain susceptible to cyber security risks. Some of our software systems are utilized by third parties who
provide outsourced processing services which may increase the risk of a cyber-security incident.
A successful cyber-attack or catastrophic natural disaster could significantly affect our operating and financial systems
and could temporarily disrupt our ability to provide required services to our customers, impact our ability to manage our
operations and perform vital financial processes, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our business.
We have substantial fixed costs and, as a result, our operating income fluctuates disproportionately with changes in our
net sales.
A significant portion of our expenses are fixed costs that neither increase nor decrease proportionately with sales. There
can be no assurance that we would be able to reduce our fixed costs proportionately in response to a decline in our
sales, and therefore our competitiveness could be significantly impacted. As a result, a decline in our sales would result
in a higher percentage decline in our income from operations and net income.
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Our financial results may be adversely impacted by potential future changes in accounting standards or practices.
Future changes in accounting standards or practices, and related legal and regulatory interpretations of those changes,
may adversely impact public companies in general, the transportation industry or our operations specifically. New
accounting standards or requirements, could change the way we account for, disclose and present various aspects of
our financial position, results of operations or cash flows and could be costly to implement.
Our business may be harmed by terrorist attacks, future war or anti-terrorism measures.
In order to prevent terrorist attacks, federal, state and municipal authorities have implemented and continue to follow
various security measures, including checkpoints and travel restrictions on large trucks. Our international operations in
Canada and Mexico may be affected significantly if there are any disruptions or closures of border traffic due to security
measures. Such measures may have costs associated with them, which, in connection with the transportation services
we provide, we or our independent contractors could be forced to bear. In addition, war or risk of war also may have an
adverse effect on the economy. A decline in economic activity could adversely affect our revenue or restrict our future
growth. Instability in the financial markets as a result of terrorism or war also could affect our ability to raise capital. In
addition, the insurance premiums charged for some or all of the coverage currently maintained by us could increase
dramatically or such coverage could be unavailable in the future.
We may be unable to successfully integrate businesses we acquire into our operations.
Integrating businesses we acquire may involve unanticipated delays, costs or other operational or financial problems.
Successful integration of the businesses we acquire depends on a number of factors, including our ability to transition
acquired companies to our information systems. In integrating businesses we acquire, we may not achieve expected
economies of scale or profitability or realize sufficient revenues to justify our investment. We also face the risk that an
unexpected problem at one of the companies we acquire will require substantial time and attention from senior
management, diverting management’s attention from other aspects of our business. We cannot be certain that our
management and operational controls will be able to support us as we grow.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
The Chairman of our board of directors holds a controlling interest in the Company; therefore, the influence of our public
shareholders over significant corporate actions is limited, and we are not subject to certain corporate governance
standards that apply to other publicly traded companies.
Matthew T. Moroun, the Chairman of our Board of Directors, and a trust of which Mr. Moroun is a co-trustee
own approximately 63.2% of our outstanding common stock. As a result, Mr. Moroun has the power to:
together
•
•
•
•
control all matters submitted to our shareholders;
elect our directors;
adopt, extend or remove any anti-takeover provisions that are available to us; and
exercise control over our business, policies and affairs.
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This concentration of ownership could limit the price that some investors might be willing to pay for shares of our
common stock, and our ability to engage in significant transactions, such as a merger, acquisition or liquidation, will
require the consent of Mr. Moroun. Conflicts of interest could arise between us and Mr. Moroun, and any conflict of
interest may be resolved in a manner that does not favor us. Accordingly, Mr. Moroun could cause us to enter into
transactions or agreements of which our other shareholders would not approve or make decisions with which they may
disagree. Because of Mr. Moroun’s level of ownership, we have elected to be treated as a controlled company in
accordance with the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market. Accordingly, we are not required to comply with NASDAQ
Stock Market rules which would otherwise require a majority of our Board to be comprised of independent directors and
require our Board to have a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee
comprised of independent directors.
Mr. Moroun may continue to retain control of the Company for the foreseeable future and may decide not to enter into a
transaction in which shareholders would receive consideration for our common stock that is much higher than the then-
current market price of our common stock. In addition, Mr. Moroun could elect to sell a controlling interest in us to a
third-party and our other shareholders may not be able to participate in such transaction or, if they are able to
participate in such a transaction, such shareholders may receive less than the then-current fair market value of their
shares. Any decision regarding ownership of us that Mr. Moroun may make at some future time will be in his absolute
discretion, subject to applicable laws and fiduciary duties.
Our stock trading volume may not provide adequate liquidity for investors.
Although shares of our common stock are traded on the NASDAQ Global Market, the average daily trading volume in
our common stock is less than that of other larger transportation and logistics companies. A public trading market
having the desired characteristics of depth, liquidity and orderliness depends on the presence in the marketplace of a
sufficient number of willing buyers and sellers of the common stock at any given time. This presence depends on the
individual decisions of investors and general economic and market conditions over which we have no control. Given the
daily average trading volume of our common stock, significant sales of the common stock in a brief period of time, or
the expectation of these sales, could cause a decline in the price of our common stock. Additionally, low trading
volumes may limit a stockholder’s ability to sell shares of our common stock.
We currently do not intend to pay future dividends on our common stock.
We currently do not anticipate paying future cash dividends on our common stock. Any determination to pay future
dividends and other distributions in cash, stock, or property by the Company in the future will be at the discretion of our
Board of Directors and will be dependent on then-existing conditions, including our financial condition and results of
operations and contractual restrictions. Therefore, stockholders should not rely on future dividend income from shares
of our common stock.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
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Item 2. Properties.
Our executive offices and primary terminal facilities, which we own, are located in Tontitown, Arkansas. These facilities
are located on approximately 44.6 acres and consist of 114,403 square feet of office space and maintenance and
storage facilities.
Our subsidiaries lease facilities in Indianapolis, Indiana; Romulus, Michigan; Tahlequah, Oklahoma; Memphis,
Tennessee, and Monterrey, Mexico. Our terminal facilities in North Little Rock, Arkansas; North Jackson, Ohio; Willard,
Ohio; and Irving and Laredo, Texas are owned. The leased facilities are leased primarily on contractual terms typically
ranging from one to five years. As of December 31, 2017, the following table provides a summary of the ownership and
types of activities conducted at each location:
Location
Tontitown, Arkansas
North Little Rock, Arkansas
Indianapolis, Indiana
Romulus, Michigan
North Jackson, Ohio
Willard, Ohio
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Irving, Texas
Laredo, Texas
Monterrey, Mexico
Memphis, Tennessee
Own/
Lease
Own
Own
Lease
Lease
Own
Own
Lease
Own
Own
Lease
Lease
Dispatch
Office
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Maintenance
Facility
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Safety
Training
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
We also have access to trailer drop and relay stations in various other locations across the country. We lease certain of
these facilities on a month-to-month basis from affiliates of our largest stockholder.
We believe that all of the properties that we own or lease are suitable for their purposes and adequate to meet our
needs.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
The nature of our business routinely results in litigation, primarily involving claims for personal injuries and property
damage incurred in the transportation of freight. We believe that all such routine litigation is adequately covered by
insurance and that adverse results in one or more of those cases would not have a material adverse effect on our
financial statements.
We are a defendant in a collective-action lawsuit which was re-filed on December 9, 2016, in the United States District
Court for the Western District of Arkansas. The plaintiffs, who are former drivers who worked for the Company during
the period of December 6, 2013, through the date of the filing, allege violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act and
the Arkansas Minimum Wage Law. The plaintiffs, through their attorneys, have filed causes of action alleging “Failure to
pay minimum wage during orientation, failure to pay minimum wage to team drivers after initial orientation, failure to pay
minimum wage to solo-drivers after initial orientation, failure to pay for compensable travel time, Comdata card fees,
unlawful deductions, and breach of contract.” The plaintiffs are seeking actual and liquidated damages to include court
costs and legal fees. The lawsuit is currently under preliminary review. We cannot reasonably estimate, at this time, the
possible loss or range of loss, if any, that may arise from this lawsuit. Management has determined that any losses
under this claim will not be covered by existing insurance policies.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures .
Not applicable.
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PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant ’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities.
Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol PTSI. The following table sets forth, for
the quarters indicated, the range of the high and low sales prices per share for our common stock as reported on the
NASDAQ Global Market.
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2017
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 201 6
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
$
$
High
Low
27.17 $
20.45
24.31
43.20
15.53
14.50
16.34
23.09
High
Low
32.23 $
30.99
21.32
28.43
22.13
14.75
15.60
18.75
As of February 16, 2018, there were approximately 78 holders of record of our common stock.
Dividends
The Company paid cash dividends of $1.00 per common share during each of the months of April 2012 and December
2012. No dividends were paid during any year prior to 2012 or subsequent to 2012. Future dividend policy and the
payment of dividends, if any, will be determined by the Board of Directors in light of circumstances then existing,
including our earnings, financial condition and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors. Currently, the
Company does not intend to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.
Repurchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer
The Company’s stock repurchase program has been extended and expanded several times, most recently in April
2017, when the Board of Directors reauthorized 500,000 shares of common stock for repurchase under the initial
September 2011 authorization. Following the reauthorization, the Company repurchased 110,316 shares of its common
stock under this repurchase program.
In October 2017, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 400,000 shares of our common stock
through a Dutch auction tender offer (the “2017 tender offer”). Subject to certain limitations and legal requirements, the
Company could repurchase up to an additional 2% of its outstanding shares which totals 126,060 shares. The 2017
tender offer commenced on October 10, 2017 and expired on November 7, 2017. Through this tender offer, the
Company’s shareholders had the opportunity to tender some or all of their shares at a price within the range of $27.00
to $30.00 per share. Upon expiration, 143,859 shares were purchased through this offer at a final purchase price of
$30.00 per share for a total of approximately $4.4 million, including fees and commission. The repurchase was settled
on November 10, 2017. The Company accounted for the repurchase of these shares as treasury stock on the
Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017.
In addition, the Company repurchased 567,413 shares and 298,566 shares during 2016 and 2015, respectively,
through publicly announced Dutch auction tender offers. See “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,
Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements – Capital Stock” for additional information regarding these tender
offers.
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Table of Contents
The following table summarizes the Company ’s common stock repurchases during the fourth quarter of 2017 made
pursuant to the 2017 tender offer. No shares were purchased during the quarter other than through the 2017 tender
offer, and all purchases were made by or on behalf of the Company and not by any “affiliated purchaser”.
Period
October 1-31, 2017
November 1-30, 2017
December 1-31, 2017
Total
Total number
of shares
purchased
-
143,859 (2) $
-
143,859
$
Average
price
paid per
share
Total number of
shares
purchased as part
of
publicly
announced
plans or programs
-
-
30.00
-
30.00
143,859 (2)
-
143,859
Maximum
number of shares
that may yet be
purchased under
the plans or
programs(1)
389,684
389,684
389,684
(1) The Company’s stock repurchase program does not have an expiration date.
(2) All shares were purchased pursuant to the 2017 tender offer.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
See Part III, Item 12, “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
Matters” of this Annual Report for a presentation of compensation plans under which equity securities of the Company
are authorized for issuance.
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Table of Contents
Performance Graph
Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total stockholder return on
our common stock against the cumulative total return of the NASDAQ OMX Index for the NASDAQ Stock Market (U.S.
companies) and the NASDAQ OMX Index for the NASDAQ Trucking and Transportation Stocks for the period of five
years commencing December 31, 2012 and ending December 31, 2017. The graph assumes that the value of the
investment in our common stock and in each index was $100 on December 31, 2012 and that all dividends were
reinvested.
COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN AMONG OUR COMMON STOCK,
THE NASDAQ OMX INDEX FOR THE NASDAQ STOCK MARKET (U.S. COMPANIES)
AND THE NASDAQ TRUCKING AND TRANSPORTATION STOCKS INDEX THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 201 7
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Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
The following selected financial and operating data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial
Statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Report.
2017
Year Ended December 31,
2015
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
2016
2014
2013
Statement of Operations
Data:
Operating revenues:
Operating revenues, before
fuel surcharge
Fuel surcharge
$
Total operating revenues
Operating expenses:
Salaries, wages and benefits
Operating supplies and
expenses
Rent and purchased
transportation
Depreciation
Insurance and claims
Other
Gain on sale or disposal of
property
Total operating expenses
Operating income
Non-operating income
Interest expense
Income before income taxes
Income tax (benefit) expense
Net income
Earnings per common share:
Basic
Diluted
Average common shares
outstanding – Basic
Average common shares
outstanding – Diluted (1)
$
$
$
373,523 $
64,315
437,838
382,737 $
50,115
432,852
355,403 $
61,647
417,050
316,584 $
94,353
410,937
313,117
89,696
402,813
102,227
112,235
105,943
108,371
107,037
79,505
82,993
89,878
126,875
137,268
174,477
42,274
17,484
9,249
158,298
39,114
16,632
8,352
134,188
32,346
15,315
8,904
90,831
36,296
20,274
9,871
(58)
425,158
12,680
5,853
(3,902)
14,631
(24,268)
38,899 $
(4,700)
412,924
19,928
1,485
(3,641)
17,772
6,671
11,101 $
(5,754)
380,820
36,230
1,516
(2,818)
34,928
13,492
21,436 $
(4,591)
387,927
23,010
2,099
(2,897)
22,212
8,721
13,491 $
85,226
39,088
14,586
8,956
(854)
391,307
11,506
1,540
(3,375)
9,671
3,756
5,915
6.14 $
6.08 $
1.68 $
1.67 $
2.94 $
2.93 $
1.69 $
1.68 $
0.68
0.68
6,331
6,627
7,288
7,990
8,662
6,398
6,649
7,325
8,034
8,682
Cash dividends declared per
common share
__________
(1) Diluted income per share for 201 7, 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013 assumes the exercise of stock
options to purchase an aggregate of 50,177, 39,093, 44,755, 71,990, and 92,496 shares of common
stock, respectively.
- $
- $
- $
- $
$
-
- 20 -
Table of Contents
2017
2016
$
392,185
$ 380,066
$ 324,605
$ 329,302
At December 31,
2015
(in thousands)
$ 357,995
2014
2013
98,995
127,604
124,391
94,158
99,223
101,554
52,293
99,985
70,366
115,946
2017
2016
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2015
2013
96.6%
94.8%
89.8%
92.7%
96.3%
7,134
635
6,827
684
6,388
673
5,674
729
6,120
675
229,392
125,009
237,266
125,471
218,418
119,419
209,990
117,868
209,837
116,256
$
805
$
797
$
765
$
700
$
683
$
1.51
$
6.8%
1.53
$
6.8%
1.53
$
6.8%
1.50
$
6.8%
1.49
7.3%
1,721(2)
1,855(3)
1,860(4)
1,761(5)
1,837(6)
Balance Sheet Data:
Total assets
Long-term debt, excluding
current portion
Stockholders' equity
Operating Data:
Operating ratio (1)
Average number of
truckloads per week
Average miles per trip
Total miles traveled (in
thousands)
Average miles per truck
Average revenue, before
fuel surcharge per truck
per day
Average revenue, before
fuel surcharge per
loaded mile
Empty mile factor
At end of period:
Total company-
owned/leased trucks
Average age of company-
owned trucks (in years)
1.49
1.49
1.32
1.58
1.52
Total company-
owned/leased trailers
Average age of company-
5,795(7)
5,699(8)
4,983(9)
4,919(10)
5,170(11)
owned trailers (in years)
3.38
2.71
3.47
5.19
6.34
Number of employees and
independent contract
drivers
__________
(1) Total operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge as a percentage of operating revenues, before fuel
3,216
2,911
3,049
2,969
3,022
surcharge;
(2) Includes 560 independent contractor trucks; (3) Includes 578 independent contractor trucks; (4) Includes 482
independent contractor trucks; (5) Includes 325 independent contractor trucks; (6) Includes 357 independent
contractor trucks; (7) Includes zero leased trailers; (8) Includes 232 leased trailers; (9) Includes 80 leased
trailers;
(10)Includes 141 leased trailers; (11) Includes 91 leased trailers.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Business Overview
The Company's administrative headquarters are in Tontitown, Arkansas. From this location we manage operations
conducted through our wholly owned subsidiaries based in various locations around the United States, Mexico, and
Canada. The operations of these subsidiaries can generally be classified into either truckload services or brokerage and
logistics services. Truckload services include those transportation services in which we utilize company owned trucks or
independent contractor owned trucks. Brokerage and logistics services consist of services such as transportation
scheduling, routing, mode selection, transloading and other value added services related to the transportation of freight
which may or may not involve the usage of company owned or independent contractor owned equipment. Both our
truckload operations and our brokerage/logistics operations have similar economic characteristics and are impacted by
virtually the same economic factors as discussed elsewhere in this Report. All of the Company's operations are in the
motor carrier segment.
For both operations, substantially all of our revenue is generated by transporting freight for customers and is
predominantly affected by the rates per mile received from our customers, equipment utilization, and our percentage of
non-compensated miles. These aspects of our business are carefully managed and efforts are continuously underway
to achieve favorable results. Truckload services revenues, excluding fuel surcharges, represented 86.3%, 88.4% and
87.6% of total revenues, excluding fuel surcharges for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015,
respectively.
The main factors that impact our profitability on the expense side are costs incurred in transporting freight for our
customers. Currently, our most challenging costs include fuel, driver recruitment, training, wage and benefit costs,
independent broker costs (which we record as purchased transportation), insurance, and maintenance and capital
equipment costs.
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Table of Contents
In discussing our results of operations we use revenue, before fuel surcharge (and operating supplies and expense, net
of fuel surcharge), because management believes that eliminating the impact of this sometimes volatile source of
revenue allows a more consistent basis for comparing our results of operations from period to period. During 2017,
2016 and 2015, approximately $64.3 million, $50.1 million and $61.6 million, respectively, of the Company's total
revenue was generated from fuel surcharges. We also discuss certain changes in our expenses as a percentage of
revenue, before fuel surcharge, rather than absolute dollar changes. We do this because we believe the high variable
cost nature of certain expenses makes a comparison of changes in expenses as a percentage of revenue more
meaningful than absolute dollar changes.
Results of Operations - Truckload Services
The following table sets forth, for truckload services, the percentage relationship of expense items to operating
revenues, before fuel surcharges, for the periods indicated. Operating supplies and expenses are shown net of fuel
surcharges.
Operating revenues, before fuel
surcharge
Operating expenses:
Salaries, wages and benefit
Operating supplies and expenses,
net of fuel surcharge
Rent and purchased transportation
Depreciation
Insurance and claims
Other
Gain on sale or disposal of property
Total operating expenses
Operating income
Non-operating income
Interest expense
Income before income taxes
Years Ended December 31,
2016
2017
2015
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
30.9
32.6
4.7
39.9
13.1
5.4
2.7
(0.0)
96.7
3.3
1.7
(1.1)
3.9%
9.7
34.7
11.5
4.9
2.4
(1.4)
94.4
5.6
0.4
(1.0)
5.0%
33.6
9.1
29.8
10.4
4.9
2.8
(1.9)
88.7
11.3
0.5
(0.9)
10.9%
2017 Compared to 2016
For the year ended December 31, 201 7, truckload services revenue, before fuel surcharges, decreased 4.7% to $322.4
million as compared to $338.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The decrease relates primarily to a
decrease in the number of miles traveled and a decrease in the average revenue per mile. The number of miles
traveled decreased from 237.3 million miles during 2016 to 229.4 million miles during 2017, primarily as a result of a
decrease in the average number of trucks in service, which decreased from 1,891 during 2016 to 1,835 during 2017.
Salaries, wages and benefits decreased from 32.6% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2016 to 30.9% of
revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2017. The decrease relates primarily to a decrease in company driver wages
paid during 2017 compared to 2016. Our driver pool consists of both company drivers and third-party owner-operator
drivers. Company drivers are employees of the Company and perform services in company-owned equipment while
owner-operator drivers provide services, under contract, using their own equipment. While each group is generally
compensated on a per-mile basis, owner-operator payments are classified in the Company’s financial statements under
Rent and purchased transportation. The decrease in Salaries, wages and benefits primarily resulted from a decrease in
the overall number of miles driven and to the proportion of total miles driven by company drivers during 2017 compared
to 2016. Also contributing to the decrease was a decrease in group health insurance claims under the Company’s self-
insured health plan during 2017 as compared to 2016.
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Table of Contents
Operating supplies and expenses decreased from 9.7% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2016 to 4.7% of
revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2017. The decrease relates primarily to a decrease in the average surcharge-
adjusted fuel price paid per gallon of diesel fuel. The average surcharge-adjusted fuel price paid per gallon of diesel
fuel decreased as a result of increased fuel surcharge collections from customers and to an increase in the proportion
of total miles travelled by owner-operators in 2017 compared to 2016. Fuel surcharge collections can fluctuate
significantly from period to period as they are generally based on changes in fuel prices from period to period so that,
during periods of rising fuel prices, fuel surcharge collections increase, while fuel surcharge collections decrease during
periods of falling fuel prices. Fuel surcharge revenue generated from transportation services performed by owner-
operators is reflected as a reduction in net operating supplies and expenses, while fuel surcharges paid to owner-
operators for their services is reported along with their base rate of pay in the Rent and purchased transportation
category. These categorizations have the effect of reducing our net operating supplies and expenses while increasing
the Rent and purchased transportation category, as discussed below. Also contributing to the decrease was a decrease
in amounts paid for driver recruiting and to driver training schools during 2017 as compared to amounts paid during
2016.
Rent and purchased transportation increased from 34.7% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2016 to 39.9% of
revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2017. The increase was primarily due to an increase in driver lease expense
as average number of owner-operator trucks under contract increased from 557 during 2016 to 634 during 2017. The
increase in costs in this category, as it relates to the increase in owner-operators, is partially offset by a decrease in
other cost categories, such as repairs and fuel, which are generally borne by the owner-operator.
Depreciation increased from 11.5% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2016 to 13.1% of revenues, before fuel
surcharges, during 2017. The increase relates primarily to an increase in equipment acquisition costs, increases in the
size of the Company’s owned truck and trailer fleet, and to a change in the estimated residual values of certain
equipment. The Company uses a three-year and seven-year equipment replacement cycle for trucks and trailers,
respectively, and the cost of new trucks and trailers have increased significantly over the previous three-year and
seven-year periods. Depreciating higher cost equipment over the same length of time will result in an increase in
depreciation expense during the respective period. During 2017 the company-owned trailer fleet increased by 328
trailers as rented trailers were turned in and replaced by company owned trailers. The number of company owned
tractors being depreciated increased as tractors used under operating leases were turned in and replaced by company
owned equipment. In addition, year over year depreciation increased due to a reduction in expected residual values of
certain groups of tractors in August 2016 due to a prolonged depressed used truck market. The reduction in expected
residual values resulted in additional depreciation expense of approximately $2.7 million during 2017 compared to $1.3
million during 2016.
Gains and losses on sale or disposal of property decreased from a net gain of 1.4% of revenues, before fuel
surcharges, during 2016 to less than 0.5% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2017. The decrease relates
primarily to fewer trailers being sold during 2017 as compared to 2016 and to the continued depressed market for used
equipment.
The truckload services division operating ratio, w hich measures the ratio of operating expenses, net of fuel surcharges,
to operating revenues, before fuel surcharges, increased to 96.7% for 2017 from 94.4% for 2016.
2016 Compared to 2015
For the year ended December 31, 2016, truckload services revenue, before fuel surcharges, increased 8.7% to $338.3
million as compared to $311.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase related primarily to an
increase in the number of miles traveled and an increase in equipment utilization. The number of miles traveled
increased from 218.4 million miles during 2015 to 237.3 million miles during 2016 primarily as a result of an increase in
the average number of trucks in service, which increased from 1,829 during 2015 to 1,891 during 2016. Also
contributing to the increase in miles traveled was an increase in equipment utilization as the average number of miles
traveled each work day increased from 470 miles per truck during 2015 to 494 miles per truck during 2016.
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Salaries, wages and benefits decreased from 33.6% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2015 to 32.6% of
revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2016. The percentage-based decrease was primarily a result of the interaction
of expenses with fixed-cost characteristics, such as general and administrative wages, maintenance wages, operations
wages, and payroll taxes with an increase in revenues for the periods compared. On a dollar basis, Salaries, wages
and benefits increased from $104.6 million during 2015 to $110.2 million during 2016. The increase related primarily to
an increase in group health insurance claims expensed under the Company’s self-insured health plan and an increase
in workers’ compensation costs during 2016 as compared to 2015.
Operating supplies and expenses increased from 9.1% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2015 to 9.7% of
revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2016. The increase related primarily to an increase in amounts paid for driver
recruiting and training. The Company recruited a significant portion of its drivers from third-party driver training schools
and paid a fee for each driver employed by the Company at the end of the training period. Throughout 2015, and
continuing into 2016, the per-driver fee charged by the Company’s largest provider of recruits increased periodically in
accordance with an agreed upon fee schedule arrangement. The scheduled fee increases, along with an increase in
the count of drivers recruited and other associated recruiting costs, resulted in an increase of $4.4 million in recruiting
costs during 2016 as compared to 2015.
Rent and purchased transportation increased from 29.8% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2015 to 34.7% of
revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2016. The increase related primarily to an increase in driver lease expense as
the average number of independent contractor trucks under contract increased from 414 during 2015 to 557 during
2016. The increase in costs in this category, as they relate to the increase in independent contractors, were partially
offset by a decrease in other cost categories, such as repairs and fuel, which are generally borne by the independent
contractor.
Depreciation increased from 10.4% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2015 to 11.5% of revenues, before fuel
surcharges, during 2016. The increase related primarily to an increase in equipment costs, an increase in the size of
the Company’s owned trailer fleet, and to a change in the estimated residual values of certain equipment. The
Company uses a three-year and seven-year equipment replacement cycle for trucks and trailers, respectively, and the
cost of new trucks and trailers have increased significantly over the previous three-year and seven-year periods.
Depreciating higher cost equipment over the same length of time will result in an increase in depreciation expense
during the respective period. During 2016, the company-owned trailer fleet increased by 415 trailers. Also during 2016,
the Company reduced the expected residual values of certain groups of trucks due to a prolonged depressed used truck
market. The reduction in expected residual values resulted in additional depreciation expense of approximately $1.3
million during 2016.
Other expenses decreased from 2.8% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2015 to 2.4% of revenues, before
fuel surcharges, during 2016. The decrease related primarily to a decrease in amounts expensed for legal fees and
other supplies and expenses. This decrease was partially offset by an increase for amounts expensed for uncollectible
revenue.
The truckload services division operating ratio, which measures the ratio of operating expenses, net of fuel surcharges,
to operating revenues, before fuel surcharges, increased to 94.4% for 2016 from 88.7% for 2015.
- 24 -
Table of Contents
Results of Operations - Logistics and Brokerage Services
The following table sets forth, for logistics and brokerage services, the percentage relationship of expense items to
operating revenues, before fuel surcharges, for the periods indicated. Brokerage service operations occur specifically in
certain divisions; however, brokerage operations occur throughout the Company in similar operations having
substantially similar economic characteristics. Rent and purchased transportation, which includes costs paid to third
party carriers, are shown net of fuel surcharges.
Operating revenues, before fuel
surcharge
Operating expenses:
Salaries, wages and benefits
Rent and purchased transportation
Insurance and claims
Other
Total operating expenses
Operating income
Non-operating income
Interest expense
Income before income taxes
2017 Compared to 2016
Years Ended December 31,
2016
2017
2015
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
4.9
89.8
0.1
1.2
96.0
4.0
0.8
(0.6)
4.2%
4.5
92.5
0.0
0.6
97.6
2.4
0.1
(0.5)
2.0%
3.1
94.0
0.0
0.6
97.7
2.3
0.2
(0.4)
2.1%
For the year ended December 31, 201 7, logistics and brokerage services revenues, before fuel surcharges, increased
15.1% to $51.1 million as compared to $44.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase was primarily
the result of an increase in the number of loads brokered during 2017 as compared to 2016.
Salaries, wages an d benefits increased from 4.5% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, in 2016 to 4.9% of revenues,
before fuel surcharges, in 2017. The increase relates to an increase in wages paid to employees assigned to the
logistics and brokerage division during 2017 as compared to 2016 and to an increase in the number of employees
assigned to the logistics and brokerage services division.
Rent and purchased transportation decreased from 92.5% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, in 2016 to 89.8% of
revenues, before fuel surcharges, in 2017. The decrease results from paying third party carriers a smaller percentage of
customer revenue.
The logistics and brokerage services division operating ratio, which measures the ratio of operating expenses, net of
fuel surcharges, to operating revenues, before fuel surcharges, improved to 96.0% for 2017 from 97.6% for 2016.
2016 Compared to 2015
For the year ended December 31, 2016, logistics and brokerage services revenues, before fuel surcharges, increased
0.6% to $44.4 million as compared to $44.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase was primarily
the result of an increase in the number of loads brokered during 2016 as compared to 2015. The increase in the
number of loads was partially offset by a decrease in the average rates charged to our customers during 2016 as
compared to 2015.
Salaries, wages and benefits increased from 3.1% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, in 2015 to 4.5% of revenues,
before fuel surcharges, in 2016. The increase related to an increase in wages paid to employees assigned to the
logistics and brokerage division during 2016 as compared to 2015 and to a lesser extent, to an increase in the number
of employees assigned to the logistics and brokerage services division.
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Table of Contents
Rent and purchased transportation decreased from 94.0% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, in 2015 to 92.5% of
revenues, before fuel surcharges, in 2016. The decrease related to a decrease in the negotiated amounts paid to third
party logistics and brokerage service providers.
The logistics and brokerage services division operating ratio, which measures the ratio of operating expenses, net of
fuel surcharges, to operating revenues, before fuel surcharges, improved to 97.6% for 2016 from 97.7% for 2015.
Results of Operations - Combined Services
2017 Compared to 2016
Income tax benefit was approximately $(24.3) million in 2017 resulting in an effective rate of (165.9%), as compared to
an income tax expense of approximately $6.7 million in 2016 resulting in an effective rate of 37.5%.
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was signed into law. The Act includes numerous
changes to existing tax law, including a permanent reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%
effective January 1, 2018 and repeal of the alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) allowing a refund of existing AMT
carryovers during the years 2018 through 2021. As a result, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $29.3 million in the
fourth quarter of 2017 related to the revaluation of its net deferred tax attributes. In addition, the effective tax rate is also
impacted by the existence of partially non-deductible meal and incidental expense per-diem payments to company
drivers. Per-diem payments may cause a significant difference in the Company’s effective tax rate from period-to-period
as the proportion of non-deductible expenses to pre-tax net income increases or decreases.
While we do not anticipate any changes, t he ultimate impact of the Act may differ from preliminary conclusions due to
changes in interpretations and assumptions made by the Company as well as additional regulatory guidance that may
be issued. At this time, the Company believes all preliminary conclusions reported are reasonably estimated but may
adjust them over time as more information becomes available. Future adjustments, if any, will be disclosed in its
financial statements.
In determining whether a tax asset valuation allowance is necessary, management, in accordance with the provisions
of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740-10-30, weighs all available evidence, both positive and negative to
determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is necessary. If negative conditions
exist which indicate a valuation allowance might be necessary, consideration is then given to what effect the future
reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and the availability of tax strategies might have on future taxable
income to determine the amount, if any, of the required valuation allowance. As of December 31, 2017, management
determined that the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and available tax strategies would
generate sufficient future taxable income to realize its tax assets and therefore a valuation allowance was not
necessary.
The Company recognizes a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the position
will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. As of December
31, 2017, an adjustment to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for uncertain tax positions has not been
required as management believes that the Company’s tax positions taken in income tax returns filed or to be filed are
supported by clear and unambiguous income tax laws. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to
uncertain income tax positions, if any, in income tax expense. During 2017 and 2016, the Company has not recognized
or accrued any interest or penalties related to uncertain income tax positions.
The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. and Canadian federal income tax laws as well as the income tax
laws of multiple state jurisdictions. The major tax jurisdictions in which we operate generally provide for a deficiency
assessment statute of limitation period of three years and as a result, the Company’s tax years 2014 and forward
remain open to examination in those jurisdictions.
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Table of Contents
The combined net income for all divisions was $ 38.9 million, or 10.4% of revenues, before fuel surcharge, for 2017 as
compared to the combined net income for all divisions of $11.1 million or 2.9% of revenues, before fuel surcharge, for
2016. The increase in net income resulted in an increase in diluted earnings per share to $6.08 for 2017 from a diluted
earnings per share of $1.67 for 2016.
2016 Compared to 2015
Income tax expense was approximately $6.7 million in 2016 resulting in an effective rate of 37.5%, as compared to an
income tax expense of approximately $13.5 million in 2015 resulting in an effective rate of 38.6%. The effective tax rate
differs from the statutory rate primarily due to the existence of partially non-deductible meal and incidental expense per-
diem payments to company drivers. Per-diem payments may cause a significant difference in the Company’s effective
tax rate from period-to-period as the proportion of non-deductible expenses to pre-tax net income increases or
decreases.
As of December 31, 2016, management determined that the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences
and available tax strategies would generate sufficient future taxable income to realize its tax assets and therefore a
valuation allowance was not necessary.
As of December 31, 2016, an adjustment to the Company ’s consolidated financial statements for uncertain tax positions
has not been required as management believes that the Company’s tax positions taken in income tax returns filed or to
be filed are supported by clear and unambiguous income tax laws. During 2016 and 2015, the Company has not
recognized or accrued any interest or penalties related to uncertain income tax positions.
The combined net income for all divisions was $11.1 million, or 2.9% of revenues, before fuel surcharge, for 2016 as
compared to the combined net income for all divisions of $21.4 million or 6.0% of revenues, before fuel surcharge, for
2015. The decrease in net income resulted in a decrease in diluted earnings per share to $1.67 for 2016 from a diluted
earnings per share of $2.93 for 2015.
Quarterly Results of Operations
The following table presents selected consolidated financial information for each of our last eight fiscal quarters through
December 31, 2017. The information has been derived from unaudited consolidated financial statements that, in the
opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair
presentation of the quarterly information.
Mar. 31,
2017
June 30,
2017
Sept. 30,
2017
Dec. 31,
2017
Mar. 31,
2016
June 30,
2016
Sept. 30,
2016
Dec. 31,
2016
Quarter Ended
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except earnings per share data)
Operating
revenues
$ 109,405 $ 108,646 $ 108,899 $ 110,888 $ 103,589 $ 111,516 $ 109,393 $ 108,354
Total
operating
expenses
Operating
income
Net income
Income per
common
share:
Basic
Diluted
106,743 105,748 105,131 107,536
98,003 104,162 104,098 106,661
2,662
2,283
2,898
1,609
3,768
3,446
3,352
31,561
5,586
2,935
7,354
3,992
5,295
3,451
1,693
723
$
$
0.36 $
0.36 $
0.25 $
0.25 $
0.54 $
0.54 $
5.07 $
5.00 $
0.41 $
0.41 $
0.61 $
0.61 $
0.54 $
0.53 $
0.11
0.11
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our business has required, and will continue to require, a significant investment in new revenue equipment. Our
primary sources of liquidity have been funds provided by operations, proceeds from the sales of revenue equipment,
borrowings under our lines of credit, installment notes and investment margin account, and issuances of equity
securities.
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Table of Contents
During 2017, we generated $50.5 million in cash from operating activities compared to $47.4 million and $61.5 million in
2016 and 2015, respectively. Investing activities used $45.1 million in cash during 2017 compared to $52.8 million and
$85.5 in 2016 and 2015, respectively. The cash used for investing activities in all three years related primarily to the
purchase of revenue equipment such as trucks and trailers and related equipment such as auxiliary power units.
Financing activities used $5.2 million in cash during 2017 compared to providing $5.4 million and using $3.5 million in
cash during 2016 and 2015, respectively. See the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in Item 8 of this Report.
Our primary use of funds is for the purchase of revenue equipment. We typically use installment notes, our existing
lines of credit on an interim basis, proceeds from the sale or trade of equipment, and cash flows from operations, to
finance capital expenditures and repay long-term debt. During 2017 and 2016, we utilized cash on hand, installment
notes, and our lines of credit to finance revenue equipment purchases of approximately $66.8 million and $84.1 million,
respectively.
Occasionally we finance the acquisition of revenue equipment through installment notes with fixed interest rates and
terms ranging from 36 to 60 months. At December 31, 2017, the Company’s subsidiaries had combined outstanding
indebtedness under such installment notes of $172.6 million. These installment notes are payable in monthly
installments, ranging from 36 monthly installments to 60 monthly installments, at a weighted average interest rate of
2.52%. At December 31, 2016, the Company’s subsidiaries had combined outstanding indebtedness under such
installment notes of $165.3 million. These installment notes were payable in monthly installments, ranging from 36 to 60
months at a weighted average interest rate of 2.29%.
In order to maintain our truck and trailer fleet count , it is often necessary to purchase replacement units and place them
in service before trade units are removed from service. The timing of this process often requires the Company to pay for
new units without any reduction in price for trade units. In this situation, the Company later receives payment for the
trade units as they are delivered to the equipment vendor and have passed vendor inspection. During the twelve
months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company received approximately $15.7 million and $27.6 million,
respectively, for units delivered for trade.
During 2017, the Company maintained a $40.0 million revolving line of credit. Amounts outstanding under the line bear
interest at LIBOR (determined as of the first day of each month) plus 1.50% (2.86% at December 31, 2017), are
secured by our trade accounts receivable and mature on July 1, 2019. At December 31, 2017, outstanding advances on
the line were approximately $0.7 million, consisting entirely of letters of credit with availability to borrow $39.3 million.
Trade accounts receivable increased from $56.1 million at December 31, 2016 to $59.1 million at December 31, 2017.
The increase relates to a general increase in freight revenue and fuel surcharge revenue, which flows through the
accounts receivable account, during 2017 as compared to the freight revenue and fuel surcharge revenue generated
during 2016.
Marketable equity securities at December 31, 20 17 decreased approximately $1.0 million as compared to December 31,
2016. The decrease was related to changes in market value of approximately $2.0 million, sales of marketable equity
securities with a combined cost basis of approximately $2.1 million, other than temporary write downs and returns of
capital of approximately $0.1 million, combined, which were partially offset by purchases of marketable equity securities
of approximately $3.2 million. At December 31, 2017, the remaining marketable equity securities have a combined cost
basis of approximately $16.6 million and a combined fair market value of approximately $26.7 million. The Company
has developed a strategy to invest in securities from which it expects to receive dividends that qualify for favorable tax
treatment, as well as appreciate in value. The Company anticipates that increases in the market value of the
investments combined with dividend payments will exceed interest rates paid on borrowings for the same period. During
2017, the Company had net unrealized pre-tax gains of approximately $2.6 million and received dividends of
approximately $1.0 million. The holding term of these securities depends largely on the general economic environment,
the equity markets, borrowing rates, and the Company's cash requirements.
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Table of Contents
Revenue equipment, at December 31, 201 7, which generally consists of trucks, trailers, and revenue equipment
accessories such as Qualcomm™ satellite tracking units and auxiliary power units, increased approximately $20.5
million as compared to December 31, 2016. The increase relates primarily to the replacement of trucks that had been
leased under operating leases with new company owned trucks and to a lesser extent, to the replacement of rented
trailers with company owned trailers. The increase is also reflective of the higher purchase price of new trucks and
trailers compared to the trucks and trailers which are being replaced and sold.
Income taxes refundable increased from $0.8 million at December 31, 2016 to $1.5 million at December 31, 2017 as a
result of the reclassification of certain tax credits that became refundable due to the passage of the Tax Cut and Jobs
Act in December 2017.
Accounts payable at December 31, 2017 increased approximately $3.6 million as compared to December 31, 2016. The
increase was primarily related to a $2.9 million increase in amounts accrued for fixed asset purchases from $0.1 million
at the end of 2016 to $3.0 million at the end of 2017. To a lesser extent the increase was related to a $0.9 million
increase in bank overdrafts outstanding, from $3.5 million at December 31, 2016 to $4.4 million at December 31, 2017.
Accounts payable accruals can vary significantly at the end of each reporting period depending on the timing of the
actual date of payment in relation to the last day of the reporting period.
Accrued expenses and other liabilities decreased from $ 22.3 million at December 31, 2016 to $17.6 million at
December 31, 2017. The decrease was primarily related to a decrease of approximately $4.5 million in margin account
borrowings.
Current maturities of long term-debt and long-term debt fluctuations are reviewed on an aggregate basis as the
classification of amounts in each category are typically affected merely by the passage of time. Current maturities of
long-term debt and long-term debt, on an aggregate basis, at December 31, 2017, increased approximately $5.4 million
as compared to December 31, 2016. The increase was related to additional borrowings received during 2017, net of the
principal portion of scheduled installment note payments made during 2017.
For 2018, we expect to purchase 725 new trucks and 1,000 new trailers while continuing to sell or trade equipment that
has reached the end of its life cycle, which we expect to result in net capital expenditures of approximately $107.1
million. Management believes we will be able to finance our existing needs for working capital over the next twelve
months, as well as acquisitions of revenue equipment during such period, with cash balances, cash flows from
operations, and borrowings believed to be available from financing sources. We will continue to have significant capital
requirements over the long-term, which may require us to incur debt or seek additional equity capital. The availability of
additional capital will depend upon prevailing market conditions, the market price of our common stock and several
other factors over which we have limited control, as well as our financial condition and results of operations.
Nevertheless, based on our anticipated future cash flows and sources of financing that we expect will be available to us,
we do not expect that we will experience any significant liquidity constraints in the foreseeable future.
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Table of Contents
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
The following table sets forth the Company's contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of December 31,
2017:
Payments due by period
(in thousands)
Total
Less than
1 year
1 to 3
Years
3 to 5
Years
More than
5 Years
Long-term debt (1)
Operating leases (2)
Total
$
$
185,350 $
491
185,841 $
77,529 $
382
77,911 $
97,249 $
103
97,352 $
10,572 $
6
10,578 $
-
-
-
(1) Including interest.
(2) Represents equipment, building, facilities, and drop yard operating leases.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
At December 31, 201 7, the Company operated 56 trucks under operating lease agreements. These lease agreements
do not require any residual value guarantees; however, the trucks must meet certain normal wear and tear conditions
upon return to lessor at the end of the lease term.
The trucks held under operating leases are not carried on our balance sheet and the respective lease payments are
reflected in our consolidated statements of operations as a component of the caption “Rents and purchased
transportation.” Rent expense related to the trucks under the operating lease agreements totaled approximately $5.5
million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The final 56 trucks operated under these lease agreements were
returned or purchased by January 31, 2018.
Insurance
The Company maintains certain insurance coverage s for physical damage, auto liability, and cargo loss risks as well as
other general business risks. This coverage is provided through insurance policies with various insurance carriers
which have per occurrence deductibles of up to $12,500. The Company maintains workers’ compensation coverage in
Arkansas, Ohio, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Florida with a $500,000 self-insured retention and a $500,000 per
occurrence excess policy. The Company has elected to opt out of workers' compensation coverage in Texas and is
providing coverage through the P.A.M. Texas Injury Plan. The Company has reserved for estimated losses to pay such
claims as well as claims incurred but not yet reported. The Company has not experienced any adverse trends involving
differences in claims experienced versus claims estimates for workers’ compensation claims. Letters of credit
aggregating approximately $521,000 and certificates of deposit totaling $300,000 are held by banks as security for
workers’ compensation claims. The Company self-insures for employee health claims with a stop loss of $325,000 per
covered employee per year and estimates its liability for claims incurred but not reported.
Inflation
Inflation has an impact on most of our operating costs. Over the past three years, the effect of inflation has been
minimal.
Adoption of Accounting Policies
See “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements - Recent
Accounting Pronouncements.”
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Table of Contents
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America requires management to adopt accounting policies and make significant judgments and estimates
that impact the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Therefore, the
reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses, and associated disclosures of contingent assets and
liabilities are affected by judgments and estimates. In many cases, there are alternative assumptions, policies, or
estimation techniques that could be used. Management evaluates its assumptions, policies, and estimates on an
ongoing basis, utilizing historical experience, and other methods considered reasonable in the particular circumstances.
Nevertheless, actual results may differ significantly from our estimates and assumptions, and it is possible that
materially different amounts would be reported using differing estimates or assumptions. Management considers our
critical accounting policies to be those that require more significant judgments and estimates when we prepare our
consolidated financial statements. Our critical accounting policies include the following:
Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts . Accounts receivable are presented in the Company’s
consolidated financial statements net of an allowance for estimated uncollectible amounts. Management estimates this
allowance based upon an evaluation of the aging of our customer receivables and historical write-offs, as well as other
trends and factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers. The Company continually updates the history it
uses to make these estimates so as to reflect the most recent trends, factors and other information available. In order to
gather information regarding these trends and factors, the Company also performs ongoing credit evaluations of its
customers. Customer receivables are considered to be past due when payment has not been received by the invoice
due date. Write-offs occur when we determine an account to be uncollectible and could differ from the allowance
estimate as a result of a number of factors, including unanticipated changes in the overall economic environment or
factors and risks surrounding a particular customer. Management believes its methodology for estimating the allowance
for doubtful accounts to be reliable; however, additional allowances may be required if the financial condition of our
customers were to deteriorate and could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Depreciation of trucks and trailers . Depreciation of trucks and trailers is calculated by the straight-line method over the
assets estimated useful life, which range from three to 12 years, down to an estimated salvage value at the end of the
assets estimated useful life. Management must use its judgment in the selection of estimated useful lives and salvage
values for purposes of this calculation. In some cases, the Company has agreements in place with certain
manufacturers whereby salvage values are guaranteed by the manufacturer. In other cases, where salvage values are
not guaranteed, estimates of salvage value are based on the expected market values of equipment at the time of
disposal.
The depreciation of trucks and trailers over their estimated useful lives and the determination of any salvage value also
require management to make judgments about future events. Therefore, the Company’s management periodically
evaluates whether changes to estimated useful lives or salvage values are necessary to ensure these estimates
accurately reflect the economic reality of the assets. This periodic evaluation may result in changes in the estimated
lives and/or salvage values used by the Company to depreciate its assets, which can affect the amount of periodic
depreciation expense recognized and, ultimately, the gain or loss on the disposal of an asset. Future changes in our
estimated useful life or salvage value estimates, or fluctuations in market value that are not reflected in current
estimates, could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Impairment of long-lived assets. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 360,
“Property, Plant, and Equipment.” This authoritative guidance provides that whenever there are certain significant
events or changes in circumstances the value of long-lived assets or groups of assets must be tested to determine if
their value can be recovered from their future cash flows. In the event that undiscounted cash flows expected to be
generated by the asset are less than the carrying amount, the asset or group of assets must be evaluated for
impairment. Impairment exists if the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value.
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Significantly all of the Company ’s cash flows from operations are generated by trucks and trailers, and as such, the cost
of other long-lived assets are funded by those operations. Therefore, management tests for the recoverability of all of
the Company’s long-lived assets as a single group at the entity level and examines the forecasted future cash flows
generated by trucks and trailers, including their eventual disposition, to determine if those cash flows exceed the
carrying value of the long-lived assets. Forecasted cash flows are estimated using assumptions about future
operations. To the extent that facts and circumstances change in the future, our estimates of future cash flows may also
change either positively or negatively. In light of the Company’s market capitalization during 2017 and net operating
profits of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, no impairment indicators existed which
required management to test the Company’s long-lived assets for recoverability as of December 31, 2017. As such, no
impairment losses were recorded during 2017.
Claims accruals. The Company is self-insured for health and workers' compensation benefits up to certain stop-loss
limits. Such costs are accrued based on known claims and an estimate of incurred but not reported (IBNR) claims.
IBNR claims are estimated using historical lag information and other data either provided by outside claims
administrators or developed internally. Actual claims payments may differ from management’s estimates as a result of a
number of factors, including evaluation of severity, increases in legal or medical costs, and other case-specific factors.
The actual claims payments are charged against the Company’s recorded accrued claims liabilities and have been
reasonable with respect to the estimates of the liabilities made under the Company’s methodology. However, the
estimation process is generally subjective, and to the extent that future actual results materially differ from original
estimates made by management, adjustments to recorded accruals may be necessary which could have a material
effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Based upon our 2017 health and workers' compensation
expenses, a 10% increase in both claims incurred and IBNR claims, would increase our annual health and workers'
compensation expenses by approximately $0.8 million.
Revenue recognition. Revenue is recognized in full upon completion of delivery to the receiver's location. For freight in
transit at the end of a reporting period, the Company recognizes revenue pro rata based on relative transit time
completed as a portion of the estimated total transit time. Expenses are recognized as incurred.
Income Taxes. The Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities represent items that will result in taxable income or a
tax deduction in future years for which the Company has already recorded the related tax expense or benefit in its
consolidated statements of operations. Deferred tax accounts arise as a result of timing differences between when
items are recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements compared to when they are recognized in the
Company’s tax returns. In establishing the Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities, management makes
judgments and interpretations based on the enacted tax laws and published tax guidance that are applicable to its
operations. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to
taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
In determining whether a tax asset valuation allowance is necessary, management, in accordance with the provisions
of ASC 740-10-30, weighs all available evidence, both positive and negative to determine whether, based on the weight
of that evidence, a valuation allowance is necessary. If negative conditions exist which indicate a valuation allowance
might be necessary, consideration is then given to what effect the future reversals of existing taxable temporary
differences and the availability of tax strategies might have on future taxable income to determine the amount, if any, of
the required valuation allowance. Significant management judgment is required as it relates to future taxable income,
future capital gains, tax settlements, valuation allowances, and the Company’s ability to utilize tax loss and credit
carryforwards. As of December 31, 2017, management determined that the future reversals of existing taxable
temporary differences and available tax strategies would generate sufficient future taxable income to realize its tax
assets and therefore a valuation allowance was not necessary.
Management believes that future tax consequences have been adequately provided for based on the current facts and
circumstances and current tax law. However, should current circumstances change or the Company’s tax positions be
challenged, different outcomes could result which could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial
statements.
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Table of Contents
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitativ e Disclosures about Market Risk.
Our primary market risk exposures include equity price risk, interest rate risk, commodity price risk (the price paid to
obtain diesel fuel for our trucks), and foreign currency exchange rate risk. The potential adverse impact of these risks
are discussed below.
The following sensitivity analyses do not consider the effects that an adverse change may have on the overall economy
nor do they consider additional actions we may take to mitigate our exposure to such changes. Actual results of
changes in prices or rates may differ materially from the hypothetical results described below.
Equity Price Risk
We hold certain actively traded marketable equity securities which subjects the Company to fluctuations in the fair
market value of its investment portfolio based on current market price. The recorded value of marketable equity
securities decreased to $26.6 million at December 31, 2017 from $27.6 million at December 31, 2016. The decrease
was related to changes in market value of approximately $2.0 million, sales of marketable equity securities with a
combined cost basis of approximately $2.1 million, other than temporary write downs and returns of capital of
approximately $0.1 million, combined, which were partially offset by purchases of marketable equity securities of
approximately $3.2 million. A 10% decrease in the market price of our marketable equity securities would cause a
corresponding 10% decrease in the carrying amounts of these securities, or approximately $2.7 million. For additional
information with respect to the marketable equity securities, see Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements.
Interest Rate Risk
Our line of credit bear s interest at a floating rate equal to LIBOR plus a fixed percentage. Accordingly, changes in
LIBOR, which are affected by changes in interest rates, will affect the interest rate on, and therefore our costs under,
the line of credit. Assuming $1.0 million of variable rate debt was outstanding under our line of credit for a full fiscal
year; a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in LIBOR would result in approximately $10,000 of additional interest
expense.
Commodity Price Risk
Prices and availability of all petroleum products are subject to political, economic and market factors that are generally
outside of our control. Accordingly, the price and availability of diesel fuel, as well as other petroleum products, can be
unpredictable. Because our operations are dependent upon diesel fuel, significant increases in diesel fuel costs could
materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Based upon our 2017 fuel consumption,
a 10% increase in the average annual price per gallon of diesel fuel would increase our annual fuel expenses by
approximately $4.1 million.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk related to the activities of our branch office located in Mexico.
Currently, we do not hedge our exchange rate exposure through any currency forward contracts, currency options, or
currency swaps as all of our revenues, and substantially all of our expenses and capital expenditures, are transacted in
U.S. dollars. However, certain operating expenditures and capital purchases related to our Mexico branch office are
incurred within or exposed to fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the Mexican peso. Based
on 2017 expenditures denominated in pesos, a 10% decrease in the exchange rate would increase our annual
operating expenses by approximately $57,000.
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Table of Contents
Item 8. Financial State ments and Supplementary Data.
The following statements are filed with this report:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Grant Thornton LLP
Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 20 17 and 2016
Consolidated Statements of Operations - Years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - Years ended December 31, 201 7, 2016 and 2015
Consolidated Statements of S tockholders’ Equity - Years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended December 31, 20 17, 2016 and 2015
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
- 34 -
Table of Contents
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Stockholders
P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc.
Opinion on the financial statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. (a Delaware
corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements
of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion,
the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December
31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria
established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations
of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”), and our report dated March 09, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion.
Basis for opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company ’s management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the
PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities
laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material
misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to
those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
We have served as the Company ’s auditor since 2005.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
March 09, 2018
- 35 -
Table of Contents
P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable—net:
Trade, less allowance of $ 1,335 and $994, respectively
Other
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and deposits
Marketable equity securities
Income taxes refundable
Total current assets
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
Land
Structures and improvements
Revenue equipment
Office furniture and equipment
Total property and equipment
Accumulated depreciation
Net property and equipment
OTHER ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
- 36 -
2017
2016
$
224 $
137
59,055
3,028
1,660
10,112
26,664
1,499
56,143
4,982
1,900
8,777
27,621
738
102,242
100,298
5,374
18,927
375,817
9,761
5,374
18,861
355,339
10,402
409,879
389,976
(122,935)
(112,600)
286,944
277,376
2,999
2,392
$
392,185 $
380,066
(Continued)
Table of Contents
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
2017
2016
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt
Total current liabilities
Long-term debt—less current portion
Deferred income taxes
Total liabilities
$
19,645 $
17,609
73,641
16,088
22,330
42,806
110,895
81,224
98,995
54,691
124,391
80,293
264,581
285,908
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 15)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
Common stock, $.01 par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized; 11,529,124 and
11,510,863 shares issued; 6,160,889 and 6,396,803 shares outstanding at
December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Treasury stock, at cost; 5, 368,235 and 5,114,060 shares at December 31, 2017 and
December 31, 2016, respectively
Retained earnings
Total stockholders’ equity
-
-
115
81,559
7,444
115
80,822
7,476
(129,183)
167,669
(122,835)
128,580
127,604
94,158
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
$
392,185 $
380,066
(Continued)
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
- 37 -
Table of Contents
P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2016 AND 2015
(in thousands, except per share data)
OPERATING REVENUES:
Revenue, before fuel surcharge
Fuel surcharge
2017
2016
2015
$
373,523 $
64,315
382,737 $
50,115
355,403
61,647
Total operating revenues
437,838
432,852
417,050
OPERATING EXPENSES AND COSTS:
Salaries, wages and benefits
Operating supplies and expenses
Rents and purchased transportation
Depreciation
Insurance and claims
Other
Gain on disposition of equipment
102,227
79,505
174,477
42,274
17,484
9,249
(58)
112,235
82,993
158,298
39,114
16,632
8,352
(4,700)
105,943
89,878
134,188
32,346
15,315
8,904
(5,754)
Total operating expenses and costs
425,158
412,924
380,820
OPERATING INCOME
NON-OPERATING INCOME
INTEREST EXPENSE
12,680
19,928
36,230
5,853
(3,902)
1,485
(3,641)
1,516
(2,818)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
14,631
17,772
34,928
FEDERAL & STATE INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT):
Current
Deferred
362
(24,630)
13
6,658
591
12,901
Total federal & state income tax (benefit) expense
(24,268)
6,671
13,492
NET INCOME
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
Basic
Diluted
AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Basic
Diluted
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
- 38 -
$
$
$
38,899 $
11,101 $
21,436
6.14 $
6.08 $
1.68 $
1.67 $
6,331
6,398
6,627
6,649
2.94
2.93
7,288
7,325
Table of Contents
P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 201 7, 2016 AND 2015
(in thousands)
2017
2016
2015
NET INCOME
$
38,899 $
11,101 $
21,436
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains on marketable
securities included in net income (1)
(2,059)
(543)
(646)
Reclassification adjustment for unrealized losses on marketable
securities included in net income (2)
26
440
Changes in fair value of marketable securities (3)
2,001
2,269
516
(962)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
$
38,867 $
13,267 $
20,344
_______________
(1) Net of deferred income taxes of $(1,326), $(333), and $(396), respectively.
(2) Net of deferred income taxes of $16, $269, and $316, respectively.
(3) Net of deferred income taxes of $(687), $1,390, and $(588), respectively.
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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Table of Contents
P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS ’ EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 201 7, 2016 AND 2015
(in thousands, except per share data )
Additional
Accumulated
Other
Common Stock
Shares / Amount Capital
Paid-In
Comprehensive Treasury Retained
Income
Stock Earnings Total
BALANCE— January 1, 2015
7,423 $
115 $
79,926 $
6,402 $ (82,501) $ 96,043 $ 99,985
Net income
Other comprehensive (loss),
net of tax of $(668)
Exercise of stock options-
shares issued including
tax benefits
Restricted stock issued
Treasury stock repurchases
Share-based compensation
BALANCE— December 31,
2015
Net income
Other comprehensive
income, net of tax of
$1,326
Exercise of stock options-
shares issued including
tax benefits
Restricted stock issued
Treasury stock repurchases
Share-based compensation
BALANCE— December 31,
2016
Net income
Other comprehensive (loss),
net of tax of $1,995
Exercise of stock options-
shares issued including
tax benefits
Restricted stock issued
Treasury stock repurchases
Share-based compensation
Cumulative effect
adjustment – ASU 2016-09
BALANCE— December 31,
2017
21,436 21,436
(1,092)
(1,092)
21
3
(330)
236
267
(19,278)
236
-
(19,278)
267
7,117
115
80,429
5,310 (101,779) 117,479 101,554
2,166
11,101 11,101
2,166
91
(21,056)
(21,056)
302
8
5
(733)
91
302
6,397
115
80,822
7,476 (122,835) 128,580 94,158
11
7
(254)
123
614
38,899 38,899
(32)
(6,348)
(32)
123
(6,348)
614
190
190
6,161 $
115 $
81,559 $
7,444 $(129,183) $ 167,669 $127,604
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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Table of Contents
P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2016 AND 2015
(in thousands)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation
Bad debt expense
Stock compensation—net of excess tax benefits
Sale leaseback deferred gain amortization
(Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes
Reclassification of other than temporary impairment in
marketable equity securities
Recognized gain on marketable equity securities
Gain on sale or disposal of equipment
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable
Prepaid expenses, deposits, inventories, and other assets
Income taxes refundable
Trade accounts payable
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Net cash provided by operating activities
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment
Proceeds from disposition of equipment
Changes in restricted cash
Sales of marketable equity securities
Purchases of marketable equity securities, net of return of
capital
Net cash used in investing activities
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings under line of credit
Repayments under line of credit
Borrowings of long-term debt
Repayments of long-term debt
Borrowings under margin account
Repayments under margin account
Repurchases of common stock
Exercise of stock options
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
2017
2016
2015
$
38,899 $
11,101 $
21,436
42,274
340
614
0
(24,630)
42
(4,735)
(58)
(1,436)
(1,095)
(155)
682
(266)
50,476
(67,674)
18,766
138
6,833
(3,211)
(45,148)
483,297
(485,163)
55,415
(48,110)
3,412
(7,867)
(6,348)
123
(5,241)
39,114
445
302
(131)
6,658
709
(1,003)
(4,700)
(6,725)
(685)
2,127
3,231
(3,041)
47,402
(86,128)
32,256
317
1,550
(810)
(52,815)
520,089
(528,200)
83,517
(47,457)
1,078
(2,669)
(21,056)
91
5,393
32,346
151
267
(224)
12,901
833
(1,001)
(5,754)
1,128
1,470
(2,358)
886
(556)
61,525
(125,720)
33,472
8,012
1,500
(2,769)
(85,505)
549,955
(539,979)
88,018
(53,947)
3,005
(2,779)
(48,021)
236
(3,512)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS
87
(20)
(27,492)
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS— Beginning of year
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS— End of year
$
137
224 $
157
137 $
27,649
157
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW
INFORMATION—
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest
Income taxes
$
$
3,905 $
518 $
3,597 $
286 $
2,821
2,950
NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES—
Purchases of revenue equipment included in accounts payable $
2,973 $
97 $
5,031
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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Table of Contents
P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2016 AND 2015
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Description of Business and Principles of Consolidation –P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. (the
“Company”), through its subsidiaries, operates as a truckload transportation and logistics company.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned operating
subsidiaries: P.A.M. Transport, Inc., P.A.M. Cartage Carriers, LLC, Overdrive Leasing, LLC, Choctaw Express,
LLC, Decker Transport Co., LLC, T.T.X., LLC, Transcend Logistics, Inc., and East Coast Transport and Logistics,
LLC. The following subsidiaries were inactive during all periods presented: P.A.M. International, Inc., P.A.M.
Logistics Services, Inc., Choctaw Brokerage, Inc., and S & L Logistics, Inc.
Use of Estimates–The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of any contingent assets and liabilities at the financial
statement date and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The Company
periodically reviews these estimates and assumptions. The Company's estimates were based on its historical
experience and various other assumptions that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents –The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three
months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. At times cash held at banks may exceed FDIC insured
limits.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts–Accounts receivable are presented in the
Company’s consolidated financial statements net of an allowance for estimated uncollectible amounts.
Management estimates this allowance based upon an evaluation of the aging of our customer receivables and
historical write-offs, as well as other trends and factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers. The
Company continually updates the history it uses to make these estimates so as to reflect the most recent trends,
factors and other information available. In order to gather information regarding these trends and factors, the
Company also performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers. Customer receivables are considered to be
past due when payment has not been received by the invoice due date. Write-offs occur when management
determines an account to be uncollectible and could differ from the allowance estimate as a result of a number of
factors, including unanticipated changes in the overall economic environment or factors and risks surrounding a
particular customer. Management believes its methodology for estimating the allowance for doubtful accounts to
be reliable. However, additional allowances may be required if the financial condition of our customers were to
deteriorate, and could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements in future
periods.
Bank Overdrafts–The Company classifies bank overdrafts in current liabilities as accounts payable and does not
offset other positive bank account balances located at the same or other financial institutions. Bank overdrafts
generally represent checks written that have not yet cleared the Company’s bank accounts. The majority of the
Company’s bank accounts are zero balance accounts that are funded at the time items clear against the account
by drawings against a line of credit, therefore the outstanding checks represent bank overdrafts. Because the
recipients of these checks have generally not yet received payment, the Company continues to classify bank
overdrafts as accounts payable. Bank overdrafts are classified as changes in accounts payable in the cash flows
from operating activities section of the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Bank overdrafts as of
December 31, 2017 and 2016 were approximately $4,377,000 and $3,509,000, respectively.
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Accounts Receivable Other–The components of accounts receivable other consist primarily of amounts
representing company driver advances, independent contractor advances, equipment manufacturer warranties,
and restricted cash. Advances receivable from company drivers as of December 31, 2017 a n d 2016, were
approximately $448,000 and $628,000, respectively. Restricted cash consists of cash proceeds from the sale of
trucks and trailers under our like-kind exchange (“LKE”) tax program. See Note 11, “Federal and State Income
Taxes,” for a discussion of the Company’s LKE tax program. We classify restricted cash as a current asset within
“Accounts receivable-other” as the exchange process must be completed within 180 days in order to qualify for
income tax deferral treatment. The changes in restricted cash balances are reflected as an investing activity in our
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as they relate to the sales and purchases of revenue equipment.
Marketable Equity Securities– Marketable equity securities are classified by the Company as either available for
sale or trading. Securities classified as available for sale are carried at market value with unrealized gains and
losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income in the statements of stockholders’ equity.
Securities classified as trading are carried at market value with unrealized gains and losses recognized in the
statements of operations. Realized gains and losses are computed utilizing the specific identification method.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets –The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events
or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable. An
impairment loss would be recognized if the carrying amount of the long-lived asset is not recoverable, and it
exceeds its fair value. For long-lived assets classified as held and used, if the carrying value of the long-lived
asset exceeds the sum of the future net undiscounted cash flows, it is not recoverable.
Property and Equipment–Property and equipment is recorded at historical cost, less accumulated depreciation.
For financial reporting purposes, the cost of such property is depreciated principally by the straight-line method.
For tax reporting purposes, accelerated depreciation or applicable cost recovery methods are used. Depreciation
is recognized over the estimated asset life, considering the estimated salvage value of the asset. Such salvage
values are based on estimates using expected market values for used equipment and the estimated time of
disposal which, in many cases include guaranteed residual values by the manufacturers. Gains and losses are
reflected in the year of disposal. The following is a table reflecting estimated ranges of asset useful lives by major
class of depreciable assets:
Asset Class
Service vehicles
Office furniture and equipment
Revenue equipment
Structures and improvements
Estimated Asset Life (in
years)
3 - 5
3 - 7
3 - 12
5 - 40
The Company’s management periodically evaluates whether changes to estimated useful lives and/or salvage
values are necessary to ensure its estimates accurately reflect the economic use of the assets. During 2016,
management adjusted the estimated useful lives and salvage values of certain trucks based on such an
evaluation. These changes resulted in an increase in depreciation expense of approximately $2.7 million and $1.3
million during 2017 and 2016, respectively. During 2017, management determined that an adjustment to the
estimated useful lives or salvage values of trucks or trailers was not necessary based on such an evaluation.
Inventory–Inventories consist primarily of revenue equipment parts, tires, supplies, and fuel. Inventories are
carried at the lower of cost or market with cost determined using the first in, first out method.
Prepaid Tires–Tires purchased with revenue equipment are capitalized as a cost of the related equipment.
Replacement tires are included in prepaid expenses and deposits and are amortized over a 24-month period.
Amounts paid for the recapping of tires are expensed when incurred.
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Advertising Expense–Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled approximately $1,087,000,
$1,019,000 and $988,000 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Repairs and Maintenance –Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
Self-Insurance Liability–A liability is recognized for known health, workers’ compensation, cargo damage,
property damage, and auto liability damage claims. An estimate of the incurred but not reported claims for each
type of liability is made based on historical claims made, estimated frequency of occurrence, and considering
changing factors that contribute to the overall cost of insurance.
Income Taxes–The Company applies the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes, under which
deferred taxes are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis
of assets and liabilities using tax rates expected to be in effect during the years in which the basis differences
reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax
assets will not be realized.
The application of income tax law to multi-jurisdictional operations such as those performed by the Company, are
inherently complex. Laws and regulations in this area are voluminous and often ambiguous. As such, we may be
required to make subjective assumptions and judgments regarding our income tax exposures. Interpretations of
and guidance surrounding income tax laws and regulations may change over time which could cause changes in
our assumptions and judgments that could materially affect amounts recognized in the consolidated financial
statements.
We recognize the impact of tax positions in our financial statements. These tax positions must meet a more-likely-
than-not recognition threshold to be recognized and tax positions that previously failed to meet the more-likely-
than-not threshold are recognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is met.
Previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more-likely-than- not threshold are derecognized in the
first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is no longer met. We recognize potential
accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the consolidated statements of income
as income tax expense.
In determining whether a tax asset valuation allowance is necessary, management, in accordance with the
provisions of ASC 740-10-30, weighs all available evidence, both positive and negative to determine whether,
based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is necessary. If negative conditions exist which
indicate a valuation allowance might be necessary, consideration is then given to what effect the future reversals
of existing taxable temporary differences and the availability of tax strategies might have on future taxable income
to determine the amount, if any, of the required valuation allowance. As of December 31, 2017, management
determined that the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and available tax strategies would
generate sufficient future taxable income to realize its tax assets and therefore a valuation allowance was not
necessary.
Revenue Recognition–Revenue is recognized in full upon completion of delivery to the receiver’s location. For
freight in transit at the end of a reporting period, the Company recognizes revenue pro rata based on relative
transit time completed as a portion of the estimated total transit time. Expenses are recognized as incurred.
Share-Based Compensation–The Company estimates the fair value of stock option awards on the option grant
date using the Black-Scholes pricing model and recognizes compensation for stock option awards expected to
vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. Forfeitures are estimated at
grant date based on historical experience. For additional information with respect to share-based compensation,
see Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements.
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Earnings Per Share–The Company computes basic earnings per share (“EPS”) by dividing net income (loss)
available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the
period. Diluted EPS includes the potential dilution that could occur from stock-based awards and other stock-
based commitments using the treasury stock or the as if converted methods, as applicable. The difference
between the Company's weighted-average shares outstanding and diluted shares outstanding is due to the
dilutive effect of stock options for all periods presented. See Note 13 for computation of diluted EPS.
Fair Value Measurements –Certain financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value within the financial
statements on a recurring basis. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset
or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in
an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy requires an
entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair
value. For additional information with respect to fair value measurements, see Note 17 to our consolidated
financial statements.
Reporting Segments–The Company's operations are all in the motor carrier segment and are aggregated into a
single reporting segment in accordance with the aggregation criteria under Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles (“GAAP”). The Company provides truckload transportation services as well as brokerage and logistics
services to customers throughout the United States and portions of Canada and Mexico. Truckload transportation
services revenues, excluding fuel surcharges, represented 86.3%, 88.4% and 87.6% of total revenues, excluding
fuel surcharges, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Remaining
revenues, excluding fuel surcharges, for each respective year were generated by brokerage and logistics
services.
Concentrations of Credit Risk–The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations and generally does not
require collateral from its customers. The Company maintains reserves for potential credit losses. In view of the
concentration of the Company’s revenues and accounts receivable among a limited number of customers within
the automobile industry, the financial health of this industry is a factor in the Company’s overall evaluation of
accounts receivable.
Subsequent Events– We have evaluated subsequent events for recognition and disclosure through the date
these financial statements were filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and concluded
that no subsequent events or transactions have occurred that require recognition or disclosure in our financial
statements.
Foreign Currency Transactions –The functional currency of the Company’s foreign branch office in Mexico is the
U.S. dollar. The Company remeasures the monetary assets and liabilities of this branch office, which are
maintained in the local currency ledgers, at the rates of exchange in effect at the end of the reporting period.
Revenues and expenses recorded in the local currency during the period are remeasured using average
exchange rates for each period. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured using historical rates. Any
resulting exchange gain or loss from the remeasurement process are included in non-operating income (loss) in
the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements–I n May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, ("ASU 2017-09"),
Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) which provides guidance about which changes to the terms or
conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. ASU
2017-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal
years, and early adoption is permitted, including in an interim period. ASU 2017-09 is to be applied on a
prospective basis to an award modified on or after the adoption date. The Company has evaluated the effects of
adopting ASU 2017-09 and does not expect it to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of
operations, or cash flows.
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In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, (“ASU 2016-18”), Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230).
ASU 2016-18 requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash,
cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. This
standard is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents are
presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-18 is effective for fiscal years and interim
periods, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The standard requires application
using a retrospective transition method. The adoption of ASU No. 2016-18 will change the presentation and
classification of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in our consolidated statements of cash flows but is
not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, (“ASU 2016-15”) , Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230):
Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. ASU 2016-15 amends the guidance in ASC 230,
Statement of Cash Flows, and clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on
the statement of cash flows with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice related to eight specific
cash flow issues. The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15,
2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has evaluated the
effects of adopting ASU 2016-15 and does not expect it to have a material impact on its financial condition, results
of operations, or cash flows.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, (“ASU 2016-13”), Accounting for Credit Losses (Topic 326).
ASU 2016-13 requires the use of an “expected loss” model on certain types of financial instruments. The standard
also amends the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and requires estimated credit losses to be
recorded as allowances instead of reductions to amortized cost of the securities. ASU 2016-13 is effective for
fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption
permitted. The Company is evaluating the new guidance, but does not expect it to have a material impact on its
financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
I n March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, (“ASU 2016-09”) , Compensation – Stock Compensation
(Topic 718). ASU 2016-09 identifies areas for simplification involving several aspects of accounting for share-
based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or
liability, an option to recognize gross stock compensation expense with actual forfeitures recognized as they
occur, as well as certain classifications on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual and
interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance
on January 1, 2017, did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations,
or cash flows.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, (“ASU 2016-02”), Leases (Topic 842). This update seeks to
increase the transparency and comparability among entities by requiring public entities to recognize lease assets
and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. To satisfy the
standard’s objective, a lessee will recognize a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset
for the lease term and a lease liability for the obligation to make lease payments. Both the right-of-use asset and
lease liability will initially be measured at the present value of the lease payments, with subsequent measurement
dependent on the classification of the lease as either a finance or an operating lease. For leases with a term of
twelve months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not
to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. If a lessee makes this election, it should recognize lease expense
for such leases generally on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Accounting by lessors will remain mostly
unchanged from current U.S. GAAP.
In transition, lessees and lessors will be required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest
period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The modified retrospective approach includes a
number of optional practical expedients that companies may elect to apply. These practical expedients relate to
the identification and classification of leases that commenced before the effective date, initial direct costs for
leases that commenced before the effective date, and the ability to use hindsight in evaluating lessee options to
extend or terminate a lease or to purchase the underlying asset. The transition guidance also provides specific
guidance for sale and leaseback transactions, build-to-suit leases, leveraged leases, and amounts previously
recognized in accordance with the business combinations guidance for leases. The new standard is effective for
public companies for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years,
with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the new guidance, but does not expect it to have a
material impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows since the Company’s current leases
will expire prior to the effective date of this guidance.
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I n January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, (“ASU 2016-01”) , Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic
825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities . The updated guidance
enhances the reporting model for financial instruments, which includes amendments to address aspects of
recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure. ASU 2016-01 is effective for annual and interim periods
beginning after December 15, 2017. With certain exceptions, early adoption is not permitted.
The Company has performed a preliminary analysis of the effects of adopting this guidance. This analysis
consisted of the following items:
●
●
●
●
categorize securities as either equity securities or debt securities,
determine which securities held by the Company have readily determinable fair values,
determine that the exit price notion will be used when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for
disclosure purposes,
consider the need for a valuation allowance related to a deferred tax asset on available-for-sale securities
in combination with the Company’s other deferred tax assets.
Based upon this evaluation, the effects of adopting this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on
the Company’s financial condition or cash flows, but it is expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s
results of operations through the recognition of increases or decreases in market value each reporting period
rather than recognizing them through comprehensive income.
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, (“FASB”), issued Accounting Standards Update, (“ASU”)
No. 2014-09, (“ASU 2014-09”) , Revenue from Contracts with Customers . The objective of ASU 2014-09 and
subsequent amendments is to establish a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for
revenue arising from contracts with customers and will supersede most of the existing revenue recognition
guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity recognizes
revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the
consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In applying the
new guidance, an entity will (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in
the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; ( 4) allocate the transaction price to the contract’s performance
obligations; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. ASU 2014-09
applies to all contracts with customers except those that are within the scope of other topics in the FASB
Accounting Standards Codification, (“ASC”). The new guidance, as amended, is effective for annual reporting
periods (including interim periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2017 for public companies.
Early adoption is not permitted prior to annual periods beginning after December 31, 2016. Entities have the
option of using either a full retrospective or modified approach to adopt ASU 2014-09.
The Company has performed an analysis of the effects of adopting this guidance. The analysis included the
following items:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
identifying what constitutes a contract within the Company ’s business practices,
identifying performance obligations within our contracts,
determining transaction prices,
allocating the transaction price to performance obligations,
determination of when performance obligations are satisfied and revenue is earned,
disaggregation of revenue by source within segments, and
principal versus agent considerations.
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Based upon our evaluation, the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 and subsequent amendments will result in additional
note disclosures regarding the nature of the Company’s contracts with customers and the Company’s significant
judgments regarding the application of these standards. However, the adoption of this guidance is not expected to
have a significant impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
2. TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
The Company's receivables result primarily from the sale of transportation and logistics services. The Company
performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral for accounts
receivable. Accounts receivable, which consist of both billed and unbilled receivables, are presented net of an
allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts outstanding longer than contractual payment terms are considered past
due and are reviewed individually for collectability. Accounts receivable balances consist of the following
components as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:
Billed
Unbilled
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Total accounts receivable—net
2017
2016
(in thousands)
$
51,236 $
9,154
(1,335)
48,538
8,599
(994)
$
59,055 $
56,143
An analysis of changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and
2015 follows:
2017
2016
(in thousands)
2015
Balance—beginning of year
Provision for bad debts
Charge-offs
Recoveries
$
994 $
341
-
-
Balance—end of year
$
1,335 $
549 $
445
-
-
994 $
1,611
151
(1,231)
18
549
3. MARKETABLE EQUITY SECURITIES
The Company accounts for its marketable securities in accordance with ASC Topic 320, Investments-Debt and
Equity Securities. ASC Topic 320 requires companies to classify their investments as trading, available-for-sale or
held-to-maturity. The Company’s investments in marketable securities are classified as either trading or available-
for-sale and consist of equity securities. Management determines the appropriate classification of these securities
at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date. The cost of securities
sold is based on the specific identification method and interest and dividends on securities are included in non-
operating income (loss).
Marketable equity securities classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and
losses, net of tax, included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’
equity. Realized gains and losses, declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary on available-for-sale
securities, and increases or decreases in value on trading securities, if any, are included in the determination of
net income. A quarterly evaluation is performed in order to judge whether declines in value below cost should be
considered temporary and when losses are deemed to be other-than-temporary. Several factors are considered in
this evaluation process including the severity and duration of the decline in value, the financial condition and near-
term outlook for the specific issuer and the Company’s ability to hold the securities.
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For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the evaluation resulted in impairment charges of
approximately $42,000, $709,000 and $833,000, respectively, being reported in the Company’s non-operating
income (loss) in its statements of operations.
The following table sets forth cost, market value and unrealized gain on equity securities classified as available-
for-sale as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. The Company had no securities classified as trading securities as of
December 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016.
Available-for-sale securities:
Fair market value
Cost
Unrealized gain
2017
2016
(in thousands)
$
$
26,664 $
16,640
10,024 $
27,621
15,569
12,052
The following table sets forth the gross unrealized gains and losses on the Company ’s marketable securities that
are classified as available-for-sale as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.
Available-for-sale securities:
Gross unrealized gains
Gross unrealized losses
Net unrealized gains
2017
2016
(in thousands)
$
$
10,150 $
126
10,024 $
12,161
109
12,052
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the total net unrealized gains, net of deferred income taxes, in accumulated
other comprehensive income was approximately $7,444,000 and $7,476,000, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2017 the Company had net unrealized loss in market value on securities
classified as available-for-sale of approximately $1,507,000, net of deferred income taxes. For the year ended
December 31, 2016, the Company had net unrealized losses in market value on securities classified as available-
for-sale of approximately $2,166,000, net of deferred income taxes.
For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized dividends of approximately
$999,000, $1,024,000, and $1,058,000 in non-operating income in its statements of operations, respectively.
There were no reclassifications of marketable securities between trading and available for sale during 2017 or
2016.
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The following table shows the Company ’s realized gains during 2017, 2016 and 2015 on certain securities which
were held as available-for-sale. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method and
interest and dividends on securities are included in non-operating income.
Realized gains:
Sale proceeds
Cost of securities sold
Realized gains
Realized gains, net of taxes
2017
2016
(in thousands)
2015
$
$
$
6,833 $
2,098
1,550 $
547
4,735 $
1,003 $
1,500
434
1,066
2,938 $
627 $
654
At December 31, 2017, the Company’s investments’ approximate fair value of securities in a loss position and
related gross unrealized losses were $2,980,000 and $126,000, respectively. At December 31, 2016, the
Company’s investments’ approximate fair value of securities in a loss position and related gross unrealized losses
were $1,340,000 and $109,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were no investments that
had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer.
The market value of the Company ’s equity securities are periodically used as collateral against any outstanding
margin account borrowings. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had outstanding borrowings of
$5,903,000 and $10,358,000 under its margin account, respectively. The interest rate on margin account
borrowings was 2.07% and 1.30% as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
4. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES
Accrued expenses and other liabilities at December 31 are summarized as follows:
Payroll
Accrued vacation
Taxes—other than income
Interest
Driver escrows
Margin account borrowings
Self-insurance claims
2017
2016
(in thousands)
$
2,710 $
1,762
2,488
99
2,381
5,903
2,266
2,427
1,862
2,062
102
2,245
10,358
3,274
Total accrued expenses and other liabilities
$
17,609 $
22,330
5. CLAIMS LIABILITIES
With respect to physical damage for trucks, cargo loss and auto liability, the Company maintains insurance
coverage to protect it from certain business risks. These policies are with various carriers and have per
occurrence deductibles of $12,500, $10,000 and $2,500, respectively. Prior to October 1, 2013, the Company was
self-insured for physical damage losses on its trailers. From October 1, 2013 until September 30, 2015, the
Company insured its trailers for physical damage losses with a $2,500 deductible per occurrence. Beginning
October 1, 2015, the Company elected to self-insure trailers for physical damage losses. The Company maintains
workers’ compensation coverage in Arkansas, Ohio, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Florida with a $500,000 self-
insured retention and a $500,000 per occurrence excess policy. The Company has elected to opt out of workers'
compensation coverage in Texas and is providing coverage through the P.A.M. Texas Injury Plan. The Company
has accrued for estimated losses to pay such claims as well as claims incurred but not yet reported. The
Company has not experienced any adverse trends involving differences in claims experienced versus claims
estimates for workers’ compensation claims. Letters of credit aggregating approximately $521,000 and certificates
of deposit totaling $300,000 are held by banks as security for workers’ compensation claims. The Company self-
insures for employee health claims with a stop loss of $325,000 per covered employee per year and estimates its
liability for claims outstanding and claims incurred but not reported.
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6. LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt at December 31, consists of the following:
Line of credit with a bank —due July 1, 2019, and collateralized by accounts
receivable (1)
Equipment financing (2)
Total long-term debt
Less current maturities
2017
2016
(in thousands)
- $
172,636
172,636
(73,641)
1,866
165,331
167,197
(42,806)
Long-term debt—net of current maturities
$
98,995 $
124,391
(1) Line of credit agreement with a bank provides for maximum borrowings of $40.0 million and contains
certain restrictive covenants that must be maintained by the Company on a consolidated basis. Borrowings
on the line of credit are at an interest rate of LIBOR as of the first day of the month plus 1.50% (2.86% at
December 31, 2017) and are secured by our trade accounts receivable. Monthly payments of interest are
required under this agreement. Also, under the terms of the agreement the Company must maintain a debt
to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) ratio of less than 4.00:1. The
Company was in compliance with all provisions under this agreement throughout 2017. At December 31,
2017, outstanding advances on the line were approximately $0.7 million, consisting entirely of letters of
credit totaling $0.7 million, with availability to borrow $39.3 million.
(2) Equipment financings consist of installment obligations for revenue equipment purchases, payable in
various monthly installments with various maturity dates through December 2022, at a weighted average
interest rate of 2.52% as of December 31, 2017 and collateralized by revenue equipment.
The Company has provided letters of credit to third parties totaling approximately $ 706,000 at December 31,
2017. The letters are held by these third parties to assist such parties in collection of any amounts due by the
Company should the Company default in its commitments to the parties.
Scheduled annual maturities on long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2017, are:
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Total
$
73,641
48,256
40,365
8,355
2,019
$
172,636
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7. CAPITAL STOCK
The Company's authorized capital stock consists of 40,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per
share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share. At December 31, 2017, there were
11,529,124 shares of our common stock issued and 6,160,889 shares outstanding. At December 31, 2016, there
were 11,510,863 shares of our common stock issued and 6,396,803 shares outstanding. No shares of our
preferred stock were issued or outstanding at December 31, 2017 or 2016.
Common Stock
The holders of our common stock, subject to such rights as may be granted to any preferred stockholders, elect all
directors and are entitled to one vote per share. All shares of common stock participate equally in dividends when
and as declared by the Board of Directors and in net assets on liquidation. The shares of common stock have no
preference, conversion, exchange, preemptive, or cumulative voting rights.
Preferred Stock
Preferred stock may be issued from time to time by our Board of Directors, without stockholder approval, in such
series and with such preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to
dividends, qualifications or other provisions, as may be fixed by the Board of Directors in the resolution authorizing
their issuance. The issuance of preferred stock by the Board of Directors could adversely affect the rights of
holders of shares of common stock; for example, the issuance of preferred stock could result in a class of
securities outstanding that would have certain preferences with respect to dividends and in liquidation over the
common stock, and that could result in a dilution of the voting rights, net income per share and net book value of
the common stock. As of December 31, 2017, we have no agreements or understandings for the issuance of any
shares of preferred stock.
Treasury Stock
In October 2017, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 400,000 shares of our common stock
through a Dutch auction tender offer (the “2017 tender offer”). Subject to certain limitations and legal
requirements, the Company could repurchase up to an additional 2% of its outstanding shares which total ed
126,060 shares. The 2017 tender offer commenced on October 10, 2017 and expired on November 7, 2017.
Through this tender offer, the Company’s shareholders had the opportunity to tender some or all of their shares at
a price within the range of $27.00 to $30.00 per share. Upon expiration, 143,859 shares were purchased through
this offer at a final purchase price of $30.00 per share for a total of approximately $4.4 million, including fees and
commission. The repurchase was settled on November 10, 2017. The Company accounted for the repurchase of
these shares as treasury stock on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017.
In February 2016, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 325,000 shares of our common stock
through a Dutch auction tender offer (the “2016 tender offer”). In March 2016, the Company extended the offer
and increased the offer from 325,000 shares to 425,000 shares. Subject to certain limitations and legal
requirements, the Company could repurchase up to an additional 2% of its outstanding shares which totaled
142,413 shares. The 2016 tender offer began on the date of the announcement, February 18, 2016 and expired
on April 5, 2016. Through this tender offer, the Company’s shareholders had the opportunity to tender some or all
of their shares at a price within the range of $31.00 to $34.00 per share. Upon expiration, 567,413 shares were
purchased through this offer at a final purchase price of $31.00 per share for a total purchase price of
approximately $17.7 million, including fees and commission. The repurchase was settled on April 5, 2016. The
Company accounted for the repurchase of these shares as treasury stock on the Company’s consolidated
balance sheet as of December 31, 2016.
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In May 2015, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 80,000 shares of our common stock
through a Dutch auction tender offer (the “2015 tender offer”). In June 2015, the Company extended the offer and
increased the offer from 80,000 shares to 150,000 shares. Subject to certain limitations and legal requirements,
the Company could repurchase up to an additional 2% of its outstanding shares which totaled 148,566 shares.
The 2015 tender offer began on the date of the announcement, May 22, 2015 and expired on July 9, 2015.
Through this tender offer, the Company’s shareholders had the opportunity to tender some or all of their shares at
a price within the range of $59.00 to $63.00 per share. Upon expiration, 298,566 shares were purchased through
this offer at a final purchase price of $59.00 per share for a total purchase price of approximately $17.8 million,
including fees and commission. The repurchase was settled on July 16, 2015. The Company accounted for the
repurchase of these shares as treasury stock on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31,
2015.
The Company’s stock repurchase program has been extended and expanded several times, most recently in April
2017, when the Board of Directors reauthorized 500,000 shares of common stock for repurchase under the initial
September 2011 authorization. The Company repurchased 110,316 shares of its common stock under this
program during 2017.
The Company accounts for Treasury stock using the cost method and as of December 31, 2017, 5,368,235
shares were held in the treasury at an aggregate cost of approximately $129,183,000.
8. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Comprehensive income (loss) was comprised of net income (loss) plus or minus market value adjustments related
to marketable securities. The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated balances of other
comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:
Unrealized gains
and
losses on available-
for-sale
securities
(in thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2016, net of tax of $3,250
$
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax of $ 1,390
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax of $( 64)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at December 31, 201 6, net of tax of $4,576
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax of $ (687)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax of
$(1,310)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at December 31, 201 7, net of tax of $2,579
$
5,310
2,269
(103)
2,166
7,476
2,001
(2,033)
(32)
7,444
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The following table provides details about reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income for
the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:
Details about Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income Component
Unrealized gains and losses on
available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gains and losses on
securities sold
Impairment expense
Total before tax
Tax expense
Total after tax
Amounts Reclassified from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
(a)
2017
2016
(in thousands)
Statement of Operations
Classification
$
$
3,385 $
(42)
3,343
(1,310)
2,033 $
876 Non-operating income
(709) Non-operating income
167
(64)
103 Net income
Income before income taxes
Income tax expense
(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to profit/loss
9. SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS AND INDUSTRY CONCENTRATION
I n 2017 and 2016 two customers, who are in the automobile manufacturing industry, accounted for 28% of
revenues each year and in 2015, three customers, who are in the automobile manufacturing industry, accounted
f o r 37% of revenues. The Company also provides transportation services to other manufacturers who are
suppliers for automobile manufacturers including suppliers for the Company’s largest customer. As a result,
concentration of the Company’s business within the automobile industry is significant. Of the Company’s revenues
for 2017, 2016 and 2015, 46%, 45% and 47%, respectively, were derived from transportation services provided to
the automobile manufacturing
totaled
approximately $29,788,000 and $27,085,000 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
industry. Accounts receivable
largest customers
the three
from
10. DIVIDENDS
The Company has paid cash dividends in the past; however, the Company currently intends to retain future
earnings and does not anticipate paying cash dividends in the near future. Any future determination to pay
dividends will be at the discretion of the Board and will depend on the Company’s financial condition, results of
operations, capital requirements, any legal or contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends, and other
factors the Board deems relevant.
11. FEDERAL AND STATE INCOME TAXES
Under GAAP, deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying
amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and for income tax reporting purposes.
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Significant components of the Company ’s deferred tax liabilities and assets at December 31 are as follows:
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment
Unrealized gains on securities
Prepaid expenses and other
Total deferred tax liabilities
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Alternative minimum tax credit carryforward
QAFMV tax credit carryforward
New hire tax credit
Compensated absences
Self-insurance allowances
Share-based compensation
Goodwill
Marketable equity securities
Net operating loss carryover
Non-competition agreement
Other
Total deferred tax assets
Net deferred tax liability
2017
2016
(in thousands)
$
60,388 $
2,580
2,603
85,233
4,576
3,230
65,571
93,039
344
-
864
124
410
149
61
-
750
7,975
-
203
378
1,214
864
124
650
748
(54)
9
1,244
7,545
7
17
10,880
12,746
$
54,691 $
80,293
The reconciliation between the effective income tax rate and the statutory Federal income tax rate for the years
ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is presented in the following table:
2017
2016
(in thousands)
2015
Amount
Percent
Amount
Percent
Amount
Percent
$
4,975
34.0 $
6,042
34.0 $
11,876
34.0
(29,255)
72
(199.9)
0.5
-
130
-
0.7
-
149
-
0.4
(60)
(0.5)
499
2.8
1,467
4.2
Income tax at the
statutory federal rate
Impact of the Tax Cut s
and Jobs Act
Nondeductible expenses
State income
taxes/other—net of
federal benefit
Total income tax (benefit)
expense
$
(24,268)
(165.9) $
6,671
37.5 $
13,492
38.6
________________
(1) O n December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was signed into law. The Act includes
numerous changes to existing tax law, including a permanent reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate
from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 and repeal of the alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) allowing a refund
of existing AMT carryovers during the years 2018 through 2021. As a result, the Company recorded a tax benefit
of $29.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 related to the revaluation of its net deferred tax liabilities.
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The (benefit) provision for income taxes consisted of the following:
Current:
Federal
State
Total current income tax provision
Deferred:
Federal
State
Total deferred income tax (benefit) provision
2017
2016
(in thousands)
2015
$
(79) $
441
362
(24,622)
(8)
(24,630)
(225) $
238
13
5,506
1,152
6,658
98
493
591
10,782
2,119
12,901
Total income tax (benefit) expense
$
(24,268) $
6,671 $
13,492
At December 31, 2017, the Company has alternative minimum tax credits of approximately $1,214,000 which will
either be refunded at the rate of 50% of the remaining credit each succeeding year, or used to offset regular
Federal income tax in those succeeding years. The Company has general business credits of approximately
$988,000 at December 31, 2017, which begin to expire after the year 2030. The Company also has net operating
loss carryovers for federal income purposes of approximately $30,983,000 which begin to expire after the year
2030.
In determining whether a tax asset valuation allowance is necessary, management, in accordance with the
provisions of ASC 740-10-30, weighs all available evidence, both positive and negative to determine whether,
based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is necessary. If negative conditions exist which
indicate a valuation allowance might be necessary, consideration is then given to what effect the future reversals
of existing taxable temporary differences and the availability of tax strategies might have on future taxable income
to determine the amount, if any, of the required valuation allowance. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016,
management determined that the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and available tax
strategies would generate sufficient future taxable income to realize its tax assets and therefore a valuation
allowance was not necessary.
The Company recognizes a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the
position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. As of
December 31, 2017, an adjustment to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for uncertain tax positions
has not been required as management believes that the Company’s tax positions taken in income tax returns filed
or to be filed are supported by clear and unambiguous income tax laws. The Company recognizes interest and
penalties related to uncertain income tax positions, if any, in income tax expense. During 2017 and 2016, the
Company has not recognized or accrued any interest or penalties related to uncertain income tax positions.
The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. and Canadian federal income tax laws as well as the income
tax laws of multiple state jurisdictions. The major tax jurisdictions in which the Company operates generally
provide for a deficiency assessment statute of limitation period of three years and as a result, the Company ’s tax
years 2014 and forward remain open to examination in those jurisdictions.
The Company contracts with a third-party qualified intermediary in order to maintain a like-kind exchange tax
program. Under the program, dispositions of eligible trucks or trailers and acquisitions of replacement trucks or
trailers are made in a form whereby any associated tax gains related to the disposal are deferred. To qualify for
like-kind exchange treatment, we exchange, through our qualified intermediary, eligible trucks or trailers being
disposed with trucks or trailers being acquired that allows us to generally carryover the tax basis of the trucks or
trailers sold. The program is expected to result in a significant deferral of federal and state income taxes. Under
the program, the proceeds from the sale of eligible trucks or trailers carry a Company-imposed restriction for the
acquisition of replacement trucks or trailers. These proceeds may be disqualified under the program at any time
and at the Company’s sole discretion; however, income tax deferral would not be available for any sale for which
the Company disqualifies the related proceeds. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had $29,000 and
$167,000 of restricted cash held by the third-party qualified intermediary. Restricted cash is accounted for in
“Accounts receivable-other”.
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12. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company maintains a stock incentive plan under which incentive and nonqualified stock options and other
stock awards may be granted. On March 2, 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) adopted, and
shareholders later approved, the 2006 Stock Option Plan (the “2006 Plan”). Under the 2006 Plan, 750,000 shares
were reserved for the issuance of stock options to directors, officers, key employees, and others. The option
exercise price under the 2006 Plan is the fair market value of the stock on the date the option is granted. The fair
market value is determined by the average of the highest and lowest sales prices for a share of the Company’s
common stock, on its primary exchange, on the same date that the option is granted. On March 13, 2014, the
Company’s Board of Directors adopted, and on May 29, 2014 our shareholders approved, the 2014 Amended and
Restated Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”) which replaced the 2006 Plan. The shares which
remained reserved under the 2006 Plan were carried over to the 2014 Plan and are reserved for the issuance of
stock awards to directors, officers, key employees, and others. The stock option exercise price and the restricted
stock purchase price under the 2014 Plan shall not be less than 85% of the fair market value of the Company’s
common stock on the date the award is granted. The fair market value is determined by the closing price of the
Company’s common stock, on its primary exchange, on the same date that the option or award is granted.
Outstanding nonqualified stock options at December 31, 2017, must be exercised within either five or ten years
from the date of grant. Outstanding nonqualified stock options granted to members of the Company’s Board of
Directors vested immediately while outstanding nonqualified stock options issued to employees vest in increments
of 20% to 25% each year.
In April 2017, the Board of Directors granted 100,000 restricted shares of the Company ’s stock to the Company’s
Chief Executive Officer. This restricted stock award has a grant date fair value of $16.38, based on the closing
price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant, with one third of the award vesting each of the next three years
on the anniversary date.
In March 2017, the Company granted 4,298 shares of common stock to non-employee directors under the 2014
Plan. This stock award has a grant date fair value of $16.29 per share, based on the closing price of the
Company’s stock on the date of grant and vests immediately.
In March 2016, the Company granted 2,275 shares of common stock to non-employee directors under the 2014
Plan. This stock award has a grant date fair value of $30.80 per share, based on the closing price of the
Company’s stock on the date of grant and vests immediately. Also in March 2016, the Board of Directors granted
5,000 restricted shares of the Company’s stock to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. This restricted stock
award has a grant date fair value of $30.81, based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of
grant, with 25% of the award vesting immediately and 25% vesting for each of the next three years.
In March 2015, the Company granted 1,225 shares of common stock to non-employee directors under the 2014
Plan. This stock award has a grant date fair value of $57.27 per share, based on the closing price of the
Company’s stock on the date of grant and vested immediately.
In November 2014, the Board of Directors granted 9,500 restricted shares of the Company ’s stock to certain key
employees. This restricted stock award has a grant date fair value of $42.65, based on the closing price of the
Company’s stock on the date of grant, of which 20% of the award vested immediately and the remaining award
vests in increments of 20% each year for the next four years.
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In March 2014, the Company granted 3,024 shares of common stock to non-employee directors under the 2014
Plan. This stock award has a grant date fair value of $19.88 per share, based on the closing price of the
Company’s stock on the date of grant and vested immediately.
In March 2013, the Company granted to non-employee directors, 35,000 nonqualified stock options. The exercise
price for these awards was fixed at the grant date and was equal to the fair market value of the stock on that date.
These nonqualified stock options vested immediately.
In May 2012, the Company granted to certain key employees, 104,000 nonqualified stock options. The exercise
price for these awards was fixed at the grant date and was equal to the fair market value of the stock on that date.
These nonqualified stock options vest in increments of 20% each year.
I n November 2010, the Company granted to certain key employees, 50,000 nonqualified stock options and
64,000 performance-based variable nonqualified stock options. The exercise price for these awards was fixed at
the grant date and was equal to the fair market value of the stock on that date. The nonqualified stock options
vested in increments of 20% each year. The performance-based nonqualified stock options were eligible to be
earned in four quarterly installments and one annual installment with vesting to occur in increments of 20% each
year for any options earned. In order to meet the performance criteria, certain quarterly and annual “operating
ratio” results must have been achieved during 2011. During 2011, 4,442 performance-based variable nonqualified
stock options were earned with vesting beginning during the third quarter of 2012. The remaining 59,558
performance-based variable nonqualified stock options expired as the related performance criteria was not met.
During 2017 and 2016, there were no grants of nonqualified stock options. At December 31, 2017, 440,000
shares were available for granting future options or restricted stock.
The grant date fair value of stock and stock options vested during 2017, 2016 and 2015 was approximately
$256,000, $273,000 and $274,000, respectively. Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense, recognized in
Salaries, wages and benefits was approximately $614,000 during 2017 and includes approximately $70,000
recognized as a result of the grant of 614 shares of stock to each non-employee director during the first quarter of
2017. The Company recognized a total income tax benefit of approximately $231,000 related to stock-based
compensation expense during 2017. The recognition of stock-based compensation expense decreased diluted
and basic earnings per common share by approximately $0.26 during 2017. As of December 31, 2017, the
Company had stock-based compensation plans with total unvested stock-based compensation expense of
approximately $1,333,000 which is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining vesting period. As
a result, the Company expects to recognize approximately $644,000 in additional compensation expense related
to unvested option awards during 2018, $552,000 in additional compensation expense related to unvested option
awards during 2019 and $137,000 in additional compensation expense related to unvested option awards during
2020.
Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense, recognized in Salaries, wages and benefits was approximately
$302,000 during 2016 and included approximately $70,000 recognized as a result of the grant of 325 shares of
stock to each non-employee director during the first quarter of 2016. The Company recognized a total income tax
benefit of approximately $113,000 related to stock-based compensation expense during 2016. The recognition of
stock-based compensation expense decreased diluted and basic earnings per common share by approximately
$0.03 and $0.02 during 2016.
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Table of Contents
Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense, recognized in Salaries, wages and benefits was approximately
$267,000 during 2015 and included approximately $70,000 recognized as a result of the grant of 175 shares of
stock to each non-employee director during the first quarter of 2015. The Company recognized a total income tax
benefit of approximately $103,000 related to stock-based compensation expense during 2015. The recognition of
stock-based compensation expense decreased diluted and basic earnings per common share by approximately
$0.02 during 2015. Transactions in stock options under these plans are summarized as follows:
Outstanding—January 1, 2015:
Granted
Exercised
Canceled
Outstanding—December 31, 2015:
Granted
Exercised
Canceled
Outstanding—December 31, 2016:
Granted
Exercised
Canceled
Outstanding—December 31, 2017:
Options exercisable—December 31, 2017:
Shares
Under
Option
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
86,348 $
-
(20,250)
-
66,098 $
-
(7,917)
(2,050)
56,131 $
-
(11,063)
-
45,068 $
45,068 $
11.09
-
11.65
-
10.92
-
11.41
10.91
10.85
-
11.13
-
10.79
10.79
Information related to the Company ’s option activity as of December 31, 2017, and changes during the year then
ended is presented below:
Outstanding at January 1, 201 7
Granted
Exercised
Canceled/forfeited/expired
Outstanding at December 31, 201 7
Shares
Under
Option
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
(per share)
10.85
-
11.13
-
10.79
56,131 $
-
(11,063)
-
45,068 $
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(in years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value*
2.8
$ 1,065,600
Fully vested and exercisable at December 31, 201 7
___________________________
* The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the market value of the underlying stock exceeds
the exercise price of the option. The per share market value of our common stock, as determined by the closing
price on December 29, 2017, was $34.43.
45,068 $
10.79
$ 1,065,600
2.8
There were no options granted during 2017, 2016, or 2015. There were no options canceled, forfeited, or expired
during 2017 or 2015. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options canceled, forfeited, or expired during
2016 was $6.07.
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, were
approximately $82,000, $101,000 and $940,000, respectively.
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Table of Contents
A summary of the status of the Company ’s nonvested options and restricted stock as of December 31, 2017 and
changes during the year ended December 31, 2017, is presented below:
Stock Options
Restricted Stock
Nonvested at January 1, 201 7
Granted
Canceled/forfeited/expired
Vested
Nonvested at December 31, 201 7
Number of
Options
Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
6.06
-
-
6.06
-
12,800 $
-
-
(12,800)
-
Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair
Value*
Number of
Shares
7,050 $
104,298
-
(7,198)
104,150 $
36.35
16.38
-
24.85
17.14
___________________________
* The weighted-average grant date fair value was based on the closing price of the Company ’s stock on the date
of the grant.
The number, weighted average exercise price and weighted average remaining contractual life of options
outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and the number and weighted average exercise price of options exercisable
as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:
Exercise Price
$10.44
$10.90
$11.22
Shares Under
Outstanding
Options
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
Shares Under
Exercisable
Options
15,000
24,600
5,468
45,068
(in years)
0.2
4.4
2.9
2.8
15,000
24,600
5,468
45,068
Cash received from option exercises totaled approximately $ 123,000, $91,000 and $236,000 during the years
ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company issues new shares upon option exercise.
13. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per common share was computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of
shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share was calculated as follows:
For the Year Ended December 31,
2017
2015
2016
(in thousands, except per share data)
Net income
$
38,899 $
11,101 $
21,436
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents
6,331
67
6,627
22
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
6,398
6,649
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
$
$
6.14 $
6.08 $
1.68 $
1.67 $
7,288
37
7,325
2.94
2.93
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14. BENEFIT PLAN
The Company sponsors a benefit plan for the benefit of all eligible employees. The plan qualifies under Section
401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code thereby allowing eligible employees to make tax-deductible contributions to
the plan. The plan provides for employer matching contributions of 50% of each participant ’s voluntary contribution
up to 3% of the participant’s compensation and vests at the rate of 20% each year until fully vested after five
years. Total employer matching contributions to the plan were approximately $179,000, $161,000 and $171,000 in
2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Other than the lawsuit discussed below, the Company is not a party to any pending legal proceedings which
management believes to be material to the Consolidated financial statements of the Company. The Company
maintains liability insurance against risks arising in the normal course of its business.
We are a defendant in a collective-action lawsuit which was re-filed on December 9, 2016, in the United States
District Court for the Western District of Arkansas. The plaintiffs, who are former drivers who worked for the
Company during the period of December 6, 2013, through the date of the filing, allege unsubstantiated violations
under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Arkansas Minimum Wage Law. The plaintiffs, through their attorneys,
have filed causes of action alleging “Failure to pay minimum wage during orientation, failure to pay minimum wage
to team drivers after initial orientation, failure to pay minimum wage to solo-drivers after initial orientation, failure to
pay for compensable travel time, Comdata card fees, unlawful deductions, and breach of contract.” The plaintiffs
are seeking actual and liquidated damages to include court costs and legal fees. The lawsuit is currently under
preliminary review. We cannot reasonably estimate, at this time, the possible loss or range of loss, if any, that may
arise from this lawsuit. Management has determined that any losses under this claim will not be covered by
existing insurance policies.
During 2014 and 2015, the Company’s subsidiaries operated equipment under operating leases for the lease of
471 trucks. Revenue equipment held under operating leases is not carried on our balance sheet and the
respective lease payments are reflected in our consolidated statements of operations as a component of the
Rents and purchased transportation category. The final 56 trucks operated under these lease agreements were
returned or purchased in by January 31, 2018.
Leases for revenue equipment and certain premises under non-cancellable operating leases expire at various
dates through 2021. Future minimum lease payments related to these non-cancellable leases at December 31,
2017 are as follows:
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022 and thereafter
Total
(in
thousands)
$
$
382
67
36
6
-
491
Total rental expense, net of amounts reimbursed , for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was
approximately $5,460,000, $10,294,000, and $12,057,000, respectively.
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16. LEASE INCOME
The Company has a lease-purchase program whereby we offer independent contractors the opportunity to lease
a Company-owned truck. The terms associated with these leases require weekly lease payments over the term of
the leases which range from 7 to 35 months. The cost and carrying amount of Company-owned trucks in this
program at December 31, 2017 were approximately $42,206,000 and $17,028,000, respectively. The cost and
carrying amount of Company-owned trucks in this program at December 31, 2016 w a s $44,691,000 and
$16,522,000, respectively.
Leases in our lease-purchase program expire at various dates through 2019. Payments received under this
program are classified in the Company’s financial statements under the consolidated statements of operations
category Revenue. Future minimum lease receipts related to these leases at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were
approximately $9,360,000 and $5,935,000, respectively.
The Company leases office and shop facilities to a related party. At December 31, 2017, the cost and carrying
amount of the facilities leased were approximately $1,697,000 and $1,195,000, respectively. At December 31,
2016, the cost and carrying amount of the facilities leased were approximately $1,697,000 and $1,253,000,
respectively. Future minimum lease receipts related to this lease at December 31, 2017 are approximately
$12,000. See Note 18 to our consolidated financial statements.
17. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, marketable equity securities, accounts receivable,
trade accounts payable, and borrowings.
The Company adopted guidance effective January 1, 2008 for financial assets and liabilities measured on a
recurring basis. This guidance defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid
to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an
orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date and also establishes a fair value
hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable
inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair
value:
Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Inputs other than Level 1 inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable such as quoted prices for
similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in
markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable; or other inputs not
directly observable, but derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity.
The Company utilizes the market approach to measure fair value for its financial assets and liabilities.
approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or
comparable assets or liabilities.
The market
At December 31, 2017, the following items are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
Marketable equity securities
$
26,664 $
26,664
-
-
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
(in thousands)
During 2017 and 2016,
measurement.
there were no transfers of marketable securities between levels of fair value
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The Company’s investments in marketable equity securities are recorded at fair value based on quoted market
prices. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, trade accounts payable, and
accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to their short maturities.
The carrying amount for the line of credit approximates fair value because the line of credit interest rate is
adjusted frequently.
For long-term debt other than the lines of credit, the fair values are estimated using discounted cash flow
analyses, based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing
arrangements. The carrying values and estimated fair values of this other long-term debt at December 31, 2017
and 2016 are summarized as follows:
2017
2016
Carrying
Value
Estimated
Fair Value
Carrying
Value
Estimated
Fair Value
(in thousands)
Long-term debt
$
172,636 $
171,289 $
165,331 $
163,975
The Company has not elected the fair value option for any of our financial instruments.
18. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In the normal course of business, transactions for transportation and repair services, equipment, property leases
and other services are conducted between the Company and companies affiliated with our Chairman and
controlling stockholder. The Company recognized approximately $585,000, $4,834,000 and $11,325,000 in
operating revenue and approximately $7,497,000 $8,837,000 and $4,834,000 in operating expenses in 2017,
2016, and 2015, respectively. In addition, also in the normal course of business, the Company sold trucks to an
affiliated company owned by our Chairman and controlling stockholder for approximately $67,500 during 2015.
The Company purchased physical damage, auto liability, general liability , and workers’ compensation insurance
through an unaffiliated insurance broker which was written by an insurance company affiliated with our Chairman
for physical damage coverage were approximately $1,808,000,
and controlling stockholder. Premiums
$2,091,000 and $2,467,000 for 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Premiums for auto liability coverage during
2017, 2016,
and $9,605,000, respectively.
Premiums for general liability coverage during 2017, 2016, and 2015 were approximately $35,000, 21,000 and
$23,000, respectively. Premiums for workers’ compensation coverage during 2017, 2016, and 2015 were
approximately $286,000, $298,000 and $276,000, respectively.
and 2015 were approximately $10,860,000, $11,030,000,
Amounts owed to the Company by these affiliates were approximately $21,000 and $929,000 at December 31,
2017 and 2016, respectively. Of the accounts receivable at December 31, 2017 and 2016, approximately $19,000
and $925,000 represent freight transportation and approximately $2,000 and $4,000 represent revenue resulting
from maintenance performed in the Company’s maintenance facilities and charges paid by the Company to third
parties on behalf of their affiliate and charged back at the amount paid, respectively. Amounts representing
prepaid insurance premiums at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were approximately $1,385,000 and $472,000,
respectively. Amounts payable to affiliates at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were approximately $971,000 and
$1,297,000 respectively.
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19. QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
The tables below present quarterly financial information for 2017 and 2016:
Operating revenues
Operating expenses and costs
Operating income
Non-operating (loss) income
Interest expense
Income tax (benefit) expense
2017
Three Months Ended
March 31
June 30
September
30
December
31
(in thousands, except per share data)
$
109,405 $
106,743
108,646 $
105,748
108,899 $
105,131
110,888
107,536
2,662
2,052
(977)
(1,454)
2,898
650
(935)
(1,004)
3,768
2,767
(920)
(2,169)
3,352
384
(1,070)
28,895
Net income
$
2,283 $
1,609 $
3,446 $
31,561
Net income per common share:
Basic
Diluted
Average common shares outstanding:
Basic
Diluted
$
$
0.36 $
0.36 $
0.25 $
0.25 $
0.54 $
0.54 $
5.07
5.00
6,399
6,425
6,381
6,430
6,326
6,373
6,219
6,312
2016
Three Months Ended
March 31
June 30
September
30
December
31
(in thousands, except per share data)
Operating revenues
Operating expenses and costs
$
103,589 $
98,003
111,516 $
104,162
109,393 $
104,098
108,354
106,661
Operating income
Non-operating income (loss)
Interest expense
Income tax expense
5,586
(22)
(822)
(1,807)
7,354
(10)
(910)
(2,442)
5,295
1,235
(927)
(2,152)
1,693
282
(982)
(270)
Net income
$
2,935 $
3,992 $
3,451 $
723
Net income per common share:
Basic
Diluted
Average common shares outstanding:
Basic
Diluted
$
$
0.41 $
0.41 $
0.61 $
0.61 $
0.54 $
0.53 $
0.11
0.11
7,121
7,145
6,551
6,572
6,439
6,458
6,400
6,425
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Table of Contents
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the
effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures,
management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only
reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and
procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply its
judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.
Based on management’s evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that, as of
December 31, 2017, our disclosure controls and procedures are designed at a reasonable assurance level and are
effective to provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit
under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in
Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to
our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely
decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We regularly review our system of internal control over financial reporting and make changes to our processes and
systems to improve controls and increase efficiency, while ensuring that we maintain an effective internal control
environment. Changes may include such activities as implementing new, more efficient systems, consolidating
activities, and migrating processes.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the last quarter of the period
covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect,
our internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as
defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal
control over financial reporting based on the framework in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by
the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on this evaluation,
management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017.
Management reviewed the results of its assessment with our Audit Committee. The effectiveness of our internal control
over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 has been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, an independent registered
public accounting firm, as stated in its report which is included below.
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Table of Contents
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Stockholders
P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc.
Opinion on internal control over financial reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. (a Delaware
corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in the 2013
Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated
Framework issued by COSO.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31,
2017, and our report dated March 09, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Basis for opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting . Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the
Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with
the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal
securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was
maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial
reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating
effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered
necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and limitations of internal control over financial reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies
and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are
recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of
management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on
the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may
deteriorate.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
Tulsa, Oklahoma
March 09, 2018
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Table of Contents
Item 9B. Other Information.
None.
PART III
Portions of the information required by Part III of Form 10-K are, pursuant to General Instruction G (3) of Form 10-K,
incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A for our Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 25, 2018. We will, within 120 days of the end of our fiscal year, file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission a definitive proxy statement pursuant to Regulation 14A.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
The information presented under the captions “Election of Directors”, “Executive Compensation”, “Section 16(a)
Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance”, “Corporate Governance – Code of Ethics”, “Corporate Governance –
Director Nominating Process” and “Corporate Governance – Board Committees,” in the proxy statement is incorporated
here by reference.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
The information presented under the captions “Executive Compensation”, “Corporate Governance – Compensation
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation”, and “Compensation Committee Report” in the proxy statement is
incorporated here by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
The information presented under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in
the proxy statement is incorporated here by reference.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table summarizes, as of December 31, 201 7, information about compensation plans under which equity
securities of the Company are authorized for issuance:
Number of
securities to
be issued upon
exercise
of outstanding
options,
warrants and
rights
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding
options,
warrants and
rights
Number of
securities
remaining
available for
future issuance
under
equity
compensation
plans
149,218 $
10.79 (1)
439,865
-0-
-0-
-0-
Plan Category
Equity Compensation Plans approved by
Security Holders
Equity Compensation Plans not approved
by Security Holders
Total
149,218 $
10.79
439,865
(1) Excludes shares of restricted stock, which do not require the payment of an exercise price.
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Table of Contents
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
The information presented under the captions “Transactions with Related Persons” and “Corporate Governance –
Director Independence” in the proxy statement is incorporated here by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
The information presented under the caption “Independent Public Accountants – Principal Accountant Fees and
Services” in the proxy statement is incorporated here by reference.
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
(a) Financial Statements and Schedules.
(1) Financial Statements: See Part II, Item 8 hereof.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Grant Thornton LLP
Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 201 7 and 2016
Consolidated Statements of Operations - Years ended December 31, 201 7, 2016 and 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - Years ended December 31, 201 7, 2016 and 2015
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders ’ Equity - Years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended December 31, 201 7, 2016 and 2015
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(2) Financial Statement Schedules.
All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the SEC are omitted as
the required information is inapplicable, or because the information is presented in the consolidated financial
statements or related notes.
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Table of Contents
(3) Exhibits.
The following exhibits are filed with or incorporated by reference into this Report. The exhibits which are
denominated by an asterisk (*) were previously filed as a part of, and are hereby incorporated by reference from
either (i) the Form S-1 Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on July 30, 1986, Registration No. 33-7618, as amended on August 8, 1986,
September 3, 1986 and September 10, 1986 (“1986 S-1”); (ii) the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended March 31, 2002 (“3/31/02 10-Q”); (iii) the Form 8-K filed on December 11, 2007 (“12/11/07 8-K”);
(iv) the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (“2007 10-K”); (v) the Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 (“6/30/09 10-Q”); (vi) the Schedule 14A filed on April
23, 2014 (“4/23/14 DEF 14A”); or (viii) the Form 8-K filed on April 1, 2016 (“04/1/16 8-K”).
Exhibit #
*3.1
Description of Exhibit
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (Exh. 3.1, 3/31/02 10-Q)
*3.2
*4.1
*4.2
*4.2.1
*4.2.2
*4.2.3
Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant (Exh. 3.2, 12/11/07 8-K)
Specimen Stock Certificate (Exh. 4.1, 1986 S-1)
Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated March 28, 2016 and among P.A.M. Transport,
Inc., First Tennessee Bank National Association and the Company (Exh. 4.1, 04/1/16 8-K)
Fourth Amended and Restated Consolidated Revolving Credit Note dated March 28, 2016 by
P.A.M. Transport, Inc. in favor of First Tennessee Bank National Association (Exh. 4.2, 04/1/16 8-
K)
Amended and Restated Security Agreement dated March 28, 2016 by and between P.A.M.
Transport, Inc. and First Tennessee Bank National Association (Exh. 4.3, 04/1/16 8-K)
Fourth Amended and Restated Guaranty Agreement of the Company, dated March 28, 2016, in
favor of First Tennessee Bank National Association (Exh. 4.4, 04/1/16 8-K)
*10.1
(1) Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Daniel H. Cushman, dated June 29, 2009
(Exh. 10.1, 06/30/09 10-Q)
*10.2
(1) Consulting Agreement between the Registrant and Manuel J. Moroun, dated December 6, 2007
(Exh. 10.10, 2007 10-K)
*10.3
(1) 2014 Amended and Restated Stock Option and Incentive Plan (Appendix A, 4/23/14 DEF 14A)
21.1
23.1
31.1
31.2
32.1
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
Consent of Grant Thornton LLP
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer
Section 1350 Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
(1) Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
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Table of Contents
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.
Dated: March 8, 2018
P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
By: /s/ Daniel H. Cushman
DANIEL H. CUSHMAN
President and Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive 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 and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Dated: March 8, 2018
By: /s/ Frederick P. Calderone
Dated: March 8, 2018
Dated: March 8, 2018
Dated: March 8, 2018
Dated: March 8, 2018
Dated: March 8, 2018
FREDERICK P. CALDERONE, Director
By: /s/ Daniel H. Cushman
DANIEL H. CUSHMAN
President and Chief Executive Officer, Director
(principal executive officer)
By: /s/ W. Scott Davis
W. SCOTT DAVIS, Director
By: /s/ Norman E. Harned
NORMAN E. HARNED, Director
By: /s/ Franklin H. McLarty
FRANKLIN H. MCLARTY, Director
By: /s/ Manuel J. Moroun
MANUEL J. MOROUN, Director
Dated: March 8, 2018
By: /s/ Matthew T. Moroun
Dated: March 8, 2018
Dated: March 8, 2018
MATTHEW T. MOROUN, Director and Chairman of
the Board
By: /s/ Daniel C. Sullivan
DANIEL C. SULLIVAN, Director
By: /s/ Allen W. West
ALLEN W. WEST
Vice President-Finance, Chief Financial Officer,
Secretary and Treasurer
(principal financial and accounting officer)
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