form10q_3rdqtr2012.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

ý QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from __________to__________

Commission File Number:  0-15057


P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
 
71-0633135
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification no.)

297 West Henri De Tonti, Tontitown, Arkansas 72770
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (479) 361-9111

N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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 the filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes  þ 
 
No  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, 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  þ 
 
No  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer o
     
Accelerated filer þ 
Non-accelerated filer   o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes  o
 
No  þ 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

Class
 
Outstanding at October 31, 2012
Common Stock, $.01 Par Value
 
8,701,607

 
 

 

P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
Form 10-Q
For The Quarter Ended September 30, 2012
Table of Contents



Part I.  Financial Information
   
Item 1.
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
Item 2.
   
Item 3.
   
Item 4.
   
   
Part II.  Other Information
   
Item 1.
   
Item 6.
 
 




 
2

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.  Financial Statements.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 689     $ 180  
Accounts receivable-net:
               
Trade
    54,009       48,019  
Other
    2,899       2,218  
Inventories
    1,736       1,658  
Prepaid expenses and deposits
    10,305       10,993  
Marketable equity securities
    18,490       20,264  
Income taxes refundable
    367       233  
Total current assets
    88,495       83,565  
                 
Property and equipment:
               
Land
    4,924       4,924  
Structures and improvements
    15,768       14,206  
Revenue equipment
    328,639       324,644  
Office furniture and equipment
    8,886       9,002  
Total property and equipment
    358,217       352,776  
Accumulated depreciation
    (138,805 )     (159,646 )
Net property and equipment
    219,412       193,130  
                 
Other assets
    2,432       2,398  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 310,339     $ 279,093  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 28,170     $ 23,803  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    16,514       9,670  
Current maturities of long-term debt
    24,277       17,438  
Deferred income taxes-current
    2,203       2,277  
Total current liabilities
    71,164       53,188  
                 
Long-term debt-less current portion
    61,755       44,135  
Deferred income taxes-less current portion
    45,926       44,293  
Total liabilities
    178,845       141,616  
                 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
    -       -  
Common stock, $.01 par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized; 11,384,207 and
               
11,378,207 shares issued; 8,701,607 and 8,695,607 shares outstanding
               
at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively
    114       114  
Additional paid-in capital
    78,394       78,036  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    4,576       4,705  
Treasury stock, at cost; 2,682,600 shares
    (37,239 )     (37,239 )
Retained earnings
    85,649       91,861  
Total shareholders’ equity
    131,494       137,477  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  $ 310,339     $ 279,093  
                 
   
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 


3

 



Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
             
             
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
OPERATING REVENUES:
                       
Revenue, before fuel surcharge
  $ 74,432     $ 70,616     $ 223,300     $ 213,220  
Fuel surcharge
    20,117       18,322       61,560       56,635  
Total operating revenues
    94,549       88,938       284,860       269,855  
                                 
OPERATING EXPENSES AND COSTS:
                               
Salaries, wages and benefits
    35,277       30,276       101,082       88,490  
Fuel expense
    26,426       30,965       84,662       96,366  
Rent and purchased transportation
    5,457       5,869       18,781       16,680  
Depreciation
    9,639       8,071       28,193       24,745  
Operating supplies and expenses
    10,303       10,364       29,746       28,848  
Operating taxes and licenses
    1,246       1,189       3,726       3,712  
Insurance and claims
    3,487       3,113       10,082       9,826  
Communications and utilities
    533       555       1,660       1,905  
Other
    1,088       1,228       3,721       4,161  
Loss (gain) on disposition of equipment
    154       4       (90 )     31  
Total operating expenses and costs
    93,610       91,634       281,563       274,764  
                                 
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
    939       (2,696 )     3,297       (4,909 )
                                 
NON-OPERATING INCOME
    1,188       173       2,677       1,325  
INTEREST EXPENSE
    (645 )     (375 )     (1,811 )     (1,357 )
                                 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    1,482       (2,898 )     4,163       (4,941 )
                                 
FEDERAL AND STATE INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT):
                               
Current
    35       -       35       -  
Deferred
    566       (1,194 )     1,638       (1,951 )
Total federal and state income tax expense (benefit)
    601       (1,194 )     1,673       (1,951 )
                                 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 881     $ (1,704 )   $ 2,490     $ (2,990 )
                                 
INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.10     $ (0.19 )   $ 0.29     $ (0.33 )
Diluted
  $ 0.10     $ (0.19 )   $ 0.29     $ (0.33 )
                                 
AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:
                               
Basic
    8,702       8,941       8,700       9,142  
Diluted
    8,703       8,941       8,702       9,142  
                                 
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE
  $ -     $ -     $ 1.00     $ -  
                                 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
                               

4

 


Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(unaudited)
(in thousands)
 
             
             
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
                         
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 881     $ (1,704 )   $ 2,490     $ (2,990 )
                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                               
                                 
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains on marketable
                               
securities included in net income (1)
    (512 )     -       (946 )     (484 )
                                 
Reclassification adjustment for unrealized losses on marketable
                               
securities included in net income, net of income taxes (2)
    12       18       39       140  
                                 
Changes in fair value of marketable securities (3)
    366       (1,615 )     778       (1,015 )
                                 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 747     $ (3,301 )   $ 2,361     $ (4,349 )
                                 
                                 
                                 
                                 
                                 
                                 
__________
                               
(1) Net of deferred income taxes of $(314), $0, $(579) and $(295), respectively.
                         
(2) Net of deferred income taxes of $8, $11, $24, and $85, respectively.
                         
(3) Net of deferred income taxes of $239, $(735), $524 and $(327), respectively.
                         
                                 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
                               



5

 



Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
(in thousands)
 
             
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net income (loss)
  $ 2,490     $ (2,990 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation
    28,193       24,745  
Bad debt recovery
    (224 )     (37 )
Stock compensation-net of excess tax benefits
    303       147  
Provision for (benefit from) deferred income taxes
    1,638       (1,951 )
Reclassification of unrealized loss on marketable equity securities
    63       223  
Recognized gain on sale of marketable equity securities
    (1,985 )     (726 )
(Gain) loss on sale or disposal of equipment
    (90 )     31  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
    (6,405 )     (2,101 )
Prepaid expenses, deposits, inventories, and other assets
    576       424  
Income taxes (payable) refundable
    (134 )     2,065  
Trade accounts payable
    1,871       12,473  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    1,950       2,553  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    28,246       34,856  
                 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Purchases of property and equipment
    (66,003 )     (35,168 )
Proceeds from disposition of equipment
    14,114       5,647  
Change in restricted cash
    (41 )     510  
Sales of marketable equity securities
    3,558       966  
Purchases of marketable equity securities, net of return of capital
    (70 )     (2,039 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (48,442 )     (30,084 )
                 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Borrowings under line of credit
    324,104       244,761  
Repayments under line of credit
    (327,238 )     (244,761 )
Borrowings of long-term debt
    45,422       8,199  
Repayments of long-term debt
    (17,829 )     (20,205 )
Borrowings under margin account
    8,908       1,440  
Repayments under margin account
    (4,015 )     (1,411 )
Repurchases of common stock
    -       (5,751 )
Dividends paid
    (8,702 )     -  
Exercise of stock options
    55       15  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    20,705       (17,713 )
                 
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    509       (12,941 )
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS-Beginning of period
    180       13,774  
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS-End of period
  $ 689     $ 833  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION-
               
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest
  $ 1,812     $ 1,393  
Income taxes
  $ 169     $ 75  
                 
NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES-
               
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable
  $ 6,707     $ 2,123  
                 
                 
                 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
               

6

 



Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
(unaudited)
(in thousands)
 
                                     
                                     
   
Common Stock
Shares / Amount
   
Additional Paid-In Capital
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
   
Treasury Stock
   
Retained Earnings
   
Total
 
                                           
Balance at December 31, 2011
    8,696     $ 114     $ 78,036     $ 4,705     $ (37,239 )   $ 91,861     $ 137,477  
                                                         
Net income
                                            2,490       2,490  
                                                         
Other comprehensive income, net of tax of $79
                            (129 )                     (129 )
                                                         
Exercise of stock options-shares issued, including
                                                       
tax benefits
    6               55                               55  
                                                         
Dividends on common stock, $1 per share
                                            (8,702 )     (8,702 )
                                                         
Share-based compensation
                    303                               303  
                                                         
Balance at September 30, 2012
    8,702     $ 114     $ 78,394     $ 4,576     $ (37,239 )   $ 85,649     $ 131,494  
                                                         
                                                         
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 

7

 

P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
September 30, 2012


NOTE A:  BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In management’s opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2011 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. Operating results for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2012. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and the footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

NOTE B:  RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-05”). ASU 2011-05 eliminated the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity and also required presentation of reclassification adjustments from other comprehensive income to net income on the face of the financial statements. In December 2011, the FASB issued an amendment, Accounting Standards Update 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05 (“ASU 2011-12”), which deferred the presentation on the face of the financial statements the effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the components of net income and other comprehensive income for annual and interim financial statements. The adoption of amended presentation requirements, which was effective for the Company on January 1, 2012, did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

NOTE C:  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.

Marketable equity securities classified as available-for-sale or trading securities are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on securities classified as available-for-sale are included, net of tax, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ 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.

For the quarter ended September 30, 2012, the evaluation resulted in an impairment charge of approximately $20,000 in the Company’s non-operating income in its statement of operations. For the quarter ended September 30, 2011, the evaluation resulted in an impairment charge of approximately $30,000 in the Company’s non-operating income in its statement of operations.

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012, the evaluation resulted in an impairment charge of approximately $63,000 in the Company’s non-operating income in its statement of operations. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2011, the evaluation resulted in an impairment charge of approximately $223,000 in the Company’s non-operating income in its statement of operations.

8

 

The following table sets forth cost, market value and unrealized gain/(loss) on equity securities classified as available-for-sale and equity securities classified as trading as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

   
September 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Available-for-sale securities
           
Fair market value
  $ 18,361     $ 20,123  
Cost
    10,984       12,539  
Unrealized gain
  $ 7,377     $ 7,584  
                 
Trading securities
               
Fair market value
  $ 129     $ 141  
Cost
    157       157  
Unrealized loss
  $ (28 )   $ (16 )
                 
Total
               
Fair market value
  $ 18,490     $ 20,264  
Cost
    11,141       12,696  
Unrealized gain
  $ 7,349     $ 7,568  
                 

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 September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

   
September 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Available-for-sale securities:
           
Gross unrealized gains
  $ 7,476     $ 7,866  
Gross unrealized losses
    (99 )     (282 )
Total unrealized gains
  $ 7,377     $ 7,584  
                 

As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the total net unrealized gain, net of deferred income taxes, in accumulated other comprehensive income was approximately $4,576,000 and $4,705,000, respectively.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company had net unrealized gains in market value on securities classified as available-for-sale of approximately $1,065,000, net of deferred income taxes. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company had net unrealized gains in market value on securities classified as available-for-sale of approximately $825,000, net of deferred income taxes.

As of September 30, 2012, the Company's marketable securities that are classified as trading had gross recognized losses of approximately $28,000 and no gross recognized gains. As of September 30, 2011, the Company's marketable securities that are classified as trading had gross recognized losses of approximately $37,000 and no gross recognized gains. The following table shows recognized gains (losses) in market value for securities classified as trading for the periods indicated.

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(in thousands)
   
(in thousands)
 
Trading securities
                       
Recognized (loss) gain at beginning of period
  $ (13 )   $ (4 )   $ (16 )   $ 14  
Recognized loss at end of period
    (28 )     (37 )     (28 )     (37 )
Net recognized (loss) gain for the period
  $ (15 )   $ (33 )   $ (12 )   $ (51 )
                                 
Net recognized (loss) gain for the period, net of taxes
  $ (9 )   $ (20 )   $ (7 )   $ (31 )
                                 

There were no reclassifications between the categories of marketable securities during the first nine months of 2012 or 2011.
 
9

 


The following table shows the Company’s realized gains for the periods indicated 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.

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(in thousands)
   
(in thousands)
 
Realized gains
                       
Sale proceeds
  $ 1,407     $ -     $ 3,558     $ 966  
Cost of securities sold
    450       -       1,561       189  
Realized gains
  $ 957     $ -     $ 1,997     $ 777  
                                 
Realized gains, net of taxes
  $ 569     $ -     $ 1,194     $ 470  
                                 

The following table shows the Company’s investments’ approximate gross unrealized losses and fair value of those securities in a loss position at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. These investments consist of equity securities. As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 there were no investments that had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer.

   
September 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
   
(in thousands)
 
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
Equity securities – Available-for-sale
  $ 1,710     $ 99     $ 2,914     $ 282  
Equity securities – Trading
    129       29       141       16  
Totals
  $ 1,839     $ 128     $ 3,055     $ 298  

The market value of the Company’s equity securities are periodically used as collateral against any outstanding margin account borrowings. As of September 30, 2012, the Company had outstanding borrowings of approximately $4,893,000 under its margin account which were used for the purchase of marketable equity securities and as a source of short-term liquidity. The Company had no borrowings under its margin account as of December 31, 2011.

NOTE D:  STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
The Company maintains a stock option plan under which incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options 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 are 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.

Outstanding incentive stock options at September 30, 2012, must be exercised within either five or ten years from the date of grant and vest in increments of 20% each year. Outstanding nonqualified stock options at September 30, 2012, must be exercised within either five or ten years from the date of grant.

During the first nine months of 2012, options for 14,000 shares and 125,000 shares were issued under the 2006 Plan at a per-share option exercise price of $11.54 and $10.90, respectively. As of September 30, 2012, 401,000 shares were available for granting future options.
 
10

 

The total grant date fair value of options vested during the first nine months of 2012 was approximately $204,000. Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense, recognized in Salaries, wages and benefits during the third quarter of 2012 was approximately $49,000. Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense, recognized in Salaries, wages and benefits during the first nine months of 2012 was approximately $303,000 and includes approximately $199,000 recognized as a result of the increased annual grant of 5,000 shares to each non-employee director during the first nine months of 2012. The recognition of stock-based compensation expense did not have a recognizable impact on diluted or basic earnings per share reported for the third quarter ending September 30, 2012 but did decrease diluted and basic earnings per common share by approximately $0.02 during the nine months ending September 30, 2012. As of September 30, 2012, the Company had stock-based compensation plans with total unvested stock-based compensation expense of approximately $798,000 which is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining vesting period. As a result, the Company expects to recognize approximately $49,000 in additional compensation expense related to unvested option awards during the remainder of 2012 and to recognize approximately $195,000 in additional compensation expense related to unvested option awards during each of the years 2013 through 2014, $189,000 in additional compensation expense related to unvested option awards during 2015, $128,000 in additional compensation expense related to unvested option awards during 2016 and $42,000 in additional compensation expense related to unvested option awards during 2017.

The total grant date fair value of options vested during the first nine months of 2011 was approximately $98,000. Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense, recognized in Salaries, wages and benefits during the third quarter of 2011 was approximately $12,000. Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense, recognized in Salaries, wages and benefits during the first nine months of 2011 was approximately $147,000 and included approximately $98,000 recognized as a result of the annual grant of 2,000 shares to each non-employee director made during the first quarter of 2011. The recognition of stock-based compensation expense did not have a recognizable impact on diluted or basic loss per share reported for the third quarter ending September 30, 2011 but did increase diluted and basic loss per common share by approximately $0.01 during the nine months ending September 30, 2011. As of September 30, 2011, the Company had stock-based compensation plans with total unvested stock-based compensation expense, excluding stock-based compensation related to the performance-based variable nonqualified stock option grant, of approximately $264,000 which was being amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining vesting period. Stock-based compensation expense recognized during the first nine months of 2011 related to the grant of performance-based variable nonqualified stock options was approximately $1,000 and was based on estimated performance criteria for 2011.

The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the first nine months of 2012 and 2011 was $5.96 per share and $6.14 per share, respectively.

The fair value of the Company’s employee stock options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes-Merton (“BSM”) option-pricing model using the following assumptions:

 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
Dividend yield
0%
 
0%
Volatility
57.88% - 65.89%
 
65.81%
Risk-free rate
0.64% - 1.09%
 
1.79%
Expected life
4.2 years - 6.5 years
 
4.3 years
Fair value of options
$5.54 - $6.06
 
$6.14

The Company does not anticipate paying any additional cash dividends in the foreseeable future other than those dividends paid in April 2012. The estimated volatility is based on the historical volatility of our stock. The risk free rate for the periods within the expected life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The expected life of the options was calculated based on the historical exercise behavior.
 
11

 

Information related to option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 is as follows:

   
Shares Under Options
   
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
   
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term
   
Aggregate Intrinsic Value*
 
         
(per share)
   
(in years)
       
Outstanding-beginning of year
    180,942     $ 16.50              
Granted
    139,000       10.96              
Exercised
    (6,000 )     9.04              
Cancelled/forfeited/expired
    (78,500 )     22.64              
Outstanding at September 30, 2012
    235,442     $ 11.38       7.2     $ 24,500  
                                 
Exercisable at September 30, 2012
    87,889     $ 12.02       3.7     $ 24,500  
___________________________
                               
* 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 September 28, 2012, was $9.97.
 

The number, weighted average exercise price and weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding as of September 30, 2012 and the number and weighted average exercise price of options exercisable as of September 30, 2012 are as follows:

Exercise Price
 
Shares Under Outstanding Options
 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term
 
Shares Under Exercisable Options
       
(in years)
   
$3.84
 
4,000
 
1.4
 
4,000
$10.90
 
21,000
 
4.7
 
21,000
$10.90
 
104,000
 
9.7
 
-
$11.22
 
54,442
 
8.2
 
10,889
$11.54
 
12,000
 
4.4
 
12,000
$11.75
 
12,000
 
3.4
 
12,000
$14.32
 
14,000
 
2.4
 
14,000
$14.98
 
14,000
 
0.4
 
14,000
   
235,442
 
7.2
 
87,889

Cash received from option exercises totaled approximately $55,000 and $15,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively. The Company issues new shares upon option exercise.

NOTE E:  SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company follows the guidance provided by ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting, in its identification of operating segments. The Company has determined that it has a total of two operating segments whose primary operations can be characterized as either Truckload Services or Brokerage and Logistics Services, however in accordance with the aggregation criteria provided by FASB ASC Topic 280, the Company has determined that the operations of the two operating segments can be aggregated into a single reporting segment, motor carrier operations. Truckload Services revenues and Brokerage and Logistics Services revenues, each before fuel surcharges, were as follows:

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
 
   
(in thousands, except percentage data)
 
                                                 
Truckload Services revenue
  $ 68,518       92.1     $ 66,349       94.0     $ 204,665       91.7     $ 199,802       93.7  
Brokerage and Logistics Services revenue
    5,914       7.9       4,267       6.0       18,635       8.3       13,418       6.3  
Total revenues
  $ 74,432       100.0     $ 70,616       100.0     $ 223,300       100.0     $ 213,220       100.0  
                                                                 

NOTE F:  TREASURY STOCK
The Company accounts for Treasury stock using the cost method and as of September 30, 2012, 2,682,600 shares were held in the treasury at an aggregate cost of approximately $37,239,000. During the nine months ending September 30, 2012, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock.

12

 
 
NOTE G:  EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed by adjusting the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding by common stock equivalents attributable to dilutive stock options. The computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share does not assume conversion, exercise, or contingent issuance of securities that would have an anti-dilutive effect on earnings (loss) per share. The computations of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share were as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
                         
Net income (loss)
  $ 881     $ (1,704 )   $ 2,490     $ (2,990 )
                                 
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
    8,702       8,941       8,700       9,142  
Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents
    1       -       2       -  
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
    8,703       8,941       8,702       9,142  
                                 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.10     $ (0.19 )   $ 0.29     $ (0.33 )
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.10     $ (0.19 )   $ 0.29     $ (0.33 )

Options to purchase 231,442 and 239,656 shares of common stock were outstanding at September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have an anti-dilutive effect.

NOTE H:  INCOME TAXES
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 2008 and forward remain open to examination in those jurisdictions.

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 September 30, 2012, 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 the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company has not recognized or accrued any interest or penalties related to uncertain income tax positions.

NOTE I:  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. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.
 
13

 

At September 30, 2012, the following items are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
   
(in thousands)
 
                         
Marketable equity securities
  $ 18,490     $ 18,490       -       -  

The Company’s investments in marketable securities are recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices. The carrying value of other financial instruments, including cash, accounts receivable, 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 value and estimated fair value of this other long-term debt at September 30, 2012 was as follows:

   
Carrying
Value
   
Estimated
Fair Value
 
   
(in thousands)
 
             
Long-term debt
  $ 79,838     $ 79,764  

The Company has not elected the fair value option for any of its financial instruments.

NOTE J:  NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT
During the first nine months of 2012, the Company’s subsidiaries entered into installment obligations totaling approximately $45.4 million for the purpose of purchasing revenue equipment. These obligations are payable in monthly installments ranging from 36 to 60 months at a weighted average interest rate of 2.86%.

NOTE K:  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Subsequent events have been evaluated for recognition and disclosure through the date these financial statements were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

NOTE L:  DIVIDENDS
 
On March 20, 2012, the Board declared a special one-time cash dividend of $1.00 per common share. This dividend was paid in cash on April 9, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 30, 2012. The Company currently intends to retain future earnings to finance the growth, development and expansion of its business and does not anticipate paying cash dividends in the future. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of the Board and will depend on its financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, any legal or contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends and other factors the Board deems relevant.
 
14

 

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q constitutes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements may relate to expected future financial and operating results or events, and are thus prospective. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, excess capacity in the trucking industry; surplus inventories; recessionary economic cycles and downturns in customers’ business cycles; increases or rapid fluctuations in fuel prices, interest rates, fuel taxes, tolls, license and registration fees; the resale value of the Company’s used equipment and the price of new equipment; increases in compensation for and difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified drivers and owner-operators; increases in insurance premiums and deductible amounts relating to accident, cargo, workers' compensation, health, and other claims; unanticipated increases in the number or amount of claims for which the Company is self insured; inability of the Company to continue to secure acceptable financing arrangements; seasonal factors such as harsh weather conditions that increase operating costs; competition from trucking, rail, and intermodal competitors including reductions in rates resulting from competitive bidding; the ability to identify acceptable acquisition candidates, consummate acquisitions, and integrate acquired operations; a significant reduction in or termination of the Company's trucking service by a key customer; and other factors, including risk factors, included from time to time in filings made by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Company undertakes no obligation to update or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates from the information provided in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, included in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW
The Company’s administrative headquarters are in Tontitown, Arkansas. From this location we manage operations conducted through 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 owner-operator 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 owner-operator 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. These aspects of our business are carefully managed and efforts are continuously underway to achieve favorable results. For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012, truckload services revenues, excluding fuel surcharges, represented 92.1% and 91.7%, respectively, of total revenues, excluding fuel surcharges, with remaining revenues, excluding fuel surcharges, being generated from brokerage and logistics services. For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011, truckload services revenues, excluding fuel surcharges, represented 94.0% and 93.7%, respectively, of total revenues, excluding fuel surcharges, with remaining revenues, excluding fuel surcharges, being generated from brokerage and logistics services.

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.

In discussing our results of operations we use revenue, before fuel surcharge, (and fuel expense, net of 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 the three and nine months ending September 30, 2012, approximately $20.1 million and $61.6 million, respectively, of the Company’s total revenue was generated from fuel surcharges. During the three and nine months ending September 30, 2011 approximately $18.3 million and $56.6 million, respectively, of the Company’s total revenue was generated from fuel surcharges. We may 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.
 
15

 
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. Fuel costs are shown net of fuel surcharges.

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(percentages)
 
                         
Operating revenues, before fuel surcharge
    100.0       100.0       100.0       100.0  
                                 
Operating expenses:
                               
Salaries, wages and benefits
    51.3       45.5       49.2       44.2  
Fuel expense, net of fuel surcharge
    9.2       19.1       11.3       19.9  
Rent and purchased transportation
    (0.2 )     2.7       0.5       1.9  
Depreciation
    14.1       12.2       13.8       12.4  
Operating supplies and expenses
    15.0       15.6       14.5       14.4  
Operating taxes and licenses
    1.8       1.8       1.8       1.9  
Insurance and claims
    5.1       4.7       4.9       4.9  
Communications and utilities
    0.8       0.8       0.8       0.9  
Other
    1.6       1.8       1.8       2.1  
Loss on sale or disposal of property
    0.2       -       -       -  
Total operating expenses
    98.9       104.2       98.6       102.6  
Operating income (loss)
    1.1       (4.2 )     1.4       (2.6 )
Non-operating income
    1.7       0.3       1.3       0.7  
Interest expense
    (0.9 )     (0.6 )     (0.9 )     (0.7 )
Income (loss) before income taxes
    1.9       (4.5 )     1.8       (2.6 )

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 VS. THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

During the third quarter of 2012, truckload services revenue, before fuel surcharges, increased 3.3% to $68.5 million as compared to $66.3 million during the third quarter of 2011. The increase was primarily due to an increase in equipment utilization as the average number of miles traveled each work day increased from 424 miles per truck during the third quarter of 2011 to 443 miles per truck during the third quarter of 2012. Partially offsetting the increase related to equipment utilization was a decrease of one work day observed during the third quarter of 2012 as compared to the third quarter of 2011.

Salaries, wages and benefits increased from 45.5% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, in the third quarter of 2011 to 51.3% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the third quarter of 2012. The increase relates primarily to an increase in driver lease expense, which is a component of salaries, wages and benefits, as the average number of owner operators under contract increased from 47 during the third quarter of 2011 to 170 during the third quarter of 2012. The increase in costs in this category, as they relate to the increase in the number of owner operators,  are partially offset by a decrease in other cost categories, such as repairs and fuel, which are generally borne by the owner operator. Partially offsetting this increase was a decrease in costs associated with workers compensation claims expensed during the third quarter of 2012 as compared to the third quarter of 2011 which included an adverse settlement of a large workers’ compensation claim in excess of its estimated reserve.

Fuel expense, net of fuel surcharge, decreased from 19.1% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the third quarter of 2011 to 9.2% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the third quarter of 2012. The decrease was primarily related to a decrease in the average surcharge-adjusted fuel price paid per gallon of diesel fuel and to an increase in the average miles-per-gallon (“mpg”) experienced. The average surcharge-adjusted fuel price paid per gallon of diesel fuel decreased from $1.52 during the third quarter of 2011 to $0.84 during the third quarter of 2012 as a result of more favorable fuel surcharge arrangements made with customers since the third quarter of 2011 and to an increased number of owner operators in our fleet. 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 in our fuel surcharge revenue in net fuel expense, while fuel surcharges paid to owner operators for their services is reported along with their base rate in the Salaries, wages and benefits category, which has the effect of reducing our net fuel expense while increasing Salaries, wages and benefits category, as discussed above. The average mpg experienced increased during the third quarter of 2012 as compared to the mpg experienced during the third quarter of 2011 as a result of replacing older trucks with newer trucks, which are more fuel efficient. The Company has also implemented driver bonus programs which are tied directly to fuel efficiency.
 
16

 

Rent and purchased transportation decreased from 2.7% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the third quarter of 2011 to a credit of 0.2% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the third quarter of 2012. The decrease relates primarily to a decrease in amounts paid for third-party equipment rentals and to third-party transportation service providers and to a decrease in amounts reserved for excess mileage fees paid to certain equipment manufacturers upon the trade of older trucks for new trucks.

Depreciation increased from 12.2% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the third quarter of 2011 to 14.1% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the third quarter of 2012. The increase relates primarily to purchases of new trucks made since the third quarter of 2011 which replaced older trucks within the fleet. These new truck replacements have a significantly higher purchase price than those trucks that are being replaced and are also being depreciated over a shorter period of time as the Company accelerates its truck replacement cycle from every five years to a replacement cycle of every three years. This reduction in replacement cycle, combined with a higher purchase price, results in higher depreciation expense over a shorter period of time. The decrease in the truck replacement cycle time is intended to reduce fuel costs, improve driver and customer satisfaction, and to reduce long-term maintenance costs as well as increase fleet efficiency by reducing maintenance down-time.

Operating supplies and expenses decreased from 15.6% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the third quarter of 2011 to 15.0% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the third quarter of 2012. The decrease relates primarily to a decrease in amounts paid for equipment maintenance costs during the third quarter of 2012 as compared to amounts paid during the third quarter of 2011 as a result of replacing older equipment with new equipment. Partially offsetting this decrease was an increase in amounts paid for driver training schools during the third quarter of 2012 as compared to amounts paid during the third quarter of 2011. The increase in driver training and recruiting costs are a result of heightened competition for qualified drivers as industry demand has increased and increased regulations have forced some drivers to exit the profession.

Insurance and claims increased from 4.7% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the third quarter of 2011 to 5.1% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the third quarter of 2012. The increase relates primarily to an increase in auto liability claims expenses incurred during the third quarter of 2012 as compared to the third quarter of 2011.

Other expenses decreased from 1.8% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the third quarter of 2011 to 1.6% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the third quarter of 2012. The decrease relates primarily to a decrease in amounts expensed for uncollectible revenue, professional services, and for other supplies and expenses.

The truckload services division operating ratio, which measures the ratio of operating expenses, net of fuel surcharges, to operating revenues, before fuel surcharges, decreased from 104.2% for the third quarter 2011 to 98.9% for the third quarter of 2012.

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 VS. NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

For the first nine months ended September 30, 2012, truckload services revenue, before fuel surcharges, increased 2.4% to $204.7 million as compared to $199.8 million for the first nine months ended September 30, 2011. The increase was primarily due to an increase in equipment utilization as the average number of miles traveled each work day increased from 436 miles per truck during the first nine months of 2011 to 451 miles per truck during the first nine months of 2012.

Salaries, wages and benefits increased from 44.2% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, in the first nine months of 2011 to 49.2% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first nine months of 2012. The increase relates primarily to an increase in driver lease expense, which is a component of salaries, wages and benefits, as the average number of owner-operators under contract increased from 40 during the first nine months of 2011 to 129 during the first nine months of 2012. Partially offsetting this increase was a decrease in costs associated with workers’ compensation claims expensed during the first nine months of 2012 as compared to the first nine months of 2011 which included an adverse settlement of a large workers compensation claim in excess of its estimated reserve.
 
17

 

Fuel expense, net of fuel surcharge, decreased from 19.9% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first nine months of 2011 to 11.3% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first nine months of 2012. The decrease was primarily related to a decrease in the average surcharge-adjusted fuel price paid per gallon of diesel fuel and to an increase in the average miles-per-gallon (“mpg”) experienced. The average surcharge-adjusted fuel price paid per gallon of diesel fuel decreased from $1.49 during the first nine months of 2011 to $0.97 during the first nine months of 2012 as a result of more favorable fuel surcharge arrangements made with customers and to an increased number of owner operators in our fleet. 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 in our fuel surcharge revenue in net fuel expense, while fuel surcharges paid to owner operators for their services is reported along with their base rate in the Salaries, wages and benefits category, which has the effect of reducing our net fuel expense while increasing Salaries, wages and benefits category, as discussed above. The average mpg experienced increased during the third quarter of 2012 as compared to the mpg experienced during the third quarter of 2011 as a result of replacing older trucks with newer trucks, which are more fuel efficient. The Company has also implemented driver bonus programs which are tied directly to fuel efficiency.

Rent and purchased transportation decreased from 1.9% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first nine months of 2011 to 0.5% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first nine months of 2012. The decrease relates primarily to a decrease in amounts paid for third-party equipment rentals and to third-party transportation service providers and to a decrease in amounts reserved for excess mileage fees paid to certain equipment manufacturers upon the trade of older trucks for new trucks.

Depreciation increased from 12.4% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first nine months of 2011 to 13.8% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first nine months of 2012. The increase relates primarily to purchases of new trucks which replaced older trucks within the fleet. These new truck replacements have a significantly higher purchase price than those trucks that are being replaced and are being depreciated over a shorter period of time as the Company accelerates its truck replacement cycle from every five years to a replacement cycle of every three years. This reduction in replacement cycle, combined with a higher purchase price, results in higher depreciation expense over a shorter period of time. The decrease in the truck replacement cycle time is intended to reduce fuel costs, improve driver and customer satisfaction, and to reduce long-term maintenance costs as well as increase fleet efficiency by reducing maintenance down-time.

Operating supplies and expenses increased from 14.4% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first nine months of 2011 to 14.5% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first nine months of 2012. The increase relates primarily to an increase in amounts paid for tolls and driver training schools during the first nine months of 2012 as compared to amounts paid during the first nine months of 2011. The increase in driver training and recruiting costs are a result of heightened competition for qualified drivers as industry demand has increased and increased regulations have forced some drivers to exit the profession. The increase related to the above factors was partially offset by a decrease in equipment maintenance and repair costs for the periods compared as the Company continues to replace older equipment with newer equipment.

Other expenses decreased from 2.1% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first nine months of 2011 to 1.8% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first nine months of 2012. The decrease relates primarily to a decrease in amounts expensed for uncollectible revenue, professional services, and for other supplies and expenses.

The truckload services division operating ratio, which measures the ratio of operating expenses, net of fuel surcharges, to operating revenues, before fuel surcharges, decreased from 102.6% for the first nine months 2011 to 98.6% for the first nine months of 2012.
 
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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.

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(percentages)
 
                         
Operating revenues, before fuel surcharge
    100.0       100.0       100.0       100.0  
                                 
Operating expenses:
                               
Salaries, wages and benefits
    1.9       1.2       1.7       2.1  
Rent and purchased transportation
    95.1       96.5       95.1       95.2  
Operating supplies and expenses
    0.0       0.0       0.0       0.1  
Communications and utilities
    0.1       0.1       0.1       0.2  
Other
    0.1       0.1       0.2       0.3  
Total operating expenses
    97.2       97.9       97.1       97.9  
Operating income
    2.8       2.1       2.9       2.1  
Non-operating income
    0.4       0.0       0.3       0.1  
Interest expense
    (0.2 )     (0.1 )     (0.2 )     (0.2 )
Income before income taxes
    3.0       2.0       3.0       2.0  

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 VS. THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

During the third quarter of 2012, logistics and brokerage services revenue, before fuel surcharges, increased 38.6% to $5.9 million as compared to $4.3 million during the third quarter of 2011. The increase relates to an increase in the number of loads brokered during the third quarter of 2012 as compared to the third quarter of 2011.

Salaries, wages and benefits increased from 1.2% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, in the third quarter of 2011 to 1.9% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the third quarter of 2012. The increase relates to an increase in the number of employees assigned to the logistics and brokerage services division.

Rent and purchased transportation decreased from 96.5% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the third quarter of 2011 to 95.1% of revenues, before fuel surcharges during the third quarter of 2012. The decrease relates to a decrease in amounts charged by 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, decreased from 97.9% for the third quarter of 2011 to 97.2% for the third quarter of 2012.

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 VS. NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

For the first nine months ended September 30, 2012, logistics and brokerage services revenue, before fuel surcharges, increased 38.9% to $18.6 million as compared to $13.4 million for the first nine months ended September 30, 2011. The increase relates to an increase in the number of loads brokered during the first nine months of 2012 as compared to the first nine months of 2011.

Salaries, wages and benefits decreased from 2.1% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first nine months of 2011 to 1.7% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first nine months of 2012. The decrease relates to the effect of higher revenues without a corresponding increase in those wages with fixed cost characteristics, such as general and administrative wages. The decrease was partially offset by increased salaries related to an increase in the number of employees assigned to the logistics and brokerage services division.

Rent and purchased transportation decreased from 95.2% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first nine months of 2011 to 95.1% of revenues, before fuel surcharges during the first nine months of 2012. The decrease relates to a decrease in amounts charged by 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, decreased from 97.9% for the first nine months of 2011 to 97.1% for the first nine months of 2012.
 
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – COMBINED SERVICES

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 VS. THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

Net income for all divisions was approximately $0.9 million, or 1.2% of revenues, before fuel surcharge for the third quarter of 2012 as compared to net loss of $1.7 million or 2.4% of revenues, before fuel surcharge for the third quarter of 2011. The increase in income resulted in diluted earnings per share of $0.10 for the third quarter of 2012 as compared to diluted loss per share of $0.19 for the third quarter of 2011.

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 VS. NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

Net income for all divisions was approximately $2.5 million, or 1.1% of revenues, before fuel surcharge for the first nine months of 2012 as compared to net loss of $3.0 million or 1.4% of revenues, before fuel surcharge for the first nine months of 2011. The increase in income resulted in diluted earnings per share of $0.29 for the first nine months of 2012 as compared to diluted loss per share of $0.33 for the first nine months of 2011.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The growth of 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, issuances of equity securities, borrowings under our line of credit, installment note agreements, and borrowings under our investment margin account.

During the first nine months of 2012, we generated $28.2 million in cash from operating activities. Investing activities used $48.4 million in cash in the first nine months of 2012. Financing activities provided $20.7 million in cash in the first nine months of 2012.

Our primary use of funds is for the purchase of revenue equipment. We typically use installment notes, our existing line 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 the first nine months of 2012, we utilized cash on hand, installment notes, and our lines of credit to finance revenue equipment purchases of approximately $63.6 million.

Occasionally, we finance the acquisition of revenue equipment through installment notes with fixed interest rates and terms ranging from 36 to 60 months. During the first nine months of 2012, the Company’s subsidiary, P.A.M. Transport, Inc. entered into installment obligations totaling approximately $45.4 million for the purpose of purchasing revenue equipment. These obligations are payable in monthly installments ranging from 36 months to 60 months and at interest rates ranging from 2.49% to 3.35%.

During the remainder of 2012, we expect to purchase 165 new trucks and 170 new trailers while continuing to sell or trade older equipment, which we expect to result in net capital expenditures of approximately $17.4 million. Management believes we will be able to finance our near term needs for working capital over the next twelve months, as well as any planned capital expenditures 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 recent operating results, current cash position, 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.
 
We currently intend to retain our future earnings to finance our growth and do not anticipate paying additional cash dividends in the foreseeable future other than those dividends paid in April 2012.

During the first nine months of 2012, the Company negotiated an increase in its revolving line of credit from $30 million to $35 million. Amounts outstanding under the line of credit bear interest at LIBOR (determined as of the first day of each month) plus 1.95% (2.18% at September 30, 2012), are secured by our accounts receivable and mature on June 1, 2014. At September 30, 2012, outstanding advances on the line of credit were approximately $7.3 million, including letters of credit of $1.1 million, with availability to borrow $27.7 million.

Trade accounts receivable increased from $48.0 million at December 31, 2011 to $54.0 million at September 30, 2012. The $6.0 million increase relates to a general increase in freight revenue and fuel surcharge revenue, which flows through the accounts receivable account, during the first nine months of 2012 as compared to the freight revenue and fuel surcharge revenue generated during the last nine months of 2011.

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Marketable equity securities decreased from $20.3 million at December 31, 2011 to $18.5 million at September 30, 2012. The $1.8 million decrease was primarily related to sales of securities with a cost basis of $1.6 million during the first nine months of 2012.

Structures and improvements increased from $14.2 million at December 31, 2011 to $15.8 million at September 30, 2012. The $1.6 million increase was primarily related to costs associated with the expansion and remodeling of one of the Company’s existing terminal facilities.

Revenue equipment, which generally consists of trucks, trailers, and revenue equipment accessories such as Qualcomm™ satellite tracking units, increased from $324.6 million at December 31, 2011 to $328.6 million at September 30, 2012. The $4.0 million increase relates primarily to the purchase of new trucks to replace older trucks which have not yet been retired or are otherwise in the process of being traded or sold and to the purchase of new trailers during the first nine months of 2012 without corresponding trailer retirements as the Company intends to increase its trailer fleet size. Partially offsetting the increase was the disposition of older, fully depreciated, Qualcomm™ units as the Company replaced older units with newer units offering more advanced capabilities.

Accounts payable increased from $23.8 million at December 31, 2011 to $28.2 million at September 30, 2012. The $4.4 million increase was primarily related to an increase in amounts accrued for the purchases of fuel and revenue equipment.

Accrued expenses and other liabilities increased from $9.7 million at December 31, 2011 to $16.5 million at September 30, 2012. The $6.8 million increase was primarily related to an increase of $4.9 in borrowed amounts outstanding under the Company’s investment margin account. The Company periodically uses this margin account for the purchase of marketable equity securities and as a source of short-term liquidity. Also contributing to the increase was an increase in amounts accrued at the end of the period for employee wages and benefits which can vary significantly throughout the year depending on many factors, including the timing of the actual date employees are paid in relation to the last day of the reporting period.

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, increased from $61.6 million at December 31, 2011 to $86.0 million at September 30, 2012. The $24.4 million increase was related to additional borrowings received during the first nine months of 2012 net of the principal portion of scheduled installment note payments made during the first nine months of 2012.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Note B to the condensed consolidated financial statements for a description of the most recent accounting pronouncements and their impact, if any, on the Company.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative 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 and the general strategies we employ to manage such 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 the current market price of such securities. The recorded value of marketable equity securities decreased to $18.5 million at September 30, 2012 from $20.3 million at December 31, 2011. The decrease during the first nine months of 2012 includes sales of equity securities with a cost basis of $1.6 million and a decrease in the fair market value of $0.3 million. Offsetting the decrease were purchases of equity securities with a cost basis of $0.1 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 $1.9 million. For additional information with respect to the marketable equity securities, see Note C to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Interest Rate Risk
Our line of credit bears 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 $6.0 million of variable rate debt was outstanding, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in LIBOR for a one year period would result in approximately $60,000 of additional interest expense.

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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 2011 fuel consumption, a 10% increase in the average annual price per gallon of diesel fuel would increase our annual fuel expenses by $12.5 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 in or exposed to fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Mexican peso. Based on 2011 expenditures denominated in pesos, a 10% increase in the exchange rate would increase our annual operating expenses by $30,000.

Item 4.  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 September 30, 2012, 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 controls 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 quarter ended September 30, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
 
22

 


PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  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 condition.

Item 6.  Exhibits.

Exhibit Number
Exhibit Description
     
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 15, 2002.)
3.2
 
Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company's Form 8-K filed on December 11, 2007.)
 
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer
 
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer
 
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 Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
     

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SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements 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.


 
P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
   
   
Dated:  November 6, 2012
By: /s/ Daniel H. Cushman
 
Daniel H. Cushman
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
(principal executive officer)
   
Dated:  November 6, 2012
By: /s/ Lance K. Stewart
 
Lance K. Stewart
 
Vice President-Finance, Chief Financial
 
Officer, Secretary and Treasurer
 
(principal accounting and financial officer)
   


24

 

P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
Index to Exhibits to Form 10-Q



Exhibit Number
Exhibit Description
     
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 15, 2002.)
3.2
 
Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company's Form 8-K filed on December 11, 2007.)
 
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer
 
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer
 
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 Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
25