Knight Transportation, Inc. (NYSE: KNX), one of North America's largest and most diversified truckload transportation companies, today reported revenue and net income for the third quarter ended Sept 30, 2013.

Key financial highlights for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013 and 2012 were as follows:

 

Three Months Ended Sept 30,
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Nine Months Ended Sept 30,
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

2013   2012  

%
Change

2013   2012  

%
Change

Total revenue $239,338 $237,933 0.6% $719,521 $693,733 3.7%
Revenue, excluding trucking fuel surcharge $195,847 $192,550 1.7% $585,551 $556,987 5.1%
GAAP operating income $24,274 $27,767 -12.6% $81,743 $79,703 2.6%
Adjusted operating income NA NA NA $81,743

$83,684(1)

 -2.3%
GAAP net income $15,059 $16,584 -9.2% $49,181 $46,418 6.0%
Adjusted net income NA NA NA $49,181

$50,312(1)

 -2.2%
GAAP earnings per diluted share $0.19 $0.21 -9.7% $0.61 $0.58 5.6%
Adjusted earnings per diluted share NA NA NA $0.61

$0.63(1)

 -2.5%
 

(1) The 1st quarter of 2012 included a $4.0 million non-cash charge ($3.9 million after tax) for stock option acceleration. See GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliation schedule. GAAP and Non-GAAP measurements for 2013 are identical.

 

The company previously announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per share to shareholders of record on September 6, 2013, which was paid on September 25, 2013.

Kevin Knight, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented on the quarter, ''Despite a difficult operating environment and running 3.6% fewer tractors than last year, we grew our revenue on a year over year basis. Our revenue per tractor improved by 1.0%, as a result of a 1.5% improvement in revenue per total mile and a 0.5% decrease in miles per tractor. Inflationary cost pressures exceeded the improvement in our revenue per total mile, yet we remain confident in our ability to operate with an industry-leading cost per mile.''

The following chart reflects the year-over-year operating ratio and revenue comparison for our asset based businesses and our non-asset based businesses for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013 and 2012.

   
Three Months Ended Sept 30, Nine Months Ended Sept 30,
   
Operating ratios(2)

Revenue change,
excluding
trucking fuel
surcharge

Operating ratios(2)

Revenue change,
excluding
trucking fuel
surcharge

   
2013 2012   2013 2012  
Asset based 85.6 % 84.1 % -2.7 % 84.2 % 83.5 % -1.3 %
Non-asset based 96.9 % 94.5 % 29.3 % 94.4 % 95.0 % 49.5 %
 
Consolidated 87.6 % 85.6 % 1.7 % 86.0 % 85.0 % 5.1 %
 
 

(2)Operating ratio is defined as total operating expenses, net of trucking fuel surcharge, as a percentage of revenue before trucking fuel surcharge. The 1st quarter of 2012 included a $4.0 million non-cash charge ($3.9 million after tax) for stock option acceleration. See GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliation schedule. GAAP and Non-GAAP measurements for 2013 are identical.

 

Our asset based operating ratio was negatively impacted by increased driver wages, additional cost associated with recruiting and retaining driving associates, rising depreciation cost, increased maintenance cost related to the 2010 EPA emission engines, and lower miles per tractor. We believe we can mitigate the impact of these costs by improving operational efficiencies, increasing yield, and intensifying cost control measures. The new industry-wide regulations governing hours of service that went into effect in July 2013 negatively impacted miles per tractor during the quarter, however, we believe we can mitigate this impact in the future through training and network optimization.

Our non-asset based businesses continue to produce strong revenue growth. We continue to ramp up these businesses as we invest in technology, build our team, increase our training, and gain market share. This resulted in margin compression during the quarter, when compared to the same period last year. Our multiple service offerings continue to enable us to provide solutions to the dynamic supply chain needs of our customers.

During the third quarter we recognized a gain related to our investments, which was substantially offset by increases in legal expenses and accruals for claim settlements arising from litigation.

The industry continues to be faced with a shortage of high quality driving associates. Sourcing and retaining high quality drivers is critical to our success in improving the productivity of our assets. We have made additional investments in our driver development and training programs and are seeing improved results in sourcing driving associates. This effort has also resulted in our driver turnover continuing to compare favorably to what we believe to be the industry average.

The DOE national average diesel fuel price decreased 1.0% when compared to the third quarter last year. Fuel remains a major cost focus for us as we continue our work towards cost effective, industry leading fuel economy while at the same time reducing the environmental impact of our operations.

Our average tractor count for the third quarter of 2013 increased 44 tractors from the second quarter of 2013 and decreased 151 tractors, when compared to the same quarter last year, to 4,007 tractors. Our tractor fleet remains one of the most modern fleets in the industry with an average age of 2.0 years. Although we sold more trucks and trailers than during the same quarter last year, our gain on sale of revenue equipment in the third quarter of 2013 was $2.0 million, down from $2.1 million in the third quarter of 2012.

We have returned $78.5 million to our shareholders in the form of quarterly dividends over the twenty-four-month period ending September 30, 2013. We ended the quarter with $5.3 million of cash, $52.0 million of long term debt, and $531.0 million of shareholders' equity. Year-to-date our net capital expenditures are $57.2 million compared to $85.9 million for the same period last year, while our cash flow from operations is $100.7 million compared to $106.7 million. On October 21, 2013 we amended our existing line of credit agreement and extended our borrowing limit from $150 million to $300 million. We believe this provides us more flexibility to pursue acquisition opportunities and/or repurchase shares under our current share repurchase authorization.

The company will hold a conference call on October 23, 2013, at 4:30 PM EDT, to further discuss its results of operations for the quarter ended September 30, 2013. The dial in number for this conference call is 1-855-733-9163. Slides to accompany this call will be posted on the company's website and will be available to download prior to the scheduled conference time. To view the presentation, please visit http://investor.knighttrans.com/events, ''Third Quarter 2013 Conference Call Presentation.''

Knight Transportation, Inc. is a provider of multiple truckload transportation and logistics services using a nationwide network of service centers in the U.S. to serve customers throughout North America. In addition to operating one of the country's largest tractor fleets, Knight also contracts with third-party equipment providers to provide a broad range of truckload services to its customers while creating quality driving jobs for our driving associates and successful business opportunities for owner-operators.

   
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:

Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)
   

2013

2012

2013

2012

REVENUE:
Revenue, before fuel surcharge $ 195,847 $ 192,550 $ 585,551 $ 556,987
Fuel surcharge   43,491       45,383     133,970       136,746  
TOTAL REVENUE   239,338       237,933     719,521       693,733  
 
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Salaries, wages and benefits 60,097 58,175 174,558 178,220
Fuel expense - gross 54,338 59,474 162,770 173,398
Operations and maintenance 17,088 16,107 48,916 44,921
Insurance and claims 7,190 7,783 21,640 23,709
Operating taxes and licenses 3,752 3,929 11,645 12,004
Communications 1,244 1,206 3,616 3,873
Depreciation and amortization 21,981 21,825 64,578 63,130
Purchased transportation 45,603 39,090 138,278 107,014
Miscellaneous operating expenses   3,771       2,577     11,777       7,761  
  215,064       210,166     637,778       614,030  
           
Income From Operations   24,274       27,767     81,743       79,703  
 
 
Interest income 89 96 294 317
Interest expense (91 ) (115 ) (310 ) (357 )

Other income

  971       36     1,024       430  
Income before income taxes 25,243 27,784 82,751 80,093
INCOME TAXES   10,090       11,114     33,100       33,394  
Net Income 15,153 16,670 49,651 46,699
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest   (94 )     (86 )   (470 )     (281 )
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO KNIGHT TRANSPORTATION $ 15,059     $ 16,584   $ 49,181     $ 46,418  
 
Basic Earnings Per Share $ 0.19 $ 0.21 $ 0.62 $ 0.58
Diluted Earnings Per Share $ 0.19 $ 0.21 $ 0.61 $ 0.58
 
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Basic 80,048 79,726 79,948 79,648
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Diluted 80,395 79,970 80,250 80,015
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA:

09/30/13

12/31/12

ASSETS (Unaudited, in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,281 $ 5,684
Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts 117,306 102,553
Notes receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts 714 791
Related party notes and interest receivable 1,497 2,814
Prepaid expenses 16,245 17,035
Assets held for sale 14,520 18,362
Other current assets 11,496 12,449
Income tax receivable 1,343 -
Current deferred tax assets   3,161       3,409  
Total Current Assets   171,563       163,097  
 
Property and equipment, net 586,992 584,064
Notes receivable, long-term 3,812 3,692
Goodwill 10,262 10,276
Other assets and restricted cash   32,499       21,383  
 
Total Assets $ 805,128     $ 782,512  
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable $ 21,201 $ 11,281
Accrued payroll and purchased transportation 15,011 10,489
Accrued liabilities 17,998 16,020
Claims accrual - current portion 15,135 15,892
Dividend payable - current portion   158       141  
Total Current Liabilities 69,503 53,823
 
Claims accrual - long-term portion 9,320 10,340
Long-term dividend payable and other liabilities 2,388 2,638
Deferred tax liabilities 140,195 144,871
Long-term debt   52,000       80,000  
Total Long-term Liabilities 203,903 237,849
 
Total Liabilities   273,406       291,672  
 
Common stock 801 798
Additional paid-in capital 147,767 142,837
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 1,613 (302 )
Retained earnings   380,868       346,899  
Total Knight Transportation Shareholders' Equity 531,049 490,232
Noncontrolling interest   673       608  
Total Shareholders' Equity   531,722       490,840  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 805,128     $ 782,512  
 
                   
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,

2013

    

2012

2013

    

2012

(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
 
OPERATING STATISTICS % %
Change Change
Average Revenue Per Tractor* $ 40,199 $ 39,811 1.0 % $ 119,266 $ 119,331 -0.1 %
 
Non-paid Empty Mile Percent 10.6 % 10.7 % -0.9 % 10.8 % 10.5 % 2.9 %
 
Average Length of Haul 480 484 -0.8 % 480 483 -0.6 %
 
Operating Ratio** 87.6 % 85.6 % 86.0 % 85.0 %
 
Average Tractors - Total 4,007 4,158 4,015 4,069
 
Trailers - End of Quarter 9,354 9,379 9,354 9,379
 
Net Capital Expenditures (in thousands) $ 39,329 $ 29,428 $ 57,151 $ 85,902
 
Cash Flow From Operations (in thousands) $ 28,458 $ 44,268 $ 100,715 $ 106,678
 

* Includes dry van, refrigerated, and port services revenue excluding fuel surcharge, brokerage revenue, intermodal revenue, and other revenue.

 
** Operating ratio as reported in this press release is based upon total operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge, as a percentage of revenue before fuel surcharge. Operating ratio reported for the nine months ending September 30, 2012 is based upon total operating expenses, excluding the first quarter 2012 one time non-cash stock compensation charge of $4 million related to the accelerated vesting of certain stock options issued prior to 2009, and net of fuel surcharge, as a percentage of revenue before fuel surcharge. We measure our revenue, before fuel surcharge, and our operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge, because we believe that eliminating this sometimes volatile source of revenue affords a more consistent basis for comparing our results of operations from period to period.
 
 
The following is a reconciliation of 2012 YTD GAAP Income to Non-GAAP Income:
     
Reconciliation:

(GAAP) YTD
9-30-12

* Option
Acceleration
Expense
Recorded in
Q1 - 2012

(Non-GAAP)
Adjusted YTD
9-30-12

Total Revenue $ 693,733 $ 693,733
Total Operating Expense   614,030   (3,981 )   610,049  
79,703 83,684
 
Other Income   390     390  
Income before income taxes 80,093 84,074
Income taxes   33,394   87   33,481  
Net Income 46,699 50,593
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest   (281 )   (281 )
Net income attributable to Knight Transportation $ 46,418   $ 50,312  
Net Income Per Share
- Basic $ 0.58 $ 0.63
- Diluted $ 0.58 $ 0.63
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
- Basic 79,648 79,648
- Diluted 80,015 80,015
 
* The first quarter of 2012 included a $4.0 million pretax non-cash stock compensation charge ($3.9 million after tax) relating to the accelerated vesting of certain stock options that had been issued prior to 2009.
 
 

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements generally may be identified by their use of terms or phrases such as ''expects,'' ''estimates,'' ''anticipates,'' ''projects,'' ''believes,'' ''plans,'' ''intends,'' ''may,'' ''will,'' ''should,'' ''could,'' ''potential,'' ''continue,'' ''future,'' and terms or phrases of similar substance.
Forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified, which could cause future events and actual results to differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements.
Accordingly, actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Readers should review and consider the factors that may affect future results and other disclosures by the Company in its press releases, stockholder reports, Annual Report on Form 10-K, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in the factors affecting the forward-looking information.

 

Knight Transportation, Inc.
David A. Jackson, 602-606-6349
President
or
Adam W. Miller, 602-606-6349
CFO