Hub Group, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2018 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018 or

For the transition period from           to          

Commission file number:  0-27754

HUB GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

2000 Clearwater Drive

Oak Brook, Illinois 60523

(Address, including zip code, of principal executive offices)

(630) 271-3600

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company.  See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐ 

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

On October 30, 2018, the registrant had 33,612,071 outstanding shares of Class A common stock, par value $.01 per share, and 662,296 outstanding shares of Class B common stock, par value $.01 per share.

HUB GROUP, INC.

INDEX

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HUB GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share amounts)

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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HUB GROUP, INC.

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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HUB GROUP, INC.

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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HUB GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Our accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Hub Group, Inc. (“Hub”, the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”) have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements have been omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations.  However, we believe that the disclosures contained herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.

The financial statements reflect, in our opinion, all material adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to fairly present our financial position as of September 30, 2018 and results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

These unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.  Results of operations in interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for a full year due partially to seasonality.

On August 31, 2018, Hub Group, Inc. entered into a purchase agreement (“the Purchase Agreement”) with Mode Transportation, LLC, (“Mode LLC”) a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and Mode Purchaser, Inc., an affiliate of York Capital Management (“Purchaser”), pursuant to which the Company sold all of the issued and outstanding membership interests of Mode LLC to Purchaser (the “Disposition”).  Mode LLC’s temperature protected division (“Temstar”) was not included in the Disposition.  Temstar was retained by the Company and is now included in Hub’s intermodal line of business.  As part of the Disposition, the Company conveyed to the Purchaser the majority of working capital assets and liabilities associated with Mode LLC.  Unless otherwise stated, the information disclosed in the footnotes accompanying the financial statements refer to continuing operations.  Prior to the Disposition, Hub historically reported two distinct business segments.  See Note 2 for additional information regarding results from discontinued operations.

Accounting Standards Update.  On January 1, 2018 we adopted the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.  Under this new standard our significant accounting policy for revenue is as follows:

Revenue: Revenue is recognized at the time (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (2) services have been rendered, (3) the sales price is fixed and determinable and (4) collectability is reasonably assured. We generally recognize revenue over time because of continuous transfer of control to the customer.  Since control is transferred over time, revenue and related transportation costs are recognized based on relative transit time, which is based on the extent of progress towards completion of the related performance obligation.  We enter into contracts that can include various combinations of services, which are capable of being distinct and accounted for as separate performance obligations. We account for a contract when it has approval and commitment from both parties, the rights of the parties are identified, payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance and collectability of consideration is probable.  Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction, that are collected by the Company from a customer, are excluded from revenue.  Further, in most cases, we report our revenue on a gross basis because we are the primary obligor as we are responsible for providing the service desired by the customer. Our customers view us as responsible for fulfillment including the acceptability of the service. Service requirements may include, for example, on-time delivery, handling freight loss and damage claims, setting up appointments for pick-up and delivery and tracing shipments in transit. We have discretion in setting sales prices and as a result, the amount we earn varies. In addition, we have the discretion to select our vendors from multiple suppliers for the services ordered by our customers.  These factors, discretion in setting prices and discretion in selecting vendors, further support reporting revenue on a gross basis for most of our revenue.  

The Company capitalizes commissions incurred in connection with obtaining a contract.  The Company capitalized commissions associated with dedicated services of $0.4 million at September 30, 2018.  Capitalized commission fees are amortized based on the transfer of services to which the assets relate and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.  In 2018, the amount of amortization was approximately $54,000.

Costs incurred to fulfill an intermodal, truck brokerage or logistics contract are expensed as incurred according to the practical expedient that allows contract acquisition costs to be recognized immediately if the deferral period is one year or less.  

The Company applied Topic 606 retrospectively using the practical expedient in paragraph 606-10-65-1(f)(3), under which the Company does not disclose the amount of consideration allocated to the remaining performance obligations or an explanation of when the Company expects to recognize that amount as revenue for all reporting periods presented before January 1, 2018.  We do not

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generally have a remaining performance obligation due to revenue generally being recognized using relevant transit time.  We only had one significant accounting policy change that is disclosed below.

Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction and collected by Hub Group from a customer were previously recorded on a gross basis. Under Topic 606, these taxes are excluded from revenue.  This change had an effect of $0.7 million and $2.2 million on revenue and transportation costs for the three and nine months ending September 30, 2017, respectively.

Hub offers comprehensive multimodal solutions including intermodal, truck brokerage, logistics and dedicated services.  Our employees operate the freight through a network of operating centers and terminals located in the United States, Canada and Mexico.  Each operating center is strategically located in a market with a significant concentration of shipping customers and one or more railheads.  Hub has full time employees located throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Intermodal. As an intermodal provider, we arrange for the movement of our customers’ freight in containers and trailers, typically over long distances of 750 miles or more. We contract with railroads to provide transportation for the long-haul portion of the shipment and with local trucking companies, known as “drayage companies,” for pickup and delivery. As part of our intermodal services, we negotiate rail and drayage rates, electronically track shipments in transit, consolidate billing and handle claims for freight loss or damage on behalf of our customers.

Truck Brokerage (Highway Services). We are one of the largest truck brokers in the United States, providing customers with a highway service option for their transportation needs. We match the customers’ needs with carriers’ capacity to provide the most effective service and price combination. We have contracts with a substantial base of carriers allowing us to meet the varied needs of our customers. As part of the truck brokerage services, we negotiate rates, track shipments in transit and handle claims for freight loss and damage on behalf of our customers.

Logistics and Other Services. Hub’s logistics business operates under the name of Unyson Logistics. Unyson Logistics is comprised of a network of logistics professionals dedicated to developing, implementing and operating customized logistics solutions for customers. Unyson Logistics offers a wide range of transportation management services and technology solutions including shipment optimization, load consolidation, mode selection, carrier management, load planning and execution and web-based shipment visibility. Unyson Logistics operates throughout North America, providing services through its main operating location in St. Louis with additional support locations in the Boston and Chicago metro areas.

Dedicated: Our dedicated service line contracts with customers who wish to outsource a portion of their transportation needs. We offer a dedicated fleet of equipment and drivers to each customer, as well as the management and infrastructure to operate according to the customer’s high service expectations.

The following tables summarizes our disaggregated revenue by business line (in thousands) for the quarter ended September 30:

The following table summarizes our disaggregated revenue by business line (in thousands) for the nine months ended September 30:

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On August 31, 2018, Hub Group, Inc. entered into the Purchase Agreement with Mode LLC, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and Mode Purchaser, Inc., an affiliate of York Capital Management (“Purchaser”) pursuant to which the Company sold all of the issued and outstanding membership interests of Mode LLC to Purchaser (the “Disposition”). Total consideration received for the transaction was $238.5 million in cash, subject to customary purchase price adjustments.

For the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, Mode LLC had revenue of $10.6 million and $12.7 million from Hub and Hub had revenue of $2.7 million and $12.5 million from Mode LLC.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, Mode LLC had revenue of $42.2 million and $37.0 million from Hub and Hub had revenue of $17.9 million and $37.4 million from Mode LLC.  These sales were eliminated on our Consolidated Statements of Income.  In connection with the Disposition, the Company and Mode LLC have entered into a transition services agreement pursuant to which both the Company and Mode will provide certain immaterial transition services to the other party for a period of time following the closing.

Results associated with Mode LLC are classified as income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes, in our Consolidated Statements of Income.  Prior year results have been adjusted to conform with the current presentation.  Income from discontinued operations is comprised of the following:

Selling, general and administrative expenses recorded in discontinued operations include corporate costs incurred directly in support of Mode LLC.

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See the table below for a reconciliation of the gain recorded on the sale of Mode LLC:

Due to the Disposition, the related assets and liabilities transferred to the Purchaser were reclassified as held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2017 based on the nature of the asset or liability.

Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale in our Consolidated Balance Sheet are comprised of the following:

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Proceeds from the sale of Mode LLC have been presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows under investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.  Total operating and investing cash flows of discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are comprised of the following, which exclude the effect of income taxes:

Hub Group Trucking, Inc. (“HGT”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Hub Group, Inc., acquired all of the outstanding equity interests of Estenson Logistics, LLC (“Estenson”) on July 1, 2017 (the “Estenson Acquisition”).  Estenson is now our wholly owned subsidiary, operating under the name Hub Group Dedicated (“Dedicated”).  As a result of the Estenson Acquisition, HGT acquired substantially all of the assets of Estenson, which include tractors and trailers, as well as assumed certain liabilities, including equipment debt.

The following unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations for 2017 assume that the acquisition of Estenson was completed as of January 1, 2017 (in thousands, except for per share amounts):

The unaudited pro forma consolidated results for the nine month period was prepared using the acquisition method of accounting and is based on the historical financial information of Hub and Dedicated. The historical financial information has been adjusted to give effect to the pro forma adjustments that are: (i) directly attributable to the acquisition, (ii) factually supportable and (iii) expected to have a continuing impact on the combined results. The unaudited pro forma consolidated results are not necessarily indicative of what our consolidated results of operations actually would have been had we completed the acquisition on January 1, 2017.

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The following is a reconciliation of our earnings per share (in thousands, except for per share data):

The carrying value of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximated fair value as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.  At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 the fair value of the Company’s fixed-rate borrowings was $3.6 million and $2.4 million less than the historical carrying value of $303.5 million and $247.1 million.  The fair value of the fixed-rate borrowings was estimated using an income approach based on current interest rates available to the Company for borrowings on similar terms and maturities.

We consider as cash equivalents all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less.  As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, our cash and temporary investments were with high quality financial institutions in Demand Deposit Accounts (DDAs) and Savings Accounts.

Restricted investments as of September 30, 2018 of $22.2 million and December 31, 2017 of $20.1 million, consisted of mutual funds from continuing operations which are reported at fair value and are related to the liabilities of our nonqualified deferred compensation plan.  

The fair value of the contingent consideration related to the 2017 acquisition of Estenson was reduced to zero at September 30, 2018.  The fair value was based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market, which are referred to as Level 3 inputs. Key assumptions include the likelihood of the acquired business achieving target levels of EBITDA using a probability-weighted expected return method.  The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration:

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Our assets and liabilities measured at fair value are based on valuation techniques which consider prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets and liabilities. These valuation methods are based on either quoted market prices (Level 1) inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2), or unobservable inputs (Level 3). Cash, accounts receivable, restricted investments and accounts payable are defined as “Level 1”, long term debt is defined as “Level 2”, and the Estenson contingent consideration is defined as “Level 3” of the fair value hierarchy in the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the Codification.  

At September 30, 2018, we are authorized to borrow up to $350 million under a revolving line of credit.  As of September 30, 2018, we had no borrowings under our bank revolving line of credit and our unused and available borrowings were $325.0 million.  As of December 31, 2017, we had $45.0 million of borrowings under our bank revolving line of credit and our unused and available borrowings were $284.9 million.  We were in compliance with our debt covenants as of September 30, 2018.

We have standby letters of credit that expire at various dates in 2018 and 2019.  As of September 30, 2018, our letters of credit were $25.0 million.

In addition our credit agreement, we have entered into various Equipment Notes (“Notes”) for the purchase of tractors, trailers and containers.  The Notes are secured by the underlying equipment financed in the agreements.

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In the second quarter of 2018, we placed an order for 3,670 containers.  As of September 30, 2018 we received 2,370 containers, which are being financed with debt, and we expect to receive the remaining 1,300 by November 30, 2018.  We expect to finance these units with debt.  

Since January 1, 2018 we have committed to acquire 869 tractors for $107.2 million.  As of September 30, 2018 we received 543 tractors, which are being financed with debt, and we expect to receive the remaining 326 tractors from October to December of 2018.  We expect to finance these tractors with debt.

Since January 1, 2018 we have committed to acquire 760 trailers for $24.2 million.  As of September 30, 2018 we received 477 trailers, which will be financed with debt, and we expect to receive the remaining 283 trailers from October to December of 2018.  We expect to finance these trailers with debt.

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Robles

On January 25, 2013, a complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California (Sacramento Division) by Salvador Robles against our subsidiary Hub Group Trucking, Inc (“HGT”).  The action is brought on behalf of a class comprised of present and former California-based truck drivers for HGT who were classified as independent contractors, from January 2009 to August 2014.  It alleges HGT has misclassified such drivers as independent contractors and that such drivers were employees.  It asserts various violations of the California Labor Code and claims that HGT has engaged in unfair competition practices.  The complaint seeks, among other things, declaratory and injunctive relief, monetary damages and attorney’s fees.  In May 2013, the complaint was amended to add similar claims based on Mr. Robles’ status as an employed company driver.  These additional claims are only on behalf of Mr. Robles and not a putative class.  

The Company believes that the California independent contractor truck drivers were properly classified as independent contractors at all times.  Nevertheless, because lawsuits are expensive, time-consuming and could interrupt our business operations, HGT decided to make settlement offers to individual drivers with respect to the claims alleged in this lawsuit, without admitting liability.  As of September 30, 2018, 96% of the California drivers have accepted the settlement offers.  In late 2014, HGT decided to convert its model from independent contractors to employee drivers in California (the “Conversion”).  In early 2016, HGT closed its operations in Southern California.

On April 3, 2015, the Robles case was transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee (Western Division) in Memphis. In May 2015, the plaintiffs in the Robles case filed a Second Amended Complaint (“SAC”) which names 334 current and former Hub Group Trucking drivers as “interested putative class members.”  In addition to reasserting their existing claims, the SAC includes claims post-Conversion, added two new plaintiffs and seeks a judicial declaration that the settlement agreements are unenforceable.  In June 2015, Hub Group Trucking filed a motion to dismiss the SAC and on July 19, 2016, Hub Group Trucking’s motion to dismiss was granted in part, and denied in part, by the District Court.  The motion to dismiss was granted for the claims of all purported class members who have signed settlement agreements and on plaintiffs’ claims based on quantum merit and it was denied with respect to federal preemption and choice of law.  On August 11, 2016, Plaintiffs filed a motion to clarify whether the Court’s dismissal of the claims of all purported class members who signed settlement agreements was with or without prejudice and, if the dismissal was with prejudice, Plaintiffs moved the Court to revise and reconsider the order.  On July 2, 2018, the Court denied the Plaintiffs’ Motion for Clarification or Reconsideration and stated that the dismissal of the claims of all purported class members who signed settlement agreements was with prejudice.   

Adame

  On August 5, 2015, the Plaintiffs’ law firm in the Robles case filed a lawsuit in state court in San Bernardino County, California on behalf of 63 named Plaintiffs against Hub Group Trucking and five Company employees.  The lawsuit makes claims similar to those being made in Robles and seeks monetary penalties under the Private Attorneys General Act.  Of the 63 named Plaintiffs, at least 58 previously accepted the settlement offers referenced above.

On October 29, 2015, Defendants filed a notice of removal to move the case from state court in San Bernardino to federal court in the Central District of California. On November 19, 2015, Plaintiffs filed a motion to remand the case back to state court, claiming that the federal court lacks jurisdiction over the case because there is not complete diversity of citizenship between the parties and the amount in controversy threshold is not satisfied.  The court granted Plaintiffs’ motion to remand to the state court in San Bernardino County on April 7, 2016.

On July 11, 2016, Defendants filed dismissal papers in state court, asking the court to dismiss Plaintiffs’ suit for various reasons, including that the agreement between HGT and its former California owner operators requires that this action be brought in Memphis, Tennessee, or stay the action pending the outcome of Robles. Defendants also asked the court to dismiss the individual defendants because PAGA’s language does not allow for individual liability.  During a hearing on October 5, 2016, the judge issued an oral tentative ruling stating that the choice of forum provision was unenforceable.  On February 17, 2017, with the stipulation of the parties, the Court entered an order dismissing, without prejudice, all of the individual Defendants and accepting the parties’ agreement that jurisdiction and venue are proper in the San Bernardino Superior Court and that Defendants will not seek to remove the case to federal district court.  On April 12, 2017, the Court denied Defendant’s motion to dismiss based on insufficiency of the PAGA letter notice.  On October 19, 2017, Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint, dismissing the previously named individuals as Defendants.  On December 4, 2017, Defendants filed an Answer to Plaintiffs’ First Amended Complaint and a Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support of their Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings arguing that judgement should be entered for Defendants because Plaintiffs’ claims are preempted by the Federal Truth-In-Leasing regulations.  On January 31, 2018, a hearing was held on the motion to dismiss, and on February 1, 2018, the motion was denied.  On March 27, 2018, Defendants filed a petition for a writ of mandate with the Court

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of Appeals.  On June 12, 2018, the Court of Appeals denied the petition.  On June 21, 2018, Defendants filed a petition for review with the California Supreme Court.  On August 8, 2018, the Supreme Court of California denied the petition for review.

NOTE 9.Income Taxes

For the quarter ending September 30, 2018, the provision for income taxes increased to $7.2 million from $2.2 million in 2017, while the effective tax rate increased to 21.7% in 2018 from 16.0% in 2017.  The provision for income taxes increased primarily due to higher pre-tax income in 2018.  While the enactment of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) on December 22, 2017 decreased the U.S. federal corporate rate from 35% to 21%, the effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2018 was higher than in the third quarter of 2017.  The primary reason for the higher 2018 rate is due to a tax benefit realized in the third quarter of 2017 related to domestic production activities deductions for the years 2013, 2016 and 2017.

For the nine months ending September 30, 2018, the provision for income taxes increased to $16.4 million from $10.1 million in 2017, while the effective tax rate decreased to 23.3% from 29.8%.  The provision for income taxes increased primarily due to higher pre-tax income in 2018.  The effective tax rate for nine months ending September 30, 2018 was lower primarily due to the enactment of the Act.  We expect our effective tax rate for 2018 will range from 23.0% to 24.0%.

Due to the complexities involved in accounting for the enactment of the Act, the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB No. 118”) allows for a one-year period, from the date of enactment, to complete the related income tax accounting for the Act and allows for the use of provisional amounts until that accounting is complete.  

The Company recorded provisional amounts in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2017 as certain deferred tax assets and liabilities were remeasured based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future, which is generally 21%.  However, we are still analyzing aspects of the Act and refining our calculations, which could potentially affect the measurement of these balances or potentially give rise to new deferred tax amounts until the federal income tax return for 2017 is filed in the fourth quarter of this year.

NOTE 10.New Pronouncements

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805) Clarifying the Definition of a Business. This ASU clarifies the definition of a business when evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. This standard was adopted on January 1, 2018.  Any impact would apply to future acquisitions.

In 2016, the FASB issued new guidance that requires credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected, not based on incurred losses.  The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018 is permitted. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this new accounting guidance on our financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, which requires lessees to recognize a right-to-use asset and a lease obligation for all leases.  The new standard will become effective beginning with the first quarter of 2019, but early adoption is permitted.  We plan to adopt this standard January 1, 2019, as required.  The standard also provides an additional transition method to assist entities with the implementation.  Entities that elect this option would adopt the new standard using a modified retrospective transition method, but they would recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption rather than in the earliest period presented. We will elect to apply a package of practical expedients and will not reassess at the date of initial adoption (1) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, (2) the lease classification for any expired or existing leases, or (3) initial direct costs for existing leases.  Lessees can also make an accounting policy election to not recognize an asset and liability for leases with a term of twelve months or less.  We will elect this short-term lease policy. We are currently reviewing our leases and evaluating the impact the adoption of this accounting guidance will have on the financial statements.  

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software.  The ASU provides guidance on the accounting for the cost of computer software that is developed or obtained for internal use and hosting arrangements obtained for internal use.  The new standard will become effective beginning with the first quarter of 2020, but early adoption is permitted.  We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this new accounting guidance on our financial statements.

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NOTE 11.Subsequent Event

On November 2, 2018, Hub Group signed a definitive agreement to acquire CaseStack, Inc. (“CaseStack”) for $255 million in cash (the “Transaction”).  We expect the Transaction will close in early December 2018, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and required approvals.  Please see Part II, Item 5 for additional information on the Transaction.

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HUB GROUP, INC.

The information contained in this quarterly report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Words such as “expects,” “hopes,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “predicts,” “projects,” “potential,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “should,” and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and subject to risks. Such statements should be viewed with caution. Actual results or experience could differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of many factors. All forward-looking statements are based upon information available to us on the date of this report.  Except as required by law, we expressly disclaim any obligations to publicly release any revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events after the date of this report.  Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially include:

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

General Overview

We are a world class provider of multimodal logistics solutions. We offer comprehensive intermodal, truck brokerage, dedicated and logistics services.  We operate through a nationwide network of operating centers.

Through our network, we arrange for the movement of our customers’ freight in containers and trailers over long distances.  We contract with railroads to provide transportation for the long-haul portion of the shipment and with local trucking companies, known as “drayage companies,” for local pickup and delivery.  As part of our intermodal services, we negotiate rail and drayage rates, electronically track shipments in transit, consolidate billing and handle claims for freight loss or damage on behalf of our customers.

For the quarter ended September 30, 2018, approximately 53% of Hub’s drayage needs were met by our subsidiary, HGT, which assists us in providing reliable, cost effective intermodal services to our customers.  As of September 30, 2018, HGT leased or owned approximately 1,100 tractors, owned approximately 250 trailers, employed approximately 1,200 drivers and contracted with approximately 1,300 owner-operators for their services and equipment.

We also arrange for the transportation of freight by truck, providing customers with another option for their transportation needs.   We match the customers’ needs with carriers’ capacity to provide the most effective service and price combinations.  As part of our truck brokerage services, we negotiate rates, track shipments in transit and handle claims for freight loss or damage on behalf of our customers.

Our logistics service consists of complex transportation management services, including load consolidation, mode optimization and carrier management.  These service offerings are designed to take advantage of the increasing trend for shippers to outsource all or a greater portion of their transportation needs.

Our dedicated service line, Hub Group Dedicated, contracts with customers looking to outsource a portion of their transportation needs. We offer a dedicated fleet of equipment and drivers to each customer, as well as the management and infrastructure to operate according to the customer’s high service expectations. As of September 30, 2018, Hub Group Dedicated has an operating fleet of approximately 1,600 tractors and 5,100 trailers.  

Hub has full time marketing representatives throughout North America who service local, regional and national accounts.  We believe that fostering long-term customer relationships is critical to our success and allows us to better understand our customers’ needs and specifically tailor our transportation services to them.

Hub’s multimodal solutions group works with pricing, account management and operations to enhance Hub’s customer margins across all lines of business.  We are working on margin enhancement projects including optimal pricing, matching up inbound and outbound loads, reducing empty miles, improving our recovery of accessorial costs, optimizing our drayage costs, reducing repositioning costs, providing holistic solutions and reviewing and improving low contribution freight.

Hub’s top 50 customers represent approximately 67% of Hub’s revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.  We use various performance indicators to manage our business.  We closely monitor margin and volume for our top 50 customers.  We also evaluate on-time performance, cost per load and daily sales outstanding by customer account.  Vendor cost changes and vendor service issues are also monitored closely.

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Strategic Transactions

On August 31, 2018, Hub Group, Inc. entered into a purchase agreement (“the Purchase Agreement”) with Mode Transportation, LLC, (“Mode LLC”) a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and Mode Purchaser, Inc., an affiliate of York Capital Management (“Purchaser”), pursuant to which the Company sold all of the issued and outstanding membership interests of Mode LLC to Purchaser (the “Disposition”).  Mode LLC’s temperature protected division (“Temstar”) was not included in the Disposition. Temstar was retained by the Company and is now included in Hub’s intermodal line of business.  As part of the Disposition, the Company conveyed to the Purchaser the majority of working capital assets and liabilities associated with Mode LLC.

Prior to the decision to sell Mode LLC, Hub historically reported two distinct business segments.  As a result of the decision to sell Mode LLC, which is now classified as discontinued operations, we have one reporting segment.  Revenue and costs related to Hub’s business are reported within results from continuing operations.  All revenues and costs related to Mode LLC’s business are presented in results from discontinued operations.  Prior year information has been adjusted to conform with the current presentation.  Unless otherwise stated, the information disclosed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis refers to continuing operations.  See Note 2 for additional information regarding results from discontinued operations.

On November 2, 2018, Hub Group entered into an agreement to acquire CaseStack, Inc. (“CaseStack”) for $255 million in cash (the “Transaction”). Hub Group expects the Transaction will close in early December 2018, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and required approvals.  

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview from continuing operations

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

The following table summarizes our revenue by business line (in thousands) for the three months ended September 30:

The following is a summary of operating results and certain items in the consolidated statements of income as a percentage of revenue:

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Revenue

Revenue increased 13.1% to $933.2 million. Intermodal revenue increased 20.5% to $576.5 million primarily due to a 2.9% increase in volume, an increase in fuel revenue and improved pricing. Truck brokerage revenue increased 8.4% to $122.1 million due to an increase of 9.7% in fuel, price and mix combined, partially offset by a 1.3% decrease in volume. Logistics revenue decreased 11.2% to $156.0 million due to lost customers, partially offset by growth with existing customers. Dedicated’s revenue increased 35.7% to $78.6 million primarily due to new customer contracts and growth with existing customers.

Transportation Costs

Transportation costs increased 10.8% to $818.2 million in 2018 from $738.5 million in 2017.  Transportation costs in 2018 consisted of purchased transportation costs of $658.3 million and equipment and driver related costs of $159.9 million compared to 2017 purchased transportation costs of $604.7 million and equipment and driver related costs of $133.8 million.  The 8.9% increase in purchased transportation costs was due primarily to rail cost increases, an increase in fuel costs, higher third party carrier costs and higher volumes.  Equipment and driver related costs increased 19.5% in 2018 due primarily to increases in driver wages and an increase in the number of drivers at HGT and Dedicated and higher transportation equipment depreciation.

Gross Margin

Gross margin increased 33.2% to $115.0 million.  The margin increase of $28.7 million was the result of increases in intermodal and truck brokerage gross margin, partially offset by decreases in dedicated and logistics gross margin.  Intermodal gross margin increased primarily due to improved pricing, better recovery of accessorial costs and higher volume.  Truck brokerage gross margin increased due to growth with strategic customers and increased spot activity.  Logistics gross margin declined due to lost customers, changes in customer mix and increased purchased transportation costs.  Dedicated gross margin declined due to higher usage of outside carriers, startup costs associated with new contracts, changes in customer mix and higher driver wages.

As a percentage of revenue, gross margin increased to 12.3% in 2018 from 10.5% in 2017.  Intermodal gross margin as a percentage of revenue increased 420 basis points due primarily to improved prices, partially offset by rail and drayage cost increases.  Third quarter average rail transits were up 0.8 days which negatively impacted our results.  Truck brokerage gross margin as a percentage of revenue improved 70 basis points due to an increase in contractual rates.  Logistics gross margin as a percentage of revenue improved 50 basis points due to improved pricing and changes in customer mix. Dedicated gross margin as a percentage of revenue declined due to higher usage of outside carriers, startup costs associated with new contracts and higher driver wages.  

CONSOLIDATED OPERATING EXPENSES

Salaries and Benefits

Salaries and benefits expense increased $11.1 million primarily due to an increase in bonus expense of $7.5 million, an increase in salaries expense of $1.6 million related to employee raises, an increase in sales commissions of $1.4 million, an increase in compensation related to restricted stock awards of $0.9 million and an increase in employee benefits expense of $0.3 million, partially offset by a decrease in payroll taxes of $0.6 million.

Hub Group’s headcount as of September 30, 2018 and 2017 was 1,998 and 1,929, respectively, which excludes drivers, as driver costs are included in transportation costs.

General and Administrative

The decrease in general and administrative expense of $1.3 million was due primarily to an increase in the gain on sale of property and equipment of $1.4 million and a decrease in expense of $0.9 million due to the reduction of the Dedicated contingent consideration, partially offset by an increase in professional fees of $1.0 million.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased to $3.8 million in 2018 from $4.0 million in 2017.  This decrease was related primarily to reduced amortization of Dedicated’s intangible assets.

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Other Income (Expense)

Total other expense decreased to $1.8 million in 2018 from $1.9 million in 2017 due primarily to the increase in interest income of $0.3 million, partially offset by a decrease in foreign currency translation gains of $0.1 million and an increase in interest expense of $0.1 million.

Provision for Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes increased to $7.2 million in 2018 from $2.2 million in 2017.  We provided for income taxes using an effective rate of 21.7% in 2018 and an effective rate of 16.0% in 2017.  The provision for income taxes increased primarily due to higher pre-tax income in 2018.  While the enactment of the Act on December 22, 2017 decreased the U.S. federal corporate rate from 35% to 21%, the effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2018 was higher than in the third quarter of 2017.  The primary reason for the higher 2018 rate is due to a tax benefit realized in the third quarter of 2017 related to domestic production activities deductions for the years 2013, 2016 and 2017.  We expect our effective tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2018 to be between 22.0% and 22.4%.

Net Income

Net income increased to $25.8 million in 2018 from $11.6 million in 2017 due primarily to increased margin, partially offset by higher operating costs and higher income tax expense.  

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

The following table summarizes our revenue by business line (in thousands) for the nine months ended September 30:

The following is a summary of operating results and certain items in the consolidated statements of income as a percentage of revenue: