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LANDSTAR SYSTEM INC - Quarter Report: 2018 September (Form 10-Q)

10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended September 29, 2018

OR

 

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: 0-21238

 

 

 

LOGO

LANDSTAR SYSTEM, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   06-1313069

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

13410 Sutton Park Drive South, Jacksonville, Florida

(Address of principal executive offices)

32224

(Zip Code)

(904) 398-9400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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 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 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, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer      Accelerated filer  
Non-accelerated filer   ☐      Smaller reporting company  
     Emerging growth company  

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes  ☐     No  ☒

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding as of the close of business on October 22, 2018 was 41,114,477.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

Index

 

PART I – Financial Information   

Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited)

  

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September  29, 2018 and December 30, 2017

     Page 4  

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Thirty Nine and Thirteen Weeks Ended September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017

     Page 5  

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Thirty Nine and Thirteen Weeks Ended September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017

     Page 6  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Thirty Nine Weeks Ended September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017

     Page 7  

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the Thirty Nine Weeks Ended September 29, 2018

     Page 8  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     Page 9  

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

     Page 18  

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     Page 29  

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

     Page 30  
PART II – Other Information   

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

     Page 30  

Item 1A. Risk Factors

     Page 31  

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     Page 31  

Item 6. Exhibits

     Page 31  

Signatures

     Page 33  

EX – 31.1 Section 302 CEO Certification

  

EX – 31.2 Section 302 CFO Certification

  

EX – 32.1 Section 906 CEO Certification

  

EX – 32.2 Section 906 CFO Certification

  

 

2


Table of Contents

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

The interim consolidated financial statements contained herein reflect all adjustments (all of a normal, recurring nature) which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of the financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and changes in equity for the periods presented. They have been prepared in accordance with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X and do not include all the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. Operating results for the thirty nine weeks ended September 29, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire fiscal year ending December 29, 2018.

These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

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LANDSTAR SYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     September 29,
2018
    December 30,
2017
 
ASSETS     

Current Assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 213,974     $ 242,416  

Short-term investments

     40,203       48,928  

Trade accounts receivable, less allowance of $6,173 and $6,131

     702,183       631,164  

Other receivables, including advances to independent contractors, less allowance

of $6,188 and $6,012

     18,586       24,301  

Other current assets

     24,191       14,394  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     999,137       961,203  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating property, less accumulated depreciation and amortization of $241,321 and $218,700

     268,011       276,011  

Goodwill

     38,560       39,065  

Other assets

     85,004       76,181  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 1,390,712     $ 1,352,460  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY     

Current Liabilities

    

Cash overdraft

   $ 39,759     $ 42,242  

Accounts payable

     313,728       285,132  

Current maturities of long-term debt

     40,960       42,051  

Insurance claims

     43,268       38,919  

Dividends payable

     —         62,985  

Accrued compensation

     23,908       30,103  

Other current liabilities

     53,553       47,211  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     515,176       548,643  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term debt, excluding current maturities

     72,887       83,062  

Insurance claims

     30,775       30,141  

Deferred income taxes and other noncurrent liabilities

     45,664       36,737  

Equity

    

Landstar System, Inc. and subsidiary shareholders’ equity

    

Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 160,000,000 shares, issued 67,869,378 and 67,740,380 shares

     679       677  

Additional paid-in capital

     221,563       209,599  

Retained earnings

     1,779,680       1,611,158  

Cost of 26,755,001 and 25,749,493 shares of common stock in treasury

     (1,273,512     (1,167,600

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (4,569     (3,162
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Landstar System, Inc. and subsidiary shareholders’ equity

     723,841       650,672  

Noncontrolling interest

     2,369       3,205  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

     726,210       653,877  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 1,390,712     $ 1,352,460  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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LANDSTAR SYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     Thirty Nine Weeks Ended     Thirteen Weeks Ended  
     September 29,
2018
    September 30,
2017
    September 29,
2018
    September 30,
2017
 

Revenue

   $ 3,432,793     $ 2,594,772     $ 1,202,081     $ 943,430  

Investment income

     2,754       1,733       1,002       711  

Costs and expenses:

        

Purchased transportation

     2,658,710       1,989,938       931,473       726,827  

Commissions to agents

     275,828       210,678       99,304       76,598  

Other operating costs, net of gains on asset sales/dispositions

     24,176       22,497       8,966       8,097  

Insurance and claims

     57,718       46,333       18,819       17,927  

Selling, general and administrative

     140,948       123,179       46,699       43,995  

Depreciation and amortization

     32,520       29,961       10,754       10,130  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

     3,189,900       2,422,586       1,116,015       883,574  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     245,647       173,919       87,068       60,567  

Interest and debt expense

     2,455       2,559       816       657  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     243,192       171,360       86,252       59,910  

Income taxes

     56,279       59,047       19,304       17,490  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     186,913       112,313       66,948       42,420  

Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (112     (23     (37     (23
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Landstar System, Inc. and subsidiary

   $ 187,025     $ 112,336     $ 66,985     $ 42,443  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per common share attributable to Landstar System, Inc. and subsidiary

   $ 4.50     $ 2.68     $ 1.63     $ 1.01  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share attributable to Landstar System, Inc. and subsidiary

   $ 4.50     $ 2.67     $ 1.63     $ 1.01  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average number of shares outstanding:

        

Earnings per common share

     41,530,000       41,924,000       41,101,000       41,957,000  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

     41,576,000       42,013,000       41,137,000       42,028,000  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends per common share

   $ 0.465     $ 0.280     $ 0.165     $ 0.100  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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LANDSTAR SYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Thirty Nine Weeks Ended      Thirteen Weeks Ended  
     September 29,
2018
    September 30,
2017
     September 29,
2018
     September 30,
2017
 

Net income attributable to Landstar System, Inc. and subsidiary

   $ 187,025     $ 112,336      $ 66,985      $ 42,443  

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

          

Unrealized holding (losses) gains on available-for-sale investments, net of tax (benefit) expense of ($231), $136, $2 and $47

     (876     251        7        86  

Foreign currency translation (losses) gains

     (531     1,130        708        545  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income

     (1,407     1,381        715        631  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Landstar System, Inc. and subsidiary

   $ 185,618     $ 113,717      $ 67,700      $ 43,074  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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LANDSTAR SYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Thirty Nine Weeks Ended  
     September 29,
2018
    September 30,
2017
 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

    

Net income

   $ 186,913     $ 112,313  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization of operating property and intangible assets

     32,520       29,961  

Non-cash interest charges

     190       189  

Provisions for losses on trade and other accounts receivable

     5,360       5,643  

Gains on sales/disposals of operating property

     (1,025     (900

Deferred income taxes, net

     7,459       (708

Stock-based compensation

     13,003       3,660  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Increase in trade and other accounts receivable

     (60,785     (89,504

Increase in other assets

     (9,779     (8,671

Increase in accounts payable

     22,121       53,290  

Increase in other liabilities

     3,245       12,980  

Increase in insurance claims

     4,983       14,011  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

     204,205       132,264  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

    

Sales and maturities of investments

     34,259       42,917  

Purchases of investments

     (36,296     (44,423

Purchases of operating property

     (7,325     (8,800

Proceeds from sales of operating property

     3,542       3,594  

Consideration paid for acquisitions

     —         (8,199
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES

     (5,820     (14,911
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

    

Decrease in cash overdraft

     (2,483     (2,398

Dividends paid

     (82,261     (11,739

Proceeds from exercises of stock options

     1,397       2,531  

Taxes paid in lieu of shares issued related to stock-based compensation plans

     (3,936     (371

Purchases of common stock

     (105,488     —    

Principal payments on capital lease obligations

     (32,663     (35,662

Payment of contingent consideration

     (985     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET CASH USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

     (226,419     (47,639
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (408     1,130  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (28,442     70,844  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     242,416       178,897  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 213,974     $ 249,741  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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LANDSTAR SYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

Thirty Nine Weeks Ended September 29, 2018

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Landstar System, Inc. and Subsidiary Shareholders              
     Common Stock      Additional
Paid-In
    Retained     Treasury Stock at Cost     Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
   

Non-

controlling

       
     Shares      Amount      Capital     Earnings     Shares      Amount     Loss     Interests     Total  

Balance December 30, 2017

     67,740,380      $ 677      $ 209,599     $ 1,611,158       25,749,493      $ (1,167,600   $ (3,162   $ 3,205     $ 653,877  

Adoption of accounting standards (Note 12)

             773                773  

Net income (loss)

             187,025              (112     186,913  

Dividends ($0.465 per share)

             (19,276              (19,276

Purchases of common stock

               1,000,000        (105,488         (105,488

Transaction with noncontrolling interests

           1,078                (1,078     —    

Issuance of stock related to stock-based compensation plans

     128,998        2        (2,117       5,508        (424         (2,539

Stock-based compensation

           13,003                  13,003  

Other comprehensive (loss) income

                    (1,407     354       (1,053
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance September 29, 2018

     67,869,378      $ 679      $ 221,563     $ 1,779,680       26,755,001      $ (1,273,512   $ (4,569   $ 2,369     $ 726,210  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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LANDSTAR SYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Landstar System, Inc. and its subsidiary, Landstar System Holdings, Inc., and reflect all adjustments (all of a normal, recurring nature) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods presented. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires the use of management’s estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Landstar System, Inc. and its subsidiary are herein referred to as “Landstar” or the “Company.” Significant intercompany accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

Landstar owns, through various subsidiaries, a controlling interest in Landstar Metro, S.A.P.I. de C.V., a transportation logistics company (“Landstar Metro”), and Landstar Metro Servicios S.A.P.I. de C.V., a services company (“Landstar Servicios”), each based in Mexico City, Mexico. Given Landstar’s controlling interest in each of Landstar Metro and Landstar Servicios, the accounts of Landstar Metro and Landstar Servicios have been consolidated herein and a noncontrolling interest has been recorded for the noncontrolling investors’ interests in the net assets and operations of Landstar Metro and Landstar Servicios.

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09—Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). The new comprehensive revenue recognition standard supersedes all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 on December 31, 2017 under the modified retrospective transition method resulting in a $773,000 cumulative adjustment to retained earnings. The Company has updated our revenue recognition policy included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2017, as set forth below in footnote 1 to our unaudited financial statements.

 

(1)

Significant Accounting Policies

Revenue Recognition

The nature of the Company’s freight transportation services and its performance obligations to customers, regardless of the mode of transportation used to perform such services, relate to the safe and on-time pick-up and delivery of a customer’s freight on a shipment-by-shipment basis. Landstar customers are typically invoiced on a shipment-by-shipment basis at a pre-defined rate, payable thirty to sixty (30-60) days after the customer’s receipt of such invoice. Payment terms to customers do not contain a significant financing component and the amount owed by the customer does not contain variable terms, embedded or otherwise. We have determined that revenue recognition over the transit period provides a faithful depiction of the transfer of services to the customer as our obligation for which we are primarily responsible for fulfilling is performed over the transit period. Accordingly, transportation revenue billed to a customer for the physical transportation of freight and related direct freight expenses are recognized on a gross basis over the transit period as the performance obligation is satisfied. The Company determines the transit period for a given shipment based upon the pick-up date and the delivery date, which may be estimated if delivery has not occurred as of the reporting date. Determining the transit period and how much of it has been completed as of a given reporting date may therefore require management to make judgments that affect the timing of revenue recognized. With respect to shipments with a pick-up date in one reporting period and a delivery date in another, the Company recognizes such transportation revenue based on relative transit time in each reporting period. A days in transit output method is used to measure the progress of the performance of the Company’s freight transportation services as of the reporting date and a portion of the total revenue that will be billed to the customer once a load is delivered is recognized in each reporting period based on the percentage of total transit time that has been completed at the end of the applicable reporting period.

 

(2)

Acquired Business and Noncontrolling Interests

During 2017, the Company incorporated each of Landstar Metro and Landstar Servicios. On September 20, 2017, Landstar Metro acquired substantially all of the assets of the asset-light transportation logistics business of Fletes Avella, S.A. de C.V., a Mexican transportation logistics company (the “Mexican Asset Acquisition”). At December 30, 2017, there was approximately $1,900,000 in liabilities outstanding consisting of additional contingent purchase price and associated indirect taxes. In connection with the Mexican Asset Acquisition, individuals affiliated with the seller subscribed in the aggregate for equity interests in Landstar Metro and Landstar Servicios and, as of September 29, 2018, own in the aggregate approximately 21% of the equity interests of each of them. The Mexican Asset Acquisition was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 805, Business

 

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Combinations (“ASC 805”). The resulting goodwill arising from the acquisition was approximately $7,900,000 as of September 29, 2018. A significant portion of this goodwill is expected to be deductible by the Company for U.S. income tax purposes, and following a purchase of the noncontrolling interests by the Company, up to 100% of this goodwill would be expected to be deductible by the Company. Pro forma financial information for prior periods is not presented as the Company does not believe the Mexican Asset Acquisition to be material to our consolidated results. The results of operations from Landstar Metro and Landstar Servicios are presented as part of the Company’s transportations logistics segment.

As it relates to the noncontrolling interests of Landstar Metro and Landstar Servicios, the Company has the option to purchase, and the minority equityholders have the option to sell, during the period commencing on the third anniversary of September 20, 2017, the closing date of the subscription by the minority equityholders (the “Closing Date”), and at any time after the fourth anniversary of the Closing Date, at fair value all but not less than all of the noncontrolling interests in Landstar Metro and Landstar Servicios. The noncontrolling interests are also subject to customary restrictions on transfer, including a right of first refusal in favor of the Company.    

 

(3)

Share-based Payment Arrangements

As of September 29, 2018, the Company had two employee equity incentive plans, the 2002 employee stock option and stock incentive plan (the “ESOSIP”) and the 2011 equity incentive plan (the “2011 EIP”). No further grants can be made under the ESOSIP. The Company also has a stock compensation plan for members of its Board of Directors, the Amended and Restated 2013 Directors Stock Compensation Plan (as amended and restated as of May 17, 2016, the “2013 DSCP”). 6,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were authorized for issuance under the 2011 EIP and 115,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were authorized for issuance under the 2013 DSCP. The ESOSIP, 2011 EIP and 2013 DSCP are each referred to herein as a “Plan,” and, collectively, as the “Plans.” Amounts recognized in the financial statements with respect to these Plans are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Thirty Nine Weeks Ended      Thirteen Weeks Ended  
     September 29,
2018
     September 30,
2017
     September 29,
2018
     September 30,
2017
 

Total cost of the Plans during the period

   $ 13,003      $ 3,660      $ 4,901      $ 1,423  

Amount of related income tax benefit recognized during the period

     (5,305      (2,492      (1,837      (678
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cost of the Plans during the period

   $ 7,698      $ 1,168      $ 3,064      $ 745  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Included in income tax benefits recognized in the thirty-nine-week periods ended September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017 were income tax benefits of $80,000 and $310,000, respectively, recognized on disqualifying dispositions of the Company’s common stock by employees who obtained shares of common stock through exercises of incentive stock options. Also included in income tax benefits recognized in the thirty-nine-week periods ended September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017 were excess tax benefits from stock-based awards of $2,046,000 and $868,000, respectively.

As of September 29, 2018, there were 72,742 shares of the Company’s common stock reserved for issuance under the 2013 DSCP and 4,439,761 shares of the Company’s common stock reserved for issuance in the aggregate under the ESOSIP and 2011 EIP.

Restricted Stock Units

The following table summarizes information regarding the Company’s outstanding restricted stock unit (“RSU”) awards with either a performance condition or a market condition under the Plans:

 

     Number
of RSUs
     Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 

Outstanding at December 30, 2017

     387,372      $ 55.75  

Granted

     65,494      $ 96.08  

Vested

     (67,971    $ 53.92  

Forfeited

     (92,880    $ 52.36  
  

 

 

    

Outstanding at September 29, 2018

     292,015      $ 66.30  
  

 

 

    

 

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During the thirty-nine-week period ended September 29, 2018, the Company granted RSUs with a performance condition and RSUs with a market condition, as further described below. Outstanding RSUs at both December 30, 2017 and September 29, 2018 include RSUs with a performance condition and RSUs with a market condition, as further described in the Company’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

RSUs with a performance condition granted on February 2, 2018 may vest on January 31 of 2021, 2022 and 2023 based on growth in operating income and pre-tax income per share from continuing operations attributable to Landstar System, Inc. and subsidiary as compared to the results from the 2017 fiscal year.

On April 24, 2018, the Company granted 9,324 RSUs that vest based on a market condition. These RSUs may vest on June 30 of 2022, 2023 and 2024 based on the Company’s total shareholder return (“TSR”) compound annual growth rate over the vesting periods, adjusted to reflect dividends (if any) paid during such periods and capital adjustments as may be necessary. The maximum number of common shares available for issuance under the April 24, 2018 grant equals 150% of the number of RSUs granted. The fair value of this RSU award was determined at the time of grant based on the expected achievement of the market condition at the end of each vesting period. With respect to these RSU awards, the Company reports compensation expense ratably over the life of the award based on an estimated number of units that will vest over the life of the award, multiplied by the fair value of the RSU. Previously recognized compensation cost would be reversed only if the employee terminated employment prior to completing the requisite service period.

The Company recognized approximately $11,303,000 and $2,254,000 of share-based compensation expense related to RSU awards in the thirty-nine-week periods ended September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively. As of September 29, 2018, there was a maximum of $23.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to RSU awards granted under the Plans with an expected average remaining life of approximately 3.3 years. With respect to RSU awards with a performance condition, the amount of future compensation expense to be recognized will be determined based on future operating results.

Stock Options

The following table summarizes information regarding the Company’s outstanding stock options under the Plans:

 

     Number of
Options
     Weighted Average
Exercise Price

per Share
     Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual

Term (years)
     Aggregate Intrinsic
Value (000s)
 

Options outstanding at December 30, 2017

     189,040      $ 49.34        

Exercised

     (97,676    $ 48.38        
  

 

 

          

Options outstanding at September 29, 2018

     91,364      $ 50.36        3.3      $ 6,546  
  

 

 

          

Options exercisable at September 29, 2018

     90,364      $ 50.27        3.3      $ 6,482  
  

 

 

          

The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the thirty-nine-week periods ended September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017 was $6,584,000 and $5,303,000, respectively.

As of September 29, 2018, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options granted under the Plans.

Non-vested Restricted Stock and Deferred Stock Units

The following table summarizes information regarding the Company’s outstanding shares of non-vested restricted stock and Deferred Stock Units (defined below) under the Plans:

 

     Number of Shares
and Deferred Stock
Units
     Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 

Non-vested at December 30, 2017

     54,755      $ 78.02  

Granted

     22,803      $ 113.35  

Vested

     (19,814    $ 75.11  

Forfeited

     (1,757    $ 71.12  
  

 

 

    

Non-vested at September 29, 2018

     55,987      $ 93.66  
  

 

 

    

 

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The fair value of each share of non-vested restricted stock issued and Deferred Stock Unit granted under the Plans is based on the fair value of a share of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Shares of non-vested restricted stock are generally subject to vesting in three equal annual installments either on the first, second and third anniversary of the date of the grant or the third, fourth and fifth anniversary of the date of the grant, or 100% on the first anniversary of the date of the grant. For restricted stock awards granted under the 2013 DSCP plan, each recipient may elect to defer receipt of shares and instead receive restricted stock units (“Deferred Stock Units”), which represent contingent rights to receive shares of the Company’s common stock on the date of recipient separation from service from the Board of Directors, or, if earlier, upon a change in control event of the Company. Deferred Stock Units become vested 100% on the first anniversary of the date of the grant. Deferred Stock Units do not represent actual ownership in shares of the Company’s common stock and the recipient will not have voting rights or other incidents of ownership until the shares are issued. However, Deferred Stock Units do contain the right to receive dividend equivalent payments prior to settlement into shares.

As of September 29, 2018, there was $3,756,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested shares of restricted stock and Deferred Stock Units granted under the Plans. The unrecognized compensation cost related to these non-vested shares of restricted stock and Deferred Stock Units is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.3 years.

 

(4)

Income Taxes

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform Act”) permanently reduced the U.S. corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to a flat 21% rate, effective January 1, 2018. The provisions for income taxes for the 2018 and 2017 thirty-nine-week periods were based on estimated annual effective income tax rates of 24.5% and 37.8%, respectively, adjusted for discrete events, such as benefits resulting from stock-based awards. The applicable effective income tax rates for the 2018 and 2017 thirty-nine-week periods were 23.1% and 34.5%, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the 2018 thirty-nine week period was higher than the statutory federal income tax rate primarily as a result of state taxes, the elimination of the performance-based compensation exception under Section 162(m) included in the Tax Reform Act and the meals and entertainment exclusion, partially offset by excess tax benefits realized on stock based awards and favorable adjustments recognized during the 2018 period relating to federal domestic production activities deductions and research and development credits during the thirteen-week period ended September 29, 2018. The effective income tax rate for the 2017 thirty-nine week period was lower than the statutory federal income tax rate primarily as a result of federal domestic production activities deductions and research and development credits recognized as discrete items during the thirteen-week period ended September 30, 2017, partially offset by the effect of state taxes and the meals and entertainment exclusion.

 

(5)

Earnings Per Share

Earnings per common share attributable to Landstar System, Inc. and subsidiary are based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding, including outstanding non-vested restricted stock and outstanding Deferred Stock Units. Diluted earnings per share attributable to Landstar System, Inc. and subsidiary are based on the weighted average number of common shares and Deferred Stock Units outstanding plus the incremental shares that would have been outstanding upon the assumed exercise of all dilutive stock options.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate earnings per common share attributable to Landstar System, Inc. and subsidiary to the average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding used to calculate diluted earnings per share attributable to Landstar System, Inc. and subsidiary (in thousands):

 

     Thirty Nine Weeks Ended      Thirteen Weeks Ended  
     September 29,
2018
     September 30,
2017
     September 29,
2018
     September 30,
2017
 

Average number of common shares outstanding

     41,530        41,924        41,101        41,957  

Incremental shares from assumed exercises of stock options

     46        89        36        71  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding

     41,576        42,013        41,137        42,028  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

For both of the thirty-nine-week periods ended September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017, no options outstanding to purchase shares of common stock were antidilutive. Outstanding RSUs were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share attributable to Landstar System, Inc. and subsidiary for all periods because the performance metric requirements or market condition for vesting had not been satisfied.

 

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Additional Cash Flow Information

During the 2018 thirty-nine-week period, Landstar paid income taxes and interest of $56,083,000 and $2,737,000, respectively. During the 2017 thirty-nine-week period, Landstar paid income taxes and interest of $65,688,000 and $2,981,000, respectively. Landstar acquired operating property by entering into capital leases in the amounts of $21,397,000 and $14,760,000 in the 2018 or 2017 thirty-nine-week periods. During the 2018 thirty-nine-week period, Landstar paid $2,162,000 relating to the completion of its freight staging and transload facility in Laredo, Texas, for which the Company accrued a corresponding liability included in accounts payable at December 30, 2017. Capital expenditure purchases are recorded as cash outflows from investing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows in the period in which they are paid.

 

(7)

Segment Information

The following table summarizes information about the Company’s reportable business segments as of and for the thirty-nine-week and thirteen-week periods ended September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017 (in thousands):

 

     Thirty Nine Weeks Ended  
     September 29, 2018      September 30, 2017  
     Transportation
Logistics
     Insurance      Total      Transportation
Logistics
     Insurance      Total  

External revenue

   $ 3,394,298      $ 38,495      $ 3,432,793      $ 2,559,847      $ 34,925      $ 2,594,772  

Internal revenue

        30,413        30,413           29,773        29,773  

Investment income

        2,754        2,754           1,733        1,733  

Operating income

     227,176        18,471        245,647        148,693        25,226        173,919  

Expenditures on long-lived assets

     7,325           7,325        8,800           8,800  

Goodwill

     38,560           38,560        39,914           39,914  
     Thirteen Weeks Ended  
     September 29, 2018      September 30, 2017  
     Transportation
Logistics
     Insurance      Total      Transportation
Logistics
     Insurance      Total  

External revenue

   $ 1,188,737      $ 13,344      $ 1,202,081      $ 931,692      $ 11,738      $ 943,430  

Internal revenue

        7,496        7,496           7,335        7,335  

Investment income

        1,002        1,002           711        711  

Operating income

     80,878        6,190        87,068        54,181        6,386        60,567  

Expenditures on long-lived assets

     3,204           3,204        2,172           2,172  

In the thirty-nine-week and thirteen-week periods ended September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017, no single customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenue.

 

(8)

Other Comprehensive Income

The following table presents the components of and changes in accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to Landstar System, Inc. and subsidiary, net of related income taxes, as of and for the thirty-nine-week period ended September 29, 2018 (in thousands):

 

     Unrealized
Holding Losses  on
Available-for-Sale
Securities
     Foreign Currency
Translation
     Total  

Balance as of December 30, 2017

   $ (144    $ (3,018    $ (3,162

Other comprehensive loss

     (876      (531      (1,407
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance as of September 29, 2018

   $ (1,020    $ (3,549    $ (4,569
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to investment income due to the realization of previously unrealized gains and losses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income were not significant for the thirty-nine-week period ended September 29, 2018.

 

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Investments

Investments include primarily investment-grade corporate bonds having maturities of up to five years (the “bond portfolio”) and money market investments. Investments in the bond portfolio are reported as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. Investments maturing less than one year from the balance sheet date are included in short-term investments and investments maturing more than one year from the balance sheet date are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Management performs an analysis of the nature of the unrealized losses on available-for-sale investments to determine whether such losses are other-than-temporary. Unrealized losses, representing the excess of the purchase price of an investment over its fair value as of the end of a period, considered to be other-than-temporary, are to be included as a charge in the statement of income, while unrealized losses considered to be temporary are to be included as a component of equity. Investments whose values are based on quoted market prices in active markets are classified within Level 1. Investments that trade in markets that are not considered to be active, but are valued based on quoted market prices, are classified within Level 2. As Level 2 investments include positions that are not traded in active markets, valuations may be adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, which are generally based on available market information. Any transfers between levels are recognized as of the beginning of any reporting period. Fair value of the bond portfolio was determined using Level 1 inputs related to money market investments and Level 2 inputs related to investment-grade corporate bonds, asset-backed securities and direct obligations of government agencies. Unrealized losses, net of unrealized gains, on the investments in the bond portfolio were $1,299,000 and $223,000 at September 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, respectively.

The amortized cost and fair values of available-for-sale investments are as follows at September 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 (in thousands):    

 

     Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
     Fair Value  

September 29, 2018

           

Money market investments

   $ 12,430      $ —        $ —        $ 12,430  

Asset-backed securities

     728        —          5        723  

Corporate bonds and direct obligations of government agencies

     99,833        15        1,309        98,539  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 112,991      $ 15      $ 1,314      $ 111,692  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 30, 2017

           

Money market investments

   $ 27,895      $  —        $ —        $ 27,895  

Asset-backed securities

     2,805        —          5        2,800  

Corporate bonds and direct obligations of government agencies

     80,442        117        335        80,224  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 111,142      $ 117      $ 340      $ 110,919  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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For those available-for-sale investments with unrealized losses at September 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, the following table summarizes the duration of the unrealized loss (in thousands):

 

     Less than 12 months      12 months or longer      Total  
     Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Loss
     Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Loss
     Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Loss
 

September 29, 2018

                 

Asset-backed securities

   $ 300      $ 2      $ 423      $ 3      $ 723      $ 5  

Corporate bonds and direct obligations of government agencies

     73,890        831        20,368        478        94,258        1,309  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 74,190      $ 833      $ 20,791      $ 481      $ 94,981      $ 1,314  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 30, 2017

                 

Asset-backed securities

   $ 1,864      $ 4      $ 632      $ 1      $ 2,496      $ 5  

Corporate bonds and direct obligations of government agencies

     41,322        220        14,016        115        55,338        335  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 43,186      $ 224      $ 14,648      $ 116      $ 57,834      $ 340  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company believes unrealized losses on investments were primarily caused by rising interest rates rather than changes in credit quality. The Company expects to recover the amortized cost basis of these securities as it does not intend to sell, and does not anticipate being required to sell, these securities before recovery of the cost basis. For these reasons, the Company does not consider the unrealized losses on these securities to be other-than-temporary at September 29, 2018.

 

(10)

Commitments and Contingencies

Short-term investments include $40,203,000 in current maturities of investments held by the Company’s insurance segment at September 29, 2018. The non-current portion of the bond portfolio of $71,489,000 is included in other assets. The short-term investments, together with $29,194,000 of non-current investments, provide collateral for the $62,457,000 of letters of credit issued to guarantee payment of insurance claims. As of September 29, 2018, Landstar also had $34,370,000 of additional letters of credit outstanding under the Company’s Credit Agreement.

During 2017, the Company incorporated each of Landstar Metro and Landstar Servicios. On September 20, 2017, Landstar Metro acquired substantially all of the assets of the asset-light transportation logistics business of Fletes Avella, S.A. de C.V., a Mexican transportation logistics company. In connection with the Mexican Asset Acquisition, individuals affiliated with the seller subscribed in the aggregate for equity interests in Landstar Metro and Landstar Servicios and, as of September 29, 2018, own in the aggregate approximately 21% of the equity interests of each of them. As it relates to the noncontrolling interests of Landstar Metro and Landstar Servicios, the Company has the option to purchase, and the minority equityholders have the option to sell, during the period commencing on the third anniversary of September 20, 2017, the closing date of the subscription by the minority equityholders (the “Closing Date”), and at any time after the fourth anniversary of the Closing Date, at fair value all but not less than all of the noncontrolling interests in Landstar Metro and Landstar Servicios. The noncontrolling interests are also subject to customary restrictions on transfer, including a right of first refusal in favor of the Company.

The Company is involved in certain claims and pending litigation arising from the normal conduct of business. Many of these claims are covered in whole or in part by insurance. Based on knowledge of the facts and, in certain cases, opinions of outside counsel, management believes that adequate provisions have been made for probable losses with respect to the resolution of all such claims and pending litigation and that the ultimate outcome, after provisions therefor, will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company, but could have a material effect on the results of operations in a given quarter or year.

 

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Change in Accounting Estimate for Self-Insured Claims

Landstar provides for the estimated costs of self-insured claims primarily on an actuarial basis. The amount recorded for the estimated liability for claims incurred is based upon the facts and circumstances known on the applicable balance sheet date. The ultimate resolution of these claims may be for an amount greater or less than the amount estimated by management. The Company continually revises its existing claim estimates as new or revised information becomes available on the status of each claim. Historically, the Company has experienced both favorable and unfavorable development of prior years’ claims estimates.

The following table summarizes the effect of the increase in the cost of insurance claims resulting from unfavorable development of prior year self-insured claims estimates on operating income, net income attributable to Landstar System, Inc. and subsidiary and earnings per share attributable to Landstar System, Inc. and subsidiary amounts in the consolidated statements of income for the thirty-nine-week and thirteen-week periods ended September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

     Thirty Nine Weeks Ended      Thirteen Weeks Ended  
     September 29,
2018
     September 30,
2017
     September 29,
2018
     September 30,
2017
 

Operating income

   $ 11,596      $ 1,327      $ 3,352      $ 1,124  

Net income attributable to Landstar System, Inc. and subsidiary

     8,755        825        2,531        699  

Earnings per share attributable to Landstar System, Inc. and subsidiary

   $ 0.21      $ 0.02      $ 0.06      $ 0.02  

Diluted earnings per share attributable to Landstar System, Inc. and subsidiary

   $ 0.21      $ 0.02      $ 0.06      $ 0.02  

The unfavorable development of prior years’ claims in the thirty-nine-week period ended September 29, 2018 was primarily attributable to five claims.

 

(12)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Adoption of New Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09. ASU 2014-09 is a comprehensive revenue recognition model requiring a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount reflecting the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The standard requires more detailed disclosures to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. ASU 2014-09 became effective for us December 31, 2017 and permits either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective transition approach. The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 for our transportation services using the modified retrospective method. The adoption of this standard has changed the timing of revenue recognition for most of our transportation business from at delivery to over the transit period as the performance obligation is completed. The Company recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the new revenue standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The Company had no material contract assets, contract liabilities or deferred contract costs recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at December 30, 2017 or September 29, 2018. During the thirty nine weeks ended September 29, 2018, revenue generated by BCO Independent Contractors, Truck Brokerage Carriers and railroads represented approximately 44%, 49% and 3%, respectively, of the Company’s consolidated revenue. Collectively, revenue generated by air and ocean cargo carriers represented approximately 2% of the Company’s consolidated revenue in the thirty-nine-week period ended September 29, 2018. Included in truck transportation revenue generated by BCO Independent Contractors and Truck Brokerage Carriers during the thirty-nine-week period ended September 29, 2018 was $2,086,523,000 hauled via van equipment, $1,039,784,000 hauled via unsided/platform equipment and $76,448,000 of less-than-truckload. As of September 29, 2018, the Company had no material remaining performance obligations. The Company does not expect the adoption of the new standard to have a material impact on its net income in future periods.

 

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The cumulative effect of the changes made to our consolidated December 31, 2017 balance sheet for the adoption of ASU 2014-09 was as follows (in thousands):

 

     Balance at
December 30, 2017
     Adjustments Due to
ASU 2014-09
     Balance at
December 31, 2017
 

Balance Sheet

        

Assets

        

Trade accounts receivable, net

   $ 631,164      $ 9,879      $ 641,043  

Other current assets

     14,394        (469      13,925  

Liabilities

        

Accounts payable

     285,132        8,637        293,769  

Equity

        

Retained earnings

     1,611,158        773        1,611,931  

In accordance with the new revenue standard requirements, the impact of adoption on our consolidated income statement and balance sheet was as follows (in thousands):

 

     For the Thirty Nine Weeks ended September 29, 2018  
     As
Reported
     Balances Without
Adoption of ASU
2014-09
     Effect of Change
Higher/(Lower)
 

Income statement

        

Revenues

        

Transportation

   $ 3,394,298      $ 3,390,242      $ 4,056  

Insurance

     38,495        38,495        —    

Costs and expenses

        

Purchased transportation

     2,658,710        2,655,491        3,219  

Commissions to agents

     275,828        275,538        290  

Income taxes

     56,279        56,145        134  

Net income attributable to Landstar System, Inc. and subsidiary

     187,025        186,612        413  

 

     September 29, 2018  
     As
Reported
     Balances Without
Adoption of ASU
2014-09
     Effect of Change
Higher/(Lower)
 

Balance Sheet

        

Assets

        

Trade accounts receivable, net

   $ 702,183      $ 688,248      $ 13,935  

Other current assets

     24,191        24,794        (603

Liabilities

        

Accounts payable

     313,728        301,582        12,146  

Equity

        

Retained earnings

     1,779,680        1,778,494        1,186  

 

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Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02Leases (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 requires a company to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for the obligation to make lease payments measured at the present value of the lease payments for all leases with terms greater than twelve months. Companies are required to use a modified retrospective transition approach to recognize leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods therein, and early adoption is permitted. ASU 2016-02 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-13– Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”), which requires measurement and recognition of expected versus incurred credit losses for financial assets held. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods therein. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2016-13 on its financial statements.

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

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the interim consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included herein, and with the Company’s audited financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in the 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The following is a “safe harbor” statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements contained in this document that are not based on historical facts are “forward-looking statements.” This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other sections of this Form 10-Q contain forward-looking statements, such as statements which relate to Landstar’s business objectives, plans, strategies and expectations. Terms such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “intention,” “expects,” “plans,” “predicts,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “will,” the negative thereof and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are by nature subject to uncertainties and risks, including but not limited to: an increase in the frequency or severity of accidents or other claims; unfavorable development of existing accident claims; dependence on third party insurance companies; dependence on independent commission sales agents; dependence on third party capacity providers; decreased demand for transportation services; U.S. foreign trade relationships; substantial industry competition; disruptions or failures in the Company’s computer systems; cyber and other information security incidents; dependence on key vendors; changes in fuel taxes; status of independent contractors; regulatory and legislative changes; regulations focused on diesel emissions and other air quality matters; catastrophic loss of a Company facility; intellectual property; unclaimed property; and other operational, financial or legal risks or uncertainties detailed in Landstar’s Form 10-K for the 2017 fiscal year, described in Item 1A “Risk Factors”, in this report or in Landstar’s other Securities and Exchange Commission filings from time to time. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results or events to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated. Investors should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

Introduction

Landstar System, Inc. and its subsidiary, Landstar System Holdings, Inc. (together, referred to herein as “Landstar” or the “Company”), is a worldwide asset-light provider of integrated transportation management solutions. The Company offers services to its customers across multiple transportation modes, with the ability to arrange for individual shipments of freight to enterprise-wide solutions to manage all of a customer’s transportation needs. Landstar provides services principally throughout the United States and to a lesser extent in Canada and Mexico, and between the United States and Canada, Mexico and other countries around the world. The Company’s services emphasize safety, information coordination and customer service and are delivered through a network of independent commission sales agents and third party capacity providers linked together by a series of technological applications which are provided and coordinated by the Company. The nature of the Company’s business is such that a significant portion of its operating costs varies directly with revenue.

 

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Landstar markets its integrated transportation management solutions primarily through independent commission sales agents and exclusively utilizes third party capacity providers to transport customers’ freight. Landstar’s independent commission sales agents enter into contractual arrangements with the Company and are responsible for locating freight, making that freight available to Landstar’s capacity providers and coordinating the transportation of the freight with customers and capacity providers. The Company’s third party capacity providers consist of independent contractors who provide truck capacity to the Company under exclusive lease arrangements (the “BCO Independent Contractors”), unrelated trucking companies who provide truck capacity to the Company under non-exclusive contractual arrangements (the “Truck Brokerage Carriers”), air cargo carriers, ocean cargo carriers and railroads. Through this network of agents and capacity providers linked together by Landstar’s information technology systems, Landstar operates an integrated transportation management solutions business primarily throughout North America with revenue of $3.6 billion during the most recently completed fiscal year. The Company reports the results of two operating segments: the transportation logistics segment and the insurance segment.

The transportation logistics segment provides a wide range of integrated transportation management solutions. Transportation services offered by the Company include truckload and less-than-truckload transportation, rail intermodal, air cargo, ocean cargo, expedited ground and air delivery of time-critical freight, heavy-haul/specialized, U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico cross-border, intra-Mexico, intra-Canada, project cargo and customs brokerage. Examples of the industries serviced by the transportation logistics segment include automotive products, building products, metals, chemicals, foodstuffs, heavy machinery, retail, electronics and military equipment. In addition, the transportation logistics segment provides transportation services to other transportation companies, including third party logistics and less-than-truckload service providers. Each of the independent commission sales agents has the opportunity to market all of the services provided by the transportation logistics segment. Billings for freight transportation services are typically charged to customers on a per shipment basis for the physical transportation of freight and are referred to as transportation revenue. During the thirty nine weeks ended September 29, 2018, revenue generated by BCO Independent Contractors, Truck Brokerage Carriers and railroads represented approximately 44%, 49% and 3%, respectively, of the Company’s consolidated revenue. Collectively, revenue generated by air and ocean cargo carriers represented approximately 2% of the Company’s consolidated revenue in the thirty-nine-week period ended September 29, 2018.

During 2017, the Company incorporated Landstar Metro, S.A.P.I. de C.V., a transportation logistics company (“Landstar Metro”), and Landstar Metro Servicios S.A.P.I. de C.V., a services company (“Landstar Servicios”), each based in Mexico City, Mexico. On September 20, 2017, Landstar Metro acquired substantially all of the assets of the asset-light transportation logistics business of a Mexican transportation logistics company. In connection with the acquisition, individuals affiliated with the seller subscribed for equity interests in Landstar Metro and Landstar Servicios, and as of September 29, 2018, own in the aggregate approximately 21% of the equity interests of each of them. Landstar Metro provides freight and logistics services within the country of Mexico and in conjunction with Landstar’s U.S./Mexico cross-border services. Landstar Servicios provides various administrative, financial, operational, safety and compliance services to Landstar Metro. The results of operations from Landstar Metro and Landstar Servicios are presented as part of the Company’s transportation logistics segment. Revenue from Landstar Metro represented less than 1% of the Company’s transportation logistics segment revenue in the thirty-nine-week period ended September 29, 2018.

The insurance segment is comprised of Signature Insurance Company, a wholly owned offshore insurance subsidiary (“Signature”), and Risk Management Claim Services, Inc. The insurance segment provides risk and claims management services to certain of Landstar’s operating subsidiaries. In addition, it reinsures certain risks of the Company’s BCO Independent Contractors and provides certain property and casualty insurance directly to certain of Landstar’s operating subsidiaries. Revenue at the insurance segment represents reinsurance premiums from third party insurance companies that provide insurance programs to BCO Independent Contractors where all or a portion of the risk is ultimately borne by Signature. Revenue at the insurance segment represented approximately 1% of the Company’s consolidated revenue for the thirty-nine-week period ended September 29, 2018.

Changes in Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Management believes the Company’s success principally depends on its ability to generate freight through its network of independent commission sales agents and to safely and efficiently deliver that freight utilizing third party capacity providers. Management believes the most significant factors to the Company’s success include increasing revenue, sourcing capacity and controlling costs, including insurance and claims.

While customer demand, which is subject to overall economic conditions, ultimately drives increases or decreases in revenue, the Company primarily relies on its independent commission sales agents to establish customer relationships and generate revenue opportunities. Management’s emphasis with respect to revenue growth is on revenue generated by independent commission sales agents who on an annual basis generate $1 million or more of Landstar revenue (“Million Dollar Agents”). Management believes future revenue

 

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growth is primarily dependent on its ability to increase both the revenue generated by Million Dollar Agents and the number of Million Dollar Agents through a combination of recruiting new agents, increasing the revenue opportunities generated by existing independent commission sales agents and providing its independent commission sales agents with technology-based tools they may use to grow revenue and increase efficiencies at their businesses. During the 2017 fiscal year, 542 independent commission sales agents generated $1 million or more of Landstar revenue and thus qualified as Million Dollar Agents. During the 2017 fiscal year, the average revenue generated by a Million Dollar Agent was $6,191,000 and revenue generated by Million Dollar Agents in the aggregate represented 92% of consolidated revenue.

Management monitors business activity by tracking the number of loads (volume) and revenue per load by mode of transportation. Revenue per load can be influenced by many factors other than a change in price. Those factors include the average length of haul, freight type, special handling and equipment requirements, fuel costs and delivery time requirements. For shipments involving two or more modes of transportation, revenue is generally classified by the mode of transportation having the highest cost for the load. The following table summarizes this information by trailer type for truck transportation and by mode for all others:

 

     Thirty Nine Weeks Ended     Thirteen Weeks Ended  
     September 29,
2018
    September 30,
2017
    September 29,
2018
    September 30,
2017
 
Revenue generated through (in thousands):         

Truck transportation

        

Truckload:

        

Van equipment

   $ 2,086,523     $ 1,529,402     $ 717,047     $ 550,484  

Unsided/platform equipment

     1,039,784       825,194       375,739       304,536  

Less-than-truckload

     76,448       65,397       25,500       22,598  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total truck transportation

     3,202,755       2,419,993       1,118,286       877,618  

Rail intermodal

     96,026       68,570       34,439       24,213  

Ocean and air cargo carriers

     82,719       70,708       31,213       29,523  

Other (1)

     51,293       35,501       18,143       12,076  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 3,432,793     $ 2,594,772     $ 1,202,081     $ 943,430  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenue on loads hauled via BCO Independent Contractors included in total truck transportation

   $ 1,519,344     $ 1,211,564     $ 520,391     $ 435,479  

Number of loads:

        

Truck transportation

        

Truckload:

        

Van equipment

     1,045,322       942,894       353,456       329,329  

Unsided/platform equipment

     388,759       362,936       133,425       126,509  

Less-than-truckload

     106,639       98,740       35,969       34,232  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total truck transportation

     1,540,720       1,404,570       522,850       490,070  

Rail intermodal

     40,260       32,040       13,420       11,080  

Ocean and air cargo carriers

     21,250       18,150       8,220       6,210  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     1,602,230       1,454,760       544,490       507,360  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loads hauled via BCO Independent Contractors included in total truck transportation

     717,470       686,830       236,580       232,970  

Revenue per load:

        

Truck transportation

        

Truckload:

        

Van equipment

   $ 1,996     $ 1,622     $ 2,029     $ 1,672  

Unsided/platform equipment

     2,675       2,274       2,816       2,407  

Less-than-truckload

     717       662       709       660  

Total truck transportation

     2,079       1,723       2,139       1,791  

Rail intermodal

     2,385       2,140       2,566       2,185  

Ocean and air cargo carriers

     3,893       3,896       3,797       4,754  

Revenue per load on loads hauled via BCO Independent Contractors

   $ 2,118     $ 1,764     $ 2,200     $ 1,869  

Revenue by capacity type (as a % of total revenue):

        

Truck capacity providers:

        

BCO Independent Contractors

     44     47     43     46

Truck Brokerage Carriers

     49     47     50     47

Rail intermodal

     3     3     3     3

Ocean and air cargo carriers

     2     3     3     3

Other

     1     1     2     1

 

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(1)

Includes primarily reinsurance premium revenue generated by the insurance segment and intra-Mexico transportation services revenue generated by Landstar Metro.

Also critical to the Company’s success is its ability to secure capacity, particularly truck capacity, at rates that allow the Company to profitably transport customers’ freight. The following table summarizes the number of available truck capacity providers on the dates indicated:

 

     September 29, 2018      September 30, 2017  

BCO Independent Contractors

     9,751        8,939  

Truck Brokerage Carriers:

     

Approved and active (1)

     40,151        32,925  

Other approved

     16,803        15,138  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     56,954        48,063  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total available truck capacity providers

     66,705        57,002  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Trucks provided by BCO Independent Contractors

     10,443        9,548  

 

(1)

Active refers to Truck Brokerage Carriers who moved at least one load in the 180 days immediately preceding the fiscal quarter end.

The Company incurs costs that are directly related to the transportation of freight that include purchased transportation and commissions to agents. The Company incurs indirect costs associated with the transportation of freight that include other operating costs and insurance and claims. In addition, the Company incurs selling, general and administrative costs essential to administering its business operations. Management continually monitors all components of the costs incurred by the Company and establishes annual cost budgets which, in general, are used to benchmark costs incurred on a monthly basis.

Purchased transportation represents the amount a BCO Independent Contractor or other third party capacity provider is paid to haul freight. The amount of purchased transportation paid to a BCO Independent Contractor is primarily based on a contractually agreed-upon percentage of revenue generated by loads hauled by the BCO Independent Contractor. Purchased transportation paid to a Truck Brokerage Carrier is based on either a negotiated rate for each load hauled or, to a lesser extent, a contractually agreed-upon fixed rate per load. Purchased transportation paid to railroads is based on either a negotiated rate for each load hauled or a contractually agreed-upon fixed rate per load. Purchased transportation paid to air cargo carriers is generally based on a negotiated rate for each load hauled and purchased transportation paid to ocean cargo carriers is generally based on contractually agreed-upon fixed rates. Purchased transportation as a percentage of revenue for truck brokerage, rail intermodal and ocean cargo services is normally higher than that of BCO Independent Contractor and air cargo services. Purchased transportation is the largest component of costs and expenses and, on a consolidated basis, increases or decreases as a percentage of consolidated revenue in proportion to changes in the percentage of consolidated revenue generated through BCO Independent Contractors and other third party capacity providers and external revenue from the insurance segment, consisting of reinsurance premiums. Purchased transportation as a percent of revenue also increases or decreases in relation to the availability of truck brokerage capacity and with changes in the price of fuel on revenue generated by Truck Brokerage Carriers. The Company passes 100% of fuel surcharges billed to customers for freight hauled by BCO Independent Contractors to its BCO Independent Contractors. These fuel surcharges are excluded from revenue and the cost of purchased transportation. Purchased transportation costs are recognized over the transit period as the performance obligation is completed.

Commissions to agents are based on contractually agreed-upon percentages of revenue or net revenue, defined as revenue less the cost of purchased transportation, or net revenue less a contractually agreed upon percentage of revenue retained by Landstar. Commissions to agents as a percentage of consolidated revenue will vary directly with fluctuations in the percentage of consolidated revenue generated by the various modes of transportation and reinsurance premiums and with changes in net revenue margin, defined as net revenue divided by revenue, on services provided by Truck Brokerage Carriers, railroads, air cargo carriers and ocean cargo carriers. Commissions to agents are recognized over the transit period as the performance obligation is completed.

The Company defines gross profit as revenue less the cost of purchased transportation and commissions to agents. Gross profit divided by revenue is referred to as gross profit margin. The Company’s operating margin is defined as operating income divided by gross profit.

 

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In general, gross profit margin on revenue generated by BCO Independent Contractors represents a fixed percentage of revenue due to the nature of the contracts that pay a fixed percentage of revenue to both the BCO Independent Contractors and independent commission sales agents. For revenue generated by Truck Brokerage Carriers, gross profit margin is either fixed or variable as a percent of revenue, depending on the contract with each individual independent commission sales agent. Under certain contracts with independent commission sales agents, the Company retains a fixed percentage of revenue and the agent retains the amount remaining less the cost of purchased transportation (the “retention contracts”). Gross profit margin on revenue generated by railroads, air cargo carriers, ocean cargo carriers and Truck Brokerage Carriers, other than those under retention contracts, is variable in nature as the Company’s contracts with independent commission sales agents provide commissions to agents at a contractually agreed upon percentage of net revenue for these types of loads. Approximately 51% of the Company’s consolidated revenue in the thirty-nine-week period ended September 29, 2018 was generated under contracts that have a fixed gross profit margin while 49% was under contracts that have a variable gross profit margin.

Maintenance costs for Company-provided trailing equipment and BCO Independent Contractor recruiting and qualification costs are the largest components of other operating costs. Also included in other operating costs are trailer rental costs, the provision for uncollectible advances and other receivables due from BCO Independent Contractors and independent commission sales agents and gains/losses, if any, on sales of Company-owned trailing equipment.

With respect to insurance and claims cost, potential liability associated with accidents in the trucking industry is severe and occurrences are unpredictable. For commercial trucking claims, Landstar retains liability up to $5,000,000 per occurrence. In addition, for commercial trucking claims exceeding its $5,000,000 per occurrence self-insured retention, the Company retains liability up to an additional $700,000 in the aggregate on any claims incurred on or after May 1, 2016 through April 30, 2017, up to an additional $500,000 in the aggregate on any claims incurred on or after May 1, 2017 through April 30, 2018 and up to an additional $350,000 in the aggregate on any claims incurred on or after May 1, 2018 through April 30, 2019. The Company also retains liability of up to $1,000,000 for each general liability claim, up to $250,000 for each workers’ compensation claim and up to $250,000 for each cargo claim. The Company’s exposure to liability associated with accidents incurred by Truck Brokerage Carriers, railroads and air and ocean cargo carriers who transport freight on behalf of the Company is reduced by various factors including the extent to which such carriers maintain their own insurance coverage. A material increase in the frequency or severity of accidents, cargo claims or workers’ compensation claims or the material unfavorable development of existing claims could have a material adverse effect on Landstar’s cost of insurance and claims and its results of operations.

During the thirty-nine-week period ended September 29, 2018, employee compensation and benefits accounted for approximately seventy percent of the Company’s selling, general and administrative costs.

Depreciation and amortization primarily relate to depreciation of trailing equipment and information technology hardware and software.

The following table sets forth the percentage relationship of purchased transportation and commissions to agents, both being direct costs, to revenue and indirect costs as a percentage of gross profit for the periods indicated:

 

     Thirty Nine Weeks Ended     Thirteen Weeks Ended  
     September 29,
2018
    September 30,
2017
    September 29,
2018
    September 30,
2017
 

Revenue

     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0

Purchased transportation

     77.5       76.7       77.5       77.0  

Commissions to agents

     8.0       8.1       8.3       8.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit margin

     14.5     15.2     14.3     14.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0

Investment income

     0.6       0.4       0.6       0.5  

Indirect costs and expenses:

        

Other operating costs, net of gains on asset sales/dispositions

     4.9       5.7       5.2       5.8  

Insurance and claims

     11.6       11.8       11.0       12.8  

Selling, general and administrative

     28.3       31.3       27.3       31.4  

Depreciation and amortization

     6.5       7.6       6.3       7.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

     51.3       56.3       49.8       57.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating margin

     49.3     44.1     50.8     43.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Management believes that a discussion of indirect costs as a percentage of gross profit is useful and meaningful to potential investors for the following principal reasons: (1) disclosure of these relative measures (i.e., each indirect operating cost line item as a percentage of gross profit) allows investors to better understand the underlying trends in the Company’s results of operations; (2) due to the generally fixed nature of these indirect costs (other than insurance and claims costs), these relative measures are meaningful to investors’ evaluations of the Company’s management of its indirect costs attributable to operations; (3) management considers this financial information in its decision-making, such as budgeting for infrastructure, trailing equipment and selling, general and administrative costs; and (4) this information facilitates comparisons by investors of the Company’s results to the results of other non-asset or asset-light companies in the transportation and logistics services industry who report “net revenue” in Management Discussion and Analysis, which represents revenue less the cost of purchased transportation. The difference between the Company’s use of the term “gross profit” and use of the term “net revenue” by other companies in the transportation and logistics services industry is due to the direct cost of commissions to agents under the Landstar business model, whereas other companies in this industry generally have no commissions to agents.

Also, as previously mentioned, the Company reports two operating segments: the transportation logistics segment and the insurance segment. External revenue at the insurance segment, representing reinsurance premiums, has historically been relatively consistent at 2% or less of consolidated revenue and generally corresponds directly with the number of trucks provided by BCO Independent Contractors. The discussion of indirect cost line items in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations considers the Company’s costs on a consolidated basis rather than on a segment basis. Management believes this presentation format is the most appropriate to assist users of the financial statements in understanding the Company’s business for the following reasons: (1) the insurance segment has no other operating costs; (2) discussion of insurance and claims at either segment without reference to the other may create confusion amongst investors and potential investors due to intercompany arrangements and specific deductible programs that affect comparability of financial results by segment between various fiscal periods but that have no effect on the Company from a consolidated reporting perspective; (3) selling, general and administrative costs of the insurance segment comprise less than 10% of consolidated selling, general and administrative costs and have historically been relatively consistent on a year-over-year basis; and (4) the insurance segment has no depreciation and amortization.

THIRTY NINE WEEKS ENDED SEPTEMBER 29, 2018 COMPARED TO THIRTY NINE WEEKS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

Revenue for the 2018 thirty-nine-week period was $3,432,793,000, an increase of $838,021,000, or 32%, compared to the 2017 thirty-nine-week period. Transportation revenue increased $834,451,000, or 33%. The increase in transportation revenue was attributable to an increased number of loads hauled of approximately 10% and an increased revenue per load of approximately 20%. Reinsurance premiums were $38,495,000 and $34,925,000 for the 2018 and 2017 thirty-nine-week periods, respectively. The increase in revenue from reinsurance premiums was primarily attributable to the increase in the average number of trucks provided by BCO Independent Contractors in the 2018 thirty-nine-week period compared to the 2017 thirty-nine-week period.

Truck transportation revenue generated by BCO Independent Contractors and Truck Brokerage Carriers (together, the “third party truck capacity providers”) for the 2018 thirty-nine-week period was $3,202,755,000, representing 93% of total revenue, an increase of $782,762,000, or 32%, compared to the 2017 thirty-nine-week period. The number of loads hauled by third party truck capacity providers increased approximately 10% in the 2018 thirty-nine-week period compared to the 2017 thirty-nine-week period, and revenue per load on loads hauled by third party truck capacity providers increased approximately 21% compared to the 2017 thirty-nine-week period. The increase in the number of loads hauled via truck compared to the 2017 thirty-nine-week period was due to a broad-based increase in demand across many customers and industries for Landstar’s various truck service offerings. The increase in revenue per load on loads hauled via truck was due to a tighter freight environment experienced during the 2018 thirty-nine-week period, which resulted in less readily available truck capacity as compared to the 2017 thirty-nine-week period, and the impact of higher diesel fuel costs on loads hauled via Truck Brokerage Carriers. Revenue per load on loads hauled via van equipment increased 23%, revenue per load on loads hauled via unsided/platform equipment increased 18% and revenue per load on less-than-truckload loadings increased 8% as compared to the 2017 thirty-nine-week period. Fuel surcharges billed to customers on revenue generated by BCO Independent Contractors are excluded from revenue. Fuel surcharges on Truck Brokerage Carrier revenue identified separately in billings to customers and included as a component of Truck Brokerage Carrier revenue were $72,282,000 and $46,479,000 in the 2018 and 2017 thirty-nine-week periods, respectively. It should be noted that many customers of truck brokerage services require a single all-in rate that does not separately identify fuel surcharges. Accordingly, the overall impact of changes in fuel prices on revenue and revenue per load on loads hauled via truck is likely to be greater than that indicated.

 

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Transportation revenue generated by rail intermodal, air cargo and ocean cargo carriers (collectively, the “multimode capacity providers”) for the 2018 thirty-nine-week period was $178,745,000, or 5% of total revenue, an increase of $39,467,000, or 28%, compared to the 2017 thirty-nine-week period. The number of loads hauled by multimode capacity providers increased approximately 23% in the 2018 thirty-nine-week period compared to the 2017 thirty-nine-week period, and revenue per load on revenue generated by multimode capacity providers increased approximately 5% over the same period. The increase in the number of loads hauled by multimode capacity providers was primarily due to a 26% increase in rail intermodal loads and a 26% increase in ocean loads. The increase in both rail intermodal and ocean loads was broad-based across many customers. The increase in revenue per load of 5% on loads hauled by multimode capacity providers was primarily attributable to increased revenue per load on rail intermodal loads. Also, revenue per load on revenue generated by multimode capacity providers is influenced by many factors, including revenue mix among the various modes of transportation used, length of haul, complexity of freight, density of freight lanes, fuel costs and availability of capacity.

Purchased transportation was 77.5% and 76.7% of revenue in the 2018 and 2017 thirty-nine-week periods, respectively. The increase in purchased transportation as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to a decrease in the percentage of revenue contributed by BCO Independent Contractors, which typically has a lower rate of purchased transportation than revenue generated by Truck Brokerage Carriers, and an increased rate of purchased transportation paid to Truck Brokerage Carriers. Commissions to agents were 8.0% and 8.1% of revenue in the 2018 and 2017 thirty-nine-week periods, respectively. The decrease in commissions to agents as a percentage of revenue was primarily attributable to a decreased net revenue margin on revenue generated by Truck Brokerage Carriers.

Investment income was $2,754,000 and $1,733,000 in the 2018 and 2017 thirty-nine-week periods, respectively. The increase in investment income was primarily due to higher average rates of return on investments in the 2018 thirty-nine-week period and a higher average investment balance held by the insurance segment in the 2018 thirty-nine-week period.

Other operating costs increased $1,679,000 in the 2018 thirty-nine-week period compared to the 2017 thirty-nine-week period and represented 4.9% of gross profit in the 2018 period compared to 5.7% of gross profit in the 2017 period. The increase in other operating costs compared to the prior year was primarily due to increased trailing equipment maintenance costs due to an increased number of Company-owned trailers in service in response to increased customer demand for the Company’s drop and hook services. The decrease in other operating costs as a percentage of gross profit was caused by the effect of increased gross profit, partially offset by the increase in other operating costs.

Insurance and claims increased $11,385,000 in the 2018 thirty-nine-week period compared to the 2017 thirty-nine-week period and represented 11.6% of gross profit in the 2018 period compared to 11.8% of gross profit in the 2017 period. The increase in insurance and claims expense compared to prior year was primarily due to increased net unfavorable development of prior years’ claims and increased severity of current year claims in the 2018 period. Net unfavorable development of prior years’ claims was $11,596,000 and $1,327,000 in the 2018 and 2017 thirty-nine-week periods, respectively. The decrease in insurance and claims as a percent of gross profit was caused by the effect of increased gross profit, partially offset by the increase in insurance and claims costs.

Selling, general and administrative costs increased $17,769,000 in the 2018 thirty-nine-week period compared to the 2017 thirty-nine-week period and represented 28.3% of gross profit in the 2018 period compared to 31.3% of gross profit in the 2017 period. The increase in selling, general and administrative costs compared to prior year was attributable to increased stock-based compensation expense, increased wages and employee benefits and an increased provision for incentive compensation. Included in selling, general and administrative costs is stock-based compensation expense of $13,003,000 and $3,660,000 for the 2018 and 2017 thirty-nine-week periods, respectively, and incentive compensation expense of $14,643,000 and $13,634,000 for the 2018 and 2017 thirty-nine-week periods, respectively. The decrease in selling, general and administrative costs as a percent of gross profit was due primarily to the effect of increased gross profit, partially offset by the increase in selling, general and administrative costs.

Depreciation and amortization increased $2,559,000 in the 2018 thirty-nine-week period compared to the 2017 thirty-nine-week period and represented 6.5% of gross profit in the 2018 period compared to 7.6% of gross profit in the 2017 period. The increase in depreciation and amortization expenses was due to an increased number of Company-owned trailers in response to increased customer demand for the Company’s drop and hook services and increased depreciation on information technology assets placed in service during the second half of fiscal year 2017. The decrease in depreciation and amortization as a percentage of gross profit was primarily due to the effect of increased gross profit, partially offset by the increased depreciation costs.

Interest and debt expense in the 2018 thirty-nine-week period decreased $104,000 compared to the 2017 thirty-nine-week period.

 

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The Tax Reform Act permanently reduced the U.S. corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to a flat 21% rate, effective January 1, 2018. The provisions for income taxes for the 2018 and 2017 thirty-nine-week periods were based on estimated annual effective income tax rates of 24.5% and 37.8%, respectively, adjusted for discrete events, such as benefits resulting from stock-based awards. The effective income tax rates for the 2018 and 2017 thirty-nine-week periods were 23.1% and 34.5%, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate as compared to the statutory federal income tax rate for the 2018 thirty-nine-week period was primarily attributable to state taxes, the elimination of the performance-based compensation exception under Section 162(m) included in the Tax Reform Act and the meals and entertainment exclusion. The effective income tax rate for the 2017 thirty-nine week period was lower than the 35% statutory federal income tax rate primarily as a result of federal domestic production activities deductions and research and development credits recognized as discrete items during the thirteen-week period ended September 30, 2017, partially offset by the effect of state taxes and the meals and entertainment exclusion. The effective income tax rate in the 2018 thirty-nine-week period of 23.1% was lower than the 24.5% estimated annual effective income tax rate primarily due to excess tax benefits recognized on stock-based compensation arrangements in the 2018 period and favorable adjustments recognized during the 2018 period relating to federal domestic production activities deductions and research and development credits. The effective income tax rate in the 2017 thirty-nine-week period of 34.5% was less than the 37.8% estimated annual effective income tax rate primarily as a result of federal domestic production activities deductions and research and development credits recognized during 2017 of approximately $5,200,000, excess tax benefits recognized on stock-based compensation arrangements resulting from the Company’s adoption of ASU 2016-09 during 2017 and disqualifying dispositions of the Company’s common stock by employees who obtained the stock through the exercises of incentive stock options in the 2017 period.

The net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest of $112,000 and $23,000 in the 2018 and 2017 thirty-nine-week periods, respectively, represents the noncontrolling investors’ share of the net loss incurred by Landstar Metro and Landstar Servicios.

Net income attributable to the Company was $187,025,000, or $4.50 per common share ($4.50 per diluted share), in the 2018 thirty-nine-week period. Net income attributable to the Company was $112,336,000, or $2.68 per common share ($2.67 per diluted share), in the 2017 thirty-nine-week period. Net income attributable to the Company was favorably impacted by the enactment of the Tax Reform Act by approximately $32,345,000, or $0.78 per common share ($0.78 per diluted share), in the 2018 thirty-nine-week period, as a result of the permanent reduction of the U.S. corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to a flat 21%.

THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED SEPTEMBER 29, 2018 COMPARED TO THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

Revenue for the 2018 thirteen-week period was $1,202,081,000, an increase of $258,651,000, or 27%, compared to the 2017 thirteen-week period. Transportation revenue increased $257,045,000, or 28%. The increase in transportation revenue was attributable to an increased number of loads hauled of approximately 7% and increased revenue per load of approximately 18%. The increase was partially offset by the approximately $23,000,000 in revenue, on approximately 16,000 loads, recognized in the 2017 thirteen-week period in support of local, state and federal relief efforts related to hurricanes that impacted Texas, the southeastern United States and Puerto Rico. Reinsurance premiums were $13,344,000 and $11,738,000 for the 2018 and 2017 thirteen-week periods, respectively. The increase in revenue from reinsurance premiums was primarily attributable to the increase in the average number of trucks provided by BCO Independent Contractors in the 2018 thirteen-week period compared to the 2017 thirteen-week period.

Truck transportation revenue generated by third party truck capacity providers for the 2018 thirteen-week period was $1,118,286,000, representing 93% of total revenue, an increase of $240,668,000, or 27%, compared to the 2017 thirteen-week period. The number of loads hauled by third party truck capacity providers increased approximately 7% in the 2018 thirteen-week period compared to the 2017 thirteen-week period, and revenue per load on loads hauled by third party truck capacity providers increased approximately 19% compared to the 2017 thirteen-week period. The increase in the number of loads hauled via truck compared to the 2017 thirteen-week period was due to a broad-based increase in demand across many customers and industries for Landstar’s various truck service offerings. The increase in revenue per load on loads hauled via truck was due to a tighter freight environment experienced during the 2018 thirteen-week period, which resulted in less readily available truck capacity as compared to the 2017 thirteen-week period, and the impact of higher diesel fuel costs on loads hauled via Truck Brokerage Carriers. Revenue per load on loads hauled via van equipment increased 21%, revenue per load on loads hauled via unsided/platform equipment increased 17% and revenue per load on less-than-truckload loadings increased 7% as compared to the 2017 thirteen-week period. Fuel surcharges billed to customers on revenue generated by BCO Independent Contractors are excluded from revenue. Fuel surcharges on Truck Brokerage Carrier revenue identified separately in billings to customers and included as a component of Truck Brokerage Carrier revenue were $25,380,000 and $16,171,000 in the 2018 and 2017 thirteen-week periods, respectively.

 

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Transportation revenue generated by multimode capacity providers for the 2018 thirteen-week period was $65,652,000, or 5% of total revenue, an increase of $11,916,000, or 22%, compared to the 2017 thirteen-week period. The number of loads hauled by multimode capacity providers increased approximately 25% in the 2018 thirteen-week period compared to the 2017 thirteen-week period, while revenue per load on revenue generated by multimode capacity providers decreased approximately 2% over the same period. The increase in the number of loads hauled by multimode capacity providers was primarily due to a 21% increase in rail intermodal loads and a 46% increase in ocean loads. The 21% increase in rail intermodal loads was primarily attributable to increased loadings at one specific agency while the 46% increase in ocean loads was broad-based across many customers. The decrease in revenue per load of 2% was primarily attributable to the impact of high value air loadings provided in support of disaster relief efforts during the 2017 thirteen-week period, partially offset by increased revenue per load on loads hauled by rail intermodal. Also, revenue per load on revenue generated by multimode capacity providers is influenced by many factors, including revenue mix among the various modes of transportation used, length of haul, complexity of freight, density of freight lanes, fuel costs and availability of capacity.

Purchased transportation was 77.5% and 77.0% of revenue in the 2018 and 2017 thirteen-week periods, respectively. The increase in purchased transportation as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to a decrease in the percentage of revenue contributed by BCO Independent Contractors, which typically has a lower rate of purchased transportation than revenue generated by Truck Brokerage Carriers. Commissions to agents were 8.3% and 8.1% of revenue in the 2018 and 2017 thirteen-week periods, respectively. The increase in commissions to agents as a percentage of revenue was primarily attributable to an increased percentage of agents achieving revenue incentives during the 2018 thirteen-week period and an increased net revenue margin on revenue generated by Truck Brokerage Carriers.

Investment income was $1,002,000 and $711,000 in the 2018 and 2017 thirteen-week periods, respectively. The increase in investment income was primarily due to higher average rates of return on investments in the 2018 thirteen-week period.

Other operating costs increased $869,000 in the 2018 thirteen-week period compared to the 2017 thirteen-week period and represented 5.2% of gross profit in the 2018 period compared to 5.8% of gross profit in the 2017 period. The increase in other operating costs compared to the prior year was primarily due to increased trailing equipment maintenance and rental costs, partially offset by a decreased provision for contractor bad debt. The decrease in other operating costs as a percentage of gross profit was caused by the effect of increased gross profit, partially offset by the increase in other operating costs.

Insurance and claims increased $892,000 in the 2018 thirteen-week period compared to the 2017 thirteen-week period and represented 11.0% of gross profit in the 2018 period compared to 12.8% of gross profit in the 2017 period. The increase in insurance and claims expense compared to the prior year was primarily due to increased net unfavorable development of prior years’ claims in the 2018 period. Net unfavorable development of prior years’ claims was $3,352,000 and $1,124,000 in the 2018 and 2017 thirteen-week periods, respectively. The decrease in insurance and claims as a percent of gross profit was caused by the effect of increased gross profit, partially offset by the increase in insurance and claims costs.

Selling, general and administrative costs increased $2,704,000 in the 2018 thirteen-week period compared to the 2017 thirteen-week period and represented 27.3% of gross profit in the 2018 period compared to 31.4% of gross profit in the 2017 period. The increase in selling, general and administrative costs compared to the prior year was attributable to increased stock-based compensation expense and increased wages and employee benefit costs, partially offset by a decreased provision for incentive compensation. Included in selling, general and administrative costs is stock-based compensation expense of $4,901,000 and $1,423,000 for the 2018 and 2017 thirteen-week periods, respectively, and incentive compensation expense of $5,161,000 and $6,848,000 for the 2018 and 2017 thirteen-week periods, respectively. The decrease in selling, general and administrative costs as a percent of gross profit was due primarily to the effect of increased gross profit, partially offset by the increase in selling, general and administrative costs.

Depreciation and amortization increased $624,000 in the 2018 thirteen-week period compared to the 2017 thirteen-week period and represented 6.3% of gross profit in the 2018 period compared to 7.2% of gross profit in the 2017 period. The increase in depreciation and amortization expenses was primarily due to an increased number of Company-owned trailers in response to increased customer demand for the Company’s drop and hook services. The decrease in depreciation and amortization as a percentage of gross profit was primarily due to the effect of increased gross profit, partially offset by the increased depreciation costs.

Interest and debt expense in the 2018 thirteen-week period increased $159,000 compared to the 2017 thirteen-week period.

The provisions for income taxes for the 2018 and 2017 thirteen-week periods were based on estimated annual effective income tax rates of 24.5% and 37.8%, respectively, adjusted for discrete events, such as benefits resulting from stock-based awards. The effective income tax rates for the 2018 and 2017 thirteen-week periods were 22.4% and 29.2%, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate as

 

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compared to the statutory federal income tax rate for the 2018 thirteen-week period was primarily attributable to state taxes, the elimination of the performance-based compensation exception under Section 162(m) included in the Tax Reform Act and the meals and entertainment exclusion. The effective income tax rate for the 2017 thirteen-week period was lower than the statutory federal income tax rate primarily as a result of federal domestic production activities deductions and research and development credits recognized as discrete items during the thirteen-week period ended September 30, 2017, partially offset by the effect of state taxes and the meals and entertainment exclusion. The effective income tax rate in the 2018 thirteen-week period of 22.4% was lower than the 24.5% estimated annual effective income tax rate primarily due to favorable adjustments recognized during the 2018 period relating to federal domestic production activities deductions and research and development credits and excess tax benefits recognized on stock-based compensation arrangements in the 2018 period. The effective income tax rate in the 2017 thirteen-week period of 29.2% was less than the 37.8% estimated annual effective income tax rate primarily as a result of federal domestic production activities deductions and research and development credits recognized as discrete items during the thirteen-week period ended September 30, 2017, excess tax benefits recognized on stock-based compensation arrangements resulting from the Company’s adoption of ASU 2016-09 during 2017 and disqualifying dispositions of the Company’s common stock by employees who obtained the stock through the exercises of incentive stock options in the 2017 period.

The net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest of $37,000 and $23,000 in the 2018 and 2017 thirteen-week periods, respectively, represents the noncontrolling investors’ share of the net loss incurred by Landstar Metro and Landstar Servicios.

Net income attributable to the Company was $66,985,000, or $1.63 per common share ($1.63 per diluted share), in the 2018 thirteen-week period. Net income attributable to the Company was $42,443,000, or $1.01 per common share ($1.01 per diluted share), in the 2017 thirteen-week period. Net income attributable to the Company was favorably impacted by the enactment of the Tax Reform Act by approximately $11,472,000, or $0.28 per common share ($0.28 per diluted share), in the 2018 thirteen-week period, as a result of the permanent reduction of the U.S. corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to a flat 21%. Net income attributable to the Company was favorably impacted by the result of federal domestic production activities deductions and research and development credits of approximately $5,200,000, or $0.12 per common share ($0.12 per diluted share), in the 2017 thirteen-week period. The company does not expect significant federal domestic productions activities deductions or research and development credits in future periods.

CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

Working capital and the ratio of current assets to current liabilities were $483,961,000 and 1.9 to 1, respectively, at September 29, 2018, compared with $412,560,000 and 1.8 to 1, respectively, at December 30, 2017. Landstar has historically operated with current ratios within the range of 1.5 to 1 to 2.0 to 1. Cash provided by operating activities was $204,205,000 in the 2018 thirty-nine-week period compared with $132,264,000 in the 2017 thirty-nine-week period. The increase in cash flow provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to increased net income.

The Company declared and paid $0.465 per share, or $19,276,000 in the aggregate, in cash dividends during the thirty-nine-week period ended September 29, 2018 and, during such period, also paid $62,985,000 of dividends payable which were declared during fiscal year 2017 and included in current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet at December 30, 2017. The Company declared and paid $0.28 per share, or $11,739,000 in the aggregate, in cash dividends during the thirty-nine-week period ended September 30, 2017. During the thirty-nine-week period ended September 29, 2018, the Company purchased 1,000,000 shares of its common stock at a total cost of $105,488,000. During the thirty-nine-week period ended September 30, 2017, the Company did not purchase any shares of its common stock. As of September 29, 2018, the Company may purchase up to an additional 2,000,000 shares of its common stock under its authorized stock purchase programs. Long-term debt, including current maturities, was $113,847,000 at September 29, 2018, $11,266,000 lower than at December 30, 2017.

Equity was $726,210,000, or 86% of total capitalization (defined as long-term debt including current maturities plus equity), at September 29, 2018, compared to $653,877,000, or 84% of total capitalization, at December 30, 2017. The increase in equity was primarily a result of net income, partially offset by purchases of shares of the Company’s common stock and dividends declared by the Company in the 2018 thirty-nine-week period.

On June 2, 2016, Landstar entered into a credit agreement with a syndicate of banks and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement, which matures on June 2, 2021, provides $250,000,000 of borrowing capacity in the form of a revolving credit facility, $50,000,000 of which may be utilized in the form of letter of credit guarantees. The Credit Agreement includes an “accordion” feature providing for a possible increase up to an aggregate borrowing amount of $400,000,000. The Company’s prior credit agreement was terminated on June 2, 2016.

 

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The Credit Agreement contains a number of covenants that limit, among other things, the incurrence of additional indebtedness. The Company is required to, among other things, maintain a minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, and maintain a Leverage Ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, below a specified maximum. The Credit Agreement provides for a restriction on cash dividends and other distributions to stockholders on the Company’s capital stock to the extent there is a default under the Credit Agreement. In addition, the Credit Agreement under certain circumstances limits the amount of such cash dividends and other distributions to stockholders to the extent that, after giving effect to any payment made to effect such cash dividend or other distribution, the Leverage Ratio would exceed 2.5 to 1 on a pro forma basis as of the end of the Company’s most recently completed fiscal quarter. The Credit Agreement provides for an event of default in the event that, among other things, a person or group acquires 35% or more of the outstanding capital stock of the Company or obtains power to elect a majority of the Company’s directors or the directors cease to consist of a majority of Continuing Directors, as defined in the Credit Agreement. None of these covenants are presently considered by management to be materially restrictive to the Company’s operations, capital resources or liquidity. The Company is currently in compliance with all of the debt covenants under the Credit Agreement.

At September 29, 2018, the Company had no borrowings outstanding and $34,370,000 of letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Agreement. At September 29, 2018, there was $215,630,000 available for future borrowings under the Credit Agreement. In addition, the Company has $62,457,000 in letters of credit outstanding as collateral for insurance claims that are secured by investments totaling $69,397,000 at September 29, 2018. Investments, all of which are carried at fair value, include primarily investment-grade bonds having maturities of up to five years. Fair value of investments is based primarily on quoted market prices. See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for further discussion on measurement of fair value of investments.

Historically, the Company has generated sufficient operating cash flow to meet its debt service requirements, fund continued growth, both organic and through acquisitions, complete or execute share purchases of its common stock under authorized share purchase programs, pay dividends and meet working capital needs. As an asset-light provider of integrated transportation management solutions, the Company’s annual capital requirements for operating property are generally for trailing equipment and information technology hardware and software. In addition, a significant portion of the trailing equipment used by the Company is provided by third party capacity providers, thereby reducing the Company’s capital requirements. During the 2018 thirty-nine-week period, the Company purchased $7,325,000 of operating property. Included in the $7,325,000 of purchases of operating property during the 2018 thirty-nine-week period was $2,162,000 related to the completion of its Laredo, Texas facility for which the Company accrued a corresponding liability in accounts payable as of December 30, 2017. Landstar anticipates acquiring either by purchase or lease financing during the remainder of fiscal year 2018 approximately $31,000,000 in operating property, consisting primarily of new trailing equipment to replace older trailing equipment and information technology equipment.

On September 20, 2017, the Company completed the Mexican Asset Acquisition, as described in footnote 2 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements. Cash consideration paid during the 2017 third quarter for the acquisition was $8,199,000. In connection with the Mexican Asset Acquisition, the Company assumed approximately $2,200,000 in liabilities consisting of additional contingent purchase price and associated indirect taxes, none of which remained outstanding as of September 29, 2018. As it relates to the non-controlling interests of Landstar Metro and Landstar Servicios, the Company has the option to purchase, and the minority equityholders have the option to sell, during the period commencing on the third anniversary of September 20, 2017, the closing date of the subscription by the minority equityholders (the “Closing Date”), and at any time after the fourth anniversary of the Closing Date, at fair value all but not less than all of the noncontrolling interests in Landstar Metro and Landstar Servicios. The noncontrolling interests are also subject to customary restrictions on transfer, including a right of first refusal in favor of the Company.

Management believes that cash flow from operations combined with the Company’s borrowing capacity under the Credit Agreement will be adequate to meet Landstar’s debt service requirements, fund continued growth, both internal and through acquisitions, pay dividends, complete the authorized share purchase programs and meet working capital needs.

LEGAL MATTERS

The Company is involved in certain claims and pending litigation arising from the normal conduct of business. Many of these claims are covered in whole or in part by insurance. Based on knowledge of the facts and, in certain cases, opinions of outside counsel, management believes that adequate provisions have been made for probable losses with respect to the resolution of all such claims and pending litigation and that the ultimate outcome, after provisions therefor, will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company, but could have a material effect on the results of operations in a given quarter or year.

 

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The allowance for doubtful accounts for both trade and other receivables represents management’s estimate of the amount of outstanding receivables that will not be collected. Historically, management’s estimates for uncollectible receivables have been materially correct. Although management believes the amount of the allowance for both trade and other receivables at September 29, 2018 is appropriate, a prolonged period of low or no economic growth may adversely affect the collection of these receivables. In addition, liquidity concerns and/or unanticipated bankruptcy proceedings at any of the Company’s larger customers in which the Company is carrying a significant receivable could result in an increase in the provision for uncollectible receivables and have a significant impact on the Company’s results of operations in a given quarter or year. However, it is not expected that an uncollectible accounts receivable resulting from an individual customer would have a significant impact on the Company’s financial condition. Conversely, a more robust economic environment or the recovery of a previously provided for uncollectible receivable from an individual customer may result in the realization of some portion of the estimated uncollectible receivables.

Landstar provides for the estimated costs of self-insured claims primarily on an actuarial basis. The amount recorded for the estimated liability for claims incurred is based upon the facts and circumstances known on the applicable balance sheet date. The ultimate resolution of these claims may be for an amount greater or less than the amount estimated by management. The Company continually revises its existing claim estimates as new or revised information becomes available on the status of each claim. Historically, the Company has experienced both favorable and unfavorable development of prior years’ claims estimates. During the 2018 and 2017 thirty-nine-week periods, insurance and claims costs included $11,596,000 and $1,327,000 of net unfavorable adjustments to prior years’ claims estimates, respectively. The unfavorable development of prior years’ claims in the 2018 thirty-nine-week period was primarily attributable to five claims. It is reasonably likely that the ultimate outcome of settling all outstanding claims will be more or less than the estimated claims reserve at September 29, 2018.

The Company utilizes certain income tax planning strategies to reduce its overall cost of income taxes. If the Company were to be subject to an audit, it is possible that certain strategies might be disallowed resulting in an increased liability for income taxes. Certain of these tax planning strategies result in a level of uncertainty as to whether the related tax positions taken by the Company would result in a recognizable benefit. The Company has provided for its estimated exposure attributable to such tax positions due to the corresponding level of uncertainty with respect to the amount of income tax benefit that may ultimately be realized. Management believes that the provision for liabilities resulting from the uncertainty in certain income tax positions is appropriate. To date, the Company has not experienced an examination by governmental revenue authorities that would lead management to believe that the Company’s past provisions for exposures related to the uncertainty of such income tax positions are not appropriate.

Significant variances from management’s estimates for the amount of uncollectible receivables, the ultimate resolution of self-insured claims and the provision for uncertainty in income tax positions could each be expected to positively or negatively affect Landstar’s earnings in a given quarter or year. However, management believes that the ultimate resolution of these items, given a range of reasonably likely outcomes, will not significantly affect the long-term financial condition of Landstar or its ability to fund its continuing operations.

EFFECTS OF INFLATION

Management does not believe inflation has had a material impact on the results of operations or financial condition of Landstar in the past five years. However, inflation in excess of historic trends might have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations in the future.

SEASONALITY

Landstar’s operations are subject to seasonal trends common to the trucking industry. Truckload shipments for the quarter ending in March are typically lower than for the quarters ending June, September and December.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company is exposed to changes in interest rates as a result of its financing activities, primarily its borrowings on its revolving credit facility, and investing activities with respect to investments held by the insurance segment.

 

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On June 2, 2016, Landstar entered into a credit agreement with a syndicate of banks and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement, which matures on June 2, 2021, provides $250,000,000 of borrowing capacity in the form of a revolving credit facility, $50,000,000 of which may be utilized in the form of letter of credit guarantees. The Credit Agreement includes an “accordion” feature providing for a possible increase up to an aggregate borrowing amount of $400,000,000.

Depending upon the specific type of borrowing, borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest based on either (a) the prime rate, (b) the Federal Reserve Bank of New York rate plus 0.5% or (c) the London Interbank Offered Rate, plus 1.25%. As of September 29, 2018 and during the entire 2018 third quarter, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement.

Long-term investments, all of which are available-for-sale and are carried at fair value, include primarily investment-grade bonds having maturities of up to five years. Assuming that the long-term portion of investments remains at $71,489,000, the balance at September 29, 2018, a hypothetical increase or decrease in interest rates of 100 basis points would not have a material impact on future earnings on an annualized basis. Short-term investments consist of short-term investment-grade instruments and the current maturities of investment-grade corporate bonds. Accordingly, any future interest rate risk on these short-term investments would not be material to the Company’s operating results.

Assets and liabilities of the Company’s Canadian and Mexican operations are translated from their functional currency to U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and revenue and expense accounts are translated at average monthly exchange rates during the period. Adjustments resulting from the translation process are included in accumulated other comprehensive income. Transactional gains and losses arising from receivable and payable balances, including intercompany balances, in the normal course of business that are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the operation are recorded in the statements of income when they occur. The assets held at the Company’s Canadian and Mexican subsidiaries at September 29, 2018 were, as translated to U.S. dollars, approximately 3% of total consolidated assets. Accordingly, any translation gain or loss related to the Canadian and Mexican operations would not be material.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, an evaluation was carried out, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 29, 2018 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.

There were no significant changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the Company’s fiscal quarter ended September 29, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

In designing and evaluating disclosure controls and procedures, Company management recognizes that any disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Because of the inherent limitation in any control system, no evaluation or implementation of a control system can provide complete assurance that all control issues and all possible instances of fraud have been or will be detected.

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The Company is involved in certain claims and pending litigation arising from the normal conduct of business. Many of these claims are covered in whole or in part by insurance. Based on knowledge of the facts and, in certain cases, opinions of outside counsel, management believes that adequate provisions have been made for probable losses with respect to the resolution of all such claims and pending litigation and that the ultimate outcome, after provisions therefor, will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company, but could have a material effect on the results of operations in a given quarter or year.

 

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

For a discussion identifying additional risk factors and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, see the discussions under Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 and in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Company

The Company did not purchase any shares of its common stock during the period from July 1, 2018 to September 29, 2018, the Company’s third fiscal quarter.

On May 19, 2015, the Landstar System, Inc. Board of Directors authorized the Company to increase the number of shares of the Company’s common stock that the Company is authorized to purchase from time to time in the open market and in privately negotiated transactions under a previously announced purchase program to 3,000,000 shares. On December 11, 2017, the Landstar System, Inc. Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase up to an additional 1,963,875 shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time in the open market and in privately negotiated transactions. As of September 29, 2018, the Company has authorization to purchase up to 2,000,000 shares of its common stock under these programs. No specific expiration date has been assigned to either the May 19, 2015 or December 11, 2017 authorizations.

Dividends

During the thirty-nine-week period ended September 29, 2018, Landstar paid dividends as follows:

 

Dividend Amount per Share

   Declaration Date      Record
Date
     Payment Date  

$1.50

     December 11, 2017        January 12, 2018        January 26, 2018  

$0.15

     January 30, 2018        February 19, 2018        March 16, 2018  

$0.15

     April 24, 2018        May 10, 2018        June 1, 2018  

$0.165

     July 24, 2018        August 13, 2018        August 31, 2018  

Dividends payable of $1.50 per share, or $62,985,000 in the aggregate, were included in current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet at December 30, 2017.

On June 2, 2016, Landstar entered into a credit agreement with a syndicate of banks and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement provides for a restriction on cash dividends and other distributions to stockholders on the Company’s capital stock in the event there is a default under the Credit Agreement. In addition, the Credit Agreement, under certain circumstances, limits the amount of such cash dividends and other distributions to stockholders to the extent that, after giving effect to any payment made to effect such cash dividend or other distribution, the Leverage Ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, would exceed 2.5 to 1 on a pro forma basis as of the end of the Company’s most recently completed fiscal quarter.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits

The exhibits listed on the Exhibit Index are furnished as part of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Registrant’s Commission File No.: 0-21238

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

(10)    Material Contracts
10.1*    First Amendment, dated as of November 1, 2018, to the Landstar System, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (as amended and restated as of January 1, 2015).
(31)    Certifications Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.1*    Chief Executive Officer certification, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2*    Chief Financial Officer certification, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(32)    Certifications Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1**    Chief Executive Officer certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2**    Chief Financial Officer certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS*    XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*    XBRL Schema Document
101.CAL*    XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*    XBRL Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*    XBRL Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE*    XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document

* Filed herewith

** Furnished herewith

 

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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.

 

 

         LANDSTAR SYSTEM, INC.
Date: November 2, 2018         

/s/ James B. Gattoni

         James B. Gattoni
         President and
         Chief Executive Officer
Date: November 2, 2018         

/s/ L. Kevin Stout

         L. Kevin Stout
         Vice President and Chief
         Financial Officer

 

 

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