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RUSH ENTERPRISES INC \TX\ - Quarter Report: 2007 September (Form 10-Q)

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

 

x

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007
 
 
 
 
 

OR

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the transition period from                                               to                                               

 

 

 

 

 

Commission file number 0-20797

 

 

RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Texas

 

74-1733016

 

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

incorporation or organization)

 

 

 

 

555 I.H. 35 South, Suite 500

New Braunfels, Texas 78130

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

(830) 626-5200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  x           No  o

 

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

        Large accelerated filer o    Accelerated filer  x            Non-accelerated filer  o

 

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

Yes o            No x

 

                Indicated below is the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of October 31, 2007.

 

 

 

Number of

 

 

 

Shares

 

Title of Class

 

Outstanding

 

Class A Common Stock, $.01 Par Value

 

26,029,747

 

Class B Common Stock, $.01 Par Value

 

12,206,592

 

 

 

 

 



RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

INDEX

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1.

 

Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets - September 30, 2007 (unaudited) and December 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Income - For the Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

 

 

Item 2.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

 

 

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

 

 

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

 

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

 

 

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

 

 

 

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

 

 

Item 3.

 

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

 

 

Item 4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

 

 

Item 5.

 

Other Information

 

 

 

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

 

 

2



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. Financial Statements.

 

RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2007 AND DECEMBER 31, 2006

 (In Thousands, Except Shares)

 

 

 

 

September 30,

2007

 

December 31,

2006

 

Assets

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

176,601

 

$

161,558

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

55,527

 

74,441

 

Inventories

 

386,036

 

484,696

 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

2,094

 

2,128

 

Deferred income taxes, net

 

7,894

 

7,496

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current assets

 

628,152

 

730,319

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

296,312

 

278,690

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill, net

 

120,576

 

117,071

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets, net

 

2,108

 

2,330

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

1,047,148

 

$

1,128,410

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Floor plan notes payable

 

$

320,351

 

$

446,354

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

26,211

 

25,999

 

Current maturities of capital lease obligations

 

3,266

 

2,933

 

Trade accounts payable

 

30,278

 

37,449

 

Accrued expenses

 

60,185

 

61,287

 

Total current liabilities

 

440,291

 

574,022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

 

169,529

 

166,125

 

Capital lease obligations, net of current maturities

 

13,863

 

14,799

 

Deferred income taxes, net

 

38,344

 

33,856

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares outstanding in 2007 and 2006

 

 

 

Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 60,000,000 class A shares and 20,000,000 class B shares authorized; 25,969,747 class A shares and 12,206,592 class B shares outstanding in 2007; 25,604,241 class A shares and 12,108,339 class B shares outstanding in 2006

 

382

 

377

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

176,109

 

169,801

 

Retained earnings

 

208,630

 

169,430

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

385,121

 

339,608

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

1,047,148

 

$

1,128,410

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

3

 



 

RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New and used truck sales

 

$

357,408

 

$

504,281

 

$

1,091,548

 

$

1,291,345

 

Parts and service

 

123,690

 

113,183

 

361,488

 

330,499

 

Construction equipment sales

 

19,465

 

15,939

 

56,889

 

46,079

 

Lease and rental

 

13,457

 

10,978

 

38,779

 

30,546

 

Finance and insurance

 

5,457

 

4,717

 

17,234

 

13,787

 

Other

 

2,121

 

2,223

 

6,322

 

6,137

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenue

 

521,598

 

651,321

 

1,572,260

 

1,718,393

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New and used truck sales

 

329,629

 

470,208

 

1,006,229

 

1,197,678

 

Parts and service

 

73,433

 

65,330

 

211,477

 

193,677

 

Construction equipment sales

 

17,498

 

14,228

 

50,880

 

40,934

 

Lease and rental

 

11,297

 

8,472

 

32,712

 

23,506

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total cost of products sold

 

431,857

 

558,238

 

1,301,298

 

1,455,795

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

89,741

 

93,083

 

270,962

 

262,598

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

61,780

 

59,141

 

184,767

 

173,318

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

3,769

 

3,353

 

11,046

 

9,367

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

24,192

 

30,589

 

75,149

 

79,913

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

3,444

 

4,235

 

12,505

 

11,299

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain on sale of assets

 

91

 

(93

)

247

 

(43

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before taxes

 

20,839

 

26,261

 

62,891

 

68,571

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

7,711

 

9,849

 

23,691

 

25,714

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

13,128

 

$

16,412

 

$

39,200

 

$

42,857

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

.34

 

$

.44

 

$

1.03

 

$

1.15

 

Diluted

 

$

.34

 

$

.43

 

$

1.02

 

$

1.13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

38,162

 

37,648

 

37,987

 

37,404

 

Diluted

 

38,653

 

37,898

 

38,391

 

37,832

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

4



RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 (In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

39,200

 

$

42,857

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

26,588

 

19,595

 

(Gain) on sale of property and equipment

 

(247

)

(290

)

Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options

and employee stock purchases

 

2,862

  

2,285

  

Provision (benefit) for deferred income tax expense

 

4,090

 

(972

)

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

 

(1,619

)

(2,217

)

Change in accounts receivable, net

 

18,943

 

(17,360

)

Change in inventories

 

109,050

 

(85,608

)

Change in prepaid expenses and other, net

 

34

 

(152

)

Change in trade accounts payable

 

(7,171

)

3,275

 

Change in accrued expenses

 

501

 

17,756

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

192,231

 

(20,831

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of property and equipment

 

(50,959

)

(66,310

)

Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment

 

4,397

 

4,038

 

Business acquisitions

 

(7,860

)

(27,807

)

Change in other assets

 

129

 

121

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) investing activities

 

(54,293

)

(89,958

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from long-term debt

 

29,130

 

57,500

 

Principal payments on long-term debt

 

(27,014

)

(33,283

)

Principal payments on capital lease obligations

 

(2,444

)

(1,876

)

Draws on lines of credit, net

 

 

(2,755

)

Draws (payments) on floor plan notes payable, net

 

(126,003

)

107,560

 

Debt issuance costs

 

(15

)

(64

)

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

 

1,619

 

2,217

 

Issuance of shares relating to employee stock options and employee stock purchases

 

1,832

 

1,915

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

(122,895

)

131,214

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

15,043

 

20,425

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

161,558

 

133,069

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

176,601

 

$

153,494

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for-

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

19,211

 

$

18,758

 

Income taxes

 

$

15,653

 

$

21,276

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

5

 



RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

1 — Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

 

                The interim consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Rush Enterprises, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Company”), without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).  All adjustments have been made to the accompanying interim consolidated financial statements, which, in the opinion of the Company’s management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s operating results.  All adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.  It is recommended that these interim consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.  Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any other interim periods or the full fiscal year.

 

                On September 20, 2007, our shareholders approved an amendment to Rush Enterprises, Inc.’s Restated Articles of Incorporation increasing the total number of authorized shares of Class A common stock from 40,000,000 to 60,000,000 and total number of authorized shares of Class B common stock from 10,000,000 to 20,000,000.  On the same date, our Board of Directors declared a 3-for-2 stock split of the Class A common stock and Class B common stock, to be effected in the form of a stock dividend.  On October 10, 2007, Rush Enterprises, Inc. distributed one additional share of stock for every two shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, held by shareholders of record as of October 1, 2007.  All share and per share data (except par value) in this Form 10-Q have been adjusted and restated to reflect the stock split as if it occurred on the first day of the earliest period presented.

 

2 — Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

      The Company is required to perform an annual impairment review of goodwill.  The Company performs its annual review during the fourth quarter of each year and, therefore, did not record an impairment charge related to goodwill during the third quarter of 2007.  Management is not aware of any impairment charge that may be required; however, a change in economic conditions, if one occurs, could result in an impairment charge in the future.

 

3 — Commitments and Contingencies

 

                The Company is contingently liable to finance companies for certain notes initiated on behalf of such finance companies related to the sale of trucks and construction equipment.  The majority of finance contracts are sold without recourse against the Company. A majority of the Company’s liability related to finance contracts sold with recourse is generally limited to 5% to 20% of the outstanding amount of each note initiated on behalf of the finance company. However, the Company has a finance program that accepts 100% liability, with some restrictions, for the outstanding amount of each note initiated on behalf of the finance company.  In order for a contract to be accepted into this finance program, a customer must meet strict credit requirements or maintain a significant equity position in the truck being financed; consequently, less than 1% of the Company’s portfolio balance related to finance contracts sold by the Company are under this 100% liability finance program and the Company does not expect to finance a significant percentage of its truck sales under this 100% liability finance program in the future. The Company provides for an allowance for repossession losses and early repayment penalties that it may be liable for under finance contracts sold without recourse.

 

                During the second quarter of 2007, the Company renegotiated its contractual obligations with its retail funding sources regarding early repayment penalties, which occur as a result of a premature termination of finance contracts sold by the Company.  As a result of these negotiations, the Company expects to decrease the amount of finance income it will recognize at the time the contract is sold and to decrease the amount of early repayment penalties it will owe its retail funding sources in the future.

 

                The Company is involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes it is unlikely that the final outcome of any of the claims or proceedings to which the Company is a party would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations; however, due to the inherent uncertainty of litigation, there can be no assurance that the resolution of any particular claim or proceeding would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations for the fiscal period in which such resolution occurred.

 

6



4 — Earnings Per Share

 

                The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share, net income available to common shareholders

 

$

13,128,000

 

$

16,412,000

 

$

39,200,000

 

$

42,857,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator for basic earnings per share, adjusted weighted average shares outstanding

 

38,162,367

 

37,647,612

 

37,987,172

 

37,403,738

 

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employee and director stock options

 

490,476

 

250,872

 

404,013

 

428,348

 

Denominator for diluted earnings per share, adjusted weighted average shares outstanding and assumed conversions

 

38,652,843

 

37,898,484

 

38,391,185

 

37,832,086

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per common share

 

$

.34

 

$

.44

 

$

1.03

 

$

1.15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share and common share equivalents

 

$

.34

 

$

.43

 

$

1.02

 

$

1.13

 

 

5 Stock Options

 

Valuation and Expense Information under SFAS 123(R)

 

                On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” (“SFAS 123(R)”), which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to the Company’s employees and directors including employee stock options and employee stock purchases related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan based on estimated fair values.  The Company adopted SFAS 123(R) using the modified prospective transition method, which requires the application of the accounting standard as of January 1, 2006.  Upon adoption of SFAS 123(R), the Company continues to use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model which was previously used for the Company’s pro forma information required under SFAS 123.  Stock-based compensation expense, included in selling, general and administrative expense, related to employee stock options and employee stock purchases under SFAS 123(R) for the three months ended September 30, 2007 was $0.5 million and for the three months ended September 30, 2006 was $0.4 million.  Stock-based compensation expense, included in selling, general and administrative expense, related to employee stock options and employee stock purchases under SFAS 123(R) for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $2.9 million and for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $2.3 million.  As of September 30, 2007, there was $4.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Rush Enterprises, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.4 years.

 

7



6 Acquisitions

 

                In March 2007, the Company purchased certain assets of Allen-Jensen, Inc., which consisted of a GMC and Isuzu truck dealership in Waco, Texas.  The Company is operating the facility as a full-service Rush Truck Center offering Peterbilt heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks as well as medium-duty trucks manufactured by GMC and Isuzu, and parts and service.  The transaction was valued at approximately $6.3 million, with the purchase price paid in cash.

 

                The Allen-Jensen, Inc. acquisition was accounted for as a purchase; operations of the business acquired are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition.  Pro forma information is not included because Allen-Jensen, Inc.’s results of operations would not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.  The purchase price was allocated based on the fair values of the assets at the date of acquisition as follows (in thousands):

 

Inventories

 

$

5,570

 

Property and equipment

 

47

 

Accounts receivable

 

28

 

Accrued expenses

 

(11

)

Goodwill

 

678

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

6,312

 

 

                All of the goodwill acquired in the Allen-Jensen, Inc. acquisition will be amortized over 15 years for tax purposes.

 

                In March 2007, the Company purchased certain assets of Advanced Transportation Insurance Services, Inc., an insurance agency headquartered in Laguna Niguel, California.  In connection with this acquisition, the Company also purchased the stock of Advance Premium Finance, Inc., a premium finance company associated with Advanced Transportation Insurance Services, Inc.  The total transaction was valued at approximately $2.1 million, with the purchase price financed with cash of $0.6 million and notes payable of $1.5 million.  Pro forma information is not included because Advanced Transportation Insurance Services, Inc.’s results of operations would not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.  The entire purchase price was allocated to goodwill and $1.6 million of the goodwill will be amortized over 15 years for tax purposes.

 

                In August 2007, the Company purchased certain assets of San Luis Truck Service Garage, Inc., which consisted of a parts and service center in San Luis Obispo, California.  The Company is operating the facility as a Rush Truck Center offering parts and service.  The transaction was valued at approximately $0.8 million, with the purchase price paid in cash.

 

                The San Luis Truck Service Garage, Inc. acquisition was accounted for as a purchase; operations of the business acquired are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition.  Pro forma information is not included because San Luis Truck Service Garage, Inc.’s results of operations would not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.  The purchase price was allocated based on the fair values of the assets at the date of acquisition as follows (in thousands):

 

Inventories

 

$

200

 

Property and equipment

 

36

 

Accounts receivable

 

1

 

Accrued expenses

 

(5

)

Goodwill

 

584

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

816

 

 

                All of the goodwill acquired in the San Luis Truck Service Garage, Inc. acquisition will be amortized over 15 years for tax purposes.

 

 

7 — Segment Information

 

                The Company currently has two reportable business segments: the Truck Segment and the Construction Equipment Segment. The Truck Segment operates a network of Rush Truck Centers that provides an integrated one-stop source for the trucking needs of its customers, including retail sales of new and used medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks; aftermarket parts, service and body shop facilities; and a wide array of financial services, including the financing of new and used truck purchases, insurance products and truck leasing and rentals. The Construction Equipment Segment operates a full-service

 

8



John Deere construction equipment dealership that serves the Houston, Texas metropolitan area. Construction Equipment Segment operations include the retail sale of new and used construction equipment, aftermarket parts and service facilities, and the financing of new and used construction equipment.

 

                The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in the annual report. The Company evaluates performance based on income before income taxes not including extraordinary items.

 

                The Company accounts for intersegment sales and transfers as if the sales or transfers were to third parties; that is, at current market prices. There were no material intersegment sales during the quarters ended September 30, 2007 and 2006.

 

9



                                The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services. They are managed separately because each business unit requires different technology and marketing strategies. Business units were maintained through expansion and acquisitions.  The following table contains summarized information about reportable segment profit or loss and segment assets for the periods ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands):

 

 

 

Truck Segment

 

Construction Equipment Segment

 

All Other

 

Totals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

491,502

 

$

25,284

 

$

4,812

 

$

521,598

 

Segment income before taxes

 

18,720

 

2,266

 

(147

)

20,839

 

Segment assets

 

993,842

 

26,010

 

27,296

 

1,047,148

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

1,484,949

 

$

73,061

 

$

14,250

 

$

1,572,260

 

Segment income before taxes

 

56,697

 

6,092

 

102

 

62,891

 

Segment assets

 

993,842

 

26,010

 

27,296

 

1,047,148

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

625,818

 

$

20,662

 

$

4,841

 

$

651,321

 

Segment income before taxes

 

23,997

 

1,742

 

522

 

26,261

 

Segment assets

 

989,707

 

27,848

 

22,314

 

1,039,869

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

1,644,368

 

$

59,849

 

$

14,176

 

$

1,718,393

 

Segment income before taxes

 

62,852

 

4,968

 

751

 

68,571

 

Segment assets

 

989,707

 

27,848

 

22,314

 

1,039,869

 

 

                Revenues from segments below the quantitative thresholds requiring them to be reported separately are attributable to three operating segments of the Company. These segments include a tire company, an insurance agency, and a hunting lease operation. None of these segments has ever met any of the quantitative thresholds that would require them to be reported separately.

 

8 — Income Taxes

 

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”).  FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 prescribes how a company should recognize, measure, present and disclose uncertain tax positions that the company has taken or expects to take in its income tax returns.  FIN 48 requires that only income tax benefits meeting the “more likely than not” recognition threshold be recognized or continue to be recognized on its effective date.  As required, the Company has adopted the provisions of FIN 48 effective January 1, 2007.

 

As of January 1, 2007 and September 30, 2007, the Company included accruals for unrecognized income tax benefits totaling $1.4 million as a component of accrued liabilities.  The unrecognized tax benefits of $1.4 million, if recognized, would impact the Company’s effective tax rate.  The interest expense liability related to unrecognized tax benefits on January 1, 2007 was not material.  No amounts were accrued for penalties.

 

The Company does not anticipate a significant change in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits in the next 12 months.  As of the adoption date of FIN 48, the tax years ended December 31, 2002 through 2006 remained subject to examination by tax authorities.

 

10



9 — Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurement” (“SFAS No. 157”).  SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The standard applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value, but does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption is permitted.  The Company is currently evaluating the requirements of SFAS No. 157 and has not yet determined the impact, if any, on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”).  SFAS No. 159 allows entities the option to measure eligible financial instruments at fair value as of specified dates.  Such election, which may be applied on an instrument by instrument basis, is typically irrevocable once elected.  SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and early application is allowed under certain circumstances.  The Company is currently evaluating the requirements of SFAS No. 159 and has not yet determined the impact, if any, on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

10 — Subsequent Event

 

                On October 10, 2007, Rush Enterprises, Inc. distributed one additional share of stock for every two shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, held by shareholders of record as of October 1, 2007, thus completing a three-for-two stock split of the Company’s Class A common stock and Class B common stock.  All share and per share data (except par value) in this Form 10-Q have been adjusted and restated to reflect the stock split as if it occurred on the first day of the earliest period presented.

 

 

11



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

 

 

 

                Certain statements contained in this Form 10-Q (or otherwise made by the Company or on the Company’s behalf from time to time in other reports, filings with the SEC, news releases, conferences, website postings or otherwise) that are not statements of historical fact constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), notwithstanding that such statements are not specifically identified. Forward-looking statements include statements about the Company’s financial position, business strategy and plans and objectives of management of the Company for future operations.  These forward-looking statements reflect the best judgments of the Company about the future events and trends based on the beliefs of the Company’s management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company’s management.  Use of the words “may,” “should,” “continue,” “plan,” “potential,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect” and “intend” and words or phrases of similar import, as they relate to the Company or its subsidiaries or Company management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements.  Forward-looking statements reflect the current view of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those set forth under Item 1A—Risk Factors in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006  as well as future growth rates and margins for certain of our products and services, future demand for our products and services, competitive factors, general economic conditions, cyclicality, economic conditions in the new and used truck and equipment markets, customer relations, relationships with vendors, the interest rate environment, governmental regulation and supervision, seasonality, distribution networks, product introductions and acceptance, technological change, changes in industry practices, onetime events and other factors described herein and in the Company’s other reports filed with the SEC (collectively, “Cautionary Statements”). Although the Company believes that its expectations are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Based upon changing conditions, should any one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in any forward-looking statements. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the applicable Cautionary Statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as the date on which they are made and the Company undertakes no duty to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

 

          The following comments should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

Note Regarding Trademarks Used in This Form 10-Q

 

Peterbilt® is a registered trademark of Peterbilt Motors Company. PACCAR® is a registered trademark of PACCAR, Inc. GMC® is as registered trademark of General Motors Corporation. Hino® is a registered trademark of Hino Motors, Ltd. UD® is a registered trademark of Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd. Isuzu® is a registered trademark of Isuzu Motors Limited. John Deere® is a registered trademark of Deere & Company. Kenworth® is a registered trademark of PACCAR, Inc. doing business as Kenworth Truck Company. Volvo® is a registered trademark of Volvo Trademark Holding AB. Freightliner® is a registered trademark of Freightliner Corporation. Mack® is a registered trademark of Mack Trucks, Inc. Navistar® is a registered trademark of Navistar International Corporation. Caterpillar® is a registered trademark of Caterpillar, Inc. Cummins® is a registered trademark of Cummins Engine Company, Inc. PacLease® is a registered trademark of PACCAR Leasing Corporation. CitiCapital® is a registered trademark of Citicorp.  Ford® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.

 

General

 

                Rush Enterprises, Inc. was incorporated in Texas in 1965 and currently consists of two reportable segments: the Truck Segment and the Construction Equipment Segment.  The Company currently conducts business through numerous subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by it.  Its principal offices are located at 555 IH 35 South, New Braunfels, Texas 78130.

 

          The Company is a full-service, integrated retailer of premium transportation and construction equipment and related services.  The Company’s Rush Truck Centers sell trucks manufactured by Peterbilt Motors Company (a division of PACCAR, Inc.), Volvo, GMC, Hino, UD, Ford or Isuzu. The Company also operates a John Deere construction equipment dealership at its Rush Equipment Center in Houston, Texas. Through its strategically located network of Rush Truck Centers and its Rush Equipment Center, the Company provides one-stop service for the needs of its customers, including retail sales

 

12



of new and used trucks and construction equipment, aftermarket parts sales, service and repair facilities, and financing, leasing and rental, and insurance products.

 

          The Company’s Rush Truck Centers are principally located in high traffic areas throughout the southern United States. Since commencing operations as a Peterbilt heavy-duty truck dealer in 1966, the Company has grown to operate more than 45 Rush Truck Centers in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.

 

                In March 2007, the Company purchased certain assets of Allen-Jensen, Inc., which consisted of a GMC and Isuzu truck dealership in Waco, Texas.  The Company is operating the facility as a full-service Rush Truck Center offering Peterbilt heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks as well as medium-duty trucks manufactured by GMC and Isuzu, and parts and service.  The transaction was valued at approximately $6.3 million, with the purchase price paid in cash.

 

                In March 2007, the Company purchased certain assets of Advanced Transportation Insurance Services, Inc., an insurance agency headquartered in Laguna Niguel, California.  In connection with this acquisition, the Company also purchased the stock of Advance Premium Finance, Inc., a premium finance company associated with Advanced Transportation Insurance Services, Inc.  The total transaction was valued at approximately $2.1 million, with the purchase price financed with cash of $0.6 million and notes payable of $1.5 million.

 

                In August 2007, the Company purchased certain assets of San Luis Truck Service Garage, Inc., which consisted of a parts and service center in San Luis Obispo, California.  The Company is operating the facility as a Rush Truck Center offering parts and service.  The transaction was valued at approximately $0.8 million, with the purchase price paid in cash.

 

                See Note 6—Acquisitions of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a detailed discussion of the allocation of the purchase price of the Company’s acquisitions during 2007.

 

                Our business strategy consists of providing our customers with competitively priced products supported with timely and reliable service through our integrated dealer network. We intend to continue to implement our business strategy, reinforce customer loyalty and remain a market leader by continuing to develop our Rush Truck Centers and Rush Equipment Center as we extend our geographic focus through strategic acquisitions of new locations and expansions of our existing facilities and product lines.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

                The Company’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles.  The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates.  The Company believes the following accounting policies affect its more significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.

 

Inventories

 

                Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value.  Cost is determined by specific identification of new and used truck and construction equipment inventory and by the first-in, first-out method for tires, parts and accessories.  An allowance is provided when it is anticipated that cost will exceed net realizable value.

 

Goodwill

 

      The Company applies the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS 142”), in accounting for goodwill.  SFAS 142 requires that goodwill and other intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives may not be amortized, but instead must be tested at least annually for impairment, and intangible assets that have finite useful lives should continue to be amortized over their useful lives.  SFAS 142 also provides specific guidance for testing goodwill and other non-amortized intangible assets for impairment.  SFAS 142 requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions in order to allocate goodwill to reporting units and to determine the fair value of a reporting unit’s net assets and liabilities, including, among other things, an assessment of market condition, projected cash flows, interest rates and growth rates, which could significantly impact the reported value of goodwill and other intangible assets.  SFAS 142 requires, in lieu of amortization, an annual impairment review of goodwill.  The Company performs its annual review during the fourth quarter of each year and, therefore, did not record an impairment charge related

 

13



to goodwill during the third quarter of 2007.  Management is not aware of any impairment charge that may be required; however, a change in economic conditions, if one occurs, could result in an impairment charge in the future.

 

Revenue Recognition Policies

 

                Income on the sale of a truck or a piece of construction equipment is recognized when the customer executes a purchase contract with us, the unit has been delivered to the customer and there are no significant uncertainties related to financing or collectibility. Lease and rental income is recognized over the period of the related lease or rental agreement. Parts and service revenue is recognized at the time the Company sells the parts to its customers or at the time the Company completes the service work order related to service provided to the customer’s unit. Payments received on prepaid maintenance plans are deferred as a component of accrued expenses and recognized as income when the maintenance is performed.

 

Finance and Insurance Revenue Recognition

 

Finance income related to the sale of a unit is recognized when the finance contract is sold to a finance company.  The Company arranges financing for customers through various retail funding sources and receives a commission from the lender equal to either the difference between the interest rates charged to customers over the predetermined interest rates set by the financing institution or a commission for the placement of contracts. The Company also receives commissions from the sale of various insurance products and extended service contracts to customers.  Revenue is recognized by the Company upon the sale of such finance and insurance contracts to the finance and insurance companies net of a provision for estimated repossession losses and interest charge backs on finance contracts. The Company is not the obligor under any of these underlying contracts. In the case of finance contracts, a customer may prepay, or fail to pay, thereby terminating the underlying contract. If the customer terminates a retail finance contract or other insurance product prior to scheduled maturity, a portion of the commissions previously paid to the Company may be charged back to the Company depending on the terms of the relevant contracts. The estimate of ultimate charge back exposure is based on the Company’s historical charge back expense arising from similar contracts, including the impact of refinance and default rates on retail finance contracts and cancellation rates on other insurance products. The actual amount of historical charge-backs has not been significantly different than the Company’s estimates.

 

Insurance Accruals

 

                The Company is partially self-insured for medical, workers compensation, and property and casualty insurance and calculates a reserve for those claims that have been incurred but not reported and for the remaining portion of those claims that have been reported. The Company uses information provided by third-party administrators to determine the reasonableness of the calculations it performs.

 

Accounting for Income Taxes

 

                Significant management judgment is required to determine the provisions for income taxes and to determine whether deferred tax assets will be realized in full or in part.  Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  When it is more likely than not that all or some portion of specific deferred income tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance must be established for the amount of deferred income tax assets that are determined not to be realizable.  The Company has a valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets in certain states.  Accordingly, the facts and financial circumstances impacting state deferred income tax assets are reviewed quarterly and management’s judgment is applied to determine the amount of valuation allowance required in any given period.

 

                Additionally, despite the Company’s belief that its tax return positions are consistent with applicable tax law, management believes that certain positions may be challenged by taxing authorities.  Settlement of any challenge can result in no change, a complete disallowance, or some partial adjustment reached through negotiations.

 

                Effective January 1, 2007 the Company adopted FIN 48.  This interpretation clarified the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements by prescribing a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  FIN 48 prescribes how a company should recognize, measure, present and disclose uncertain tax positions that the company has taken or expects to take in its income tax returns.  FIN 48 requires that only income tax benefits that meet the “more likely than not” recognition threshold be recognized or continue to be recognized on its effective date.  The Company’s income tax expense includes the impact of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that it considers appropriate, as well as related interest.  Unfavorable settlement of any particular issue would require use of the Company’s cash and a charge to income tax expense.  Favorable resolution would be recognized as a reduction to income tax expense at the time of resolution.

 

14



Stock-Based Compensation Expense

 

                On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123(R)”), which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors including grants of employee stock options and employee stock purchases under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan based on estimated fair values. SFAS 123(R) supersedes the Company’s previous accounting under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”) for periods beginning in 2006. In March 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 (“SAB 107”) relating to SFAS 123(R).

 

                The Company adopted SFAS 123(R) using the modified prospective transition method, which requires the application of the accounting standard as of January 1, 2006.  SFAS 123(R) requires companies to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), the Company accounted for stock-based awards to employees and directors using the intrinsic value method in accordance with APB 25 as allowed under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS 123”).  Upon adoption of SFAS 123(R), the Company continues to use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model which was previously used for the Company’s pro forma information required under SFAS 123.

 

Stock Split

 

                On September 20, 2007, our shareholders approved an amendment to Rush Enterprises, Inc.’s Restated Articles of Incorporation increasing the total number of authorized shares of Class A common stock from 40,000,000 to 60,000,000 and total number of authorized shares of Class B common stock from 10,000,000 to 20,000,000.  On the same date, our Board of Directors declared a 3-for-2 stock split of the Class A common stock and Class B common stock, to be effected in the form of a stock dividend. On October 10, 2007, Rush Enterprises, Inc. distributed one additional share of stock for every two shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, held by shareholders of record as of October 1, 2007.  All share and per share data (except par value) in this Form 10-Q have been adjusted and restated to reflect the stock split as if it occurred on the first day of the earliest period presented.

 

15



Results of Operations

 

                The following discussion and analysis includes the Company’s historical results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006.

 

                The following table sets forth for the periods indicated certain financial data as a percentage of total revenues:

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New and used truck sales

 

68.5

%

77.4

%

69.4

%

75.2

%

Parts and service

 

23.7

 

17.4

 

23.0

 

19.2

 

Construction equipment sales

 

3.7

 

2.5

 

3.6

 

2.7

 

Lease and rental

 

2.6

 

1.7

 

2.5

 

1.8

 

Finance and insurance

 

1.1

 

0.7

 

1.1

 

0.8

 

Other

 

0.4

 

0.3

 

0.4

 

0.3

 

Total revenues

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

Cost of products sold

 

82.8

 

85.7

 

82.8

 

84.7

 

Gross profit

 

17.2

 

14.3

 

17.2

 

15.3

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

11.8

 

9.1

 

11.8

 

10.1

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

0.7

 

0.5

 

0.7

 

0.5

 

Operating income

 

4.7

 

4.7

 

4.7

 

4.7

 

Interest expense, net

 

0.7

 

0.7

 

0.8

 

0.7

 

Income before income taxes

 

4.0

 

4.0

 

3.9

 

4.0

 

Provision for income taxes

 

1.5

 

1.5

 

1.5

 

1.5

 

Net Income

 

2.5

%

2.5

%

2.4

%

2.5

%

 

 

                The following table sets forth the unit sales and revenue for new heavy-duty, new medium-duty and used trucks and the absorption rate for the periods indicated (revenue in thousands).  The table below does not include revenue related to glider kits, trailers, bodies and other new equipment related to truck sales:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

%

 Change

 

2007

 

2006

 

%

 Change

 

Truck unit sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New heavy-duty trucks

 

1,820

 

3,512

 

(48.2)

%

5,719

 

8,506

 

(32.8)

%

New medium-duty trucks

 

1,520

 

1,109

 

37.1

%

4,283

 

3,185

 

34.5

%

Total new truck unit sales

 

3,340

 

4,621

 

(27.7)

%

10,002

 

11,691

 

(14.4)

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Used truck unit sales

 

1,032

 

999

 

3.3

%

3,093

 

3,011

 

2.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Truck revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New heavy-duty trucks

 

$

223.4

 

$

390.6

 

(42.8)

%

$

689.5

 

$

960.2

 

(28.2)

%

New medium-duty trucks

 

75.7

 

59.6

 

27.0

%

225.5

 

174.6

 

29.2

%

Total new truck revenue

 

$

299.1

 

$

450.2

 

(33.6)

%

$

915.0

 

$

1,134.8

 

(19.4)

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Used truck revenue

 

$

52.7

 

$

49.2

 

7.1

%

$

158.1

 

$

142.9

 

10.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Absorption rate:

 

105.1

%

104.5

%

0.6

%

105.3

%

105.0

%

0.3

%

 

16



Key Performance Indicator

 

                Absorption Rate. The management of the Company uses several performance metrics to evaluate the performance of its truck dealerships.  The Company considers its “absorption rate” to be of critical importance.  Absorption rate is calculated by dividing the gross profit from the parts, service and body shop departments by the overhead expenses of all of a truck dealership’s departments, except for the selling expenses of the new and used truck departments and carrying costs of new and used truck inventory.  When 100% absorption is achieved, then gross profit from the sale of a truck, after sales commissions and inventory carrying costs, directly impacts operating profit.  In 1999, the Company’s absorption rate was approximately 80%.  The Company has made a concerted effort to increase its absorption rate since then.  Management believes that maintaining an absorption rate in excess of 100% is critical to the Company’s ability to generate consistent earnings in a cyclical business.

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2007 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2006

 

The Class 8 truck market continued to soften in the third quarter of 2007.  The Company expects industry Class 8 deliveries to remain soft for the remainder of the year and into 2008.  The Company anticipates that Class 8 order intake will increase beginning in the first half 2008, but deliveries will not begin to increase significantly until the second half of 2008.  Normal customer trade cycles and new diesel engine emission regulations scheduled to take effect in 2010 will likely result in increased Class 8 truck orders beginning in the first half of 2008.  The magnitude of the 2008 and 2009 pre-buy will depend upon the general economic conditions in the U.S., among other factors.  It is difficult to forecast future demand for trucks because of the current uncertainty with regard to U.S. economic conditions.  A.C.T. Research Co., LLC (“A.C.T. Research”), a truck industry data and forecasting service provider, currently predicts retail sales of Class 8 trucks to increase 20.6% in 2008 relative to 2007.

 

While industry deliveries of U.S. Class 8 units are down 43.0% for the first nine months of the year, according to A.C.T. Research, the Company’s Class 8 deliveries are only down 32.8%.  The Company’s Class 4 through 7 (medium-duty) truck sales increased 34% year-to-date compared to the industry’s overall decrease of 7.6%.  This increase is a direct result of the Company’s focus to penetrate the medium-duty market segment in recent years by providing a knowledgeable, dedicated sales staff and offering a breadth of products to meet the varied needs of the medium-duty customer base.  The Company expects medium-duty truck sales will continue to grow as the Company’s medium-duty franchises mature in their respective markets and the Company strengthens relationships with its customers in this segment.

 

The Company’s parts, service and body shop sales increased 9.3% in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the third quarter of 2006.  The Company’s overall absorption rate increased to 105.1%, in the third quarter of 2007 compared to 104.5% in the third quarter of 2006, while the Company’s year-to-date same store absorption rate increased to 106.1% in the third quarter of 2007 compared to 105.0% in the third quarter of 2006.

 

In the first nine months of 2007, the Company increased its construction equipment segment revenue by 22%.

 

The Company is continuing its strategic focus to improve the quality of earnings by building a network that is diverse in product offerings, customer base and geography.

 

Revenues

 

          Revenues decreased $129.7 million, or 19.9%, in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the third quarter of 2006.  Sales of new and used trucks decreased $146.9 million, or 29.1%, in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the third quarter of 2006.  This decrease in new and used truck revenue is primarily due to decreased sales of new Class 8 trucks due to the diesel engine emissions guidelines that caused a pre-buy of Class 8 trucks in 2006 and has decreased demand for new Class 8 trucks with engines built subsequent to January 1, 2007.

 

                The Company’s unit sales of new Class 8 trucks decreased 48.2% in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the third quarter of 2006.  According to A.C.T. Research, U.S. Class 8 truck sales decreased approximately 55% in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the third quarter of 2006.  In 2006, the Company retained a 4.1% share of the Class 8 truck sales market in the U.S.  The Company expects its share to range between 4.5% and 5.0% of the U.S. Class 8 truck sales market in 2007, which would result in the sale of approximately 7,200 to 7,500 Class 8 trucks based on A.C.T. Research’s current 2007 U.S. retail sales estimates of 157,000 units.

 

17



                The Company’s unit sales of new medium-duty trucks increased 37.1% in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the third quarter of 2006.  Acquisitions during the past year have contributed to this increase in unit sales of medium-duty trucks.  Overall, new medium-duty truck sales revenue increased approximately $16.1 million, or 27.0%, in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the third quarter of 2006.  A.C.T. Research currently expects a 7.6% decline in United States retail sales of Class 4, 5, 6, and 7 medium-duty trucks.  In 2006, the Company achieved a 1.7% share of the Class 4 through 7 truck sales market in the U.S.  The Company expects its share to be approximately 2.3% of the U.S. Class 4 through 7 truck sales market in 2007, which would result in the sale of approximately 5,700 Class 4 through 7 trucks based on A.C.T. Research’s current 2007 U.S. retail sales estimates of 256,000 units.

 

                Unit sales of used trucks increased 7.1% in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the third quarter of 2006.  Used truck average revenue per unit increased by approximately 3.7%.  Used truck sales are largely dependent upon our ability to acquire quality used trucks and maintain an adequate used truck inventory.  The Company expects to sell approximately 4,100 used trucks in 2007 compared to 4,005 in 2006.

 

                Parts and service sales increased $10.5 million, or 9.3%, in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the third quarter of 2006.  The parts and service sales increase was consistent with management’s expectations, which take into account general economic conditions, successful business development, acquisitions and price increases for parts and labor.

 

                Sales of new and used construction equipment increased $3.5 million, or 22.0%, in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the third quarter of 2006.  John Deere’s market share in the Houston area construction equipment market, which includes shipments of John Deere equipment to customers that did not purchase such equipment from the Rush Equipment Center, increased to 24.2% in the nine month period ended September 30, 2007 from 24.1% in the nine month period ended September 30, 2006.  The Company’s market share in the Houston area construction equipment market increased to 19.5% in the nine month period ended September 30, 2007 from 18.6% in the nine month period ended September 30, 2006.  The Company believes it can maintain its market share in the Houston area at approximately 19.0% — 22.0% for the year ended 2007.

 

Truck lease and rental revenues increased $2.5 million, or 22.7%, in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the third quarter of 2006.  This increase in lease and rental revenue is largely due to the increased number of units in the lease and rental fleet in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the third quarter of 2006.

 

                Finance and insurance revenues increased $0.7 million, or 14.9%, in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the third quarter of 2006.  The Company arranged financing on a higher percentage of trucks it sold during the third quarter of 2007 than it did in the third quarter of 2006.  The Company expects finance income from new Class 8 truck sales to decrease during the remainder of 2007 compared to 2006 because of the expected decline in new Class 8 truck sales.  However, this decrease will be offset by increases in finance and insurance revenue from medium-duty truck sales and insurance revenue resulting from product expansion and recent acquisitions.  The Company expects overall finance and insurance revenue to increase slightly in 2007 compared to 2006.  Finance and insurance revenues have limited direct costs and, therefore, contribute a disproportionate share of the Company’s operating profits.

 

                Other income decreased $0.1 million, or 4.5%, in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the third quarter of 2006.  Other income consists primarily of document fees on truck sales, the gain on sale realized on trucks from the lease and rental fleet, and commissions earned from John Deere for direct manufacturer sales into our area of responsibility.

 

Gross Profit

 

                Gross profit decreased $3.3 million, or 3.5%, in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the third quarter of 2006.  Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased to 17.2% in the third quarter of 2007 from 14.3% in the third quarter of 2006.  This increase is primarily a result of a change in our product sales mix.  Truck sales, a lower margin revenue item, decreased as a percentage of total revenue to 68.5% in the third quarter of 2007 from 77.4% in the third quarter of 2006.  Parts and service revenue, a higher margin revenue item, increased as a percentage of total revenue to 23.7% in the third quarter of 2007 from 17.4% in the third quarter of 2006.

 

                Gross margins on Class 8 truck sales increased to 8.6% in the third quarter of 2007 from 6.6% in the third quarter of 2006.  The Company’s 2007 gross margins on Class 8 trucks increased due to the change in the mix of sales to non-fleet customers.  For the remainder of 2007, the Company expects overall gross margins from Class 8 truck sales of approximately 7.5% to 8.5% depending upon the premium customers are willing to pay for our remaining trucks with engines built prior to December 31, 2006, the mix of sales to fleet versus non-fleet customers, and the level of manufacturer incentives.

 

          Gross margins on medium-duty truck sales decreased to 5.3% in the third quarter of 2007 from 6.0% in the third quarter of 2006.  For the remainder of 2007, the Company expects overall gross margins from medium-duty truck sales of approximately 5.5% to 7.0%.  The Company’s gross margins on medium-duty trucks are difficult to forecast accurately

 

18



because gross margins vary significantly depending upon the mix of fleet and non-fleet purchasers and types of medium-duty trucks sold.

 

          Gross margins on used truck sales decreased to 8.7% in the third quarter of 2007 from 9.3% in the third quarter of 2006.  The decrease in gross margins on used trucks during the third quarter of 2007 is primarily due to the mix of used trucks sold.  The Company believes it will be able to continue to achieve margins of approximately 8.0% to 9.0% during the remainder of 2007.

 

                Gross margins from the Company’s parts, service and body shop operations decreased to 40.6% in the third quarter of 2007 from 42.3% in the third quarter of 2006.  This decrease in gross margins is mainly attributable to the Company receiving higher parts purchase discounts in the third quarter of 2006 compared to the third quarter of 2007.  Gross profit for the parts, service and body shop departments increased to $50.3 million in the third quarter of 2007 from $47.9 million in the third quarter of 2006.  The Company expects to maintain gross margins on parts, service and body shop operations of approximately 40.0% to 42.0% during the remainder of 2007.

 

                Gross margins on new and used construction equipment sales decreased to 10.1% in the third quarter of 2007 from 10.7% in the third quarter of 2006.  Gross margins on new and used construction equipment can fluctuate depending on the mix of products sold.  The Company expects 2007 gross margins to remain in a range of approximately 10.0% as the Company attempts to increase its market share.

 

                Gross margins from truck lease and rental sales decreased to 16.1% in the third quarter of 2007 from approximately 22.8% in the third quarter of 2006.  The decrease in the gross margin from lease and rental sales is primarily due to the decline in the utilization of the rental fleet, which is a result of the additions to our rental fleet in 2006.   We expect gross margins of approximately 15.0% to 16.0% during the remainder of 2007.  The Company’s policy is to depreciate its lease and rental fleet using a straight line method over the customer’s contractual lease term.  The lease unit is depreciated to a residual value that approximates fair value at the expiration of the lease term.  This policy results in the Company realizing reasonable gross margins while the unit is in service and a corresponding gain or loss on sale when the unit is sold at the end of the lease term.

 

                Finance and insurance revenues and other income, as described above, has limited direct costs and, therefore, contributes a disproportionate share of gross profit.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

      Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased $2.6 million, or 4.4%, in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the third quarter of 2006.  SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales were 11.8% in the third quarter of 2007 compared to 9.1% in the third quarter of 2006.  Annually, SG&A expenses as a percentage of revenue have historically ranged from 10.0% to 16.0%.  In the third quarter of 2007, the selling portion of SG&A expenses, which consists primarily of commissions on truck sales, decreased 16.0% and the general and administrative portion of SG&A increased 7.8% compared to the third quarter of 2006.  The general and administrative portion of SG&A will increase approximately 5% to 10% in 2007 due to the effect of inflation and acquisitions made in 2006 and early 2007.  The selling portion of SG&A varies based on the gross profit derived from truck sales.

 

Interest Expense, Net

 

      Net interest expense decreased $0.8 million, or 19.0%, in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the third quarter of 2006.  This decrease is net interest expense is primarily due to the decrease in floor plan notes payable and increased earnings on the Company’s investment of available cash.

 

Income before Income Taxes

 

          Income before income taxes decreased $5.4 million, or 20.5%, in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the third quarter of 2006.  The Company expects income for the remainder of 2007 to decrease compared to 2006 because of the expected significant decrease in Class 8 truck sales during the remainder of 2007 relative to 2006.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

          Income taxes decreased $2.1 million, or 21.4%, in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the third quarter of 2006.  The Company provided for taxes at an effective rate of 37.0% in the third quarter of 2007 and 37.5% in the third quarter of 2006.

 

19



 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006

 

Unless otherwise stated below, the Company’s variance explanations and future expectations with regard to the items discussed in this section are set forth in the discussion of the “Three Months Ended September 30, 2007 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2006.”

 

Revenues

 

          Revenues decreased $146.1 million, or 8.5%, in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the first nine months of 2006.  Sales of new and used trucks decreased $199.8 million, or 15.5%, in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the first nine months of 2006.

 

                Unit sales of new Class 8 trucks decreased 32.8% in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the first nine months of 2006.  The Class 8 truck sales market in the U.S. decreased 43.0% in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the first nine months of 2006 according to estimates of A.C.T. Research.

 

                Unit sales of new medium-duty trucks increased 34.5% in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the first nine months of 2006.  Overall, new medium-duty truck sales revenue increased approximately $50.9 million, or 29.2%, in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the first nine months of 2006.

 

                Unit sales of used trucks increased 2.7% in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the first nine months of 2006.  Used truck average revenue per unit increased by approximately 7.7%.

 

                Parts and service sales increased $31.0 million, or 9.4%, in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the first nine months of 2006.

 

                Sales of new and used construction equipment increased $10.8 million, or 23.4%, in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the first nine months of 2006.

 

Truck lease and rental revenues increased $8.2 million, or 26.9%, in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the first nine months of 2006.

 

                Finance and insurance revenues increased $3.4 million, or 24.6%, in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the first nine months of 2006.  Finance and insurance revenues have limited direct costs and, therefore, contribute a disproportionate share of the Company’s operating profits.

 

                Other income increased $0.2 million, or 3.3%, in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the first nine months of 2006.

 

Gross Profit

 

                Gross profit increased $8.4 million, or 3.2%, in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the first nine months of 2006.  Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased to 17.2% in the first nine months of 2007 from 15.3% in the first nine months of 2006.  This increase is primarily a result of a change in our product sales mix.  Truck sales, a lower margin revenue item, decreased as a percentage of total revenue to 69.4% in the first nine months of 2007 from 75.1% in the first nine months of 2006.  Parts and service revenue, a higher margin revenue item, increased as a percentage of total revenue to 23.0% in the first nine months of 2007 from 19.2% in the first nine months of 2006.

 

                Gross margins on Class 8 truck sales increased to 8.5% in the first nine months of 2007 from 7.2% in the first nine months of 2006.

 

          Gross margins on medium-duty truck sales decreased to 5.5% in the first nine months of 2007 from 6.6% in the first nine months of 2006.

 

          Gross margins on used truck sales decreased slightly to 8.8% in the first nine months of 2007 from 9.1% in the first nine months of 2006.

 

20



                Gross margins from the Company’s parts, service and body shop operations increased slightly to 41.5% in the first nine months of 2007 from 41.4% in the first nine months of 2006.  Gross profit for the parts, service and body shop departments increased to $150.0 million in the first nine months of 2007 from $136.8 million in the first nine months of 2006.

 

                Gross margins on new and used construction equipment sales decreased to 10.6% in the first nine months of 2007 from 11.2% in the first nine months of 2006.  This decrease in gross margins is attributable to the Company’s efforts to increase its market share in the Houston area, which has required the Company to sell construction equipment at lower margins.

 

                Gross margins from truck lease and rental sales decreased to 15.6% in the first nine months of 2007 from approximately 23.0% in the first nine months of 2006.  The Company expects gross margins from lease and rental sales of approximately 15.0% to 18.0% in 2007.

 

                Finance and insurance revenues and other income, as described above, has limited direct costs and, therefore, contributes a disproportionate share of gross profit.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

      Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased $11.4 million, or 6.6%, in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the first nine months of 2006.  SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales were 11.8% in the first nine months of 2007 compared to 10.1% in the first nine months of 2006.

 

Interest Expense, Net

 

      Net interest expense increased $1.2 million, or 10.6%, in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the first nine months of 2006.  To take advantage of increased demand for trucks with diesel engines manufactured prior to January 1, 2007, the Company maintained higher levels of truck inventory in the first half of 2007 than it has traditionally maintained, which increased the Company’s floor plan notes payable.

 

Income before Income Taxes

 

          Income before income taxes decreased $5.7 million, or 8.3%, in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the first nine months of 2006.  The Company believes that income before income taxes will decrease in 2007 compared to 2006 because of the expected significant decrease in heavy-duty truck sales during the remainder of 2007 relative to 2006.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

          Income taxes decreased $2.0 million, or 7.8%, in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the first nine months of 2006.  The Company provided for taxes at an effective rate of 37.7% in the first nine months of 2007 and 37.5% in the first nine months of 2006.

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The Company’s short-term cash requirements are primarily for working capital, inventory financing, the improvement and expansion of existing facilities, and the construction of new facilities.  Historically, these cash requirements have been met through the retention of profits and borrowings under our floor plan arrangements. As of September 30, 2007, the Company had working capital of approximately $187.9 million, including $176.6 million in cash available to fund our operations.

 

The Company may request working capital advances in the minimum amount of $100,000 from General Electric Capital Corporation (“GE Capital”), its primary truck lender.  However, such working capital advances may not cause the total indebtedness owed GE Capital to exceed an amount equal to the wholesale advances made against the then current inventory less any payment reductions then due.  There were no working capital advances outstanding under this agreement at September 30, 2007.

 

                The Company has a secured line of credit that provides for a maximum borrowing of $8.0 million.  There were no advances outstanding under this secured line of credit at September 30, 2007, however, $6.3 million was pledged to secure various letters of credit related to self-insurance products, leaving $1.7 million available for future borrowings as of September 30, 2007.

 

21



The Company signed agreements with SAP America, Inc and Titan Technology Partners, Limited to purchase and implement SAP enterprise software and a new SAP dealership management system.  The cost of the SAP software and implementation is estimated between $12.0 million and $15.0 million.  As of September 30, 2007, the Company has incurred costs of $9.5 million on the SAP software and initial implementation.  The Company has no other material commitments for capital expenditures as of September 30, 2007.  However, the Company will continue to purchase vehicles that are necessary to operate its lease and rental division.  Furthermore, management will continue to authorize capital expenditures for improvement and expansion of dealership facilities based on market opportunities.

 

 

Cash Flows

 

Cash and cash equivalents increased by $15.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and increased by $20.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  The major components of these changes are discussed below.

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 

                Cash flows from operating activities include net income adjusted for non-cash items and the effects of changes in working capital.  During the first nine months of 2007, operating activities resulted in net cash provided by operations of $192.2 million.  Cash provided by operating activities was primarily impacted by the decrease in accounts receivable and the decrease in inventory.  During the first nine months of 2006, operating activities resulted in net cash used in operations of $20.8 million.

 

                The Company believes that changes in aggregate floor plan liabilities are directly linked to changes in vehicle inventory and, therefore, are an integral part of understanding changes in our working capital and operating cash flow.  Consequently, the Company has provided the following reconciliation of cash flow from operating activities as reported in our consolidated statement of cash flows as if changes in vehicle floor plan were classified as an operating activity (in thousands):

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities as reported

 

$

192,231

 

$

(20,831

)

(Payments) draws on floor plan notes payable as reported

 

(126,003

)

107,560

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities including all floor plan notes payable

 

$

66,228

 

$

86,729

 

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

 

          Cash flows from investing activities consist primarily of cash used for capital expenditures and business acquisitions.  During the first nine months of 2007, the Company used $54.3 million in investing activities. Capital expenditures consisted of purchases of property and equipment, and improvements to our existing dealership facilities of $51.0 million. Property and equipment purchases during the first nine months of 2007 consisted of $27.3 million for additional units for the rental and leasing operations, which was directly offset by borrowings of long-term debt.  The Company expects to purchase trucks worth approximately $40.0 million for its leasing operations in 2007 depending on customer demand.  During 2007, the Company expects to make capital expenditures for recurring items such as computers, shop equipment and vehicles of approximately $12.0 million in addition to $9.0 million for the SAP software implementation described above.  Cash used in business acquisitions was $7.9 million during the first nine months of 2007.  See Note 6 - Acquisitions of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a detailed discussion of these acquisitions.

 

          During the first nine months of 2006, cash used in investing activities was $90.0 million.  Capital expenditures consisted of purchases of property and equipment, and improvements to our existing dealership facilities of $66.3 million.  Property and equipment purchases during the first nine months of 2006 consisted of $33.5 million of additional units for the rental and leasing operations, which was directly offset by borrowings of long-term debt.   Cash used in business acquisitions was $27.8 million during the first nine months of 2006.

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

 

Cash flows from financing activities include borrowings and repayments of long-term debt and net proceeds of floor plan notes payable.  Cash used in financing activities was $122.9 million during the first nine months of 2007. The Company

 

22



had borrowings of long-term debt of $29.1 million and repayments of long-term debt of $27.0 million during the first nine months of 2007.   The Company had net payments of floor plan notes payable of $126.0 million during the first nine months of 2007.  The borrowings of long-term debt were primarily related to the increase in the lease and rental fleet.

 

Cash provided by financing activities was $131.2 million during the first nine months of 2006.  The Company had borrowings of long-term debt of $57.5 million and repayments of long-term debt of $33.3 million during the first nine months of 2006.  The Company had net draws of floor plan notes payable of $107.6 million during the first nine months of 2006.  The borrowings of long-term debt were primarily related to the increase in the lease and rental fleet and refinancing of the corporate aircraft.

 

                Substantially all of the Company’s truck purchases are made on terms requiring payment within 15 days or less from the date the trucks are invoiced from the factory.  On August 15, 2007, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Wholesale Security Agreement with GE Capital, which was effective August 1, 2007.  Interest under the floor plan financing agreement is payable monthly and the rate varies from LIBOR plus 1.15% to 1.50% depending on the average aggregate month-end balance of debt.  The Company finances substantially all of the purchase price of its new truck inventory, and the loan value of its used truck inventory under the floor plan financing agreement with GE Capital, under which GE Capital pays the manufacturer directly with respect to new trucks. The Company makes monthly interest payments to GE Capital on the amount financed, but is not required to commence loan principal repayments on any vehicle until such vehicle has been floor planned for 12 months or is sold.  The agreement allows for prepayments and working capital advances with monthly adjustments to the interest due on outstanding advances.  On September 30, 2007, the Company had approximately $307.2 million outstanding under its floor plan financing agreement with GE Capital.

 

                Substantially all of the Company’s new construction equipment purchases are financed by John Deere and CitiCapital. The Company finances substantially all of the purchase price of its new construction equipment inventory under its floor plan facilities. The Company’s floor plan agreement with John Deere provides an interest free financing period after which time the amount financed is required to be paid in full. When construction equipment is sold prior to the expiration of the interest free finance period, the Company is required to repay the principal within approximately ten days of the sale. If the construction equipment financed by John Deere is not sold within the interest free finance period, it is transferred to the CitiCapital floor plan arrangement.  The Company makes principal payments for sold inventory to CitiCapital on the 15th day of each month. Used and rental construction equipment is financed to a maximum of book value under a floor plan arrangement with CitiCapital.  The Company makes monthly interest payments on the amount financed and is required to commence loan principal repayments on rental construction equipment as book value reduces.  Principal payments for sold used construction equipment are made no later than the 15th day of each month following the sale. The loans are collateralized by a lien on the construction equipment.  The Company’s floor plan agreements limit the aggregate amount of borrowings based on the book value of new and used construction equipment units.  As of September 30, 2007, the Company’s floor plan arrangement with CitiCapital permits the financing of up to $13.5 million in construction equipment.  On September 30, 2007, the Company had $1.6 million outstanding under its floor plan financing arrangements with John Deere and $11.5 million outstanding under its floor plan financing arrangement with CitiCapital.

 

Backlog

 

On September 30, 2007, the Company’s backlog of truck orders was approximately $198.4 million as compared to a backlog of truck orders of approximately $404.6 million on September 30, 2006. The Company includes only confirmed orders in its backlog.  The Company sells the majority of its new trucks by customer special order, with the remainder sold out of inventory. The delivery time for a custom-ordered truck varies depending on the truck specifications and demand for the particular model ordered; however, due to the decreased demand for trucks with engines built after January 1, 2007, delivery times for heavy-duty trucks have decreased significantly from delivery times during peak demand in 2006.  As a result, purchasers of heavy-duty trucks do not need to place orders several months in advance and our backlog has significantly decreased.

 

Seasonality

 

                The Company’s truck business is moderately seasonal. Seasonal effects on new truck sales related to the seasonal purchasing patterns of any single customer type are mitigated by the Company’s diverse customer base, including small and large fleets, governments, corporations and owner operators. However, truck parts and service operations historically have experienced higher volumes of sales in the second and third quarters.

 

                Seasonal effects in the construction equipment business are weather related.  Seasonal effects on construction equipment sales related to the seasonal purchasing patterns of any single customer type are mitigated by the Company’s diverse customer base that includes contractors for residential and commercial construction, utility companies, federal, state

 

23



and local government agencies, and various petrochemical, industrial and material supply type businesses that require construction equipment in their daily operations.

 

Cyclicality

 

                The Company’s business is dependent on a number of factors relating to general economic conditions, including fuel prices, interest rate fluctuations, economic recessions, environmental and other government regulations and customer business cycles. Unit sales of new trucks have historically been subject to substantial cyclical variation based on these general economic conditions.  According to data published by A.C.T. Research, in recent years total domestic retail sales of new Class 8 trucks have ranged from a low of approximately 140,000 in 2001 to a high of approximately 291,000 in 2006.  Class 8 trucks are defined by the American Automobile Association as trucks with a minimum gross vehicle weight rating above 33,000 pounds.  Domestic Class 8 unit sales are expected to decrease dramatically to approximately 157,000 units during 2007 according to A.C.T. Research.  Through geographic expansion, concentration on higher margin parts and service operations and diversification of its customer base, the Company attempts to reduce the negative impact on the Company’s earnings of adverse general economic conditions or cyclical trends affecting the heavy-duty truck industry.

 

 

Environmental Standards and Other Governmental Regulations

 

                Our operations are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations, including laws and regulations designed to protect the environment by regulating the discharge of materials into the environment. EPA emission guidelines have a major impact on our operations.  The EPA mandated that diesel engine manufacturers meet new, stricter emissions guidelines regarding nitrous oxides for all engines built subsequent to January 1, 2007.  The 2007 emission guidelines caused the heavy-duty truck industry to experience a significant increase in demand for trucks during 2005, 2006 and the first quarter of 2007.    The Company expects this recent period of increased demand to be followed by a decrease in demand for heavy-duty trucks into the first half of 2008.  The severity of the decrease in demand for heavy-duty trucks will depend largely upon general economic conditions but the cost, reliability and efficiency of the new diesel engines may also impact demand.

 

                The EPA has also mandated even stricter emissions guidelines regarding nitrous oxides for all diesel engines built subsequent to January 1, 2010.  If new diesel engine emission standards are implemented in 2010, we expect deliveries of heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks to significantly decrease in 2010 relative to 2009.  The EPA has also proposed regulations requiring emissions controls systems on 2010 and later heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks to be monitored for malfunctions via an onboard diagnostic system similar to those required in passenger vehicles since the mid-1990s, which could also impact demand for trucks.

 

Effects of Inflation

 

                The Company believes that the relatively moderate rate of inflation over the last few years has not had a significant impact on its revenues or profitability. Additionally, the Company does not expect inflation to have any short-term material effect on the sale of its products and services.

 

24



ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

 

                Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact the financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company due to adverse changes in financial market prices, including interest rate risk, and other relevant market rate or price risks.

 

                The Company is exposed to some market risk through interest rates related to our floor plan borrowing arrangements, variable rate debt and discount rates related to finance sales.  Floor plan borrowings are based on the LIBOR and prime rates of interest and are used to meet working capital needs. As of September 30, 2007, the Company had floor plan borrowings of approximately $320.4 million.  Assuming an increase in the LIBOR or prime rates of interest of 100 basis points, annual interest expense could increase by approximately $3.2 million.  The Company provides all customer financing opportunities to various finance providers. The Company receives all finance charges in excess of a negotiated discount rate from the finance providers in the month following the date of the financing. The negotiated discount rate is variable, thus subject to interest rate fluctuations. This interest rate risk is mitigated by the Company’s ability to pass discount rate increases to customers through higher financing rates.

 

                The Company is also exposed to some market risk through interest rates related to the investment of our current cash and cash equivalents of $176.6 million at September 30, 2007.  These funds are generally invested in highly liquid money market accounts, government-sponsored enterprises, corporate bonds and offset of floor plan debt that do not expose the Company to a loss of principal.  As such instruments mature and the funds are reinvested, we are exposed to changes in market interest rates. This risk is mitigated by management’s ongoing evaluation of the best investment rates available for current and noncurrent high quality investments. If market interest rates were to increase or decrease immediately and uniformly by 100 basis points, the Company’s annual interest income could correspondingly increase or decrease by approximately $1.8 million.  We have not used derivative financial instruments in our investment portfolio.

 

 

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

                The Company, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2007 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

                There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2007 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

25



PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings.

 

From time to time, we are involved in litigation arising out of the Company’s operations in the ordinary course of business. We maintain liability insurance, including product liability coverage, in amounts deemed adequate by management. To date, aggregate costs to us for claims, including product liability actions, have not been material. However, an uninsured or partially insured claim, or claim for which indemnification is not available, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. We believe that there are no claims or litigation pending, the outcome of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. However, due to the inherent uncertainty of litigation, there can be no assurance that the resolution of any particular claim or proceeding would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations for the fiscal period in which such resolution occurred.

 

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors.

 

There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

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

 

The Company did not make any unregistered sales of equity securities during the third quarter of 2007, nor did it repurchase any shares of its Class A common stock or Class B common stock during the third quarter of 2007.

 

ITEM 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

          Not Applicable

 

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ITEM 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

          At a Special Meeting of Shareholders held on September 20, 2007, the Company’s shareholders voted on a proposal to amend the Company’s Restated Articles of Incorporation to increase the total number of shares of Class A common stock that the Company is authorized to issue from 40,000,000 to 60,000,000 and to increase the total number of shares of Class B common stock that the Company is authorized to issue from 10,000,000 to 20,000,000.  This proposal received the following vote:

 

 

 

Class A common stock

 

Class B common stock

 

 

 

 

 

Votes “For”

 

804,718

 

7,715,251

Votes “Against”

 

8,088

 

61,059

Abstentions

 

253

 

600

Broker Non-Votes

 

None

 

None

 

This proposal submitted at the Special Meeting of Shareholders held on September 20, 2007 received more than the number of favorable votes required for approval, and was therefore duly and validly approved by the Company’s shareholders.

 

ITEM 5.  Other Information.

 

Not Applicable

 

27



ITEM 6.  Exhibits.

 

Exhibit Number

 

Exhibit Title

 

3.1

 

Articles of Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of Rush Enterprises, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-20797) filed September 20, 2007).

 

10.1

 

Amended Restated Wholesale Security Agreement, dated August 15, 2007, by and among Rush Truck Centers of Alabama, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of Arizona, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of California, Inc., Rush Medium Duty Truck Centers of Colorado, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of Colorado, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of Florida, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of Georgia, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of New Mexico, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of Oklahoma, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of Tennessee, Inc., and Rush Truck Centers of Texas, L.P., Rush GMC Truck Center of El Paso, Inc., Rush GMC Truck Center of Phoenix, Inc., Rush GMC Truck Center of San Diego, Inc., Rush GMC Truck Center of Tucson, Inc. and General Electric Capital Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-20797) filed August 20, 2007).

 

10.2

 

First Amendment to Amended and Restated Wholesale Security Agreement, dated October 3, 2007, by and among Rush Truck Centers of Alabama, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of Arizona, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of California, Inc., Rush Medium Duty Truck Centers of Colorado, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of Colorado, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of Florida, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of Georgia, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of New Mexico, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of Oklahoma, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of Tennessee, Inc., and Rush Truck Centers of Texas, L.P., Rush GMC Truck Center of El Paso, Inc., Rush GMC Truck Center of Phoenix, Inc., Rush GMC Truck Center of San Diego, Inc., Rush GMC Truck Center of Tucson, Inc. and General Electric Capital Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-20797) filed October 3, 2007).

 

31.1*

 

Certification of CEO pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

31.2*

 

Certification of CFO pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32.1**

 

Certification of CEO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32.2**

 

Certification of CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 


*   filed herewith

** furnished herewith

 

28



 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

November 9, 2007

By:

/s/ W.M. “RUSTY” RUSH

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.M. “Rusty” Rush

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 (Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

November 9, 2007

By:

/s/ STEVEN L. KELLER

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steven L. Keller

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

29



EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

 

Exhibit Number

 

Exhibit Title

31.1*

 

Certification of CEO pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2*

 

Certification of CFO pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1**

 

Certification of CEO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2**

 

Certification of CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 


*   filed herewith

** furnished herewith

 

30