RUSH ENTERPRISES INC \TX\ - Quarter Report: 2019 March (Form 10-Q)

Table of Contents

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 March 31, 2019

OR

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

For the transition period from                                                              to                                                                                        

Commission File Number 0-20797

RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

555 I.H. 35 South, Suite 500

New Braunfels, Texas 78130

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(830) 302-5200

(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.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

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

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

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

Indicated below is the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of May 6, 2019.

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

MARCH 31, 2019 AND DECEMBER 31, 2018

(In Thousands, Except Shares)

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

RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)

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

RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

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

RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

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 Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), news releases, conferences, website postings or otherwise) that are not statements of historical fact constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), 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 our 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. Please read Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, for a discussion of certain of those risks. Other unknown or unpredictable factors could also have a material adverse effect on future results. Although the Company believes that its expectations are reasonable as of the date of this Form 10-Q, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The Company does not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements unless securities laws require it to do so, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise.

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 Commonly Used in the Company’s Filings

Peterbilt^® is a registered trademark of Peterbilt Motors Company. PACCAR^® is a registered trademark of PACCAR, Inc. PacLease^® is a registered trademark of PACCAR Leasing Corporation. Navistar^® is a registered trademark of Navistar International Corporation. International^® is a registered trademark of Navistar International Transportation Corp. Idealease is a registered trademark of Idealease, Inc. aka Idealease of North America, Inc. Blue Bird^® is a registered trademark of Blue Bird Investment Corporation. IC Bus^® is a registered trademark of IC Bus, LLC. Fuso^® is a registered trademark of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation. Hino^® is a registered trademark of Hino Motors, Ltd. Isuzu^® is a registered trademark of Isuzu Motors Limited. Ford Motor Credit Company^® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company. Ford^® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company. SAP^® is a registered trademark of SAP Aktiengesellschaft. This report contains additional trade names or trademarks of other companies. Our use of such trade names or trademarks should not imply any endorsement or relationship with such companies.

General

Rush Enterprises, Inc. was incorporated in Texas in 1965 and consists of one reportable segment, the Truck Segment, and conducts business through its subsidiaries. Our principal offices are located at 555 IH 35 South, Suite 500, New Braunfels, Texas 78130.

We are a full-service, integrated retailer of commercial vehicles and related services. The Truck Segment includes the Company’s operation of a network of commercial vehicle dealerships under the name “Rush Truck Centers.” Rush Truck Centers primarily sell commercial vehicles manufactured by Peterbilt, International, Hino, Ford, Isuzu, Mitsubishi Fuso, IC Bus or Blue Bird. Through our strategically located network of Rush Truck Centers, we provide one-stop service for the needs of our commercial vehicle customers, including retail sales of new and used commercial vehicles, aftermarket parts sales, service and repair facilities, financing, leasing and rental, and insurance products.

Our Rush Truck Centers are principally located in high traffic areas throughout the United States. Since commencing operations as a Peterbilt heavy-duty truck dealer in 1966, we have grown to operate over 100 Rush Truck Centers in 22 states.

Our business strategy consists of providing solutions to the commercial vehicle industry through our network of commercial vehicle dealerships. We offer an integrated approach to meeting customer needs by providing service, parts and collision repairs in addition to new and used commercial vehicle sales and leasing, plus financial services, vehicle upfitting, CNG fuel systems and vehicle telematics products. 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 as we expand our product offerings and extend our dealership network through strategic acquisitions of new locations and opening new dealerships to enable us to better serve our customers.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us 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. We believe the following accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined by specific identification of new and used commercial vehicle inventory and by the first-in, first-out method for tires, parts and accessories. As the market value of our inventory typically declines over time, reserves are established based on historical loss experience and market trends. These reserves are charged to cost of sales and reduce the carrying value of our inventory on hand. An allowance is provided when it is anticipated that cost will exceed net realizable value less a reasonable profit margin.

Goodwill

Goodwill is tested for impairment by reporting unit utilizing a two-step process at least annually, or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The first step requires us to compare the fair value of the reporting unit (we consider our Truck Segment to be a reporting unit for purposes of this analysis), which is the same as the segment, to the respective carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, the goodwill is not considered impaired. If the carrying value is greater than the fair value, there is an indication that impairment may exist and a second step is required. In the second step of the analysis, the implied fair value of the goodwill is calculated as the excess of the fair value of a reporting unit over the fair values assigned to its assets and liabilities. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill, the difference is recognized as an impairment loss.

We determine the fair value of our reporting unit using the discounted cash flow method. The discounted cash flow method uses various assumptions and estimates regarding revenue growth rates, future gross margins, future selling, general and administrative expenses and an estimated weighted average cost of capital. The analysis is based upon available information regarding expected future cash flows of each reporting unit discounted at rates consistent with the cost of capital specific to the reporting unit. This type of analysis contains uncertainties because it requires us to make assumptions and to apply judgment regarding our knowledge of our industry, information provided by industry analysts and our current business strategy in light of present industry and economic conditions. If any of these assumptions change, or fail to materialize, the resulting decline in our estimated fair value could result in a material impairment charge to the goodwill associated with the reporting unit.

We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we used to test for impairment losses on goodwill. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates or assumptions, or certain events occur that might adversely affect the reported value of goodwill in the future, we may be exposed to an impairment charge that could be material.

Goodwill was tested for impairment during the fourth quarter of 2018 and no impairment was required. The fair value of our reporting unit exceeded the carrying value of its net assets. As a result, we were not required to conduct the second step of the impairment test. We do not believe our reporting unit is at risk of failing step one of the impairment test.

Insurance Accruals

We are partially self-insured for a portion of the claims related to our property and casualty insurance programs, which requires us to make estimates regarding expected losses to be incurred. We engage a third-party administrator to assess any open claims and we adjust our accrual accordingly on a periodic basis. We are also partially self-insured for a portion of the claims related to our workers’ compensation and medical insurance programs. We use actuarial information provided from third-party administrators to calculate an accrual for claims incurred but not reported, and for the remaining portion of claims that have been reported.

Changes in the frequency, severity and development of existing claims could influence our reserve for claims and financial position, results of operations and cash flows. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions we used to calculate our self-insured liabilities. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates or assumptions, we may be exposed to losses or gains that could be material.

Accounting for Income Taxes

Management’s 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. Accordingly, the facts and financial circumstances impacting deferred income tax assets are reviewed quarterly and management’s judgment is applied to determine the amount of valuation allowance required, if any, in any given period.

Our income tax returns are periodically audited by tax authorities. These audits include questions regarding our tax filing positions, including the timing and amount of deductions. In evaluating the exposures associated with our various tax filing positions, we adjust our liability for unrecognized tax benefits and income tax provision in the period in which an uncertain tax position is effectively settled, the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position or when more information becomes available.

Our liability for unrecognized tax benefits contains uncertainties because management is required to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate the exposures associated with our various filing positions. Our effective income tax rate is also affected by changes in tax law, the level of earnings and the results of tax audits. Although we believe that the judgments and estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ, and we may be exposed to losses or gains that could be material. An unfavorable tax settlement would generally require use of our cash and result in an increase in our effective income tax rate in the period of resolution. A favorable tax settlement would be recognized as a reduction in our effective income tax rate in the period of resolution. Our income tax expense includes the impact of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that we consider appropriate, as well as related interest.

Revenue Recognition 

Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“Topic 606”),” using the modified retrospective transition method.  This standard applies to all contracts with customers, except for contracts that are within the scope of other standards, such as leases, insurance, collaboration arrangements and financial instruments.  Under Topic 606, we recognize revenue when our customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services.  To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that we determine are within the scope of Topic 606, we perform the following five steps: (i) identify the contract with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) we satisfy a performance obligation.  We only apply the five-step model to contracts when it is probable that we will collect the consideration we are entitled to in exchange for the goods or services we transfer to the customer.  At contract inception, once the contract is determined to be within the scope of Topic 606, we assess the goods or services promised within each contract and determine those that are performance obligations. We then assess whether each promised good or service is distinct and recognize as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied.  

Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis includes our historical results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.

The following table sets forth certain financial data as a percentage of total revenues:

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the percent of gross profit by revenue source:

The following table sets forth the unit sales and revenues for new heavy-duty, new medium-duty, new light-duty and used commercial vehicles and the absorption ratio (revenue in millions):

Key Performance Indicator

Absorption Ratio

Management uses several performance metrics to evaluate the performance of our commercial vehicle dealerships and considers Rush Truck Centers’ “absorption ratio” to be of critical importance. Absorption ratio is calculated by dividing the gross profit from the parts, service and collision center (collectively, “Aftermarket Products and Services”) departments by the overhead expenses of all of a dealership’s departments, except for the selling expenses of the new and used commercial vehicle departments and carrying costs of new and used commercial vehicle inventory. When 100% absorption is achieved, all of the gross profit from the sale of a commercial vehicle, after sales commissions and inventory carrying costs, directly impacts operating profit. Our commercial vehicle dealerships achieved a 121.5% absorption ratio for the first quarter of 2019 and a 120.0% absorption ratio for the first quarter of 2018.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2018

Aftermarket Products and Services revenues totaled $438.0 million in the first quarter of 2019, up 9.5% from the first quarter of 2018. We believe aftermarket market activity will remain strong throughout the year and that our Aftermarket Products and Services revenues growth will remain consistent with our first quarter performance.

Our new Class 8 truck sales were strong during the first quarter of 2019 and we expect our new Class 8 truck sales to remain consistent in the second and third quarters of 2019. While we are cautiously optimistic about the fourth quarter of 2019, we will closely monitor market conditions that we believe could adversely impact the market.

Our new Class 4 through 7 commercial vehicle sales were down slightly during the first quarter of 2019, compared to the first quarter of 2018. We believe our medium-duty sales will remain strong through the remainder of 2019, as we continue to see strong demand from our customers. We believe that the expected strong Class 4 through 7 medium-duty commercial vehicle market may help to partially offset any downturn in the new Class 8 truck sales market that may occur towards the end of the year.

On February 25, 2019, we acquired 50% of the equity interest in RTC Canada, which acquired the operating assets of Tallman Group, the largest International Truck dealer in Canada. RTC Canada operates a network of 14 International Truck full-service dealerships throughout the Province of Ontario. We do not consolidate RTC Canada as part of our Truck Segment for financial reporting purposes. RTC Canada is accounted for as an equity method investment.

Revenues

Total revenues increased $107.5 million, or 8.7%, in the first quarter of 2019, compared to the first quarter of 2018.

Our Aftermarket Products and Services revenues increased $38.1 million, or 9.5%, in the first quarter of 2019, compared to the first quarter of 2018. The growth in Aftermarket Products and Services revenues during the first quarter was primarily driven by continued strong demand for aftermarket parts and services throughout the country and the successful execution of several of our strategic initiatives. We expect our Aftermarket Products and Services revenues to increase 9% to 11% in 2019, compared to 2018.

Revenues from sales of new and used commercial vehicles increased $65.2 million, or 8.4%, in the first quarter of 2019, compared to the first quarter of 2018, primarily as a result of increased sales of new Class 8 trucks to virtually all of the market segments that we serve.

We sold 3,558 new Class 8 heavy-duty trucks in the first quarter of 2019, a 7.4% increase compared to 3,312 new Class 8 heavy-duty trucks in the first quarter of 2018. According to A.C.T. Research Co., LLC (“A.C.T. Research”), a truck industry data and forecasting service provider, the U.S. Class 8 truck market increased 24.5% in the first quarter of 2019, compared to the first quarter of 2018. A.C.T. Research currently forecasts U.S. retail sales of new Class 8 trucks of approximately 264,000 units in 2019, 198,000 units in 2020 and 211,500 units in 2021, compared to approximately 255,711 units in 2018. Our share of the U.S. new Class 8 truck sales market was approximately 5.7% in 2018. We expect our U.S. new Class 8 commercial vehicle sales market share to be between 5.6% and 6.0% in 2019. This market share percentage would result in the sale of approximately 14,800 to 15,800 of new Class 8 trucks in 2019, based on A.C.T. Research’s current U.S. retail sales estimate of 264,000 units.

We sold 2,614 new Class 4 through 7 commercial vehicles, including 160 buses, in the first quarter of 2019, a 3.4% decrease compared to 2,705 new medium-duty commercial vehicles, including 288 buses, in the first quarter of 2018. A.C.T. Research estimates that unit sales of new Class 4 through 7 commercial vehicles in the U.S. increased approximately 3.5% in the first quarter of 2019, compared to the first quarter of 2018. A.C.T. Research currently forecasts U.S. retail sales of new Class 4 through 7 medium-duty commercial vehicles of approximately 262,300 units in 2019, 267,000 units in 2020 and 260,400 in 2021. In 2018, we achieved a 5.0% share of the new Class 4 through 7 commercial vehicle market in the U.S. In 2019, we expect our market share to range between 5.1% and 5.4% of the U.S. new Class 4 through 7 commercial vehicle market. This market share percentage would result in the sale of approximately 13,400 to 14,200 of new Class 4 through 7 commercial vehicles in 2019, based on A.C.T. Research’s current U.S. retail sales estimates of 262,300 units.

We sold 539 new light-duty vehicles in the first quarter of 2019, a 25.1% increase compared to 431 new light-duty vehicles in the first quarter of 2018. We expect to sell approximately 2,200 new light-duty vehicles in 2019.

We sold 1,840 used commercial vehicles in the first quarter of 2019, a 1.0% decrease compared to 1,859 used commercial vehicles in the first quarter of 2018. We expect to sell approximately 9,000 to 9,300 used commercial vehicles in 2019.

Commercial vehicle lease and rental revenues increased $1.9 million, or 3.3%, in the first quarter of 2019, compared to the first quarter of 2018. We expect lease and rental revenue to increase 3% to 8% during 2019, compared to 2018.

Finance and insurance revenues increased $1.9 million, or 39.4%, in the first quarter of 2019, compared to the first quarter of 2018. We expect finance and insurance revenues to fluctuate proportionately with our new and used commercial vehicle sales in 2019. Finance and insurance revenues have limited direct costs and, therefore, contribute a disproportionate share of our operating profits.

Other income increased $0.5 million, or 10.1%, in the first quarter of 2019, compared to the first quarter of 2018. Other income consists primarily of document fees related to commercial vehicle sales.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased $29.9 million, or 13.2%, in the first quarter of 2019, compared to the first quarter of 2018. Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased to 19.1% in the first quarter of 2019, from 18.3% in the first quarter of 2018. The increase in gross profit as a percentage of sales is a result of increased gross margins in our Aftermarket Products and Services operations, commercial vehicle sales and truck lease and rental sales.

Gross margins from our Aftermarket Products and Services operations increased to 37.7% in the first quarter of 2019, compared to 36.4% in the first quarter of 2018. Gross profit from our Aftermarket Products and Services operations increased to $165.2 million in the first quarter of 2019, from $145.9 million in the first quarter of 2018. Historically, gross margins on parts sales range from 27% to 28% and gross margins on service and collision center operations range from 67% to 68%. Gross profits from parts sales represented 60.3% of total gross profit for Aftermarket Products and Services operations in the first quarter of 2019 and 57.4% in the first quarter of 2018. Service and collision center operations represented 39.7% of total gross profit for Aftermarket Products and Services operations in the first quarter of 2019 and 42.6% in the first quarter of 2018. We expect blended gross margins on Aftermarket Products and Services operations to range from approximately 37.5% to 38.5% in 2019.

Gross margins on new Class 8 truck sales increased to 8.9% in the first quarter of 2019, from 8.1% in the first quarter of 2018. This increase is primarily due to the mix of purchasers during the first quarter of 2019. In 2019, we expect overall gross margins from new Class 8 truck sales of approximately 7.0% to 8.0%.

Gross margins on new Class 4 through 7 commercial vehicle sales decreased to 5.9% in the first quarter of 2019, from 6.8% in the first quarter of 2018. This decrease is primarily due to the mix of purchasers during the first quarter of 2019. In 2019, we expect overall gross margins from new Class 4 through 7 commercial vehicle sales of approximately 5.7% to 6.2%, but this will largely depend upon the mix of purchasers and types of vehicles sold.

Gross margins on used commercial vehicle sales decreased to 10.6% in the first quarter of 2019, from 11.2% in the first quarter of 2018. This decrease is primarily due to increased availability of quality used commercial vehicles as a result of increased new commercial vehicle sales. We expect margins on used commercial vehicles to range between 8.0% and 10.0% during 2019.

Gross margins from truck lease and rental sales increased to 16.2% in the first quarter of 2019, from 15.8% in the first quarter of 2018. This increase is primarily related to increased rental fleet utilization. We expect gross margins from lease and rental sales of approximately 16.0% to 18.0% during 2019. Our policy is to depreciate our lease and rental fleet using a straight line method over each 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 us 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, have limited direct costs and, therefore, contribute a disproportionate share of gross profit.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased $15.5 million, or 9.0%, in the first quarter of 2019, compared to the first quarter of 2018. This increase is primarily related to increased headcount in the first quarter of 2019, compared to the first quarter of 2018, the increase in employee benefits and payroll taxes that we normally recognize during the first quarter of each year and increased commissions resulting from increased sales of commercial vehicles and aftermarket services. SG&A expenses as a percentage of total revenues increased to 13.9% in the first quarter of 2019, from 13.8% in the first quarter of 2018. SG&A expenses as a percentage of total revenues have recently ranged from 12.1% to 13.9%. In general, when new and used commercial vehicle revenues decrease as a percentage of total revenues, SG&A expenses as a percentage of total revenues will be at, or exceed, the higher end of this range. For 2019, we expect SG&A expenses as a percentage of total revenues to range from 12.5% to 13.0% and the selling portion of SG&A expenses to be approximately 25.0% to 30.0% of new and used commercial vehicle gross profit.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $10.0 million, or 43.6%, in the first quarter of 2019, compared to the first quarter of 2018. This was the result of the additional amortization expense of $10.2 million related to the replacement of our ERP Platform components in the first quarter of 2018.

Interest Expense, Net

Net interest expense increased $3.1 million, or 70.9%, in the first quarter of 2019, compared to the first quarter of 2018. This increase is a result of the increase in the LIBOR rate over the last year and increased inventory levels, compared to the first quarter of 2018. Net interest expense in 2019 will depend on inventory levels, interest rate fluctuations and the amount of cash available to make prepayments on our floor plan arrangements.

Income before Income Taxes

As a result of the factors described above, income from continuing operations before income taxes increased $21.4 million, or 76.3%, in the first quarter of 2019, compared to the first quarter of 2018.

Income Taxes 

Income taxes increased $5.4 million, or 76.8%, in the first quarter of 2019, compared to the first quarter of 2018. In the first quarter of 2019, we recorded $76,000 of tax expense related to an excess tax deficiency with respect to equity compensation. In the first quarter of 2018, we recorded $22,000 of tax expense related to an excess tax deficiency with respect to equity compensation. We provided for taxes at a 25.0% effective rate in the first quarter of 2019 and the first quarter of 2018. We expect our effective tax rate to be approximately 24% to 26% of pretax income in 2019.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our short-term cash requirements are primarily for working capital, inventory financing, the renovation and expansion of existing facilities and the construction or purchase of new facilities. Historically, these cash requirements have been met through the retention of profits, borrowings under our floor plan arrangements and bank financings. As of March 31, 2019, we had working capital of approximately $168.8 million, including $126.6 million in cash, available to fund our operations. We believe that these funds, together with expected cash flows from operations, are sufficient to meet our operating requirements for at least the next twelve months. From time to time, we utilize our excess cash on hand to pay down our outstanding borrowings under our Floor Plan Credit Agreement, and the resulting interest earned is recognized as an offset to our gross interest expense under the Floor Plan Credit Agreement.

We have a secured line of credit that provides for a maximum borrowing of $17.5 million. There were no advances outstanding under this secured line of credit at March 31, 2019, however, $11.6 million was pledged to secure various letters of credit related to self-insurance products, leaving $5.9 million available for future borrowings as of March 31, 2019.

On March 21, 2017, we entered into the Working Capital Facility with BMO Harris, which was amended by the First Amendment. The Working Capital Facility includes up to $100 million of revolving credit loans available to us for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. The amount of the borrowings under the Working Capital Facility are subject to borrowing base limitations based on the value of our eligible parts inventory and company vehicles. The Working Capital Facility includes a $20 million letter of credit sublimit. Borrowings under the Working Capital Facility bear interest at rates based on LIBOR or the Base Rate (as such terms are defined in the Working Capital Facility), plus an applicable margin determined based on outstanding borrowing under the Working Capital Facility. In addition, we are required to pay a commitment fee on the amount unused under the Working Capital Facility. The Working Capital Facility expires on the earlier of (i) March 21, 2020 and (ii) the date on which all commitments under the Working Capital Facility shall have terminated, whether as a result of the occurrence of the Commitment Termination Date (as defined in the Working Capital Facility) or otherwise. There was $75.0 million drawn on the Working Capital Facility as of March 31, 2019.

Our long-term real estate debt, floor plan financing agreements and the Working Capital Facility require us to satisfy various financial ratios such as the debt-to-worth ratio, leverage ratio and the fixed charge coverage ratio and certain requirements for tangible net worth and GAAP net worth. As of March 31, 2019, we were in compliance with all debt covenants related to debt secured by real estate, lease and rental units, our floor plan credit agreements and the Working Capital Facility. We do not anticipate any breach of the covenants in the foreseeable future.

We expect to purchase or lease commercial vehicles worth approximately $165.0 million to $190.0 million for our leasing operations during 2019, depending on customer demand, all of which will be financed. We also expect to make capital expenditures for recurring items such as computers, shop tools and equipment and vehicles of approximately $30.0 million to $40.0 million during 2019.

We have purchase obligations of approximately $8.5 million as of March 31, 2019 related a remodel of our facility in Atlanta, Georgia and the purchase of real estate in Irving, Texas.

During the first quarter of 2019, we paid a cash dividend of $4.4 million. Additionally, on April 24, 2019, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.12 per share of Class A and Class B Common Stock, to be paid on June 10, 2019, to all shareholders of record as of May 9, 2019. The total dividend disbursement is estimated at approximately $4.4 million. We expect to continue paying cash dividends on a quarterly basis. However, there is no assurance as to future dividends because the declaration and payment of such dividends is subject to the business judgment of our Board of Directors and will depend on historic and projected earnings, capital requirements, covenant compliance and financial conditions and such other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant.

On October 31, 2018, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing management to repurchase, from time to time, up to an aggregate of $150.0 million of our shares of Class A Common Stock and/or Class B Common Stock. Repurchases, if any, will be made at times and in amounts as we deem appropriate and may be made through open market transactions at prevailing market prices, privately negotiated transactions or by other means in accordance with federal securities laws. The actual timing, number and value of repurchases under the stock repurchase program will be determined by management at its discretion and will depend on a number of factors, including market conditions, stock price and other factors, including those related to the ownership requirements of our dealership agreements with Peterbilt. As of March 31, 2019, we had repurchased $92.0 million of our shares of common stock under the stock repurchase program. The current stock repurchase program expires on December 31, 2019, and may be suspended or discontinued at any time.

We anticipate funding the capital expenditures for the improvement and expansion of existing facilities and recurring expenses through our operating cash flows. We have the ability to fund the construction or purchase of new facilities through our operating cash flows or by financing.

We have no other material commitments for capital expenditures as of March 31, 2019. However, we will continue to purchase vehicles for our lease and rental operations and authorize capital expenditures for the improvement or expansion of our existing dealership facilities and construction or purchase of new facilities based on market opportunities.

Cash Flows

Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $5.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018, and increased by $7.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017. 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 quarter of 2019, operating activities resulted in net cash used in operations of $39.3 million. Net cash used in operating activities primarily consisted of $37.1 million in net income, as well as non-cash adjustments related to depreciation and amortization of $41.8 million and stock-based compensation of $8.8 million. Cash used in operating activities included an aggregate of $127.5 million net change in operating assets and liabilities. Included in the net change in operating assets and liabilities was primarily cash inflows of $3.1 million from the net increase in floor plan (trade), which was offset by $10.2 million from the increase in accounts receivable, $106.3 million from the increase in inventories and $13.2 million from the net increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities,. The majority of our commercial vehicle inventory is financed through our floor plan credit agreements.

During the first quarter of 2018, operating activities resulted in net cash provided by operations of $117.7 million. Net cash provided by operating activities primarily consisted of $21.0 million in net income, as well as non-cash adjustments related to depreciation and amortization of $51.1 million, deferred income tax of $0.8 million and stock-based compensation of $7.9 million. Cash used in operating activities included an aggregate of $36.9 million net change in operating assets and liabilities. Included in the net change in operating assets and liabilities were primarily cash inflows of $35.4 million from the net increase in floor plan (trade), $5.7 million from the decrease in inventories and $5.0 million from the net increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, which was offset by $7.1 million from the increase in accounts receivable.

In June 2012, we entered into a wholesale financing agreement with Ford Motor Credit Company that provides for the financing of, and is collateralized by, our Ford new vehicle inventory. This wholesale financing agreement bears interest at a rate of Prime plus 150 basis points minus certain incentives and rebates. As of March 31, 2019, the interest rate on the wholesale financing agreement was 7.0% before applying incentives that we are qualified to receive. As of March 31, 2019, we had an outstanding balance of approximately $142.2 million under the Ford Motor Credit Company wholesale financing agreement.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

During the first quarter of 2019, cash used in investing activities was $89.2 million. Cash flows used in investing activities consist primarily of cash used for capital expenditures. Capital expenditures of $63.6 million consisted primarily of $24.3 million for purchases of property and equipment and improvements to our existing dealership facilities and $39.3 million for additional units for the rental and leasing operations, which were directly offset by borrowings of long-term debt. Business acquisitions of $7.9 million consist of the purchase of a Ford dealership in Ceres, California, including the real estate. The Company purchased an equity method investment for $22.6 million for 50% of the equity interest in RTC Canada. We expect to purchase or lease commercial vehicles worth approximately $165.0 million to $190.0 million for our leasing operations in 2019, depending on customer demand, all of which will be financed. During 2019, we expect to make capital expenditures for recurring items such as computers, shop equipment and vehicles of $30.0 million to $40.0 million.

During the first quarter of 2018, cash used in investing activities was $47.1 million. Cash flows used in investing activities consist primarily of cash used for capital expenditures. Capital expenditures of $48.2 million consisted primarily of $5.1 million for purchases of property and equipment and improvements to our existing dealership facilities and $43.1 million for additional units for the rental and leasing operations, which were directly offset by borrowings of long-term debt.

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, non-trade. During the first quarter of 2019, financing activities provided $123.3 million in net cash flow. Cash outflows were primarily related to $45.4 million used for principal repayments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations, $25.6 million used for the repurchase of our common stock and $4.4 million used for the payment of cash dividends. These cash outflows were offset by cash inflows related to borrowings of $37.9 million of long-term debt, $75.0 million of proceeds from the Working Capital Facility and $85.3 million from draws floor plan (non-trade). The borrowings of long-term debt were related to purchasing units for the rental and leasing operations.

During the first quarter of 2018, we used $63.4 million in net cash flow from financing activities. Cash outflows were primarily related to $49.5 million used for principal repayments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations, $8.4 million from net payments of floor plan (non-trade) and $38.1 million used for the repurchase of our common stock. These cash outflows were offset by cash inflows related to borrowings of $32.1 million of long-term debt. The borrowings of long-term debt were related to purchasing units for the rental and leasing operations.

Most of our commercial vehicle purchases are made on terms requiring payment to the manufacturer within 15 days or less from the date the commercial vehicles are invoiced from the factory. On April 25, 2019, we entered into the Floor Plan Credit Agreement with BMO Harris. Prior to the Floor Plan Credit Agreement, we financed the majority of all new commercial vehicle inventory and the loan value of our used commercial vehicle inventory under the Third Amended and Restated Floor Plan Credit Agreement and going forward, the majority of such financings will occur under the Floor Plan Credit Agreement. The Floor Plan Credit Agreement includes an aggregate loan commitment that increased to $1.0 billion from $875.0 million under the Third Amended and Restated Floor Plan Credit Agreement. Borrowings under the Floor Plan Credit Agreement bear interest at an annual rate equal to (A) the greater of (i) zero and (ii) one month LIBOR rate, determined on the last day of the prior month, plus (B) 1.25% and are payable monthly. Loans under the Floor Plan Credit Agreement for the purchase of used inventory are limited to $150.0 million and loans for working capital purposes are limited to $200.0 million. The Floor Plan Credit Agreement expires June 30, 2022, although BMO Harris has the right to terminate at any time upon 360 days written notice and we may terminate at any time, subject to specified limited exceptions. On March 31, 2019, we had approximately $875.0 million outstanding under the Third Amended and Restated Floor Plan Credit Agreement. The average daily outstanding borrowings under the Third Amended and Restated Floor Plan Credit Agreement were $809.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019. We utilize our excess cash on hand to pay down our outstanding borrowings under the Floor Plan Credit Agreement, and the resulting interest earned is recognized as an offset to our gross interest expense under the Floor Plan Credit Agreement.

Navistar Financial Corporation and Peterbilt offer trade terms that provide an interest-free inventory stocking period for certain new commercial vehicles. This interest-free period is generally 15 days. If the commercial vehicle is not sold within the interest-free period, we then finance the commercial vehicle under the Floor Plan Credit Agreement.

Backlog

On March 31, 2019, our backlog of commercial vehicle orders was approximately $2,063.2 million, as compared to a backlog of commercial vehicle orders of approximately $1,358.3 million on March 31, 2018. Our backlog is determined quarterly by multiplying the number of new commercial vehicles for each particular type of commercial vehicle ordered by a customer at our Rush Truck Centers by the recent average selling price for that type of commercial vehicle. We include only confirmed orders in our backlog. However, such orders are subject to cancellation. In the event of order cancellation, we have no contractual right to the total revenues reflected in our backlog. The delivery time for a custom-ordered commercial vehicle varies depending on the truck specifications and demand for the particular model ordered. We sell the majority of our new heavy-duty commercial vehicles by customer special order and we sell the majority of our medium- and light-duty commercial vehicles out of inventory. Orders from a number of our major fleet customers are included in our backlog as of March 31, 2019, and we expect to fill the majority of our backlog orders during 2019.

Seasonality

Our Truck Segment is moderately seasonal. Seasonal effects on new commercial vehicle sales related to the seasonal purchasing patterns of any single customer type are mitigated by the diverse geographic locations of our dealerships and our diverse customer base, including regional and national fleets, local and state governments, corporations and owner-operators. However, commercial vehicle parts and service operations historically have experienced higher sales volumes in the second and third quarters.

Cyclicality

Our business is dependent on a number of factors including general economic conditions, fuel prices, interest rate fluctuations, credit availability, environmental and other government regulations and customer business cycles. Unit sales of new commercial vehicles 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 U.S. retail sales of new Class 8 trucks have ranged from a low of approximately 97,000 in 2009, to a high of approximately 255,711 in 2018. Through geographic expansion, concentration on higher margin Aftermarket Products and Services and diversification of our customer base, we have attempted to reduce the negative impact of adverse general economic conditions or cyclical trends affecting the new Class 8 truck industry on our earnings.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Other than operating leases prior to the adoption of Topic 842 on January 1, 2019, we do not have any obligation under any transaction, agreement or other contractual arrangement to which an entity unconsolidated with us is a party, that has or is reasonably likely to have a material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.

Environmental Standards and Other Governmental Regulations

We are subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations governing the following: discharges into the air and water; the operation and removal of underground and aboveground storage tanks; the use, handling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances, petroleum and other materials; and the investigation and remediation of environmental impacts. As with commercial vehicle dealerships generally, and vehicle service, parts and collision center operations in particular, our business involves the generation, use, storage, handling and contracting for recycling or disposal of hazardous materials or wastes and other environmentally sensitive materials. We have incurred, and will continue to incur, capital and operating expenditures and other costs in complying with such laws and regulations.

Our operations involving the use, handling, storage and disposal of hazardous and nonhazardous materials are subject to the requirements of the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, or RCRA, and comparable state statutes. Pursuant to these laws, federal and state environmental agencies have established approved methods for handling, storage, treatment, transportation and disposal of regulated substances with which we must comply. Our business also involves the operation and use of aboveground and underground storage tanks. These storage tanks are subject to periodic testing, containment, upgrading and removal under RCRA and comparable state statutes. Furthermore, investigation or remediation may be necessary in the event of leaks or other discharges from current or former underground or aboveground storage tanks.

We may also have liability in connection with materials that were sent to third-party recycling, treatment, or disposal facilities under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, or CERCLA, and comparable state statutes. These statutes impose liability for investigation and remediation of environmental impacts without regard to fault or the legality of the conduct that contributed to the impacts. Responsible parties under these statutes may include the owner or operator of the site where impacts occurred and companies that disposed, or arranged for the disposal, of the hazardous substances released at these sites. These responsible parties also may be liable for damages to natural resources. In addition, it is not uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the release of hazardous substances or other materials into the environment.

The federal Clean Water Act and comparable state statutes require containment of potential discharges of oil or hazardous substances, and require preparation of spill contingency plans. Water quality protection programs govern certain discharges from some of our operations. Similarly, the federal Clean Air Act and comparable state statutes regulate emissions of various air emissions through permitting programs and the imposition of standards and other requirements.

The Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”), on behalf of the U.S. Department of Transportation, issued rules associated with reducing greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions and improving the fuel efficiency of medium and heavy-duty trucks and buses for model years 2021 through 2027.  We do not believe that these rules will negatively impact our business, however, future legislation or other new regulations that may be adopted to address GHG emissions or fuel efficiency standards may negatively impact our business.  Additional regulations could result in increased compliance costs, additional operating restrictions or changes in demand for our products and services, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We do not believe that we currently have any material environmental liabilities or that compliance with environmental laws and regulations will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. However, soil and groundwater impacts are known to exist at some of our dealerships. Further, environmental laws and regulations are complex and subject to change. In addition, in connection with acquisitions, it is possible that we will assume or become subject to new or unforeseen environmental costs or liabilities, some of which may be material. In connection with our dispositions, or prior dispositions made by companies we acquire, we may retain exposure for environmental costs and liabilities, some of which may be material. Compliance with current or amended, or new or more stringent, laws or regulations, stricter interpretations of existing laws or the future discovery of environmental conditions could require additional expenditures by us, and those expenditures could be material.

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.

We are exposed to market risk through interest rates related to our floor plan financing agreements, the Working Capital Facility, variable rate real estate debt and discount rates related to finance sales. The majority of floor plan debt and variable rate real estate debt is based on LIBOR. As of March 31, 2019, we had floor plan borrowings and variable interest rate real estate debt of approximately $1,189.5 million. Assuming an increase or decrease in LIBOR of 100 basis points, annual interest expense could correspondingly increase or decrease by approximately $11.9 million.

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures.

The Company, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the principal executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2019 to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to Company management, including the principal executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2019 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings.

From time to time, we are involved in litigation arising out of our 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 our 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 our 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 our financial condition or results of operations for the fiscal period in which such resolution occurred.

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors.

While we attempt to identify, manage and mitigate risks and uncertainties associated with our business to the extent practical under the circumstances, some level of risk and uncertainty will always be present. Item 1A, Part I of our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “2018 Annual Report”) describes some of the risks and uncertainties associated with our business that have the potential to materially affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

There has been no material change in our risk factors disclosed in our 2018 Annual Report.

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

We did not make any unregistered sales of equity securities during the first quarter of 2019.

A summary of the Company’s stock repurchase activity for the first quarter of 2019 is as follows:

ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

Not Applicable

ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not Applicable

ITEM 5. Other Information.

Not Applicable

ITEM 6. Exhibits.

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.

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