RUSH ENTERPRISES INC \TX\ - Quarter Report: 2023 March (Form 10-Q)

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Amounts)

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

RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF 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 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

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

RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In Thousands)

(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)

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 its 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, 2022. 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.

Foreign Currency Transactions

The functional currency of the Company’s foreign subsidiary, Rush Truck Centres of Canada Limited (“RTC Canada”), is the local currency, the Canadian dollar. Results of operations for RTC Canada are translated to USD using the average exchange rate on a monthly basis during each quarter. The assets and liabilities of RTC Canada are translated into USD using the exchange rate in effect on the balance sheet date. The related translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

2 – Commitments and Contingencies

From time to time, the Company is involved in litigation arising out of its operations in the ordinary course of business. The Company maintains liability insurance, including product liability coverage, in amounts deemed adequate by management. 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. As of March 31, 2023, the Company believes that there are no pending claims or litigation, individually or in the aggregate, that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on its 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 financial condition or results of operations for the fiscal period in which such resolution occurred.

3 – Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):

Options to purchase shares of common stock that were outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive are as follows (in thousands):

4 – Stock Options and Restricted Stock Awards

Valuation and Expense Information

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718-10, Compensation – Stock Compensation, 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, restricted stock awards and employee stock purchases related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, based on estimated fair values.

Stock-based compensation expense, calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model for employee stock options and included in selling, general and administrative expense, was $13.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, and $13.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022.

As of March 31, 2023, the Company had $16.7 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested employee stock options to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.6 years and $21.6 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock awards to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.

5 – Financial Instruments and Fair Value 

The Company measures certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis. Financial instruments consist primarily of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and floor plan notes payable. The carrying values of the Company’s financial instruments approximate fair value due either to their short-term nature or existence of variable interest rates, which approximate market rates. Certain methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair value of financial instruments as of March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022. The carrying value of current assets and current liabilities approximates the fair value due to the short maturity of these items.

The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is based on secondary market indicators. Because the Company’s debt is not quoted, estimates are based on each obligation’s characteristics, including remaining maturities, variable interest rate, credit rating, collateral and liquidity. Accordingly, the Company concluded that the valuation measurement inputs of its long-term debt represent, at its lowest level, current market interest rates available to the Company for similar debt and the Company’s current credit standing. Thus, the carrying amount of such debt approximates fair value.

6 – Segment Information

The Company currently has one reportable business segment - the Truck Segment. The Truck Segment includes the Company’s operation of a network of commercial vehicle dealerships throughout the United States and Ontario, Canada that provide an integrated one-stop source for the commercial vehicle needs of its customers, including retail sales of new and used commercial vehicles; aftermarket parts, service and collision center facilities; and financial services, including the financing of new and used commercial vehicle purchases, insurance products and truck leasing and rentals. The commercial vehicle dealerships are deemed a single reporting unit because they have similar economic characteristics. The Company’s chief operating decision maker considers the entire Truck Segment, not individual dealerships or departments within its dealerships, when making decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assessing its performance.

The Company also has revenues attributable to three other operating segments. These segments include a retail tire company, an insurance agency and a guest ranch operation and are included in the All Other column below. None of these segments has ever met any of the quantitative thresholds for determining reportable segments.

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

The following table contains summarized information about reportable segment revenues, segment income or loss from continuing operations and segment assets for the periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):

7 – Income Taxes

The Company had unrecognized income tax benefits totaling $5.3 million as a component of accrued liabilities as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the total of which, if recognized, would impact the Company’s effective tax rate. An unfavorable settlement would require a charge to income tax expense and a favorable resolution would be recognized as a reduction to income tax expense. The Company recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. The Company had approximately $302,000 accrued for the payment of interest as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. 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 March 31, 2023, the tax years ended December 31, 2019 through 2022 remained subject to audit by federal tax authorities, and the tax years ended December 31, 2018 through 2022, remained subject to audit by state tax authorities.

8 – Revenue

The Company’s non-lease and rental revenues are primarily generated from the sale of finished products to customers. Those sales predominantly contain a single delivery element and revenue from such sales is recognized when the customer obtains control, which is typically when the finished product is delivered to the customer. The Company’s material revenue streams have been identified as the following: the sale of new and used commercial vehicles, arrangement of associated commercial vehicle financing and insurance contracts, the performance of commercial vehicle repair services and the sale of commercial vehicle parts. Taxes collected from customers relating to product sales and remitted to governmental authorities are excluded from revenues.

The following table summarizes the Company’s disaggregated revenue by revenue source, excluding lease and rental revenue, for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):

All of the Company's performance obligations and associated revenues are generally transferred to customers at a point in time. The Company did not have any material contract assets or contract liabilities on the balance sheet as of March 31, 2023. Revenues related to commercial vehicle sales, parts sales, commercial vehicle repair service, finance and the majority of other revenues are related to the Truck Segment.

9 – Leases

Lease of Vehicles as Lessor

The Company primarily leases commercial vehicles that the Company owns to customers primarily over periods of one to ten years. The Company does not separate lease and nonlease components. Nonlease components typically consist of maintenance and licensing for the commercial vehicle. The variable nonlease components are generally based on mileage. Some leases contain an option for the lessee to purchase the commercial vehicle at the end of the lease term.

The Company’s policy is to depreciate its 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 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.

Sales-type leases are recognized by the Company as lease receivables. The lessee obtains control of the underlying asset and the Company recognizes sales revenue upon lease commencement. The receivable for sales-type leases as of March 31, 2023 was $6.6 million, compared to $6.0 million as of December 31, 2022, and is reflected in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Lease and rental income during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022 consisted of the following (in thousands):

10 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The following table shows the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (in thousands):

The functional currency of the Company’s foreign subsidiary, RTC Canada, is its local currency. Results of operations of RTC Canada are translated in USD using the average exchange rates on a monthly basis during the year. The assets and liabilities of RTC Canada are translated into USD using the exchange rates in effect on the balance sheet date. The related translation adjustments are recorded in a separate component of stockholders' equity in accumulated other comprehensive loss and the statement of comprehensive income.

11 – Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses

The Company establishes an allowance for credit losses to present the net amount of accounts receivable expected to be collected. Under Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, the Company is required to remeasure expected credit losses for financial instruments held on the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable forecasts.

Accounts receivable consists primarily of commercial vehicle sales receivables, manufacturers’ receivables and leasing, parts and service sales receivables and other trade receivables. The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses based on the probability of default, its historical rate of losses, aging and current economic conditions. The Company writes off account balances when it has exhausted reasonable collection efforts and determined that the likelihood of collection is remote. These write-offs are charged against the allowance for credit losses.

The following table summarizes the changes in the allowance for credit losses (in thousands):

12 – Acquisitions

The following acquisitions, unless otherwise noted, were considered business combinations accounted for under ASC 805, Business Combinations. Pro forma information is not included in accordance with ASC 805 since no acquisitions were considered material individually or in the aggregate.

On November 7, 2022, the Company acquired certain assets of Scheppers International Truck Center, Inc., which included real estate and an International truck franchise in Jefferson City, Missouri, along with commercial vehicle and parts inventory. The transaction was valued at approximately $6.8 million, with the purchase price paid in cash.

On May 2, 2022, the Company completed the acquisition of an additional 30% equity interest in RTC Canada, resulting in an 80% controlling interest in RTC Canada. The acquisition was accounted for as an acquisition achieved in stages under ASC 805, Business Combinations. The acquisition-date fair value of the previous 50% equity interest was $44.7 million, resulting in a gain of $7.0 million included in the line item Other income (expense) on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company also recognized a reversal of deferred tax liabilities of $2.2 million and $0.6 million related to reclassification of the foreign currency translation adjustment related to the remeasurement of the Company’s previous equity method investment in RTC Canada.

As of May 2, 2022, the Company established a noncontrolling interest related to the minority holders. The fair value of the 20% noncontrolling interest in RTC Canada is estimated to be $17.8 million. The fair value of the noncontrolling interest was estimated using a combination of the income approach and a market approach. Since RTC Canada is a private company, the fair value measurement is based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement as defined in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement . The fair value estimates are based on: (i) a discount rate of 11%; (ii) a terminal value based on a long-term sustainable growth rate of 3%; (iii) financial multiples of companies in the same industry as RTC Canada; and (iv) adjustments because of the lack of control or lack of marketability that market participants would consider when estimating the fair value of the noncontrolling interest in RTC Canada.

The preliminary purchase price was allocated based on the fair values of the assets and liabilities at the date of acquisition as follows (in thousands):

The purchase price allocation has not yet been finalized. The Company is currently working with RTC Canada to obtain additional information that existed at the time of the acquisition related to property and equipment. Management has recorded the purchase price allocations based upon currently available information about RTC Canada. The goodwill of $44.0 million for the RTC Canada acquisition is primarily attributable to the synergies expected to arise after obtaining a controlling interest in the entity.

Prior to May 2, 2022, the Company accounted for its 50% equity interest in RTC Canada as an equity-method investment. Subsequent to the Company’s acquisition of the additional 30% equity interest on May 2, 2022, operations of RTC Canada are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

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, as well as statements regarding the effects COVID-19 may have on our business and financial results. 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, 2022, 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. Hino® is a registered trademark of Hino Motors, Ltd. Isuzu® is a registered trademark of Isuzu Motors Limited. Ford® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company. Dennis Eagle® is a registered trademark of Dennis Eagle Limited. Cummins® is a registered trademark of Cummins, Inc. 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 our 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, Dennis Eagle, IC Bus and 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 and Ontario, Canada. Since commencing operations as a Peterbilt heavy-duty truck dealer in 1966, we have grown to operate over 125 franchised Rush Truck Centers in 23 states. In 2019, we purchased a 50% equity interest in an entity in Canada, Rush Truck Centres of Canada Limited (“RTC Canada”) and on May 2, 2022, we purchased an additional 30% equity interest in RTC Canada that increased our equity interest to 80%. RTC Canada currently owns and operates 15 International dealership locations in Ontario. Prior to acquiring the additional 30%, we accounted for the equity interest in RTC Canada using the equity method of accounting. Now, the operating results of RTC Canada are consolidated in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, the Statements of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated Balance Sheets and commercial vehicle unit sales data as of May 2, 2022. 

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 through our joint venture with Cummins 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 in our existing areas of operation to enable us to better serve our customers.

Outlook                   

A.C.T. Research Co., LLC (“A. C.T. Research”), a commercial vehicle industry data and forecasting service provider, currently forecasts new U.S. Class 8 retail truck sales to be 259,018 units in 2023, which would represent a 0.1% decrease compared to 2022. We expect our U.S. market share of new Class 8 truck sales to range between 6.2% and 6.8% in 2023. This market share percentage would result in the sale of approximately 16,000 to 17,500 new Class 8 trucks in 2023. Additionally, we expect to sell approximately 750 new Class 8 trucks in Canada in 2023.

With respect to new U.S. Class 4 through 7 retail commercial vehicle sales, A.C.T. Research currently forecasts sales to be 253,600 units in 2023, which would represent an 8.6% increase compared to 2022.  We expect our U.S. market share of new Class 4 through 7 commercial vehicle sales to range between 4.5% and 5.1% in 2023. This market share percentage would result in the sale of approximately 11,500 to 13,000 new Class 4 through 7 commercial vehicles in 2023. Additionally, we expect to sell approximately 300 new Class 5 through 7 commercial vehicles in Canada in 2023.

We expect to sell approximately 1,800 to 2,000 light-duty vehicles and approximately 6,500 to 7,500 used commercial vehicles in 2023.

We expect lease and rental revenue to increase 9% to 11% during 2023, compared to 2022. This projected increase in lease and rental revenue in 2023, compared to 2022, is primarily related to strong demand for lease commercial vehicles and the consolidation of RTC Canada into our operating results.

We believe our Aftermarket Products and Services revenues will increase 9% to 12% in 2023, compared to 2022. Although inflation on parts pricing is beginning to moderate, we are projecting an increase in Aftermarket Products and Services revenues in 2023, compared to 2022, primarily due to price increases in the second half of 2022 by the manufacturers of parts we sell and the consolidation of RTC Canada into our operating results.

The above projections for new commercial vehicle sales will depend on our ability to obtain commercial vehicles from the manufacturers we represent and such projections could be negatively impacted by manufacturer allocation decisions and supply chain issues affecting manufacturers’ production. In addition, we continue to monitor inflation and rising interest rates, which may negatively impact consumer spending and capital expenditures across a variety of industries we support.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of our interim unaudited consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and the related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities in our interim unaudited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. In accordance with GAAP, we base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. We evaluate our estimates, judgments and assumptions on an ongoing basis, and while we believe that our estimates, judgments and assumptions are reasonable, they are based upon information available at the time. Actual results might differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" under the heading "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" in our Form 10-K. There were no material changes to our significant accounting policies.

Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis includes our historical results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.

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. Our absorption ratio is calculated by dividing the gross profit from our 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 136.5% absorption ratio for the first quarter of 2023, compared to a 136.3% absorption ratio for the first quarter of 2022.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2022

Revenues

Total revenues increased $348.6 million, or 22.3%, in the first quarter of 2023, compared to the first quarter of 2022. This increase was primarily the result of strong demand for new commercial vehicles and the increase in production of commercial vehicles from the manufacturers we represent. In addition, the consolidation of RTC Canada into our operating results increased revenues across all areas of our business.

Our Aftermarket Products and Services revenues increased $105.0 million, or 19.3%, in the first quarter of 2023, compared to the first quarter of 2022. The increase in Aftermarket Parts and Services revenues was primarily a result of strong demand, inflation and the consolidation of RTC Canada into our operating results.

Revenues from sales of new and used commercial vehicles increased $226.0 million, or 24.2%, in the first quarter of 2023, compared to the first quarter of 2022. The increase in new commercial vehicle revenues was primarily a result of strong demand, the increase in production of commercial vehicles from the manufacturers we represent and the consolidation of RTC Canada into our operating results.

We sold 4,365 new Class 8 trucks in the first quarter of 2023, a 23.7% increase compared to 3,528 new Class 8 trucks in the first quarter of 2022. The increase in new Class 8 truck sales was primarily a result of strong demand, the increase in production of commercial vehicles from the manufacturers we represent and the consolidation of RTC Canada into our operating results.

We sold 3,038 new Class 4 through 7 commercial vehicles, including 332 buses, in the first quarter of 2023, a 41.9% increase compared to 2,141 new medium-duty commercial vehicles, including 193 buses, in the first quarter of 2022. Our new Class 4 through 7 commercial vehicle sales increased due to strong demand, the increase in production of commercial vehicles from the manufacturers we represent and the consolidation of RTC Canada into our operating results.

We sold 504 new light-duty vehicles in the first quarter of 2023, a 4.8% increase compared to 481 new light-duty vehicles in the first quarter of 2022. Our light-duty vehicle sales benefited from the increased demand for light-duty vehicles in the U.S.

We sold 1,684 used commercial vehicles in the first quarter of 2023, a 29.7% decrease compared to 2,395 used commercial vehicles in the first quarter of 2022. The decrease in used commercial vehicle sales was primarily the result of the decreased demand for used commercial vehicles resulting from the increased supply of new commercial vehicles. We believe used commercial vehicle demand and values will continue to decrease as new commercial vehicle production increases to a level adequate to meet customer demand.

Commercial vehicle lease and rental revenues increased $15.3 million, or 21.5%, in the first quarter of 2023, compared to the first quarter of 2022. This increase in commercial vehicle lease and rental revenues was primarily a result of strong demand for lease commercial vehicles and the consolidation of RTC Canada into our operating results.

Finance and insurance revenues decreased $1.0 million, or 12.7%, in the first quarter of 2023, compared to the first quarter of 2022. Finance and insurance revenues have limited direct costs and, therefore, contribute a disproportionate share of our operating profits. We expect finance and insurance revenues to fluctuate proportionately with our new and used commercial vehicle sales in 2023.

Other revenue increased $3.2 million, or 60.1%, in the first quarter of 2023, compared to the first quarter of 2022. Other revenue consists primarily of document fees related to commercial vehicle sales.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased $53.3 million, or 15.4%, in the first quarter of 2023, compared to the first quarter of 2022. Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased to 20.9% in the first quarter of 2023, from 22.1% in the first quarter of 2022. This decrease in gross profit as a percentage of sales is a result of a change in our product sales mix. Commercial vehicle sales, a lower margin revenue item, increased as a percentage of total revenues to 60.8% in the first quarter of 2023, from 59.9% in the first quarter of 2022. Aftermarket Services revenues, a higher margin revenue item, decreased as a percentage of total revenues to 33.9% in the first quarter of 2023, from 34.8% in the first quarter of 2022.

Gross margins from our Aftermarket Products and Services operations decreased to 38.0% in the first quarter of 2023, compared to 38.5% in the first quarter of 2022. This decrease is primarily related to inflation beginning to moderate with respect to parts pricing. Gross profit from our Aftermarket Products and Services operations increased to $246.1 million in the first quarter of 2023, from $209.1 million in the first quarter of 2022. This increase is primarily related to the consolidation of RTC Canada into our operating results and strong parts and service demand. Historically, gross margins on parts sales range from 28% to 30% and gross margins on service and collision center operations range from 66% to 68%. Gross profits from parts sales represented 61.4% of total gross profit for Aftermarket Products and Services operations in the first quarter of 2023 and 59.5% in the first quarter of 2022. Service and collision center operations represented 38.6% of total gross profit for Aftermarket Products and Services operations in the first quarter of 2023 and 40.5% in the first quarter of 2022. We expect blended gross margins on Aftermarket Products and Services operations to range from 37.5% to 38.5% in 2023.

Gross margins on new Class 8 truck sales increased to 10.3% in the first quarter of 2023, from 9.7% in the first quarter of 2022. This increase was primarily due to strong demand for new Class 8 trucks and the mix of purchasers during the first quarter of 2023. In 2023, we expect overall gross margins from new heavy-duty truck sales of approximately 8.8% to 9.9%.

Gross margins on new Class 4 through 7 commercial vehicle sales increased to 8.7% in the first quarter of 2023, from 8.6% in the first quarter of 2022. This increase was primarily due to the mix of purchasers during the first quarter of 2023. For 2023, we expect overall gross margins from new medium-duty commercial vehicle sales of approximately 7.5% to 8.5%, but this will largely depend upon the mix of purchasers and types of vehicles sold.

Gross margins on used commercial vehicle sales decreased to 5.6% in the first quarter of 2023, from 15.9% in the first quarter of 2022. This decrease was primarily due to declining used commercial vehicle values as new Class 8 vehicle production increased during 2022. We expect margins on used commercial vehicles to return to our historical range of between 8.0% and 10.0% in 2023.

Gross margins from truck lease and rental sales decreased to 30.2% in the first quarter of 2023, from 31.9% in the first quarter of 2022. This decrease is primarily related to a slight decrease in rental utilization. We expect gross margins from lease and rental sales of approximately 29.0% to 31.0% during 2023. 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 $32.4 million, or 14.4%, in the first quarter of 2023, compared to the first quarter of 2022. This increase primarily resulted from increased personnel expense and increased selling expense, compared to the first quarter of 2022, and in addition, increased general and administrative expense associated with consolidation of RTC Canada into our operating results. SG&A expenses as a percentage of total revenues decreased to 13.4% in the first quarter of 2023, from 14.4% in the first quarter of 2022. Annual SG&A expenses as a percentage of total revenues have ranged from approximately 12.4% to 14.4% over the last five years. In general, when new and used commercial vehicle revenues increase as a percentage of total revenues, SG&A expenses as a percentage of total revenues will be at the lower end of this range. For 2023, we expect SG&A expenses as a percentage of total revenues to range from 13.0% to 14.0%. For 2023, we expect the selling portion of SG&A expenses to be approximately 25.0% to 30.0% of new and used commercial vehicle gross profit.

Other Income

Other income decreased $11.7 million, or 83.3%, in the first quarter of 2023, compared to the first quarter of 2022. The $12.5 million gain realized on Cummins’ acquisition of a 50% equity interest in Momentum Fuel Technologies is included in Other income in the first quarter of 2022.

Interest Expense, Net

Net interest expense increased $9.8 million, or 801.0%, in the first quarter of 2023, compared to the first quarter of 2022. This increase in interest expense is a result of the increase in inventory levels and rising interest rates on our variable rate debt compared to 2022. We expect net interest expense in 2023, compared to 2022, to increase due to interest related to our working capital lines of credit and floor plan debt, but the amount of the increase 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 decreased $1.2 million, or 1.0%, in the first quarter of 2023, compared to the first quarter of 2022.

Income Taxes

Income taxes increased $0.5 million, or 1.6%, in the first quarter of 2023, compared to the first quarter of 2022. We provided for taxes at a 23.8% effective rate in the first quarter of 2023 and 23.2% in the first quarter of 2022. We expect our effective tax rate to be approximately 23.0% to 24.0% of pretax income in 2023.

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, 2023, we had working capital of approximately $460.9 million, including $226.3 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 various credit agreements. The resulting interest earned on the floor plan credit agreement with BMO Harris Bank N.A. (“BMO Harris”) (the “Floor Plan Credit Agreement”) is recognized as an offset to our interest expense.

We continually evaluate our liquidity and capital resources based upon: (i) our cash and cash equivalents on hand; (ii) the funds that we expect to generate through future operations; (iii) current and expected borrowing availability under our secured line of credit, working capital lines of credit available under certain of our credit agreements and our Floor Plan Credit Agreement; and (iv) the potential impact of our capital allocation strategy and any contemplated or pending future transactions, including, but not limited to, acquisitions, equity repurchases, dividends, or other capital expenditures. We believe we will have sufficient liquidity to meet our debt service and working capital requirements, commitments and contingencies, debt repayments, acquisitions, capital expenditures and any operating requirements for at least the next twelve months.

We have a secured line of credit that provides for a maximum borrowing of $20.0 million. There were no advances outstanding under this secured line of credit on March 31, 2023, however, $18.1 million was pledged to secure various letters of credit related to self-insurance products, leaving $1.9 million available for future borrowings as of March 31, 2023.

Our long-term debt, floor plan financing agreements and the credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association the (“WF Credit Agreement”) require us to satisfy various financial ratios such as the leverage ratio, the asset coverage ratio and the fixed charge coverage ratio. As of March 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all debt covenants related to debt secured by lease and rental units, our floor plan credit agreements and the WF Credit Agreement. We do not anticipate any breach of the covenants in the foreseeable future.

We expect to purchase or lease commercial vehicles worth approximately $170.0 million to $180.0 million for our leasing operations during 2023, depending on customer demand, most of which will be financed. We also expect to make capital expenditures for the purchase of recurring items such as computers, shop tools and equipment and company vehicles of approximately $35.0 million to $40.0 million during 2023.

We are currently under contract to construct a new facility in the St. Louis, Illinois area at an estimated cost of $13.9 million.

During the first quarter of 2023, we paid a cash dividend of $12.1 million. Additionally, on April 24, 2023, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.21 per share of Class A and Class B Common Stock, to be paid on June 9, 2023, to all shareholders of record as of May 10, 2023. The total dividend disbursement is estimated at approximately $11.4 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 our Board of Directors deem relevant.

On December 2, 2022, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a new 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. In connection with the adoption of the new stock repurchase plan, we terminated the prior stock repurchase plan, which was scheduled to expire on December 31, 2022. 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, 2023, we had repurchased $31.1 million of our shares of common stock under the current stock repurchase program. The current stock repurchase program expires on December 31, 2023, 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, 2023. 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

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

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 2023, operating activities resulted in net cash provided by operations of $92.5 million. Net cash provided by operating activities primarily consisted of $90.8 million in net income, as well as non-cash adjustments related to depreciation and amortization of $53.9 million, deferred income tax provision of $3.2 million and stock-based compensation of $13.1 million. Cash provided by operating activities included an aggregate of $65.2 million net change in operating assets and liabilities. Included in the net change in operating assets and liabilities was primarily cash outflows of $9.0 million from the increase in accounts receivable, $52.8 million from the increase in inventory, $15.9 million from the decrease in customer deposits and $11.5 million from the decrease in accrued expenses, which were offset by cash inflows of $27.1 million from the net increase in accounts payable. The majority of our commercial vehicle inventory is financed through our floor plan credit agreements.

During the first quarter of 2022, operating activities resulted in net cash provided by operations of $34.6 million. Net cash provided by operating activities primarily consisted of $92.5 million in net income adjusted by the gain of $12.5 million related to Cummins, Inc.’s acquisition of a 50% equity interest in Momentum Fuel Technologies, as well as non-cash adjustments related to depreciation and amortization of $45.8 million, deferred income tax provision of $1.0 million and stock-based compensation of $13.8 million. Cash provided by operating activities included an aggregate of $101.7 million net change in operating assets and liabilities. Included in the net change in operating assets and liabilities was primarily cash outflows of $58.8 million from the increase in accounts receivable, $98.3 million from the increase in inventory, $8.7 million from the decrease in customer deposits, which were offset by cash inflows of $64.2 million from the net increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

During the first quarter of 2023, cash used in investing activities totaled $95.5 million. Cash flows used in investing activities consist primarily of cash used for capital expenditures within acquisition of property and equipment. Capital expenditures totaled $90.4 million during the first quarter of 2023 and consisted primarily of purchases of property and equipment, improvements to our existing dealership facilities and $75.2 million for purchases of rental and lease vehicles for the rental and leasing operations.

During the first quarter of 2022, cash used in investing activities totaled $16.3 million. Cash flows used in investing activities consist primarily of cash used for capital expenditures within acquisition of property and equipment. Capital expenditures totaled $45.7 million during the first quarter of 2022 and consisted primarily of purchases of property and equipment, improvements to our existing dealership facilities and $27.8 million for purchases of rental and lease vehicles for the rental and leasing operations. The cash outflows were offset by the cash inflow of $27.5 million related to Cummins, Inc.’s acquisition of a 50% equity interest in Momentum Fuel Technologies.

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 2023, financing activities provided $28.3 million in net cash flow. Cash outflows were primarily related to $275.3 million used for principal repayments of long-term debt and finance lease obligations, $24.0 million used for the repurchase of our common stock and $12.1 million used for the payment of cash dividends. These cash outflows were offset by cash inflows related to borrowings of $257.7 million of long-term debt and $82.6 million used for net draws on floor plan (non-trade).

During the first quarter of 2022, financing activities provided $43.1 million in net cash flow. Cash outflows were primarily related to $208.0 million used for principal repayments of long-term debt and finance lease obligations, $14.4 million used for the repurchase of our common stock and $11.1 million used for the payment of cash dividends. These cash outflows were offset by cash inflows related to borrowings of $207.5 million of long-term debt and $71.5 million used for net draws on floor plan (non-trade).

On September 14, 2021, we entered into the WF Credit Agreement with the lenders signatory thereto (the “WF Lenders”) and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“WF”), as Administrative Agent (in such capacity, The “WF Agent”) which was amended effective November 30, 2022. Pursuant to the terms of the WF Credit Agreement (as amended), the WF Lenders have agreed to make up to $175.0 million of revolving credit loans for certain of our capital expenditures, including commercial vehicle purchases for our Idealease leasing and rental fleet, and general working capital needs. We expect to use the revolving credit loans available under the WF Credit Agreement primarily for the purpose of purchasing commercial vehicles for our Idealease lease and rental fleet. We may borrow, repay and reborrow amounts pursuant to the WF Credit Agreement from time to time until the maturity date. Borrowings under the WF Credit Agreement bear interest per annum, payable on each interest payment date, as defined in the WF Credit Agreement, at (A) the daily simple, secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”) plus (i) 1.25% or (ii) 1.5%, depending on our consolidated leverage ratio or (B) on or after the term SOFR transition date, the term SOFR plus (i) 1.25% or (ii) 1.5%, depending on our consolidated leverage ratio. The WF Credit Agreement expires on September 14, 2024, although, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default, the WF Agent has the right to, or upon the request of the required lenders must, terminate the commitments and declare all outstanding principal and interest due and payable. We may terminate the commitments at any time. On March 31, 2023, we had approximately $50.0 million outstanding under the WF Credit Agreement.

On October 1, 2021, we entered into that certain Amended and Restated Inventory Financing and Purchase Money Security Agreement with PACCAR Leasing Company (“PLC”), a division of PACCAR Financial Corp. (the “PLC Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the PLC Agreement, PLC agreed to make up to $300.0 million of revolving credit loans to finance certain of our capital expenditures, including commercial vehicle purchases and other equipment to be leased or rented through our PacLease franchises. We may borrow, repay and reborrow amounts pursuant to the PLC Agreement from time to time until the maturity date, provided, however, that the outstanding principal amount on any date shall not exceed the borrowing base. Advances under the PLC Agreement bear interest per annum, payable on the fifth day of the following month, at our option, at either (A) the prime rate, minus 1.55%, provided that the floating rate of interest is subject to a floor of 0%, or (B) a fixed rate, to be determined between us and PLC in each instance of borrowing at a fixed rate. The PLC Agreement expires on October 1, 2025, although either party has the right to terminate the PLC Agreement at any time upon 180 days written notice. If we terminate the PLC Agreement prior to October 1, 2025, then all payments will be deemed to be voluntary prepayments subject to a potential prepayment premium. On March 31, 2023, we had approximately $150.0 million outstanding under the PLC Agreement.

Most of our commercial vehicle purchases are made on terms requiring payment to the manufacturer within 15 to 60 days or less from the date the commercial vehicles are invoiced from the factory. On September 14, 2021, we entered into Floor Plan Credit Agreement with BMO Harris and the lenders signatory thereto. The Floor Plan Credit Agreement includes an aggregate loan commitment of $1.0 billion. 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 London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), determined on the last day of the prior month, plus (B) 1.10% 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 September 14, 2026, 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, 2023, we had approximately $857.5 million outstanding under the Floor Plan Credit Agreement. The average daily outstanding borrowings under the Floor Plan Credit Agreement were $780.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2023. 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.

On May 31, 2022, RTC Canada entered into that certain BMO Revolving Lease and Rental Credit Agreement (the “RTC Canada Revolving Credit Agreement”) with BMO. Pursuant to the terms of the RTC Canada Revolving Credit Agreement, BMO agreed to make up to $120.0 million CAD of revolving credit loans to finance certain of RTC Canada’s capital expenditures, including commercial vehicle purchases and other equipment to be leased or rented through RTC Canada’s Idealease franchise, with an additional $20.0 million CAD available upon the request of RTC Canada and consent of BMO. Advances under the RTC Canada Revolving Credit Agreement bear interest per annum, payable on the first business day of each calendar month, at the Canadian Offered Dollar Rate (“CDOR”), plus 1.35%. The RTC Canada Revolving Credit Agreement expires September 14, 2026. On March 31, 2023, we had approximately $84.4 million CAD outstanding under the RTC Canada Revolving Credit Agreement.

On July 15, 2022, RTC Canada entered into that certain Amended and Restated BMO Wholesale Financing and Security Agreement (the “RTC Canada Floor Plan Agreement”) with Bank of Montreal (“BMO”). Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, BMO agreed to make up to $116.7 million CAD of revolving credit loans to finance RTC Canada’s purchase of new and used vehicle inventory. Loans to purchase used vehicle inventory are limited to twenty percent (20%) of the credit limit available at such time. RTC Canada may borrow, repay and reborrow loans from time to time until the maturity date, provided, however, that the outstanding principal amount on any date shall not exceed the credit limits set forth above with respect to new and used vehicles. Advances under the RTC Canada Floor Plan Agreement bear interest per annum, payable on the first business day of each calendar month, at CDOR, plus 0.90% and in the case of an advance required to be made in USD dollars, at LIBOR, plus 1.10%. The RTC Canada Floor Plan Agreement expires September 14, 2026. On March 31, 2023, we had approximately $63.0 million outstanding under the RTC Canada Floor Plan 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 to 60 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, 2023, our backlog of commercial vehicle orders was approximately $4,209.9 million, compared to a backlog of commercial vehicle orders of approximately $3,441.4 million on March 31, 2022. This increase in our backlog is primarily due to strong demand for new commercial vehicles and production constraints experienced by the manufacturers we represent. 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, 2023, and we expect to fill the majority of our backlog orders during 2023, assuming that the manufacturers we represent can meet their current production schedule. Our current backlog continues to be much higher than normal. Given the potential for industry headwinds in the coming months caused by lower spot rates and higher interest rates, which could negatively impact industry demand for new commercial vehicles moving forward, we believe that the longer it takes to fill our backlog, the greater the risk that a significant amount of commercial vehicle orders currently reflected in our backlog could be cancelled.

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, Aftermarket Products and Services 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, total U.S. retail sales of new Class 8 commercial vehicles have ranged from a low of approximately 187,600 in 2013, to a high of approximately 281,440 in 2019. 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 Class 8 commercial vehicle industry on our earnings.

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 current model years through 2027.  In addition, in August 2021, the President of the United States issued an executive order intended to increase fuel efficiency, further reduce GHG emissions and speed up the development of “zero-emission” vehicles. The executive order calls for the EPA and the Secretary of Transportation to adopt new rules and regulations for commercial vehicles starting as early as model year 2027. Similarly, in June 2020, the California Air Resources Board adopted a final rule that is intended to phase out the sale of diesel-powered commercial vehicles over time by requiring a certain percentage of each manufacturer’s commercial vehicles sold within the state to be “zero-emission vehicles,” or “near-zero emission vehicles,” starting in model year 2024. In addition, in July 2020, a group of fifteen U.S. states and the District of Columbia entered into a joint memorandum of understanding that commits each of them to work together to advance and accelerate the market for electric Class 3 through 8 commercial vehicles; two additional states have since signed. Six of the states that signed are states where we operate new commercial vehicle dealerships: California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina and Virginia. The signatories to the memorandum all agreed on a goal of ensuring that 100% of new Class 3 through 8 commercial vehicles are zero emission by 2050, with an interim target of 30% zero emission vehicles by 2030. Attaining these goals would likely require the adoption of new laws and regulations and we cannot predict at this time whether such laws and regulations would have an adverse impact on 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, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. In addition, such laws could affect demand for the products that we sell.

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 WF Credit Agreement, the PLC Agreement, the RTC Canada Revolving Credit Agreement and discount rates related to finance sales. Our floor plan debt is based on LIBOR and CDOR, the WF Credit Agreement is based on SOFR, the RTC Canada Revolving Credit Agreement is based on CDOR and the PLC Agreement is based on the prime rate. As of March 31, 2023, we had outstanding floor plan borrowings and lease and rental fleet borrowings in the aggregate amount of $1,278.4 million. Assuming an increase or decrease in LIBOR, SOFR, CDOR or the prime rate of 100 basis points, annual interest expense could correspondingly increase or decrease by approximately $12.8 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, 2023 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, 2023 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. 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. As of March 31, 2023, we believe that there are no pending claims or litigation, individually or in the aggregate, that are reasonably likely to 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 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “2022 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 2022 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 2023.

A summary of the Company’s stock repurchase activity for the first quarter of 2023 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.