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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 September 30, 2015

 

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)

 

Texas

74-1733016          

 
(State or other jurisdiction of

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

 
incorporation or organization)    

 

555 I.H. 35 South, Suite 500

New Braunfels, Texas 78130

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

(830) 626-5200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

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

Yes [X]                   No [   ]

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

 

Yes [X]                   No [   ]

 

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

 

 Large accelerated filer   

Accelerated filer ☐
   
Non-accelerated filer  Smaller reporting company ☐
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  

 

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

Yes [  ]                   No [X]

 

Indicated below is the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of November 1, 2015.

 

 

Number of 

 

Shares

Title of Class

Outstanding

Class A Common Stock, $.01 Par Value 30,277,484
Class B Common Stock, $.01 Par Value 10,093,305

                       

 

RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

INDEX

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Page
     

Item 1.

Financial Statements  
     
  Consolidated Balance Sheets - September 30, 2015 (unaudited) and December 31, 2014 3
     
  Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income - For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (unaudited) 4
     
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (unaudited) 5
     
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) 6
     
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 13
     
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 25
     
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 26
     
     
     
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION  
     
Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

26

     
Item 1A. Risk Factors 26
     
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 26
     
Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities 26
     
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 26
     
Item 5.

Other Information

 26

     
Item 6. Exhibits 27
     
SIGNATURES 28

 

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. Financial Statements.

 

RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 AND DECEMBER 31, 2014

(In Thousands, Except Shares)

 

   

September 30,

   

December 31,

 
   

2015

   

2014

 
   

(Unaudited)

         

Assets

               

Current assets:

               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 64,918     $ 191,463  

Accounts receivable, net

    204,404       170,027  

Note receivable affiliate

    14,158       8,168  

Inventories, net

    1,114,831       1,024,104  

Prepaid expenses and other

    8,799       28,312  

Asset held for sale

    5,053       5,053  

Deferred income taxes, net

    18,929       18,387  

Total current assets

    1,431,092       1,445,514  
                 

Investments

    6,650       6,905  
                 

Property and equipment, net

    1,090,712       923,080  
                 

Goodwill, net

    285,065       265,145  
                 

Other assets, net

    56,971       53,618  

Total assets

  $ 2,870,490     $ 2,694,262  
                 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

               

Current liabilities:

               

Floor plan notes payable

  $ 921,560     $ 845,977  

Current maturities of long-term debt

    129,772       149,065  

Current maturities of capital lease obligations

    14,371       11,231  

Liabilities directly associated with asset held for sale

    5,440       6,160  

Trade accounts payable

    151,596       124,555  

Customer deposits

    21,473       44,879  

Accrued expenses

    100,514       92,743  

Total current liabilities

    1,344,726       1,274,610  
                 

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

    452,550       429,189  

Capital lease obligations, net of current maturities

    63,629       46,019  

Other long-term liabilities

    5,226       4,470  

Deferred income taxes, net

    172,179       175,635  
                 

Shareholders’ equity:

               

Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares outstanding in 2015 and 2014

 

   

 

Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 60,000,000 class A shares and 20,000,000 class B shares authorized; 30,276,084 class A shares and 10,093,305 class B shares outstanding in 2015; and 29,889,332 class A shares and 9,999,122 class B shares outstanding in 2014

    430       424  

Additional paid-in capital

    285,390       272,486  

Treasury stock, at cost: 2,616,657 class B shares in 2015 and 2,560,580 class B shares in 2014

    (43,368 )     (41,904 )

Retained earnings

    590,033       533,793  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax

    (305 )     (460 )

Total shareholders’ equity

    832,180       764,339  

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  $ 2,870,490     $ 2,694,262  

 

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)

 

   

Three Months Ended

September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2015

   

2014

 
                                 

Revenues:

                               

New and used truck sales

  $ 872,106     $ 846,256     $ 2,590,178     $ 2,244,447  

Parts and service

    360,711       340,632       1,051,001       980,588  

Lease and rental

    50,545       45,114       147,634       130,160  

Finance and insurance

    6,164       5,227       16,373       14,559  

Other

    4,550       3,793       12,728       12,396  

Total revenue

    1,294,076       1,241,022       3,817,914       3,382,150  
                                 

Cost of products sold:

                               

New and used truck sales

    813,178       787,952       2,413,712       2,084,945  

Parts and service

    227,775       216,067       664,697       626,786  

Lease and rental

    45,115       38,264       130,242       112,406  

Total cost of products sold

    1,086,068       1,042,283       3,208,651       2,824,137  

Gross profit

    208,008       198,739       609,263       558,013  

Selling, general and administrative

    160,776       148,238       474,712       431,943  

Depreciation and amortization

    11,228       9,488       32,051       27,483  

Gain (loss) on sale of assets

    26       5       (581 )     109  

Operating income

    36,030       41,018       101,919       98,696  

Interest expense, net

    3,568       2,689       10,107       8,363  

Income before taxes

    32,462       38,329       91,812       90,333  

Provision for income taxes

    12,579       14,851       35,572       35,003  

Net income

  $ 19,883     $ 23,478     $ 56,240     $ 55,330  
                                 

Earnings per common share:

                               

Basic

  $ .49     $ .59     $ 1.40     $ 1.39  

Diluted

  $ .48     $ .57     $ 1.37     $ 1.36  
                                 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

                               

Basic

    40,361       40,008       40,235       39,700  

Diluted

    41,136       41,091       41,065       40,820  
                                 

Comprehensive income

  $ 19,883     $ 23,610     $ 56,395     $ 55,892  

 

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)

 

   

Nine Months Ended

 
   

September 30,

 
   

2015

   

2014

 
                 

Cash flows from operating activities:

               

Net income

  $ 56,240     $ 55,330  

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

               

Depreciation and amortization

    106,506       90,335  

Loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment

    581       (109 )

Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options and employee stock purchases

    9,889       9,127  

Deferred income tax benefit

    (4,097 )     (16,025 )

Excess tax expense (benefit) from stock-based compensation

    345       (5,004 )

Acquired research and development

 

      2,000  

Change in accounts receivable, net

    (39,054 )     (50,804 )

Change in inventories, net

    (47,482 )     (67,019 )

Change in prepaid expenses and other, net

    19,964       6,672  

Change in trade accounts payable

    27,187       25,901  

(Payments) draws on floor plan notes payable – trade, net

    (13,690 )     26,714  

Change in customer deposits

    (23,336 )     (33,845 )

Change in accrued expenses

    6,413       45,339  

Net cash provided by operating activities

    99,466       88,612  
                 

Cash flows from investing activities:

               

Acquisition of property and equipment

    (250,211 )     (182,164 )

Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment

    2,950       342  

Business acquisitions

    (65,116 )     (147,758 )

Proceeds from the sale of available for sale securities

    275       150  

Change in other assets

    (3,302 )     1,018  

Net cash used in investing activities

    (315,404 )     (328,412 )
                 

Cash flows from financing activities:

               

Draws on floor plan notes payable – non-trade, net

    95,055       101,784  

Proceeds from long-term debt

    115,169       153,369  

Principal payments on long-term debt

    (111,821 )     (84,076 )

Principal payments on capital lease obligations

    (10,567 )     (10,232 )

Proceeds from issuance of shares relating to employee stock options and employee stock purchases

    3,366       11,363  

Excess tax benefits (expense) from stock-based compensation

    (345 )     5,004  

Common stock repurchased

    (1,464 )     (9,989 )

Net cash provided by financing activities

    89,393       167,223  
                 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

    (126,545 )     (72,577 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

    191,463       217,305  

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $ 64,918     $ 144,728  
                 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

               

Cash paid during the period for:

               

Interest

  $ 26,261     $ 21,833  

Income taxes, net of refunds

  $ 12,131     $ 18,683  

Noncash investing activities:

               

Common stock issued related to business acquisition

 

$

    $ 2,000  

Assets acquired under capital leases

  $ 31,317     $ 8,795  

 

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 our management, are necessary for a fair presentation of our 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 our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. 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.

 

2 – Other Assets

 

The capitalized costs, including capitalized interest, of the SAP enterprise software and SAP dealership management system are recorded in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in the amount of $36.5 million at September 30, 2015 and $38.5 million at December 31, 2014. These capitalized costs are net of accumulated amortization of $12.6 million at September 30, 2015 and $10.3 million at December 31, 2014. The SAP software is being amortized over a period of 15 years. The Company completed the conversion of all of its Rush Truck Centers and leasing operations to the SAP enterprise software and SAP dealership management system in the third quarter of 2015.

 

Amortization expense relating to the SAP software, which is recognized in depreciation and amortization expense in the Consolidated Statement of Income, was $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and the three months ended September 30, 2014, and $2.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The Company estimates that amortization expense relating to the SAP software will be approximately $3.3 million for each of the next five succeeding years.

 

Our only significant identifiable intangible assets, other than goodwill, are rights under franchise agreements with manufacturers. The fair value of franchise rights is determined at the acquisition date by discounting the projected cash flows specific to each acquisition. The carrying value of our manufacturer franchise rights was $7.9 million at September 30, 2015 and $7.0 million at December 31, 2014, and is included in Other Assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company has determined that manufacturer franchise rights have an indefinite life as there are no economic or other factors that limit their useful lives and they are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely due to the historically long lives of the manufacturers’ brand names. Furthermore, to the extent that any agreements evidencing manufacturer franchise rights have expiration dates, the Company expects that it will be able to renew those agreements in the ordinary course of business. Accordingly, the Company does not amortize manufacturer franchise rights.

 

Due to the fact that manufacturer franchise rights are specific to geographic region, the Company has determined that the geographic region is the appropriate level for purposes of testing franchise rights for impairment. Management reviews indefinite-lived manufacturer franchise rights for impairment annually during the fourth quarter, or more often if events or circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred. The Company is subject to financial statement risk to the extent that manufacturer franchise rights become impaired due to decreases in the fair market value of its individual franchises.

 

The significant estimates and assumptions used by management in assessing the recoverability of manufacturer franchise rights include estimated future cash flows, present value discount rate, and other factors. Any changes in these estimates or assumptions could result in an impairment charge. The estimates of future cash flows, based on reasonable and supportable assumptions and projections, require management’s subjective judgment. Depending on the assumptions and estimates used, the estimated future cash flows projected in the evaluations of manufacturer franchise rights can vary within a range of outcomes.

 

No impairment write down was required in the fourth quarter of 2014. The Company cannot predict the occurrence of certain events that might adversely affect the reported value of manufacturer franchise rights in the future. However, no facts or circumstances were noted during the three months ended September 30, 2015 that would indicate impairment.

 

 

3 – 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. 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. The Company believes that there are no claims or litigation pending, the outcome of which could 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 our financial condition or results of operations for the fiscal period in which such resolution occurred.

 

4 – Earnings Per Share

 

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

 

   

Three Months Ended

September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2015

   

2014

 

Numerator:

                               

Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share – Net income available to common shareholders

  $ 19,883     $ 23,478     $ 56,240     $ 55,330  
                                 

Denominator–

                               

Denominator for basic earnings per share – weighted average shares outstanding

    40,361       40,008       40,235       39,700  

Effect of dilutive securities– Employee and director stock options and restricted share awards

    775       1,083       830       1,120  

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

    41,136       41,091       41,065       40,820  

Basic earnings per common share

  $ .49     $ .59     $ 1.40     $ 1.39  

Diluted earnings per common share and common share equivalents

  $ .48     $ .57     $ 1.37     $ 1.36  

 

Options to purchase shares of common stock that were outstanding for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 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):

 

   

Three Months Ended

September 30,

   

Nine months Ended

September 30,

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2015

   

2014

 

Anti-dilutive options

    1,328       395       1,139       516  

 

 

5 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 share awards, restricted stock unit 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 and included in selling, general and administrative expense, was $2.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, and $2.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. Stock-based compensation expense, included in selling, general and administrative expense, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, was $9.9 million and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, was $9.1 million. As of September 30, 2015, there was $18.8 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested, share-based compensation arrangements to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.7 years.

 

 

6 – 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 our financial instruments approximate fair value due to either their short-term nature or the 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 at September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014. 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, 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 our current credit standing and has categorized such debt within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework. The carrying amount approximates fair value.

 

If investments are deemed to be impaired, the Company determines whether the impairment is temporary or other than temporary. If the impairment is deemed to be temporary, the Company records an unrealized loss in other comprehensive income. If the impairment is deemed other than temporary, the Company records the impairment in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

Auction Rate Securities

 

In prior years, the Company invested in interest-bearing short-term investments primarily consisting of investment-grade auction rate securities classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value. These types of investments were designed to provide liquidity through an auction process that reset the applicable interest rates at predetermined periods ranging from 1 to 35 days. This reset mechanism was intended to allow existing investors to continue to own their respective interest in the auction rate security or to gain immediate liquidity by selling their interests at par.

 

Auctions for investment grade securities held by the Company have failed. However, a failed auction does not represent a default by the issuer. The auction rate securities continue to pay interest in accordance with the terms of the underlying security; however, liquidity will be limited until there is a successful auction or until such time as other markets for these investments develop. The Company has the intent and ability to hold these auction rate securities until liquidity returns to the market. The Company does not believe that the lack of liquidity relating to its auction rate securities will have a material impact on its ability to fund operations.

 

The Company holds auction rate securities with underlying tax-exempt municipal bonds that mature in 2030 and have a fair value of $6.6 million and a cost basis of $7.2 million as of September 30, 2015, and a fair value of $6.9 million and a cost basis of $7.4 million as of December 31, 2014. The Company redeemed $275,000 of the auction rate securities, at par, during the second quarter of 2015. These bonds have credit wrap insurance and a credit rating of A by a major credit rating agency.

 

The Company valued the auction rate securities at September 30, 2015 using a discounted cash flow model based on the characteristics of the individual securities, which the Company believes yields the best estimate of fair value. The first step in the valuation included a credit analysis of the security which considered various factors, including the credit quality of the issuer, the instrument’s position within the capital structure of the issuing authority, and the composition of the authority’s assets including the effect of insurance and/or government guarantees. Next, the future cash flows of the instruments were projected based on certain assumptions regarding the auction rate market significant to the valuation, including that the auction rate market will remain illiquid and auctions will continue to fail, causing the interest rate to be the maximum applicable rate. This assumption resulted in discounted cash flow analysis being performed through 2019, the point at which the Company estimates the securities will be redeemed by the municipality. The projected cash flows were then discounted using the applicable yield curve plus a 225 basis point liquidity premium added to the applicable discount rate.

 

The Company recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of $1.0 million on these auction rate securities in 2011 and a subsequent pre-tax increase in fair value of $427,000 during 2014. The Company believes that the impairment is temporary and has included the impairment in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

 

 

The table below presents disclosures about the auction rate securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the Company’s financial statements as follows (in thousands):

 

   

At September 30, 2015

   

At December 31, 2014

 
   

Level 1
Inputs

   

Level 2
Inputs

   

Level 3
Inputs

   

Level 1
Inputs

   

Level 2

Inputs

   

Level 3

Inputs

 

Investment in auction rate securities

  $     $     $ 6,650     $     $     $ 6,905  

 

 

   

Cost Basis
Amount

   

Gross Unrealized

Loss In

Accumulated

OCI

   

Fair Value

 

September 30, 2015

                       

Investment in auction rate securities

  $ 7,150     $ 500     $ 6,650  
                         

December 31, 2014

                       

Investment in auction rate securities

  $ 7,425     $ 520     $ 6,905  

 

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

 

In January 2012, the Company entered into swap agreements to hedge against the potential impact of increases in interest rates on its floating-rate debt instruments.  At September 30, 2015, the Company did not have any interest rate swap contracts. Swap agreements that hedge exposures to changes in interest rates exposed the Company to credit risk and market risk.  

 

These swap contracts were designated as cash flow hedges, to pay fixed rates of interest and receive a floating interest rate based on LIBOR. The fixed interest rates specified in the interest rate swap contracts became effective on or about January 1, 2012. The Company’s interest rate swaps qualified for cash flow hedge accounting treatment.  Unrealized gains or losses were recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amounts received or paid under the contracts were recognized as interest expense over the life of the contracts.

 

The fair value of cash flow hedges was calculated as the present value of expected future cash flows, determined on the basis of forward interest rates and present value factors. As such, the carrying amounts for these swaps were designated to be Level 2 fair values. The carrying value of these swaps is included in Other Long-Term Liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014.

 

Derivative instruments are on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet and Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income as follows (in thousands):

 

          Fair Value at  

Derivative Liabilities Designated as Hedging Instruments

   

Balance Sheet Location

   

September 30,

2015

   

December 31,

2014

 

Interest Rate Swaps

   

Other Long-Term Liabilities

  $

˗

    $ 235  

 

 

   

Gain (Loss) Recognized in
OCI on Derivatives
(Effective Portion)
during the
Three Months Ended

  Location of Loss   Loss Reclassified
from Accumulated
OCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
during the
Three Months Ended
 
    September 30,
201
5
   

September 30,
201
4

 

Reclassified into
Income

 

September 30,
201
5

   

September 30,
201
4

 

Interest rate swaps

  $ -     $ 216   Interest Expense   $ -     $ (55 )

 

   

Gain (Loss) Recognized in
OCI on Derivatives
(Effective Portion)
during the
Nine Months Ended

 

Location of Loss

 

Loss Reclassified
from Accumulated
OCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
during the
Nine Months Ended

 
   

September 30,
201
5

   

September 30,
201
4

 

Reclassified into
Income

 

September 30,
201
5

   

September 30,
201
4

 

Interest rate swaps

  $ 235     $ 587  

Interest Expense

  $ (55 )   $ (166 )

 

 

7 – 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 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 body shop facilities; and a wide array of 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. Our chief operating decision maker considers the entire Truck Segment, not individual 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 revenue, segment income or loss from continuing operations and segment assets for the periods ended September 30, 2015, and 2014 (in thousands):

 

   

Truck

Segment

   

All Other

   

Totals

 
                         

As of and for the three months ended September 30, 2015

                       
                         

Revenues from external customers

  $ 1,289,929     $ 4,147     $ 1,294,076  

Segment income (loss) before taxes

    33,069       (607 )     32,462  

Segment assets

    2,837,256       33,234       2,870,490  
                         

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015

                       
                         

Revenues from external customers

  $ 3,806,276     $ 11,638     $ 3,817,914  

Segment income (loss) before taxes

    92,981       (1,169 )     91,812  
                         

As of and for the three months ended September 30, 2014

                       
                         

Revenues from external customers

  $ 1,236,101     $ 4,921     $ 1,241,022  

Segment income (loss) before taxes

    38,366       (37 )     38,329  

Segment assets

    2,426,368       30,244       2,456,612  
                         

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014

                       
                         

Revenues from external customers

  $ 3,368,037     $ 14,113     $ 3,382,150  

Segment income (loss) before taxes

    90,459       (126 )     90,333  

  

8 – Income Taxes

 

The Company had unrecognized income tax benefits totaling $1.5 million as a component of accrued liabilities at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the total of which, if recognized, would impact its effective tax rate. An unfavorable settlement may 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. No amounts were accrued for penalties. The Company had approximately $98,500 accrued for the payment of interest at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

 

The Company does not anticipate a significant change in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits in the next 12 months. As of September 30, 2015, the tax years ended December 31, 2011 through 2014 remained subject to audit by federal tax authorities and the tax years ended December 31, 2010 through 2014 remained subject to audit by state tax authorities.

 

 

9 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

 

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

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30, 2015

 
   

Cash Flow

Swaps

   

Available

for Sale

Securities

   

Total

 

Balance at June 30, 2015

  $     $ (305 )   $ (305 )

Change in fair value

                 

Income tax deferred

                 

Balance at September 30, 2015

  $     $ (305 )   $ (305 )

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30, 2014

 
   

Cash Flow

Swaps

   

Available

for Sale

Securities

   

Total

 

Balance at June 30, 2014

  $ (398 )   $ (374 )   $ (772 )

Change in fair value

    216             216  

Income tax deferred

    (84 )           (84 )

Balance at September 30, 2014

  $ (266 )   $ (374 )   $ (640 )

 

   

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015

 
   

Cash Flow

Swaps

   

Available

for Sale

Securities

   

Total

 

Balance at December 31, 2014

  $ (143 )   $ (317 )   $ (460 )

Change in fair value

    235       19       254  

Income tax deferred

    (92 )     (7 )     (99 )

Balance at September 30, 2015

  $     $ (305 )   $ (305 )

 

   

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

 
   

Cash Flow

Swaps

   

Available

for Sale

Securities

   

Total

 

Balance at December 31, 2013

  $ (624 )   $ (578 )   $ (1,202 )

Change in fair value

    587       334       921  

Income tax deferred

    (229 )     (130 )     (359 )

Balance at September 30, 2014

  $ (266 )   $ (374 )   $ (640 )

 

The following table shows the amount of loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings (in thousands):

 

   

Three Months Ended

   

Nine Months Ended

 
   

September 30,

2015

   

September 30,

2014

   

September 30,

2015

   

September 30,

2014

 

Losses on cash flow swaps to:

                               

Interest expense

  $     $ (55 )   $ (55 )   $ (166 )

Income tax benefit

          21       21       65  

Total reclassifications

  $     $ (34 )   $ (34 )   $ (101 )

 

 

10 – Acquisitions

 

All of 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.

 

As the value of certain assets and liabilities acquired in 2015 are preliminary in nature, they are subject to adjustment as additional information is obtained about the facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date. The property and equipment, inventory and valuation of intangibles is subject to change during the purchase price allocation period.

 

On September 28, 2015, in connection with the divestiture of the Company’s Peterbilt dealership in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Company acquired certain assets of Peterbilt of Las Vegas, Inc., which operated a commercial vehicle dealership in Las Vegas, Nevada.  This location is operating as a Rush Truck Center and is a full-service Peterbilt dealership. The acquisition also included a PacLease commercial vehicle rental and leasing business.  The dealership swap was a like-kind exchange for tax purposes and enabled the Company to be consistent with its strategy of not having dealerships representing multiple Class 8 manufacturers in the same market as the Company continues to operate a facility representing International, Hino and Isuzu trucks in Charlotte. The sale price for the assets in Charlotte, North Carolina was approximately $6.4 million, which was offset by floor plan and accounts payable of $5.9 million.

 

The purchase price for the assets in Las Vegas, Nevada was approximately $3.4 million, which was paid in cash. The operations of Peterbilt of Las Vegas, Inc. are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition. The preliminary purchase price was allocated based on the fair values of the assets at the date of acquisition as follows (in thousands):

 

Property, equipment and capital lease assets

  $ 16,430  

Inventory

    3,662  

Prepaid expenses

    295  

Other

    60  

Accrued expenses

    (172 )

Capital lease obligations

    (16,925 )
         

Total

  $ 3,350  

 

On July 27, 2015, the Company acquired certain assets of Dallas Truck Center, Inc., which included real estate and used truck inventory, in Dallas, Texas. The transaction was valued at approximately $3.3 million, with the purchase price paid in cash.

 

Property

  $ 2,308  

Inventory

    949  
         

Total

  $ 3,257  

 

11 – New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (ASU 2014-09), which replaces existing revenue recognition rules with a comprehensive revenue measurement and recognition standard and expanded disclosure requirements. ASU 2014-09 becomes effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, following the July 2015 approval of a one-year deferral of the effective date by the FASB. We continue to evaluate the impact of the new standard and available adoption methods.

 

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No 2015-16, “Business Combinations—Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments” (ASU 2015-16), which will result in the recognition, in current-period earnings, of any changes in provisional amounts during the measurement period after the closing of an acquisition, eliminating the requirement to retroactively account for these changes. ASU 2015-16 becomes effective January 1, 2016, subject to early adoption, and will require prospective application to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the effective date of ASU 2015-16. We are evaluating the impact of the new standard on our operating results.

 

 

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, 2014, 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. References herein to “the Company,” “Rush Enterprises,” “Rush,” “we,” “our” or “us” mean Rush Enterprises, Inc. and its subsidiaries unless the context requires otherwise. 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, 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 121 Rush Truck Centers in 21 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 repair in addition to new and used commercial vehicle sales and leasing, plus financial services, 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 extend our geographic focus through strategic acquisitions of new locations and expansions of our existing facilities and product offerings.

 

 

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, which are also described in Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, 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 market value. Cost is determined by specific identification of new and used commercial vehicles 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, which is the same as the segment, to the respective carrying value. We consider our Truck Segment to be a reporting unit for purposes of this analysis. 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. Such events may include, but are not limited to, strategic decisions made in response to economic and competitive conditions or the impact of the current economic environment.

 

Goodwill was tested for impairment during the fourth quarter of 2014 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, requiring 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 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 state 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 generally would 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 it considers appropriate, as well as related interest.

 

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

 

From 2012 until 2015, we utilized derivative financial instruments to manage our interest rate risk relating to the variability of cash flows and changes in the fair value of our financial instruments caused by movements in interest rates. We assessed hedge effectiveness at the inception and during the term of each hedge. Derivatives are reported at fair value on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

The effective portion of the gain or loss on our cash flow hedges are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Hedge effectiveness will be assessed quarterly by comparing the changes in cumulative gain or loss from the interest rate swap with the cumulative changes in the present value of the expected future cash flows of the interest rate swap that are attributable to changes in the LIBOR rate. If the interest rate swaps became ineffective, portions of these interest rate swaps would be reported as a component of interest expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

 

Results of Operations

 

The following discussion and analysis includes our historical results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

 

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

 

   

Three Months Ended

September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2015

   

2014

 

Revenue

                               

New and used commercial vehicle sales

    67.4

%

    68.2

%

    67.9

%

    66.4

%

Parts and service sales

    27.9       27.5       27.5       29.0  

Lease and rental

    3.9       3.6       3.9       3.8  

Finance and insurance

    0.5       0.4       0.4       0.4  

Other

    0.3       0.3       0.3       0.4  

Total revenue

    100.0       100.0       100.0       100.0  

Cost of products sold

                               

New and used commercial vehicle sales

    62.8       63.5       63.2       61.7  

Parts and service sales

    17.6       17.4       17.4       18.5  

Lease and rental

    3.5       3.1       3.4       3.3  

Total cost of products sold

    83.9       84.0       84.0       83.5  

Gross profit

    16.1       16.0       16.0       16.5  

Selling, general and administrative

    12.4       11.9       12.5       12.8  

Depreciation and amortization

    0.9       0.8       0.8       0.8  

Gain on sale of assets

    0.0       0.0       0.0       0.0  

Operating income

    2.8       3.3       2.7       2.9  

Interest expense, net

    0.3       0.2       0.3       0.2  

Income before income taxes

    2.5       3.1       2.4       2.7  

Provision for income taxes

    1.0       1.2       0.9       1.0  

Net income

    1.5

%

    1.9

%

    1.5

%

    1.7

%

 

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

 

   

Three Months Ended

September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2015

   

2014

 

Gross Profit:

                               

New and used commercial vehicle sales

    28.3

%

    29.3

%

    29.0

%

    28.6

%

Parts and service sales

    63.9       62.7       63.4       63.4  

Lease and rental

    2.6       3.5       2.8       3.2  

Finance and insurance

    3.0       2.6       2.7       2.6  

Other

    2.2       1.9       2.1       2.2  

Total gross profit

    100.0

%

    100.0

%

    100.0

%

    100.0

%

 

 

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

 

   

Three Months Ended

September 30,

           

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

         
   

2015

   

2014

   

% Change

   

2015

   

2014

   

% Change

 

Vehicle unit sales:

                                               

New heavy-duty vehicles

    4,412       4,384       0.6 %     13,188       10,714       23.1 %

New medium-duty vehicles

    2,889       2,587       11.7 %     8,477       7,529       12.6 %

New light-duty vehicles

    312       377       -17.2 %     1,147       1,352       -15.2 %

Total new vehicle unit sales

    7,613       7,348       3.6 %     22,812       19,595       16.4 %
                                                 

Used vehicles

    2,169       1,956       10.9 %     6,040       5,680       6.3 %
                                                 

Vehicle revenue:

                                               

New heavy-duty vehicles

  $ 553.5     $ 561.6       -1.4 %   $ 1,668.5     $ 1,421.9       17.3 %

New medium-duty vehicles

    209.9       185.4       13.2 %     600.8       532.9       12.7 %

New light-duty vehicles

    16.0       14.9       7.4 %     45.5       45.6       -0.2 %

Total new vehicle revenue

  $ 779.4     $ 761.9       2.3 %   $ 2,314.8     $ 2,000.4       15.7 %
                                                 

Used vehicle revenue

  $ 90.2     $ 82.1       9.9 %   $ 261.3     $ 233.7       11.8 %
                                                 

Other vehicle revenue:(1)

  $ 2.5     $ 2.3       8.7 %   $ 14.1     $ 10.3       36.9 %
                                                 

Absorption rate:

    116.2 %     120.2 %     -3.3 %     116.8 %     117.2 %     -0.3 %

 

                (1)   Includes sales of truck bodies, trailers and other new equipment.

 

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 body shop (collectively, “Aftermarket 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. In 1999, our commercial vehicle dealerships’ absorption ratio was approximately 80%. Since 1999, we have made a concerted effort to increase our absorption ratio. Our commercial vehicle dealerships achieved a 116.2% absorption ratio for the third quarter of 2015 compared to a 120.2% absorption ratio for the third quarter of 2014.

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2014

 

During the quarter, we were able to partially offset the continued decrease in energy sector activity through strong Class 4 through 7 vehicle sales, incremental large fleet business and revenues from Aftermarket Services being provided in regions of the country that are not dependent on the energy sector. Our Aftermarket Services revenues increased 5.9% compared to the third quarter of 2014. Acquisitions and continued demand for repair and maintenance of vehicles in operation, with particular strength on the East and West coasts, were the primary drivers of Aftermarket Services revenues this quarter.

 

On September 28, 2015, in connection with the divestiture of our Peterbilt dealership in Charlotte, North Carolina, we acquired certain assets of Peterbilt of Las Vegas, Inc., which operated a commercial vehicle dealership in Las Vegas, Nevada.  The Las Vegas location is now operating as a Rush Truck Center and is a full-service Peterbilt dealership. The acquisition also included a PacLease commercial vehicle rental and leasing business.  The dealership swap was a like-kind exchange for tax purposes and enabled us to be consistent with our strategy of not having dealerships representing multiple Class 8 manufacturers in the same market. We continue to operate a facility representing International, Hino and Isuzu trucks in Charlotte. The sale price for the assets in Charlotte was approximately $6.4 million, which was offset by floor plan and accounts payable of $5.9 million. The purchase price for the assets in Las Vegas was approximately $3.4 million, which was paid in cash.

 

Revenues

 

Revenues increased $53.1 million, or 4.3%, in the third quarter of 2015, compared to the third quarter of 2014. This increase was primarily the result of acquisitions since the first half of 2014.

 

 

Aftermarket Services revenues increased $20.1 million, or 5.9%, in the third quarter of 2015, compared to the third quarter of 2014. This increase was the result of acquisitions since the first half of 2014 and continued strong demand for repair and maintenance of vehicles.   While we expect our Aftermarket Services revenues to increase during 2015 compared to 2014, Aftermarket Services are being negatively impacted by the decrease in activity in the energy sector.

 

Revenues from sales of new and used commercial vehicles increased $25.9 million, or 3.1%, in the third quarter of 2015 compared to the third quarter of 2014.

 

We sold 4,412 heavy-duty trucks in the third quarter of 2015, a 0.6% increase compared to 4,384 heavy-duty trucks sold in the third quarter of 2014. 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 13.0% in the third quarter of 2015, compared to the third quarter of 2014. A.C.T. Research currently predicts U.S. retail sales of Class 8 trucks of approximately 269,000 units in 2015, 248,000 units in 2016, and 196,000 units in 2017, compared to approximately 224,000 units in 2014. Our share of the U.S. Class 8 truck sales market was approximately 7.1% in 2014. We expect our market share to range between 6.3% and 6.8% of the U.S. Class 8 truck sales in 2015. This market share percentage would result in the sale of approximately 16,900 to 18,200 of Class 8 trucks in 2015 based on A.C.T. Research’s current U.S. retail sales estimate of 269,000 units.

 

We sold 2,889 medium-duty commercial vehicles, including 471 buses, in the third quarter of 2015, an 11.7% increase compared to 2,587 medium-duty commercial vehicles, including 435 buses, in 2014. A.C.T. Research estimates that unit sales of Class 4 through 7 commercial vehicles in the U.S. increased approximately 5.0% in the third quarter of 2015, compared to the third quarter of 2014. A.C.T. Research currently predicts U.S. retail sales of Class 4 through 7 medium-duty commercial vehicles of approximately 206,000 units in 2015, 213,000 units in 2016, and 226,000 in 2017. In 2014, we achieved a 4.9% share of the Class 4 through 7 commercial vehicle sales market in the U.S. We expect our market share to range between 5.2% and 5.6% of the U.S. Class 4 through 7 commercial vehicle sales in 2015. This market share percentage would result in the sale of approximately 10,700 to 11,500 of Class 4 through 7 commercial vehicles in 2015 based on A.C.T. Research’s current U.S. retail sales estimates of 206,000 units.

 

We sold 312 light-duty vehicles in the third quarter of 2015, a 17.2% decrease compared to 377 light-duty vehicles sold in the third quarter of 2014. We expect to sell approximately 1,400 to 1,700 light-duty vehicles in 2015.

 

We sold 2,169 used commercial vehicles in the third quarter of 2015, a 10.9% increase compared to 1,956 used commercial vehicles in the third quarter of 2014. We expect to sell approximately 8,000 to 8,500 used commercial vehicles in 2015. The volume of used commercial vehicle sales will largely depend on our ability to acquire quality used commercial vehicles and maintain an adequate used commercial vehicle inventory throughout 2015.

 

Truck lease and rental revenues increased $5.4 million, or 12.0%, in the third quarter of 2015, compared to the third quarter of 2014. The increase in lease and rental revenues is primarily due to the increased number of units put into service in the lease and rental fleet during 2014 and the first quarter of 2015. We expect lease and rental revenue to increase 13% to 14% during 2015, compared to 2014, due to the increased number of units in the lease and rental fleet.

 

Finance and insurance revenues increased $0.9 million, or 17.9%, in the third quarter of 2015, compared to the third quarter of 2014. We expect finance and insurance revenues to fluctuate proportionately with our new and used commercial vehicle sales in 2015. Finance and insurance revenues have limited direct costs and, therefore, contribute a disproportionate share of our operating profits.

 

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit increased $9.3 million, or 4.7%, in the third quarter of 2015, compared to the third quarter of 2014. Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased to 16.1% in the third quarter of 2015, from 16.0% in the third quarter of 2014. Commercial vehicle sales, a lower margin revenue item, decreased as a percentage of total revenues to 67.4% in the third quarter of 2015, from 68.2% in the third quarter of 2014. Aftermarket Services revenues, a higher margin revenue item, increased as a percentage of total revenues to 27.9% in the third quarter of 2015, from 27.4% in the third quarter of 2014.

 

Gross margins from our Aftermarket Services operations increased to 36.9% in the third quarter of 2015, from 36.6% in the third quarter of 2014. Gross profit for the Aftermarket Services departments increased to $132.9 million in the third quarter of 2015, from $124.6 million in the third quarter of 2014. This increase was the result of acquisitions since the first half of 2014 and continued strong demand for repair and maintenance of vehicles.   Historically, parts operations gross margins range from 27% to 28% and service and body shop operations range from 62% to 65%. Gross profits from parts sales represented 55% of total gross profit for Aftermarket Services operations in both the third quarter of 2015 and 2014. Service and body shop operations represented 45% of total gross profit for Aftermarket Services operations in both the third quarter of 2015 and 2014. We expect blended gross margins on Aftermarket Services operations to range from 36.5% to 37.0% in 2015.

 

 

Gross margins on Class 8 truck sales decreased to 6.4% in the third quarter of 2015, from 6.9% in the third quarter of 2014. This decrease is attributable to the sales mix in the third quarter of 2015, which consisted of more sales to over-the-road fleet customers. In 2015, we expect overall gross margins from Class 8 truck sales of approximately 6.2% to 6.6%.

 

Gross margins on medium-duty commercial vehicle sales increased to 6.2% in the third quarter of 2015, from 5.8% in the third quarter of 2014. For 2015, we expect overall gross margins from medium-duty commercial vehicle sales of approximately 5.5% to 6.0%, but this will largely depend upon the mix of purchasers and types of vehicles sold.

 

Gross margins on used commercial vehicle sales increased to 10.4% in the third quarter of 2015, from 10.3% in the third quarter of 2014. We expect margins on used commercial vehicles to range between 9.5% and 11.0% during 2015 depending upon general economic conditions and the availability of quality used vehicles.

 

Gross margins from truck lease and rental sales decreased to 10.7% in the third quarter of 2015, from 15.2% in the third quarter of 2014. This decrease is primarily related to the decrease in activity in the energy sector. We expect gross margins from lease and rental sales of approximately 11.0% to 12.0% during 2015, as we expect to continue to expand our lease and rental fleet. 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 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 $12.5 million, or 8.5%, in the third quarter of 2015, compared to the third quarter of 2014. SG&A expenses as a percentage of total revenues increased to 12.4% in the third quarter of 2015, from 11.9% in the third quarter of 2014. SG&A expenses as a percentage of total revenues have historically ranged from 10.0% to 15.0%. 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 2015, we expect SG&A expenses as a percentage of total revenues to range from 12.0% to 12.5% and the selling portion of SG&A expenses to be approximately 25.0% to 30.0% of new and used commercial vehicle gross profit. In 2015, we expect the general and administrative portion of SG&A expenses to increase by approximately 8.0% to 11.0%, compared to 2014.

 

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

 

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $1.7 million, or 18.3%, in the third quarter of 2015, compared to the third quarter of 2014. This increase is primarily due to the construction of new dealerships, dealership expansions and acquisitions.

 

Interest Expense, Net

 

Net interest expense increased $0.9 million, or 32.7%, in the third quarter of 2015 compared to the third quarter of 2014. Net interest expense in 2015 will depend on inventory levels and the amount of cash available to make prepayments on our floor plan financing agreement with General Electric Capital Commercial, Inc. (the “GE Credit Agreement”).

 

Income before Income Taxes

 

As a result of the factors described above, income before income taxes decreased $5.9 million, or 15.3%, in the third quarter of 2015, compared to the third quarter of 2014.

 

Income Taxes

 

Income taxes decreased $2.3 million, or 15.3%, in the third quarter of 2015, compared to the third quarter of 2014. We provided for taxes at a 38.75% effective rate in the third quarter of 2015 and the third quarter of 2014. We expect our effective tax rate to be approximately 38.0% to 39.0% of pretax income in 2015.

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

 

Unless otherwise stated below, our variance explanations and future expectations with regard to the items discussed in this section are set forth in the discussion of the “Three Months Ended September 30, 2015, Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2014.”

 

Revenues

 

Revenues increased $435.8 million, or 12.9%, in the first nine months of 2015, compared to the first nine months of 2014.

 

Aftermarket Services sales increased $70.4 million, or 7.2%, in the first nine months of 2015, compared to the first nine months of 2014.

 

Revenues from sales of new and used commercial vehicles increased $345.7 million, or 15.4%, in the first nine months of 2015, compared to the first nine months of 2014.

 

We sold 13,188 heavy-duty trucks in the first nine months of 2015, a 23.1% increase compared to 10,714 heavy-duty trucks in the first nine months of 2014. According to A.C.T. Research, the U.S. Class 8 truck market increased 20% in the first nine months of 2015, compared to the first nine months of 2014.

 

We sold 8,477 medium-duty commercial vehicles, including 923 buses, in the first nine months of 2015, a 12.6% increase compared to 7,529 medium-duty commercial vehicles, including 1,242 buses, in the first nine months of 2014. A.C.T. Research estimates that unit sales of Class 4 through 7 commercial vehicles, including buses, in the U.S increased approximately 6% in the first nine months of 2015, compared to the first nine months of 2014.

 

We sold 1,147 light-duty commercial vehicles in the first nine months of 2015, a 15.2% decrease compared to 1,352 light-duty commercial vehicles in the first nine months of 2014.

 

We sold 6,040 used commercial vehicles in the first nine months of 2015, a 6.3% increase compared to 5,680 used commercial vehicles in the first nine months of 2014.

 

Truck lease and rental revenues increased $17.5 million, or 13.4%, in the first nine months of 2015, compared to the first nine months of 2014.

 

Finance and insurance revenues increased $1.8 million, or 12.5%, in the first nine months of 2015, compared to the first nine months of 2014.

 

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit increased $51.3 million, or 9.2%, in the first nine months of 2015, compared to the first nine months of 2014. Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased to 16.0% in the first nine months of 2015, from 16.5% in the first nine months of 2014. 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 revenue to 67.8% in 2015, from 66.4% in 2014. Aftermarket Services revenues, a higher margin revenue item, decreased as a percentage of total revenue to 27.5% in 2015, from 29.0% in 2014.

 

Gross margins from our Aftermarket Services operations increased to 36.8% in the first nine months of 2015, from 36.1% in the first nine months of 2014. Gross profit for the Aftermarket Services departments was $386.3 million in the first nine months of 2015, compared to $353.8 million in the first nine months of 2014. Gross profits from parts sales represented 56% of total gross profit for Aftermarket Services operations in the first nine months of 2015 and the first nine months of 2014. Service and body shop operations represented 44% of total gross profit for Aftermarket Services operations in the first nine months of 2015 and the first nine months of 2014.

 

Gross margins on Class 8 truck sales decreased to 6.6% in the first nine months of 2015, from 7.3% in the first nine months of 2014.

 

Gross margins on medium-duty commercial vehicle sales remained flat at 5.7% in the first nine months of 2015 and the first nine months of 2014.

 

 

Gross margins on used commercial vehicle sales increased to 11.3% in the first nine months of 2015, from 10.2% in the first nine months of 2014.

 

Gross margins from truck lease and rental sales decreased to 11.8% in the first nine months of 2015, from 13.6% in the first nine months of 2014.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

SG&A expenses increased $42.8 million, or 9.9%, in the first nine months of 2015, compared to the first nine months of 2014. SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales were 12.4% in the first nine months of 2015, and 12.8% in the first nine months of 2014.

 

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

 

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $4.6 million, or 16.6%, in the first nine months of 2015, compared to the first nine months of 2014.

 

Interest Expense, Net

 

Net interest expense increased $1.7 million, or 20.9%, in the first nine months of 2015, compared to the first nine months of 2014.

 

Income before Income Taxes

 

Income before income taxes increased $1.5 million, or 1.6%, in the first nine months of 2015, compared to the first nine months of 2014.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

Income taxes increased $0.6 million, or 1.6% in the first nine months of 2015, compared to the first nine months of 2014. We provided for taxes at a 38.75% rate in the first nine months of 2015, compared to a rate of 38.75% in the first nine months of 2014.

 

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 September 30, 2015, we had working capital of approximately $86.4 million, including $64.9 million in cash available to fund our operations. We believe that these funds 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 the GE Credit Agreement, and the resulting interest earned is recognized as an offset to our gross interest expense under the 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 September 30, 2015, however, $12.7 million was pledged to secure various letters of credit related to self-insurance products, leaving $4.8 million available for future borrowings as of September 30, 2015.

 

Our long-term real estate debt and floor plan financing agreements 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 September 30, 2015, we were in compliance with all debt covenants related to debt secured by real estate and lease and rental units and our floor plan credit agreements. We do not anticipate any breach of the covenants in the foreseeable future.

 

We expect to purchase or lease trucks worth approximately $200.0 million for our leasing operations during 2015, 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 $3.0 million to $5.0 million during the remainder of 2015.

 

We are currently under contracts to construct dealership facilities in San Antonio, Texas, at an estimated cost of $13.5 million, Odessa, Texas at an estimated cost of $10.9 million, Denver, Colorado at an estimated cost of $17.3 million, Columbus, Ohio at an estimated cost of $16.7 million. We are also under contract to expand or remodel various other dealership facilities. These construction projects are estimated to continue through the first quarter of 2016.

 

 

In October 2015, we purchased a new corporate aircraft for a net sales price of $10.0 million after deducting the trade-in of the existing corporate aircraft, which had a book value of $5.1 million. We are currently under contract to purchase the dealership facilities at our Pico Rivera, California location for approximately $20.0 million. This transaction is expected to close during December 2015.

 

On January 29, 2015, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase, from time to time, of up to an aggregate of $40.0 million shares of Class A Common Stock and/or Class B Common Stock. The stock repurchase program extends the previous $40 million stock repurchase program that was announced on February 4, 2014 which was set to expire on February 3, 2015. During the third quarter of 2015, we did not purchase any stock under the repurchase program. Repurchases will be made at times and in amounts as we deem appropriate and will be made through open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions and other lawful means. The manner, timing and amount of any repurchases will be determined by us based on an evaluation of market conditions, stock price and other factors. The current stock repurchase program expires on February 3, 2016 and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. While the stock repurchase program does not obligate us to acquire any particular amount or class of common stock, we anticipate that we will be repurchasing primarily shares of our Class B Common Stock.

 

We anticipate funding the capital expenditures for the improvement and expansion of existing facilities and recurring expenses through our operating cash flows. We expect to fund the construction or purchase of new facilities through our operating cash flows or by financing 70% to 80% of the appraised value of such facility.

 

We have no other material commitments for capital expenditures as of September 30, 2015, except that we will continue to purchase vehicles for our lease and rental division and authorize capital expenditures for improvement and 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 $126.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, and decreased by $72.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The major components of these changes are discussed below.

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 

Cash flows from operating activities include net income adjusted for non-cash items and the effects of changes in working capital. During the first nine months of 2015, operating activities resulted in net cash provided by operations of $99.5 million. Net cash provided by operating activities primarily consisted of $56.2 million in net income, as well as non-cash adjustments related to depreciation and amortization of $106.5 million, and stock-based compensation, including tax benefit, of $10.2 million. Cash used in operating activities included an aggregate of $70.0 million net change in operating assets and liabilities. Included in the net change in operating assets and liabilities were cash inflows of $20.0 million from the decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets, net and $33.6 million from increases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities which were offset by cash outflows of $13.7 million from the net decrease in floor plan, trade, $47.5 million from increases in inventory, net of acquisitions, $39.1 million from an increase in accounts receivable and $23.3 million from a decrease in customer deposits. The majority of commercial vehicle inventory is financed through our floor plan credit agreements.

 

During the first nine months of 2014, operating activities resulted in net cash provided by operations of $88.6 million. Net cash provided by operating activities primarily consisted of $55.3 million in net income, as well as non-cash adjustments related to depreciation and amortization of $90.3 million, and stock-based compensation, including tax benefit, of $4.1 million. Cash used in operating activities included an aggregate of $47.0 million net change in operating assets and liabilities. Included in the net change in operating assets and liabilities were cash inflows of $6.7 from the decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets, net, $71.2 million from increases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and $26.7 million from the net increase in floor plan, trade, which were offset by cash outflows of $67.0 million from increases in inventory, net of acquisitions, $50.8 million from an increase in accounts receivable, and $33.8 million from a decrease in customer deposits.

 

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; however, the prime rate is defined to be a minimum of 3.75%. As of September 30, 2015, the interest rate on the wholesale financing agreement was 5.25% before considering the applicable incentives. As of September 30, 2015, we had an outstanding balance of $65.7 million under the Ford Motor Credit Company wholesale financing agreement.

 

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

 

During the first nine months of 2015, cash used in investing activities was $315.4 million. Cash flows used in investing activities consist primarily of cash used for capital expenditures and business acquisitions. Capital expenditures of $250.2 million during the first nine months of 2015 consisted primarily of purchases of property and equipment, construction of new dealership facilities and improvements to our existing dealership facilities. Property and equipment purchases during the first nine months of 2015 included $134.7 million for additional units for the rental and leasing operations, which were directly offset by borrowings of long-term debt. Cash used for business acquisitions was $65.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, which was partially offset by borrowings of long-term debt and floor plan notes payable. See Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a detailed discussion of the business acquisitions. We expect to purchase or lease trucks worth approximately $200.0 million for our leasing operations in 2015, depending on customer demand, all of which will be financed. During the remainder of 2015, we expect to make capital expenditures for recurring items such as computers, shop equipment and vehicles of $3.0 million to $5.0 million.

 

During the first nine months of 2014, cash used in investing activities was $328.4 million. Cash flows used in investing activities consist primarily of cash used for capital expenditures and business acquisitions. Capital expenditures consisted of purchases of property and equipment, construction of new dealership facilities and improvements to our existing dealership facilities of $182.2 million. Property and equipment purchases during the first nine months of 2014 included $120.7 million for additional units for rental and leasing operations, which were directly offset by borrowings of long-term debt. Cash used in business acquisitions was $147.8 million during the first nine months of 2014, which was partially offset by borrowings of long-term debt and floor plan notes payable.

 

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 nine months of 2015, we generated $89.4 million in net cash flow from financing activities, primarily related to borrowings of $115.2 million of long-term debt, $95.1 million from net draws on floor plan notes payable, non-trade and $3.4 million from the issuance of shares related to equity compensation plans. These cash inflows were partially offset by cash outflows of $122.4 million used for principal repayments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations and $1.5 million used to purchase 56,077 shares of Rush Class B common stock during the first nine months of 2015. The borrowings of long-term debt were primarily related to purchasing units for the rental and leasing operations.

 

Cash provided by financing activities was $167.2 million during the first nine months of 2014. We had borrowings of long-term debt of $153.4 million, primarily related to units for the lease and rental operations, and repayments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations of $94.3 million during the first nine months of 2014. We had net draws on floor plan notes payable – non-trade of $101.8 million during the first nine months of 2014. Cash flows from financing activities also included proceeds from the issuance of shares relating to equity award plans, excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation and common stock repurchased.

 

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. During the third quarter of 2015, we financed the majority of all new commercial vehicle inventory and the loan value of our used commercial vehicle inventory under the GE Credit Agreement. On September 15, 2015, we entered into the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with GE Capital Commercial. The amendment increased the aggregate loan commitment to $850.0 million. Borrowings under the GE Credit Agreement bear interest at an annual rate equal to the three month LIBOR rate, determined on the last day of the prior month, plus 2.03% and are payable monthly.  In addition, we are required to pay a monthly working capital fee equal to 0.35% per annum multiplied by the amount of voluntary prepayments of new and used inventory loans. Loans under the GE Credit Agreement for the purchase of used inventory are limited to $150.0 million. The GE Credit Agreement expires July 11, 2016, although GE Capital has the right to terminate the GE Credit Agreement at any time upon 120 days’ written notice. We may terminate the GE Credit Agreement at any time, although if we do so we must pay a prepayment processing fee of $300,000, subject to specified limited exceptions. On September 30, 2015, we had approximately $739.8 million outstanding under the GE Credit Agreement. Periodically, we utilize our excess cash on hand to pay down our outstanding borrowings under the GE Credit Agreement, and the resulting interest earned is recognized as an offset to our gross interest expense under the GE Credit Agreement.

 

Navistar Financial Corporation and Peterbilt offer trade terms that provide an interest-free inventory stocking period for certain new commercial vehicles.  If the commercial vehicle is not sold within the interest-free period, we then finance the commercial vehicle under the GE Capital credit agreement. 

 

 

Backlog

 

On September 30, 2015, our backlog of commercial vehicle orders was approximately $1,442.0 million, compared to a backlog of commercial vehicle orders of approximately $1,437.7 million on September 30, 2014. 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 September 30, 2015 and we expect to fill the majority of our backlog orders during 2015 and the first nine months of 2016.

 

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 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 relating to general economic conditions, including fuel prices, interest rate fluctuations, credit availability, economic recessions, 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 291,000 in 2006. Through geographic expansion, concentration on higher margin Aftermarket Services and diversification of our customer base, we have taken steps to reduce the negative impact of adverse general economic conditions or cyclical trends affecting the heavy-duty truck industry on our earnings.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

Other than operating leases, we do not have any obligation under any transaction, agreement or other contractual arrangement to which an entity unconsolidated with the Company 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 and that is material to investors.

 

Environmental Standards and Other Governmental Regulations

 

We are subject to a wide range of federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, including those governing 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 aftermarket services 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 and wastes 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 prohibit discharges into regulated waters without the necessary permits, 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.

 

We believe that we do not currently have any material environmental liabilities and that compliance with environmental laws and regulations will not, individually or in the aggregate, 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 current properties. 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.

 

The Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”), on behalf of the U.S. Department of Transportation, issued final rules on September 15, 2011 associated with reducing greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions and improving the fuel efficiency of medium and heavy-duty trucks and buses beginning in model year 2014 and being phased in through model year 2018.  On June 19, 2015, the EPA and NHTSA proposed further GHG and fuel efficiency standards that would apply to medium and heavy-duty vehicles and buses and would be phased in between model years 2021 through 2027.  We do not believe that the foregoing adopted or proposed standards 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.

 

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 some market risk through interest rates related to our floor plan financing agreements, 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 September 30, 2015, we had floor plan borrowings and variable interest rate real estate debt of approximately $1,002.0 million. Assuming an increase or decrease in LIBOR of 100 basis points, annual interest expense could correspondingly increase or decrease by approximately $10.0 million.

 

We offer all customer financing opportunities to various finance providers. We receive all finance charges in excess of a negotiated discount rate from the finance providers in the month following the date of the financing. The negotiated discount rate is variable, thus subject to interest rate fluctuations. This interest rate risk is mitigated by our ability to pass discount rate increases to customers through higher financing rates.

 

We are exposed to some market risk through interest rates related to the investment of our current cash and cash equivalents, which totaled $64.9 million on September 30, 2015. These funds are generally invested in variable interest rate instruments in accordance with our investment policy. As such instruments mature and the funds are reinvested, we are exposed to changes in market interest rates. This risk is mitigated by management’s ongoing evaluation of the best investment rates available for current and noncurrent high quality investments. If market interest rates were to increase or decrease immediately and uniformly by 100 basis points, our annual interest income could correspondingly increase or decrease by approximately $0.6 million.

 

 

In the past, we invested in interest-bearing short-term investments consisting of investment-grade auction rate securities classified as available-for-sale. Auctions for investment grade securities held by us have failed. The auction rate securities continue to pay interest in accordance with the terms of the underlying security; however, liquidity will be limited until there is a successful auction or until such time as other markets for these investments develop. As of September 30, 2015, we hold auction rate securities, with underlying tax-exempt municipal bonds that mature in 2030, that have a fair value of $6.7 million. Given the current market conditions in the auction rate securities market, if we determine that the fair value of these securities temporarily decreases by an additional 10%, our equity could correspondingly decrease by approximately $665,000. If it is determined that the fair value of these securities is other-than-temporarily impaired by 10%, we could record a loss on our Consolidated Statements of Income of approximately $665,000. For further discussion of the risks related to our auction rate securities, see Note 6 – Financial Instruments and Fair Value of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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 September 30, 2015 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 September 30, 2015 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 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “2014 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 2014 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 third quarter of 2015.

 

ITEM 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

Not Applicable

 

ITEM 4.   Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

Not Applicable

 

ITEM 5.   Other Information.

 

Not Applicable

 

 

ITEM 6.   Exhibits.

 

Exhibit

Number

 

Exhibit Title

3.1

 

Restated Articles of Incorporation of Rush Enterprises, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 000-20797) for the quarter ended June 30, 2008).

     

3.2

 

Rush Enterprises, Inc. Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-20797) filed May 21, 2013).

     

10.1

 

Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 15, 2015 by and among the Company, the Lenders signatory thereto and GE Capital Commercial Inc., as Administrative Agent for the Lenders (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-20797) filed September 21, 2015).

     

31.1*

 

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

     

31.2*

 

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

     

32.1**

 

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

     

32.2**

 

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

101.INS*

 

XBRL Instance Document.

101.SCH*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

101.CAL*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

101.DEF*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

101.LAB*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

101.PRE*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 

*

filed herewith

**

This exhibit shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

    RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC.
     
     
     

 Date:     November 9, 2015 

By:

/S/ W.M. “RUSTY” RUSH

 

 

W.M. “Rusty” Rush

 

 

President, Chief Executive Officer and

 

 

Chairman of the Board

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 Date:     November 9, 2015

By:

/S/ STEVEN L. KELLER

 

 

Steven L. Keller

 

 

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and

 

 

Treasurer

 

 

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

 

Exhibit

Number

 

Exhibit Title

3.1

 

Restated Articles of Incorporation of Rush Enterprises, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 000-20797) for the quarter ended June 30, 2008).

     

3.2

 

Rush Enterprises, Inc. Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-20797) filed May 21, 2013).

     

10.1

 

Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 15, 2015 by and among the Company, the Lenders signatory thereto and GE Capital Commercial Inc., as Administrative Agent for the Lenders (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-20797) filed September 21, 2015).

     

31.1*

 

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

     

31.2*

 

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

     

32.1**

 

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

     

32.2**

 

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

101.INS*

 

XBRL Instance Document.

101.SCH*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

101.CAL*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

101.DEF*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

101.LAB*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

101.PRE*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 

*

filed herewith

**

This exhibit shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

 

29