Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

☒     Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020

or

☐     Transition Report Pursuant to the Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the transition period from __________to__________

 

 

P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware 0-1507 71-0633135

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(Commission File

Number)

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

 

297 West Henri De Tonti, Tontitown, Arkansas 72770

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (479) 361-9111

 

  N/A  
  (Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)  

 

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

 

   
Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $.01 par value PTSI NASDAQ Global Market

 

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 the filing requirements for the past 90 days.                    Yes     ☑          No     ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files.)                     Yes     ☑          No     ☐

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).                                               Yes     ☐          No     ☑

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

 

Class

 

Outstanding at April 23, 2020

Common Stock, $.01 Par Value

 

5,742,330

 

 

 

 

 

P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.

Form 10-Q

For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2020

Table of Contents

 

 

 

Part I. Financial Information

 
     

Item 1.

Financial Statements (unaudited).

3
     

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019

3

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

4

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

5

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

6
     

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of March 31, 2020

7

 

 

 

Item 2.

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

15

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

20

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures.

20
     

 

 

 

Part II. Other Information

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings.

21
     

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

22
     

Item 6.

Exhibits.

23

 

 

Signatures

24
 

 

2

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

 

P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

   

March 31,

   

December 31,

 
   

2020

   

2019

 
   

(unaudited)

   

(audited)

 

ASSETS

               

Current assets:

               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 325     $ 318  

Accounts receivable-net:

               

Trade, less current estimated credit loss of $3,191 and $2,952, respectively

    66,090       61,784  

Other

    4,278       3,769  

Inventories

    1,220       1,327  

Prepaid expenses and deposits

    9,093       8,669  

Marketable equity securities

    23,207       29,521  

Income taxes refundable

    807       504  

Total current assets

    105,020       105,892  
                 

Property and equipment:

               

Land

    16,086       7,246  

Structures and improvements

    31,198       20,204  

Revenue equipment

    528,410       524,527  

Office furniture and equipment

    11,470       11,185  

Total property and equipment

    587,164       563,162  

Accumulated depreciation

    (184,316 )     (175,887 )

Net property and equipment

    402,848       387,275  
                 

Other assets

    4,617       4,842  
                 

TOTAL ASSETS

  $ 512,485     $ 498,009  
                 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

               

Current liabilities:

               

Accounts payable

  $ 24,220     $ 16,597  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

    42,042       40,610  

Current maturities of long-term debt

    59,731       67,637  

Total current liabilities

    125,993       124,844  
                 

Long-term debt-less current portion

    189,469       174,187  

Deferred income taxes

    63,024       63,522  

Other long-term liabilities

    1,344       1,481  

Total liabilities

    379,830       364,034  
                 

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

               

Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued

    -       -  

Common stock, $.01 par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized; 11,658,768 and 11,656,160 shares issued; 5,742,330 and 5,748,897 shares outstanding at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively

    117       117  

Additional paid-in capital

    83,993       83,688  

Treasury stock, at cost; 5,916,438 and 5,907,263 shares at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively

    (157,158 )     (156,837 )

Retained earnings

    205,703       207,007  

Total shareholders’ equity

    132,655       133,975  
                 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

  $ 512,485     $ 498,009  

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3

 

 

P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 31,

 
   

2020

   

2019

 

OPERATING REVENUES:

               

Revenue, before fuel surcharge

  $ 111,822     $ 110,345  

Fuel surcharge

    17,333       18,341  

Total operating revenues

    129,155       128,686  
                 

OPERATING EXPENSES AND COSTS:

               

Salaries, wages and benefits

    32,798       31,063  

Operating supplies and expenses

    23,715       23,512  

Rent and purchased transportation

    42,927       44,554  

Depreciation

    14,295       13,187  

Insurance and claims

    42       4,114  

Other

    5,844       2,994  

Loss/(gain) on disposition of equipment

    48       (425 )

Total operating expenses and costs

    119,669       118,999  
                 

OPERATING INCOME

    9,486       9,687  
                 

NON-OPERATING (EXPENSE)/INCOME

    (9,076 )     3,472  

INTEREST EXPENSE

    (2,212 )     (2,040 )
                 

(LOSS)/INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

    (1,802 )     11,119  
                 

FEDERAL AND STATE INCOME TAX (BENEFIT) EXPENSE:

               

Current

    -       89  

Deferred

    (498 )     2,729  

Total federal and state income tax (benefit) expense

    (498 )     2,818  
                 

NET (LOSS)/INCOME

  $ (1,304 )   $ 8,301  
                 

(LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:

               

Basic

  $ (0.23 )   $ 1.40  

Diluted

  $ (0.23 )   $ 1.39  
                 

AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:

               

Basic

    5,746       5,921  

Diluted

    5,746       5,985  

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4

 

 

P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 31,

 
   

2020

   

2019

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

               

Net (loss) income

  $ (1,304 )   $ 8,301  

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:

               

Depreciation

    14,295       13,187  

Bad debt expense

    239       69  

Stock compensation-net of excess tax benefits

    305       306  

(Benefit from) provision for deferred income taxes

    (498 )     2,729  

Recognized loss (gain) on marketable equity securities

    9,339       (3,184 )

Loss/(gain) on disposition of equipment

    1       (425 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

               

Accounts receivable

    (5,053 )     (5,356 )

Prepaid expenses, deposits, inventories, and other assets

    (530 )     1,269  

Income taxes refundable

    -       75  

Trade accounts payable

    8,048       199  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

    (1,339 )     2,567  

Net cash provided by operating activities

    23,503       19,737  
                 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

               

Purchases of property and equipment

    (23,158 )     (7,926 )

Proceeds from disposition of equipment

    5,325       5,787  

Purchases of marketable equity securities, net of return of capital

    (3,026 )     (72 )

Net cash used in investing activities

    (20,859 )     (2,211 )
                 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

               

Borrowings under line of credit

    137,243       131,387  

Repayments under line of credit

    (128,657 )     (133,442 )

Borrowings of long-term debt

    -       5,789  

Repayments of long-term debt

    (13,670 )     (19,480 )

Borrowings under margin account

    3,753       166  

Repayments under margin account

    (985 )     (324 )

Repurchases of common stock

    (321 )     (1,618 )

Net cash used in financing activities

    (2,637 )     (17,522 )
                 

NET INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH

    7       4  
                 

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH -Beginning of period

    318       282  
                 

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH -End of period

  $ 325     $ 286  
                 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

               

Cash paid during the period for:

               

Interest

  $ 2,185     $ 2,037  

Income taxes

  $ -     $ 15  
                 

NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

               

Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable

  $ 2,239     $ 4,025  

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5

 

 

P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

   

Common Stock

Shares / Amount

   

Additional

Paid-In Capital

   

Treasury

Stock

   

Retained Earnings

   

Total

 
                                                 

Balance at January 1, 2020

    5,749     $ 117     $ 83,688     $ (156,837 )   $ 207,007     $ 133,975  
                                                 

Net Loss

                                    (1,304 )     (1,304 )
                                                 

Exercise of stock awards-shares issued including tax benefits

    2                                       -  
                                                 

Treasury stock repurchases

    (9 )                     (321 )             (321 )
                                                 

Stock compensation

                    305                       305  
                                                 

Balance at March 31, 2020

    5,742     $ 117     $ 83,993     $ (157,158 )   $ 205,703     $ 132,655  

 

 

 

   

Common Stock

Shares / Amount

   

Additional Paid-In Capital

   

Treasury Stock

   

Retained Earnings

   

Total

 
                                                 

Balance at January 1, 2019

    5,957     $ 116     $ 82,776     $ (142,552 )   $ 199,107     $ 139,447  
                                                 

Net Income

                                    8,301       8,301  
                                                 

Exercise of stock awards-shares issued including tax benefits

    1                                       -  
                                                 

Treasury stock repurchases

    (40 )                     (1,618 )             (1,618 )
                                                 

Stock compensation (1)

                    216                       216  
                                                 

Balance at March 31, 2019

    5,918     $ 116     $ 82,992     $ (144,170 )   $ 207,408     $ 146,346  

 

(1)   Approximately $90,000 was accrued as Share-based compensation at March 31, 2019 for restricted stock earned by non-employee directors but for which shares were not issued until April 2019.

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

6

 

P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2020

 

 

NOTE A: BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to “P.A.M.,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” mean P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In management’s opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. Operating results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2020. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and the footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

 

NOTE B: RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, (“ASU 2020-04”), Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. ASU 2020-04 was issued to provide optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform on financial reporting. ASU 2020-04 is effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Company has evaluated the provisions of this standard and determined that it is applicable to our line of credit and investment margin account. The London Interbank Offered Rate “LIBOR” is the basis for interest charges on outstanding borrowings for both our line of credit and investment margin account. The scheduled discontinuation of LIBOR is not expected to materially alter any provisions of either of these debt instruments, except for the identification of a replacement reference rate. The Company has evaluated the new guidance and does not expect it to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, (“ASU 2016-13”), Accounting for Credit Losses (Topic 326). ASU 2016-13 requires the use of an “expected loss” model on certain types of financial instruments. The standard also amends the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and requires estimated credit losses to be recorded as allowances instead of reductions to the amortized cost of the securities. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance on January 1, 2020 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

 

NOTE C: REVENUE RECOGNITION

The Company has a single performance obligation, to transport our customer’s freight from a specified origin to a specified destination. The Company has the discretion to choose to self-transport or to arrange for alternate transportation to fulfill the performance obligation. Where the Company decides to self-transport the freight, the Company classifies the service as truckload services, and where the Company arranges for alternate transportation of the freight, the Company classifies the service as brokerage and logistics services. In either case, the Company is paid a rate to transport freight from its origin location to a specified destination. Because the primary factors influencing revenue recognition, including performance obligation, customer base, and timing of revenue recognition, are the same for both of its service categories, the Company utilizes the same revenue recognition method throughout its operations.

 

Company revenue is generated from freight transportation services performed utilizing heavy truck trailer combinations. While various ownership arrangements may exist for the equipment utilized to perform these services, including Company owned or leased, owner-operator owned, and third-party carriers, revenue is generated from the same base of customers. Contracts with these customers establish rates for services performed, which are predominantly rates that will be paid to pick up, transport and drop off freight at various locations. In addition to transportation, revenue is also awarded for various accessorial services performed in conjunction with the base transportation service. The Company also has other revenue categories that are not discussed in this note or broken out in our Statements of Operations due to their immaterial amounts.

 

In fulfilling the Company’s obligation to transport freight from a specified origin to a specified destination, control of freight is transferred to us at the point it has been loaded into the driver’s trailer, the doors are sealed and the driver has signed a bill of lading, which is the basic transportation agreement that establishes the nature, quantity and condition of the freight loaded, responsibility for invoice payment, and pickup and delivery locations. Our revenue is generated, and our customer receives benefit, as the freight progresses towards delivery locations. In the event our customer cancels the shipment at some point prior to the final delivery location and re-consigns the shipment to an alternate delivery location, we are entitled to receive payment for services performed for the partial shipment. Shipments are generally conducted over a relatively short time span, generally one to three days; however, freight is sometimes stored temporarily in our trailer at one of our drop yard locations or at a location designated by a customer. Our revenue is categorized as either Freight Revenue or Fuel Surcharge Revenue, and both are earned by performing the same freight transportation services, discussed further below.

 

7

 

Freight Revenue – revenue generated by the performance of the freight transportation service, including any accessorial services, provided to customers.

 

Fuel Surcharge Revenue – revenue designed to adjust freight revenue rates to an agreed upon base cost for diesel fuel. Diesel fuel prices can fluctuate widely during the term of a contract with a customer. At the point that freight revenue rates are negotiated with customers, a sliding scale is agreed upon that approximately adjusts diesel fuel costs to an agreed upon base amount. In general, as fuel prices increase, revenue from fuel surcharge increases, so that diesel fuel cost is adjusted to the approximate base amount agreed upon.

 

Revenue is recognized over time as the freight progresses towards its destination and the transportation service obligation is fulfilled. For loads picked up during the reporting period, but delivered in a subsequent reporting period, revenue is allocated to each period based on the transit time in each period as a percentage of total transit time. There are no assets or liabilities recorded in conjunction with revenue recognized, other than Accounts Receivable and Estimated Credit Losses.

 

 

NOTE D: MARKETABLE EQUITY SECURITIES

The Company’s investments in marketable securities consist of equity securities with readily determinable fair values. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method, and interest and dividends on securities are included in non-operating (expense) income.

 

Marketable equity securities are carried at fair value, with gains and losses in fair market value included in the determination of net income. The fair value of marketable equity securities is determined based on quoted market prices in active markets, as described in Note J, below.

 

The following table sets forth market value, cost, and unrealized losses and gains on equity securities as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

 

   

March 31, 2020

   

December 31, 2019

 
   

(in thousands)

 

Fair market value

  $ 23,207     $ 29,521  

Cost

    26,624       24,156  

Unrealized (loss) / gain

  $ ( 3,417 )   $ 5,365  

 

The following table sets forth the gross unrealized losses and gains on the Company’s marketable securities as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

 

   

March 31, 2020

   

December 31, 2019

 
   

(in thousands)

 

Gross unrealized gains

  $ 3,352     $ 7,808  

Gross unrealized losses

    6,769       2,443  

Net unrealized (loss) / gain

  $ (3,417 )   $ 5,365  

 

The following table shows the Company’s net realized (losses) gains during the first three months of 2020 and 2019 on certain marketable equity securities.

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 31,

 
   

2020

   

2019

 
   

(in thousands)

 

Sales proceeds

  $ 677     $ -  

Cost of securities sold

    1,211       -  

Realized loss

  $ (534 )   $ -  

 

There were no sales of marketable equity securities during the first three months of 2019.

 

8

 

For the quarter ended March 31, 2020, the Company recognized dividends received of approximately $305,000 in non-operating income in its statements of operations. For the quarter ended March 31, 2019, the Company recognized dividends of approximately $277,000 in non-operating income in its statements of operations.

 

The market value of the Company’s equity securities are periodically used as collateral against any outstanding margin account borrowings. As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company had outstanding borrowings of approximately $10,242,000 and $7,474,000, respectively, under its margin account. Margin account borrowings are used for the purchase of marketable equity securities and as a source of short-term liquidity and are included in Accrued expenses and other liabilities on our balance sheets.

 

Our marketable equity securities portfolio had a net unrealized pre-tax loss in market value of approximately $8,805,000 during the first quarter of 2020, and a net unrealized pre-tax gain in market value of approximately $3,184,000 during the first quarter of 2019, which were reported as Non-operating income for the respective periods.

 

 

NOTE E: STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

The Company maintains a stock incentive plan (the “Plan”) under which incentive and nonqualified stock options and other stock awards may be granted. Under the Plan, 750,000 shares are reserved for the issuance of stock awards to directors, officers, key employees, and others. The stock option exercise price and the restricted stock purchase price under the Plan shall not be less than 85% of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date the award is granted. The fair market value is determined by the closing price of the Company’s common stock, on its primary exchange, on the same date that the option or award is granted.

 

In January 2020, the Company granted 7,000 shares of common stock to certain key employees. These stock awards have a grant date fair value of $56.45 per share, based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant, and vest on the fourth anniversary date in January 2024.

 

In March 2020, the Company granted 2,608 shares of common stock to non-employee directors. These stock awards have a grant date fair value of $30.75 per share, based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant, and vested immediately.

 

The total grant date fair value of stock vested during the first three months of 2020 was approximately $80,000. Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense, recognized in Salaries, wages and benefits during the first three months of 2020 was approximately $305,000 and includes approximately $80,000 recognized as a result of grant of 326 shares to each non-employee director during the first quarter of 2020. The recognition of stock-based compensation expense decreased both diluted and basic earnings per common share by approximately $0.04 during the first quarter of 2020. As of March 31, 2020, the Company had stock-based compensation plans with total unvested stock-based compensation expense of approximately $1,074,000 which is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining vesting period. As a result, the Company expects to recognize approximately $266,000 in additional compensation expense related to unvested option awards during the remainder of 2020 and to recognize approximately $354,000, $354,000, $92,000 and $8,000 in additional compensation expense related to unvested option awards during the years 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, respectively.

 

The total grant date fair value of stock and stock options vested during the first three months of 2019 was approximately $39,000. Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense, recognized in Salaries, wages and benefits during the first three months of 2019 was approximately $306,000, and included approximately $90,000 recognized as a result of the accrual of 205 shares to each non-employee director during the first quarter of 2019. The recognition of stock-based compensation expense decreased both diluted and basic earnings per common share by approximately $0.04 during the first quarter 2019. As of March 31, 2019, the Company had stock-based compensation plans with total unvested stock-based compensation expense of approximately $1,648,000 which was being amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining vesting period.

 

A summary of the status of the Company’s non-vested restricted stock as of March 31, 2020 and changes during the three months ended March 31, 2020, is as follows:

 

   

Restricted Stock

 
   

Number of

Shares

   

Weighted-

Average Grant

Date Fair Value

 

Non-vested at January 1, 2020

    55,459     $ 24.35  

Granted

    9,608       49.47  

Canceled/forfeited/expired

    (357 )     56.45  

Vested

    (2,608 )     30.75  

Non-vested at March 31, 2020

    62,102     $ 27.78  

 

9

 

 

NOTE F: SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company follows the guidance provided by ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting, in its identification of operating segments. The Company has determined that it has a total of two operating segments whose primary operations can be characterized as either Truckload Services or Brokerage and Logistics Services; however, in accordance with the aggregation criteria provided by FASB ASC Topic 280, the Company has determined that the operations of the two operating segments can be aggregated into a single reporting segment, motor carrier operations. Truckload Services revenues and Brokerage and Logistics Services revenues, each before fuel surcharges, were as follows:

 

   

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
   

2020

   

2019

 
   

Amount

   

%

   

Amount

   

%

 
   

(in thousands, except percentage data)

 
                                 

Truckload Services revenue

  $ 91,311       81.7     $ 90,013       81.6  

Brokerage and Logistics Services revenue

    20,511       18.3       20,332       18.4  

Total revenues

  $ 111,822       100.0     $ 110,345       100.0  

 

 

NOTE G: TREASURY STOCK

The Company’s stock repurchase program has been extended and expanded several times, most recently in April 2017, when the Board of Directors reauthorized 500,000 shares of common stock for repurchase under the initial September 2011 authorization. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company repurchased 9,175 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of approximately $321,000 under this program.

 

The Company accounts for Treasury stock using the cost method and as of March 31, 2020, 5,916,438 shares were held in the treasury at an aggregate cost of approximately $157.2 million.

 

 

NOTE H: NET INCOME PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by adjusting the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding by common stock equivalents attributable to dilutive stock options. The computation of diluted earnings per share does not assume conversion, exercise, or contingent issuance of securities that would have an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share. The computations of basic and diluted earnings per share were as follows:

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 31,

 
   

2020

   

2019

 
   

(in thousands, except per share data)

 
                 

Net (loss)/income

  $ (1,304 )   $ 8,301  
                 

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

    5,746       5,921  

Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents

    -       64  

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

    5,746       5,985  
                 

Basic (loss)/earnings per share

  $ (0.23 )   $ 1.40  

Diluted (loss)/earnings per share

  $ (0.23 )   $ 1.39  

 

 

NOTE I: INCOME TAXES

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. and Canadian federal income tax laws as well as the income tax laws of multiple state jurisdictions. The major tax jurisdictions in which the Company operates generally provide for a deficiency assessment statute of limitations period of three years, and as a result, the Company’s tax years 2016 and forward remain open to examination in those jurisdictions.

 

In determining whether a tax asset valuation allowance is necessary, management, in accordance with the provisions of ASC 740-10-30, weighs all available evidence, both positive and negative, to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is necessary. If negative conditions exist which indicate a valuation allowance might be necessary, consideration is then given to what effect the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and the availability of tax strategies might have on future taxable income to determine the amount, if any, of the required valuation allowance. As of March 31, 2020, management determined that the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and available tax strategies would generate sufficient future taxable income to realize its tax assets and therefore a valuation allowance was not necessary.

 

10

 

The Company recognizes a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. As of March 31, 2020, an adjustment to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for uncertain tax positions has not been required as management believes that the Company’s tax positions taken in income tax returns filed or to be filed are supported by clear and unambiguous income tax laws. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain income tax positions, if any, in income tax expense. During the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company has not recognized or accrued any interest or penalties related to uncertain income tax positions.

 

The Company’s effective income tax rates were 27.6% and 25.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Our effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2020 differs from amounts computed by applying the United States federal statutory rates to pre-tax income primarily due to non-deductible expenses, state taxes and the tax benefits related to stock-based compensation.

 

 

NOTE J: FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, marketable equity securities, accounts receivable, trade accounts payable, and borrowings.

 

The Company follows the guidance for financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis. This guidance defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date and also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

 

Level 1:

 

Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

 

 

 

 

Level 2:

 

Inputs other than Level 1 inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable; or other inputs not directly observable, but derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.

       

 

Level 3:

 

Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity.

     

The Company utilizes the market approach to measure fair value for its financial assets and liabilities. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.

 

At March 31, 2020, the following items are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

   

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 
   

(in thousands)

 
                                 

Marketable equity securities

  $ 23,207     $ 23,207       -       -  

 

The Company’s investments in marketable securities are recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices. The carrying value of other financial instruments, including cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to their short maturities.

 

The carrying amount for the line of credit approximates fair value because the line of credit interest rate is adjusted frequently.

 

For long-term debt other than the lines of credit, the fair values are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. The carrying value and estimated fair value of this other long-term debt at March 31, 2020 was as follows:

 

   

Carrying

Value

   

Estimated

Fair Value

 
   

(in thousands)

 
                 

Long-term debt

  $ 223,567     $ 226,746  

 

The Company has not elected the fair value option for any of its financial instruments.

 

11

 

 

NOTE K: NOTES PAYABLE

During the first three months of 2020, the Company’s subsidiaries entered into installment obligations totaling approximately $12.5 million for the purpose of purchasing revenue equipment. These obligations are payable in 60 monthly installments.

 

 

NOTE L: LITIGATION

Other than the lawsuit discussed below, the Company is not a party to any pending legal proceeding which management believes to be material to the financial statements of the Company. The Company maintains liability insurance against risks arising out of the normal course of its business.

 

We are a defendant in a collective- and class-action lawsuit which was filed on December 9, 2016, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas. The plaintiffs, who include current and former employee drivers who worked for the Company during the period of December 9, 2013, through December 31, 2019, allege violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Arkansas Minimum Wage Law including “failure to pay minimum wage during orientation, failure to pay minimum wage to team drivers after initial orientation, failure to pay minimum wage to solo-drivers after initial orientation, failure to pay for compensable travel time, Comdata card fees, unlawful deductions, and breach of contract.” The plaintiffs are seeking actual and liquidated damages to include court costs and legal fees. On February 18, 2020, the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas granted preliminary approval of a $16.5 million settlement reached with the plaintiffs. The settlement is subject to final approval by the court. As of March 31, 2020, the preliminary settlement amount of $16.5 million is reserved in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Management has determined that any losses under this claim will not be covered by existing insurance policies.

 

On March 31, 2020, the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas dismissed the collective- and class-action lawsuit filed against the company on May 29, 2019 by plaintiffs, who were independent contractors alleging violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Arkansas Minimum Wage Law. The plaintiffs, through their attorneys, alleged “misclassification as independent contractors, payment on the basis of miles without regard to the number of hours worked, improper deductions, and failure to pay minimum wage.” The dismissal of this lawsuit resulted when the Company and plaintiffs reached a settlement agreement for approximately $421,000, plus legal fees. Legal reserve accruals in excess of the amount outlined in the settlement agreement were reversed during the quarter ended March 31, 2020, resulting in a reduction in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

The Company’s participation in the settlements of the above matters does not constitute an admission by the Company of any fault or liability, and the Company does not admit any fault or liability.

 

 

NOTE M: LEASES

Adoption of ASU 2016-02

 

The Company currently leases shop, office and parking spaces in various locations in the United States and Mexico. The initial term for the majority of these leases is one year or less, with an option for early cancellation and an option to renew for subsequent one-month periods. These leases can be terminated by either party by providing notice to the other party of the intent to cancel or to not extend. Relatively short lease durations for these properties are intended to provide flexibility to the Company as changing operational needs and shifting opportunities often result in cancellation or non-renewal of these leases by the Company or the lessor.

 

The initial lease term for certain shop and office locations is for periods ranging from one to five years with early cancellation options. The Company prefers that leases include early cancellation provisions to prevent becoming locked into long term leases that become operationally unjustified and to allow the flexibility to pursue more cost-effective options for similar properties if they become available. These leases often include the option to extend for additional periods, which may or may not be exercised. Based on historical experience, the Company does not always extend these leases, sometimes exercises the option to cancel leases early and sometimes lessors choose to cancel leases or not extend.

 

The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 and related amendments on January 1, 2019 utilizing the modified retrospective approach and elected to apply the practical expedients outlined above. This election allowed the Company to continue to recognize lease expense for operating leases for which the initial term was twelve months or less, or for which it is reasonably likely that early cancellation provisions will be exercised, on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the leases.

 

The Company leases trucks to owner-operators under our lease-to-own program. We also lease dock space to a related party at our Laredo, Texas terminal. We have reviewed these operating leases and determined that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 did not require a change to our financial statements, as our method of accounting for related assets and lease revenue is consistent with the provisions of the new standard. 

 

Because the Company’s historical method of accounting for leases is consistent with the provisions of ASU 2016-02, the adoption of ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

12

 

Right-of-Use Leases

 

Following the Company’s adoption of ASU 2016-02 and related amendments on January 1, 2019, the Company entered into operating leases which include initial terms ranging from three to five years and which do not include an option for early cancellation. In accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 842, these leases resulted in the recognition of right-of-use assets and corresponding right-of-use lease liabilities, respectively, valued at $2.0 million as of March 31, 2020. These assets and liabilities are recognized based on the present value of future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date, using the Company’s incremental borrowing rate as of the respective dates of lease inception, as the rate implicit in each lease is not readily determinable. The right-of-use assets are recorded in other assets, and the lease liability is recorded in accrued expenses and other liabilities and in other long-term liabilities on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Lease expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is recorded in rent and purchased transportation in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. While the lease agreements contain provisions to extend after the initial term for an additional five years, the Company is not reasonably certain these extension options will be exercised. Therefore, potential lease payments that might occur under this extension period are not included in amounts recorded in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2020.

 

Scheduled amounts and timing of cash flows arising from future right-of-use operating lease payments at March 31, 2020, are:

 

Maturity of Right-of-Use Lease Liabilities

 

(in thousands)

 

2020 (remaining)

  $ 464  

2021

    627  

2022

    544  

2023

    340  

2024

    114  

Total undiscounted operating lease payments

  $ 2,089  

Less: Imputed interest

    (126 )

Present value of operating lease liabilities

  $ 1,963  
         

Balance Sheet Classification

       

Right-of-use assets (recorded in other non-current assets)

  $ 1,963  
         

Current lease liabilities (recorded in other current liabilities)

  $ 619  

Long-term lease liabilities (recorded in other long-term liabilities)

    1,344  

Total operating lease liabilities

  $ 1,963  
         

Other Information

       

Weighted-average remaining lease term for operating leases (years)

    3.5  

Weighted-average discount rate for operating leases

    3.59 %

 

Cash Flows

 

No new right-of-use assets were recognized as non-cash asset additions that resulted from new operating lease liabilities during the three months ended March 31, 2020. Cash paid for amounts included in the present value of operating lease liabilities was $0.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and is included in operating cash flows.

 

Operating Lease Costs

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 31,

 
   

2020

   

2019

 
 

(in thousands)

 

Long term

  $ 134     $ -  

Short term

    580       502  

Total

  $ 714     $ 502  

 

Lessor Disclosures under ASC Topic 842

 

The Company leases trucks to independent contractors under operating leases, which generally have a term of up to five years and include options to purchase the truck at the end of the lease. In the event that an independent contractor defaults on their lease, the Company generally leases the truck to another independent contractor.

 

13

 

As of March 31, 2020, the gross carrying value of trucks underlying these leases was $60.8 million and accumulated depreciation was $28.2 million. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the equipment, down to an estimated salvage value. In most cases, the Company has agreements in place with certain manufacturers whereby salvage values are guaranteed by the manufacturer. In other cases, where salvage values are not guaranteed, estimates of salvage value are based on the expected market values of equipment at the time of disposal. During the quarter ended March 31, 2020, the Company incurred $1.9 million of depreciation expense for these assets.

 

The Company leases dock space to a related party at a Laredo, Texas terminal and warehouse and office space to a lessee at a second Laredo, Texas terminal. The dock space and the warehouse and office space leased is depreciated in conjunction with the structures and improvements for the respective Laredo terminals on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets. Lease income is recorded as a component of Non-operating income in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

Lease Revenue

 

The Company’s operating lease revenue is disclosed in the table below.

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 31,

 
   

2020

   

2019

 
 

(in thousands)

 

Leased truck revenue (recorded in revenue, before fuel surcharge)

  $ 2,394     $ 2,448  

Leased facility space revenue (recorded in non-operating income)

    67       39  

Total lease revenue

  $ 2,461     $ 2,487  

 

 

Lease Receivables

 

Future minimum operating lease payments receivable at March 31, 2020:

 

   

(in thousands)

 
         

2020 (remaining)

  $ 5,370  

2021

    4,660  

2022

    3,951  

2023

    2,864  

2024

    1,128  

Thereafter

    1  

Total future minimum lease payments receivable

  $ 17,974  

 

 

NOTE N: EFFECT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC 

The rapid spread of COVID-19 has resulted in governmental authorities implementing numerous measures to try to contain the virus, such as travel bans and restrictions, quarantines, shelter in place orders, increased border and port controls and closures, and shutdowns. These measures and the public health concerns resulting from the outbreak have severely disrupted economic and commercial activity. The resulting impact on domestic and global supply chains has caused slowdowns and reduced freight demand for transportation companies such as ours. Because we have a significant concentration of customers within the automotive industry, our freight volumes and revenues have been significantly affected by the closure of North American automotive manufacturing facilities beginning in late March. Although we expect our automotive customers to begin resuming operations in the coming weeks, the extent to which production will return to pre-pandemic levels remains uncertain. Any further delays in resumption of automotive production and other consumer activity affecting our customers and any future wave of the virus or other similar outbreaks could further adversely affect our business. In addition, the implementation of measures to protect the health and safety of our employees, customers, vendors and the general public may disrupt our ability to efficiently manage personnel and operations and to recruit and retain driver and non-driver personnel, which could have a materially adverse effect on our operating results. Further, negative financial results, an economic downturn or uncertainty, or a tightening of credit markets caused by COVID-19 or other similar outbreaks could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and our ability to effectively meet our short- and long-term financial obligations.

 

 

NOTE O: NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES

The Company financed approximately $12.5 million in equipment purchases during the first three months of 2020 utilizing noncash financing.

 

14

 

 

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

 

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q constitutes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements may relate to expected future financial and operating results, prospects, plans or events, and are thus prospective. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, ongoing and potential future economic, business and operational disruptions and uncertainties due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other public health crises; excess capacity in the trucking industry; surplus inventories; recessionary economic cycles and downturns in customers' business cycles; increases or rapid fluctuations in fuel prices, interest rates, fuel taxes, tolls, and license and registration fees; the resale value of the Company's used equipment and the price of new equipment; increases in compensation for and difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified drivers and owner-operators; increases in insurance premiums and deductible amounts relating to accident, cargo, workers' compensation, health, and other claims; unanticipated increases in the number or amount of claims for which the Company is self-insured; inability of the Company to continue to secure acceptable financing arrangements; seasonal factors such as harsh weather conditions that increase operating costs; competition from trucking, rail, and intermodal competitors including reductions in rates resulting from competitive bidding; the ability to identify acceptable acquisition candidates, consummate acquisitions, and integrate acquired operations; our ability to develop and implement suitable information technology systems and prevent failures in or breaches of such systems; litigation, including litigation related to alleged violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Arkansas Minimum Wage Law; general risks associated with doing business in Mexico, including, without limitation, exchange rate fluctuations, inflation, import duties, tariffs, quotas, political and economic instability and terrorism; the potential impact of new laws, regulations or policy, including, without limitation, tariffs, import/export, trade and immigration regulations or policies; a significant reduction in or termination of the Company's trucking service by a key customer; and other factors, including risk factors, included from time to time in filings made by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed above and in company filings might not transpire.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates from the information provided in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, included in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

 

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

The Company’s administrative headquarters are in Tontitown, Arkansas. From this location we manage operations conducted through wholly owned subsidiaries based in various locations around the United States and in Mexico and Canada. The operations of these subsidiaries can generally be classified into either truckload services or brokerage and logistics services. This designation is based primarily on the ownership of the asset that performed the freight transportation service. Truckload services are performed by Company divisions that generally utilize Company owned trucks, long-term contractors, or single-trip contractors to transport loads of freight for customers, while brokerage and logistics services coordinate or facilitate the transport of loads of freight for customers and generally involve the utilization of single-trip contractors. Both our truckload operations and our brokerage and logistics operations have similar economic characteristics and are impacted by virtually the same economic factors as discussed elsewhere in this Report.

 

For both operations, substantially all of our revenue is generated by transporting freight for customers and is predominantly affected by the rates per mile received from our customers, equipment utilization, and our percentage of non-compensated miles. These aspects of our business are carefully managed, and efforts are continuously underway to achieve favorable results. Truckload services revenues, excluding fuel surcharges, represented 81.7% of total revenues, excluding fuel surcharges, for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 81.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The remaining revenues, excluding fuel surcharges, were generated from brokerage and logistics services.

 

The main factors that impact our profitability on the expense side are costs incurred in transporting freight for our customers. Currently, our most challenging costs include fuel, driver recruitment, training, wage and benefits costs, independent broker costs (which we record as purchased transportation), insurance, maintenance and capital equipment costs.

 

In discussing our results of operations, we use revenue, before fuel surcharge (and fuel expense, net of fuel surcharge), because management believes that eliminating the impact of this sometimes volatile source of revenue allows a more consistent basis for comparing our results of operations from period to period. During the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, approximately $17.3 million and $18.3 million, respectively, of the Company’s total revenue was generated from fuel surcharges. We may also discuss certain changes in our expenses as a percentage of revenue, before fuel surcharge, rather than absolute dollar changes. We do this because we believe the variable cost nature of certain expenses makes a comparison of changes in expenses as a percentage of revenue more meaningful than absolute dollar changes.

 

15

 

IMPACT OF COVID-19 

The Company’s primary concern during the COVID-19 pandemic is to do its part to protect its employees, customers, vendors and the general public from the spread of COVID-19 while continuing to serve the vital role of supplying essential goods to the nation. Where possible, our employees are working remotely from their homes. For essential functions, including our driving professionals, we have distributed cleaning and protective supplies to various terminals so that they are available to those that need them, increased cleaning frequency and coverage, and provided employees direction on precautionary measures, such as sanitizing truck interiors, personal hygiene, and social distancing. We will continue to adapt our operations as required to ensure safety while continuing to provide a high level of service to our customers.

 

As the escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic has extended into the second quarter, the Company has experienced the increasing effects of weakening economic conditions, most notably the late March COVID-19 related shutdown of automotive customers, representing approximately 45% of the Company’s revenue. While we have vigorously sought to replace lost automotive revenue with freight from customers supporting the effort to supply essential goods to the nation, competition for this freight has increased as industry capacity has collectively focused on freight that has continued to move during this time. Based on reports from the auto industry, we are optimistic that production will resume soon, returning a large portion of our lost revenue. However, the ultimate magnitude of COVID-19, including the extent of its impact on the Company’s financial and operating results, which could be material, will be determined by the length of time the pandemic continues, its continued severity, government regulations imposed in response to the pandemic, and to its general effect on the economy and transportation demand.

 

While operating cash flows may be negatively impacted by the pandemic, the Company believes we will be able to finance our near term needs for working capital over the next twelve months, as well as any planned capital expenditures during such period, with cash balances, cash flows from operations, and borrowings believed to be available from financing sources.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – TRUCKLOAD SERVICES

The following table sets forth, for truckload services, the percentage relationship of expense items to operating revenues, before fuel surcharges, for the periods indicated. Fuel costs are reported net of fuel surcharges.

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 31,

 
   

2020

   

2019

 
   

(percentages)

 
                 

Operating revenues, before fuel surcharge

    100.0       100.0  
                 

Operating expenses:

               

Salaries, wages and benefits

    34.7       33.3  

Operating supplies and expenses

    6.9       5.7  

Rent and purchased transportation

    26.9       30.3  

Depreciation

    15.6       14.5  

Insurance and claims

    -       4.5  

Other

    6.0       3.1  

Loss/(gain) on sale or disposal of property

    0.1       (0.4 )

Total operating expenses

    90.2       91.0  

Operating income

    9.8       9.0  

Non-operating income/(expense)

    (8.7 )     3.5  

Interest expense

    (2.2 )     (2.0 )

(Loss)/income before income taxes

    (1.1 )     10.5  

 

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2020 VS. THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2019

 

During the first quarter of 2020, truckload services revenue, before fuel surcharges, increased 1.4% to $91.3 million as compared to $90.0 million during the first quarter of 2019. The increase in revenue was primarily the result of increases in our average fleet size and average rate per mile charged to our customers during the first quarter 2020 compared to the first quarter 2019. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in the total number of miles driven per truck for the first quarter of 2020 compared to the first quarter of 2019.

 

Salaries, wages and benefits increased from 33.3% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, in the first quarter of 2019 to 34.7% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first quarter of 2020. The increase relates primarily to an increase in company driver wages paid during 2020 compared to 2019. The increase in driver wages relates primarily to route specific pay increases that were phased in throughout 2019. In addition, the proportion of total miles driven by company drivers increased as the number of company drivers increased year-over-year.

 

16

 

Operating supplies and expenses increased from 5.7% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first quarter of 2019 to 6.9% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first quarter of 2020. The increase relates primarily to an increase in the average surcharge-adjusted fuel price paid per gallon of diesel fuel, which was a result of decreased fuel surcharge collections from customers. Fuel surcharge collections can fluctuate significantly from period to period as they are generally based on changes in fuel prices from period to period so that, during periods of rising fuel prices, fuel surcharge collections increase, while fuel surcharge collections decrease during periods of falling fuel prices. Also contributing to the increase was an increase in the proportion of total miles driven by company drivers for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 compared to March 31, 2019. This increase in miles driven by company drivers has the effect of increasing our net operating supplies and expenses while decreasing the Rent and purchased transportation category, as fuel surcharge revenue generated from transportation services performed by owner-operators is reflected as a reduction in net operating supplies and expenses, while fuel surcharges paid to owner-operators for their services is reported along with their base rate of pay in the Rent and purchased transportation category.

 

Rent and purchased transportation decreased from 30.3% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first quarter of 2019 to 26.9% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first quarter of 2020. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the number of loads transported by third party carriers during the first quarter 2020 compared to the first quarter 2019. This decrease occurred as the average number of company-owned trucks increased for the first quarter 2020 compared to the first quarter 2019, providing additional company-owned capacity and diminishing the need to utilize third party carriers.

 

Depreciation increased from 14.5% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first quarter of 2019 to 15.6% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first quarter of 2020. This increase is primarily the result of an increase in the average number of trucks and trailers in our fleet for the first quarter of 2020 compared to the first quarter of 2019.

 

Insurance and claims expense decreased from 4.5% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first quarter of 2019 to 0.0% of revenues before fuel surcharges, during the first quarter of 2020. This decrease primarily resulted from the settlement during the quarter ended March 31, 2020 of a lawsuit brought against the Company by individuals who asserted they were misclassified as owner-operators. The amount of the settlement was less than the amount previously reserved for the suit. Also contributing to the decrease was a reduction in auto liability insurance premiums, as the Company became self-insured for certain layers of auto liability claims in excess of $1.0 million commencing September 1, 2019. During the first three months of 2019, the Company paid for auto liability insurance coverage for claims in excess of $1.0 million through various third-party insurance carriers.

 

Other expenses increased from 3.1% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first quarter of 2019 to 6.0% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first quarter of 2020. This increase related primarily to an increase in amounts expensed for legal fees incurred during the quarter related to the exploration of a potential acquisition and certain litigation described in Note L to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The truckload services division operating ratio, which measures the ratio of operating expenses, net of fuel surcharges, to operating revenues, before fuel surcharges, improved from 91.0% for the first quarter of 2019 to 90.2% for the first quarter of 2020.

 

Non-operating (expense)/income decreased from 3.5% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first quarter of 2019 to (8.7%) of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first quarter of 2020. This decrease primarily resulted from a decrease in the market value of the Company’s portfolio of marketable equity securities during the quarter ended March 31, 2020 compared to an increase in market value for the portfolio during the same period in 2019. The Company recorded a loss in market value of approximately $8.8 million in non-operating income during the first quarter of 2020, compared to a $3.2 million gain in the market value of our equity securities during the first quarter of 2019.

 

17

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – LOGISTICS AND BROKERAGE SERVICES

The following table sets forth, for logistics and brokerage services, the percentage relationship of expense items to operating revenues, before fuel surcharges, for the periods indicated. Brokerage service operations occur specifically in certain divisions; however, brokerage operations occur throughout the Company in similar operations having substantially similar economic characteristics.

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 31,

 
   

2020

   

2019

 
   

(percentages)

 
                 

Operating revenues, before fuel surcharge

    100.0       100.0  
                 

Operating expenses:

               

Salaries, wages and benefits

    5.4       5.4  

Rent and purchased transportation

    89.4       84.9  

Other

    2.7       2.1  

Total operating expenses

    97.5       92.4  

Operating income

    2.5       7.6  

Non-operating income/(expense)

    (5.2 )     1.7  

Interest expense

    (1.2 )     (1.0 )

(Loss)/income before income taxes

    (3.9 )     8.3  

 

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2020 VS. THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2019

 

During the first quarter of 2020, logistics and brokerage services revenue, before fuel surcharges, increased 0.9% to $20.5 million as compared to $20.3 million during the first quarter of 2019. The increase relates to an increase in the number of loads during the first quarter of 2020 as compared to the first quarter of 2019.

 

Rents and purchased transportation increased from 84.9% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first quarter of 2019 to 89.4% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first quarter of 2020. The increase results from paying third party carriers a larger percentage of customer revenue.

 

The logistics and brokerage services division operating ratio, which measures the ratio of operating expenses, net of fuel surcharges, to operating revenues, before fuel surcharges, increased from 92.4% for the first quarter of 2019 to 97.5% for the first quarter of 2020.

 

Non-operating income/(expense) decreased from 1.7% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first quarter of 2019 to (5.2%) of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during the first quarter of 2020. This decrease primarily resulted from a decrease in the market value of the Company’s portfolio of marketable equity securities during the quarter ended March 31, 2020 compared to an increase in market value for the portfolio during the same period in 2019. The Company recorded a loss in market value of approximately $8.8 million in non-operating income during the first quarter of 2020, compared to a $3.2 million gain in the market value of our equity securities during the first quarter of 2019.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – COMBINED SERVICES

 

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2020 VS. THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2019

 

Operating income for all divisions was approximately $9.5 million, or 8.5% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, for the first quarter of 2020 as compared to operating income of approximately $9.7 million, or 8.8% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, for the first quarter of 2019. Net loss for all divisions was approximately $1.3 million, or 1.2% of revenues, before fuel surcharges for the first quarter of 2020 as compared to net income of $8.3 million, or 7.5% of revenues, before fuel surcharges for the first quarter of 2019. The decrease in net income resulted in a diluted loss per share of $(0.23) for the first quarter of 2020 as compared to diluted earnings per share of $1.39 for the first quarter of 2019.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our business has required, and will continue to require, a significant investment in new revenue equipment. Our primary sources of liquidity have been funds provided by operations, proceeds from the sales of revenue equipment, issuances of equity securities, and borrowings under our lines of credit, installment notes, and our investment margin account.

 

18

 

During the first three months of 2020, we generated $23.6 million in cash from operating activities. Investing activities used $20.9 million in cash in the first three months of 2020. Financing activities used $2.6 million in cash in the first three months of 2020.

 

Our primary use of funds is for the purchase of revenue equipment. We typically use installment notes, our existing line of credit on an interim basis, proceeds from the sale or trade of equipment, and cash flows from operations to finance capital expenditures and repay long-term debt. During the first three months of 2020, we utilized cash on hand, installment notes, and our lines of credit to finance purchases of revenue equipment and other assets of approximately $35.6 million.

 

We commonly finance the acquisition of revenue equipment through installment notes with fixed interest rates and terms ranging from 36 to 84 months. During the first three months of 2020, the Company’s subsidiary, P.A.M. Transport, Inc., entered into installment obligations totaling approximately $12.5 million for the purpose of purchasing revenue equipment. These obligations are payable in 60 monthly installments.

 

During the remainder of 2020, we expect to purchase approximately 450 new trucks while continuing to sell or trade older equipment, which we expect to result in net capital expenditures of approximately $33.5 million. We have not altered our equipment replenishment cycle or planned capital expenditure in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. Management believes we will be able to finance our near term needs for working capital over the next twelve months, as well as any planned capital expenditures during such period, with cash balances, cash flows from operations, and borrowings believed to be available from financing sources. We will continue to have significant capital requirements over the long-term, which may require us to incur debt or seek additional equity capital. The availability of additional capital will depend upon prevailing market conditions, the market price of our common stock and several other factors over which we have limited control, as well as our financial condition and results of operations. Nevertheless, based on our recent operating results, current cash position, anticipated future cash flows, and sources of financing that we expect will be available to us, we do not expect that we will experience any significant liquidity constraints in the foreseeable future.

 

We currently intend to retain our future earnings to finance our growth and do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

During the first three months of 2020, we maintained a revolving line of credit. Amounts outstanding under the line bear interest at LIBOR (determined as of the first day of each month) plus 1.25% (2.83% at March 31, 2020), are secured by our trade accounts receivable and mature on July 1, 2022. An “unused fee” of 0.25% is charged if average borrowings are less than $18.0 million. At March 31, 2020 outstanding advances on the line of credit were approximately $26.1 million, including approximately $0.4 million in letters of credit, with availability to borrow $33.9 million.

 

Trade accounts receivable increased from $61.8 million at December 31, 2019 to $66.1 million at March 31, 2020. The increase relates to a general increase in freight revenues, which flows through the accounts receivable account, at the end of the first quarter of 2020 as compared to the end of the last quarter of 2019.

 

Marketable equity securities decreased from $29.5 million at December 31, 2019 to $23.2 million at March 31, 2020. The $6.3 million decrease in market value was primarily the result of an approximate $8.8 million decrease in the value of marketable securities held at the end of the quarter and sales of marketable equity securities with a cost basis of approximately $1.2 million. These decreases were partially offset by the purchase of marketable equity securities with a combined market value of approximately $3.7 million during the first quarter 2020.

 

The Company purchased a 51.6 acre terminal in Laredo, TX which includes office, shop, and yard space during the quarter ended March 31, 2020. This transaction resulted in an increase of $8.8 million in Land and $10.9 million in Structures and improvements recorded in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2020.

 

Long-term debt and current maturities of long term-debt are reviewed on an aggregate basis, as the classification of amounts in each category are typically affected merely by the passage of time. Long-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt, on an aggregate basis, increased from $241.8 million at December 31, 2019 to $249.2 million at March 31, 2020. The increase was primarily related to the net effect of additional borrowings received during the first three months of 2020, partially offset by installment note payments made during the quarter.

 

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

See Note B to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the most recent accounting pronouncements and their impact, if any, on the Company.

 

19

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

 

Our primary market risk exposures include equity price risk, interest rate risk, commodity price risk (the price paid to obtain diesel fuel for our trucks), and foreign currency exchange rate risk. The potential adverse impact of these risks are discussed below. While the Company has used derivative financial instruments in the past to manage its interest rate and commodity price risks, the Company does not currently enter into such instruments for risk management purposes or for speculation or trading.

 

The following sensitivity analyses do not consider the effects that an adverse change may have on the overall economy nor do they consider additional actions we may take to mitigate our exposure to such changes. Actual results of changes in prices or rates may differ materially from the hypothetical results described below.

 

Equity Price Risk

We hold certain actively traded marketable equity securities, which subjects the Company to fluctuations in the fair market value of its investment portfolio based on the current market price of such securities. The recorded value of marketable equity securities decreased to $23.2 million at March 31, 2020 from $29.5 million at December 31, 2019. A 10% decrease in the market price of our marketable equity securities would cause a corresponding 10% decrease in the carrying amounts of these securities, or approximately $2.3 million. For additional information with respect to the marketable equity securities, see Note D to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Interest Rate Risk

Our line of credit bears interest at a floating rate equal to LIBOR plus a fixed percentage. Accordingly, changes in LIBOR, which are affected by changes in interest rates, will affect the interest rate on, and therefore our costs under, the line of credit. Assuming $25.6 million of variable rate debt was outstanding under our line of credit for a full fiscal year; a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in LIBOR would result in approximately $256,000 of additional interest expense.

 

Commodity Price Risk

Prices and availability of all petroleum products are subject to political, economic, and market factors that are generally outside of our control. Accordingly, the price and availability of diesel fuel, as well as other petroleum products, can be unpredictable. Because our operations are dependent upon diesel fuel, significant increases in diesel fuel costs could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Based upon our 2019 fuel consumption, a 10% increase in the average annual price per gallon of diesel fuel would increase our annual fuel expenses by $5.1 million.

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk related to the activities of our branch office located in Mexico. Currently, we do not hedge our exchange rate exposure through any currency forward contracts, currency options, or currency swaps as all of our revenues, and substantially all of our expenses and capital expenditures, are transacted in U.S. dollars. However, certain operating expenditures and capital purchases related to our Mexico branch office are incurred in or exposed to fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Mexican peso. Based on 2019 expenditures denominated in pesos, a 10% increase in the exchange rate would increase our annual operating expenses by $860,000.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the

fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.

 

Based on management’s evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that, as of March 31, 2020, our disclosure controls and procedures are designed at a reasonable assurance level and are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Changes in internal controls over financial reporting. We regularly review our system of internal control over financial reporting and make changes to our processes and systems to improve controls and increase efficiency, while ensuring that we maintain an effective internal control environment. Changes may include such activities as implementing new, more efficient systems, consolidating activities, and migrating processes.

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

 

20

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

 

The nature of our business routinely results in litigation, primarily involving claims for personal injuries and property damage incurred in the transportation of freight. We believe that all such routine litigation is adequately covered by insurance and that adverse results in one or more of those cases would not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

 

We are a defendant in a collective- and class-action lawsuit which was filed on December 9, 2016, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas. The plaintiffs, who include current and former employee drivers who worked for the Company during the period of December 9, 2013, through December 31, 2019, allege violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Arkansas Minimum Wage Law including “failure to pay minimum wage during orientation, failure to pay minimum wage to team drivers after initial orientation, failure to pay minimum wage to solo-drivers after initial orientation, failure to pay for compensable travel time, Comdata card fees, unlawful deductions, and breach of contract.” The plaintiffs are seeking actual and liquidated damages to include court costs and legal fees. On February 18, 2020, the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas granted preliminary approval of a $16.5 million settlement reached with the plaintiffs. The settlement is subject to final approval by the court. As of March 31, 2020, the preliminary settlement amount of $16.5 million is reserved in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Management has determined that any losses under this claim will not be covered by existing insurance policies.

 

On March 31, 2020, the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas dismissed the collective- and class-action lawsuit filed against the company on May 29, 2019 by plaintiffs, who were independent contractors alleging violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Arkansas Minimum Wage Law. The plaintiffs, through their attorneys, alleged “misclassification as independent contractors, payment on the basis of miles without regard to the number of hours worked, improper deductions, and failure to pay minimum wage.” The dismissal of this lawsuit resulted when the Company and plaintiffs reached a settlement agreement for approximately $421,000, plus legal fees. Legal reserve accruals in excess of the amount outlined in the settlement agreement were reversed during the quarter ended March 31, 2020, resulting in a reduction in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

The Company’s participation in the settlements of the above matters does not constitute an admission by the Company of any fault or liability, and the Company does not admit any fault or liability.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

 

Except as noted below, there have been no material changes to the Company’s risk factors as previously disclosed in Item 1A to Part I of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

The coronavirus outbreak or other similar outbreaks could negatively impact our financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, and cash flows.

 

The recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and any other outbreaks of contagious diseases or other adverse public health developments, could have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, and cash flows. The rapid spread of COVID-19 has resulted in governmental authorities implementing numerous measures to try to contain the virus, such as travel bans and restrictions, quarantines, shelter in place orders, increased border and port controls and closures, and shutdowns. These measures and the public health concerns resulting from the outbreak have severely disrupted economic and commercial activity. The resulting impact on domestic and global supply chains has caused slowdowns and reduced freight demand for transportation companies such as ours. Because we have a significant concentration of customers within the automotive industry, our freight volumes and revenues have been significantly affected by the closure of North American automotive manufacturing facilities beginning in late March. Although we expect our automotive customers to begin resuming operations in the coming weeks, the extent to which production will return to pre-pandemic levels remains uncertain. Any further delays in resumption of automotive production and other consumer activity affecting our customers and any future wave of the virus or other similar outbreaks could further adversely affect our business. In addition, the implementation of measures to protect the health and safety of our employees, customers, vendors and the general public may disrupt our ability to efficiently manage personnel and operations and to recruit and retain driver and non-driver personnel, which could have a materially adverse effect on our operating results. Further, negative financial results, an economic downturn or uncertainty, or a tightening of credit markets caused by COVID-19 or other similar outbreaks could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and our ability to effectively meet our short- and long-term financial obligations.

 

21

 

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

 

The Company’s stock repurchase program has been extended and expanded several times, most recently in April 2017, when the Board of Directors reauthorized 500,000 shares of common stock for repurchase under the initial September 2011 authorization. Since the reauthorization, the Company has repurchased 280,179 shares of its common stock under this repurchase program.

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s common stock repurchases during the first quarter of 2020 made pursuant to the stock repurchase program. No shares were purchased during the quarter other than through this program, and all purchases were made by or on behalf of the Company and not by any “affiliated purchaser.”

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

                               
Period   

Total number

of shares

purchased

   

Average

price paid

per share

   

Total number of

shares purchased

as part of publicly announced plans

or programs

   

Maximum number

of shares that may

yet be purchased under the plans or programs (1)

 

January 1-31, 2020

    2,447     $ 54.26       2,447       226,549  

February 1-29, 2020

    -       -       -       226,549  

March 1-31, 2020

    6,728       27.96       6,728       219,821  

Total

    9,175     $ 34.97       9,175          

 

 

(1)

The Company’s stock repurchase program does not have an expiration date.

 

22

 

Item 6. Exhibits.

 

 

Exhibit

Number

Exhibit Description

     

3.1

 

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 15, 2002.)

3.2

 

Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company's Form 8-K filed on December 11, 2007.)

3.3

 

First Amendment to the Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 7, 2020.)

31.1

 

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer

31.2

 

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer

32.1

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

 

XBRL 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 Labels Linkbase Document

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

     

 

23

 

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.

 

 

 

P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.

   
   

Dated: May 1, 2020

By: /s/ Daniel H. Cushman

 

Daniel H. Cushman

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

(principal executive officer)

   

Dated: May 1, 2020

By: /s/ Allen W. West

 

Allen W. West

 

Vice President-Finance, Chief Financial

 

Officer, Secretary and Treasurer

 

(principal accounting and financial officer)

   

 

24
ex_182645.htm

 

EXHIBIT 31.1

 

RULE 13a-14(a) CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

 

 

I, DANIEL H. CUSHMAN, President and Chief Executive Officer, certify that:

 

(1)

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation;

 

(2)

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

(3)

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

(4)

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

 

(a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

 

(b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

 

(c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

 

(d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

 

(5)

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

 

(a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

 

(b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: May 1, 2020

 

/s/ Daniel H. Cushman          

Daniel H. Cushman

President and Chief Executive Officer

(principal executive officer)

 

 
ex_182646.htm

 

EXHIBIT 31.2

 

RULE 13a-14(a) CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

 

 

I, ALLEN W. WEST, Chief Financial Officer, certify that:

 

(1)

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation;

 

(2)

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

(3)

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

(4)

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

 

(a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

 

(b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

 

(c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

 

(d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

 

(5)

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

 

(a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

 

(b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: May 1, 2020

 

/s/ Allen W. West          

Allen W. West

Vice President-Finance, Chief Financial

Officer, Secretary and Treasurer

(principal accounting and financial officer)

 

 

 
 
ex_182647.htm

 

EXHIBIT 32.1

 

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

 

In connection with the Quarterly Report of P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2020 (the “Report”) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, each of the undersigned hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

 

(1)

The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

 

(2)

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

 

Date: May 1, 2020

 

/s/ Daniel H. Cushman          

Daniel H. Cushman

President and Chief Executive Officer

(principal executive officer)

 

/s/ Allen W. West          

Allen W. West

Vice President-Finance, Chief Financial

Officer, Secretary and Treasurer

(principal accounting and financial officer)

 

 
v3.20.1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
Common Stock Outstanding [Member]
Common Stock [Member]
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Treasury Stock [Member]
Retained Earnings [Member]
Total
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018 5,957          
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018   $ 116 $ 82,776 $ (142,552) $ 199,107 $ 139,447
Net Loss   8,301 8,301
Exercise of stock awards-shares issued including tax benefits (in shares) 1          
Exercise of stock awards-shares issued including tax benefits  
Treasury stock repurchases (in shares) (40)          
Treasury stock repurchases   (1,618) (1,618)
Stock compensation [1]   216 216
Net Income   8,301 8,301
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019 5,918          
Balance at Mar. 31, 2019   116 82,992 (144,170) 207,408 146,346
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019 5,749          
Balance at Dec. 31, 2019   117 83,688 (156,837) 207,007 133,975
Net Loss   (1,304) (1,304)
Exercise of stock awards-shares issued including tax benefits (in shares) 2          
Exercise of stock awards-shares issued including tax benefits  
Treasury stock repurchases (in shares) (9)          
Treasury stock repurchases   (321) (321)
Stock compensation   305 305
Net Income   (1,304) (1,304)
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020 5,742          
Balance at Mar. 31, 2020   $ 117 $ 83,993 $ (157,158) $ 205,703 $ 132,655
[1] Approximately $90,000 was accrued as Share-based compensation at March 31, 2019 for restricted stock earned by non-employee directors but for which shares were not issued until April 2019.
v3.20.1
Note M - Leases - Lease Cost (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2019
Long term $ 134
Short term 580 502
Total $ 714 $ 502
v3.20.1
Note K - Notes Payable (Details Textual)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Notes Payable, Total $ 12.5
Notes Payable, Number of Monthly Installments 60
v3.20.1
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 325 $ 318
Accounts receivable-net:    
Trade, less current estimated credit loss of $3,191 and $2,952, respectively 66,090 61,784
Other 4,278 3,769
Inventories 1,220 1,327
Prepaid expenses and deposits 9,093 8,669
Marketable equity securities 23,207 29,521
Income taxes refundable 807 504
Total current assets 105,020 105,892
Property and equipment:    
Land 16,086 7,246
Structures and improvements 31,198 20,204
Revenue equipment 528,410 524,527
Office furniture and equipment 11,470 11,185
Total property and equipment 587,164 563,162
Accumulated depreciation (184,316) (175,887)
Net property and equipment 402,848 387,275
Other assets 4,617 4,842
TOTAL ASSETS 512,485 498,009
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable 24,220 16,597
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 42,042 40,610
Current maturities of long-term debt 59,731 67,637
Total current liabilities 125,993 124,844
Long-term debt-less current portion 189,469 174,187
Deferred income taxes 63,024 63,522
Other long-term liabilities 1,344 1,481
Total liabilities 379,830 364,034
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY    
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
Common stock, $.01 par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized; 11,658,768 and 11,656,160 shares issued; 5,742,330 and 5,748,897 shares outstanding at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively 117 117
Additional paid-in capital 83,993 83,688
Treasury stock, at cost; 5,916,438 and 5,907,263 shares at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively (157,158) (156,837)
Retained earnings 205,703 207,007
Total shareholders’ equity 132,655 133,975
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 512,485 $ 498,009
v3.20.1
Note D - Marketable Equity Securities (Details Textual) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2019
Equity Securities, FV-NI, Realized Gain (Loss), Total $ (534,000) $ 0  
Investment Income, Dividend 305,000 277,000  
Equity Securities, FV-NI, Unrealized Gain (Loss), Total (8,805,000) $ 3,184,000  
Margin Account Borrowings [Member] | Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities [Member]      
Short-term Debt, Total $ 10,242,000   $ 7,474,000
v3.20.1
Note N - Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements  
Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic [Text Block]
NOTE
N
: EFFECT OF COVID-
19
PANDEMIC 
The rapid spread of COVID-
19
has resulted in governmental authorities implementing numerous measures to try to contain the virus, such as travel bans and restrictions, quarantines, shelter in place orders, increased border and port controls and closures, and shutdowns. These measures and the public health concerns resulting from the outbreak have severely disrupted economic and commercial activity. The resulting impact on domestic and global supply chains has caused slowdowns and reduced freight demand for transportation companies such as ours. Because we have a significant concentration of customers within the automotive industry, our freight volumes and revenues have been significantly affected by the closure of North American automotive manufacturing facilities beginning in late
March.
Although we expect our automotive customers to begin resuming operations in the coming weeks, the extent to which production will return to pre-pandemic levels remains uncertain. Any further delays in resumption of automotive production and other consumer activity affecting our customers and any future wave of the virus or other similar outbreaks could further adversely affect our business. In addition, the implementation of measures to protect the health and safety of our employees, customers, vendors and the general public
may
disrupt our ability to efficiently manage personnel and operations and to recruit and retain driver and non-driver personnel, which could have a materially adverse effect on our operating results. Further, negative financial results, an economic downturn or uncertainty, or a tightening of credit markets caused by COVID-
19
or other similar outbreaks could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and our ability to effectively meet our short- and long-term financial obligations.
v3.20.1
Note F - Segment Information (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Notes Tables  
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2020
   
2019
 
   
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
 
   
(in thousands, except percentage data)
 
                                 
Truckload Services revenue
  $
91,311
     
81.7
    $
90,013
     
81.6
 
Brokerage and Logistics Services revenue
   
20,511
     
18.3
     
20,332
     
18.4
 
Total revenues
  $
111,822
     
100.0
    $
110,345
     
100.0
 
v3.20.1
Note F - Segment Information
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements  
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]
NOTE
F
: SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company follows the guidance provided by ASC Topic
280,
S
egment
Reporting,
in its identification of operating segments. The Company has determined that it has a total of
two
operating segments whose primary operations can be characterized as either Truckload Services or Brokerage and Logistics Services; however, in accordance with the aggregation criteria provided by FASB ASC Topic
280,
the Company has determined that the operations of the
two
operating segments can be aggregated into a single reporting segment, motor carrier operations. Truckload Services revenues and Brokerage and Logistics Services revenues, each before fuel surcharges, were as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2020
   
2019
 
   
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
 
   
(in thousands, except percentage data)
 
                                 
Truckload Services revenue
  $
91,311
     
81.7
    $
90,013
     
81.6
 
Brokerage and Logistics Services revenue
   
20,511
     
18.3
     
20,332
     
18.4
 
Total revenues
  $
111,822
     
100.0
    $
110,345
     
100.0
 
v3.20.1
Note J - Fair Value of Financial Instruments
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements  
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]
NOTE
J
: FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, marketable equity securities, accounts receivable, trade accounts payable, and borrowings.
 
The Company follows the guidance for financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis. This guidance defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date and also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes
three
levels of inputs that
may
be used to measure fair value:
 
 
Level
1:
 
Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
 
 
 
 
 
Level
2:
 
Inputs other than Level
1
inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are
not
active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable; or other inputs
not
directly observable, but derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.
       
 
Level
3:
 
Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or
no
market activity.
     
The Company utilizes the market approach to measure fair value for its financial assets and liabilities. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.
 
At
March 31, 2020,
the following items are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
   
(in thousands)
 
                                 
Marketable equity securities
  $
23,207
    $
23,207
     
-
     
-
 
 
The Company’s investments in marketable securities are recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices. The carrying value of other financial instruments, including cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to their short maturities.
 
The carrying amount for the line of credit approximates fair value because the line of credit interest rate is adjusted frequently.
 
For long-term debt other than the lines of credit, the fair values are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. The carrying value and estimated fair value of this other long-term debt at
March 31, 2020
was as follows:
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Estimated
Fair Value
 
   
(in thousands)
 
                 
Long-term debt
  $
223,567
    $
226,746
 
 
The Company has
not
elected the fair value option for any of its financial instruments.
 
v3.20.1
Note F - Segment Information - Segment Revenue Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2019
Revenue, before fuel surcharges $ 129,155 $ 128,686
Freight Transportation Service [Member]    
Revenue, before fuel surcharges $ 111,822 $ 110,345
Freight Transportation Service [Member] | Revenue Benchmark [Member] | Product Concentration Risk [Member]    
Revenue, before fuel surcharges, percentage 100.00% 100.00%
Truckload Services [Member] | Freight Transportation Service [Member]    
Revenue, before fuel surcharges $ 91,311 $ 90,013
Truckload Services [Member] | Freight Transportation Service [Member] | Revenue Benchmark [Member] | Product Concentration Risk [Member]    
Revenue, before fuel surcharges, percentage 81.70% 81.60%
Brokerage and Logistics Services [Member] | Freight Transportation Service [Member]    
Revenue, before fuel surcharges $ 20,511 $ 20,332
Brokerage and Logistics Services [Member] | Freight Transportation Service [Member] | Revenue Benchmark [Member] | Product Concentration Risk [Member]    
Revenue, before fuel surcharges, percentage 18.30% 18.40%
v3.20.1
Note D - Marketable Equity Securities - Realized Gains on Marketable Equity Securities (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2019
Sales proceeds $ 677,000
Cost of securities sold 1,211,000
Equity Securities, FV-NI, Realized Gain (Loss), Total $ (534,000) $ 0
v3.20.1
Note J - Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Securities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Marketable equity securities $ 23,207 $ 29,521
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]    
Marketable equity securities 23,207  
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]    
Marketable equity securities  
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]    
Marketable equity securities  
v3.20.1
Note G - Treasury Stock
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements  
Treasury Stock [Text Block]
NOTE
G
: TREASURY STOCK
The Company’s stock repurchase program has been extended and expanded several times, most recently in
April 2017,
when the Board of Directors reauthorized
500,000
shares of common stock for repurchase under the initial
September 2011
authorization. During the
three
months ended
March 31, 2020,
the Company repurchased
9,175
shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of approximately
$321,000
under this program.
 
The Company accounts for Treasury stock using the cost method and as of
March 31, 2020,
5,916,438
shares were held in the treasury at an aggregate cost of approximately
$157.2
million.
v3.20.1
Note K - Notes Payable
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements  
Long-term Debt [Text Block]
NOTE
K
: NOTES PAYABLE
During the
first
three
months of
2020,
the Company’s subsidiaries entered into installment obligations totaling approximately
$12.5
million for the purpose of purchasing revenue equipment. These obligations are payable in
60
monthly installments.
v3.20.1
Note I - Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2019
Statute of Limitations (Year) 3 years  
Open Tax Year 2016 2017 2018 2019  
Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Expense, Total $ 0 $ 0
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent, Total 27.60% 25.40%
v3.20.1
Note F - Segment Information (Details Textual)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Number of Operating Segments 2
v3.20.1
Note D - Marketable Equity Securities - Unrealized Gains and Losses on Marketable Equity Securities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Gross unrealized gains $ 3,352 $ 7,808
Gross unrealized losses 6,769 2,443
Net unrealized (loss) / gain $ (3,417) $ 5,365
v3.20.1
Note O - Noncash Investing and Financing Activities (Details Textual)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Fixed Assets Acquired $ 12.5
v3.20.1
Note A - Basis of Presentation
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements  
Basis of Accounting [Text Block]
NOTE
A
: BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this Quarterly Report on Form
10
-Q to “P.A.M.,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” mean P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
 
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form
10
-Q and Article
10
of Regulation S-
X.
Accordingly, they do
not
include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In management’s opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The consolidated balance sheet at
December 31, 2019
has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does
not
include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. Operating results for the
three
-month period ended
March 31, 2020
are
not
necessarily indicative of the results that
may
be expected for the year ending
December 31, 2020.
For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and the footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form
10
-K for the year ended
December 31, 2019.
v3.20.1
Note M - Leases - Operating Lease (Details)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2020
USD ($)
2020 (remaining) $ 464
2021 627
2022 544
2023 340
2024 114
Total undiscounted operating lease payments 2,089
Less: Imputed interest $ (126)
Weighted-average remaining lease term for operating leases (years) (Year) 3 years 182 days
Weighted-average discount rate for operating leases 3.59%
Accrued Expenses And Other Liabilities And Other Long-term Liabilities [Member]  
Present value of operating lease liabilities $ 1,963
Right-of-use assets (recorded in other non-current assets) 1,963
Total operating lease liabilities 1,963
Other Current Liabilities [Member]  
Current lease liabilities (recorded in other current liabilities) 619
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]  
Long-term lease liabilities (recorded in other long-term liabilities) $ 1,344
v3.20.1
Note J - Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Fair Value of Long-term Debt Other Than Lines of Credit (Details) - Equipment Financing [Member]
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Reported Value Measurement [Member]  
Long-term debt $ 223,567
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]  
Long-term debt $ 226,746
v3.20.1
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Trade, allowance $ 3,191 $ 2,952
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares) 10,000,000 10,000,000
Preferred stock, issued (in shares) 0 0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Common stock, authorized (in shares) 40,000,000 40,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares) 11,658,768 11,656,160
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) 5,742,330 5,748,897
Treasury stock (in shares) 5,916,438 5,907,263
v3.20.1
Note O - Noncash Investing and Financing Activities
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements  
Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Text Block]
NOTE
O
:
NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
The Company financed approximately
$12.5
million in equipment purchases during the
first
three
months of
2020
utilizing noncash financing.
 
v3.20.1
Note H - Net Income Per Share (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Notes Tables  
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2020
   
2019
 
   
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
                 
Net (loss)/income
  $
(1,304
)   $
8,301
 
                 
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
   
5,746
     
5,921
 
Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents
   
-
     
64
 
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
   
5,746
     
5,985
 
                 
Basic (loss)/earnings per share
  $
(0.23
)   $
1.40
 
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share
  $
(0.23
)   $
1.39
 
v3.20.1
Note D - Marketable Equity Securities - Securities Classified As Available-for-sale (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Fair market value $ 23,207 $ 29,521
Cost 26,624 24,156
Unrealized (loss) / gain $ (3,417) $ 5,365
v3.20.1
Note G - Treasury Stock (Details Textual) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2019
Apr. 30, 2017
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method $ 321,000 $ 1,618,000    
Treasury Stock, Shares, Ending Balance (in shares) 5,916,438   5,907,263  
Treasury Stock, Value, Ending Balance $ 157,158,000   $ 156,837,000  
September 2011 Reauthorization [Member]        
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased (in shares)       500,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired (in shares) 9,175      
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method $ 321,000      
v3.20.1
Note E - Stock-based Compensation (Details Textual) - USD ($)
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended
May 29, 2014
Mar. 31, 2020
Jan. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value       $ 80,000 $ 39,000
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense       $ 305,000 $ 306,000
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Impact on Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted (in dollars per share)       $ 0.04 $ 0.04
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount, Total   $ 1,074,000   $ 1,074,000 $ 1,648,000
Amortization, Current Year [Member]          
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount, Total   266,000   266,000  
Amortization Year 2 [Member]          
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount, Total   354,000   354,000  
Amortization, Year 3 [Member]          
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount, Total   354,000   354,000  
Amortization, Year 4 [Member]          
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount, Total   92,000   92,000  
Amortization, Year 5 [Member]          
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount, Total   $ 8,000   $ 8,000  
Restricted Stock [Member]          
Number of Common Stock Accrued Under Share-based Compensation Plan (in shares)       9,608  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)       $ 49.47  
Accrual Shares to Each Non-employee Director [Member]          
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense       $ 80,000 $ 90,000
Accrual Shares to Each Non-employee Director [Member] | Non-Employee Directors [Member]          
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Grants in Period (in shares)       326 205
The 2014 Stock Option Plan [Member]          
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized (in shares) 750,000        
The 2014 Stock Option Plan [Member] | Stock Award [Member] | Key Employees [Member]          
Number of Common Stock Accrued Under Share-based Compensation Plan (in shares)     7,000    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)     $ 56.45    
The 2014 Stock Option Plan [Member] | Stock Award [Member] | Director [Member]          
Number of Common Stock Accrued Under Share-based Compensation Plan (in shares)   2,608      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)   $ 30.75      
The 2014 Stock Option Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]          
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent 85.00%        
v3.20.1
Note M - Leases
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements  
Lessor, Operating Leases [Text Block]
NOTE M: LEASES
Adoption of ASU
2016
-
02
 
The Company currently leases shop, office and parking spaces in various locations in the United States and Mexico. The initial term for the majority of these leases is
one
year or less, with an option for early cancellation and an option to renew for subsequent
one
-month periods. These leases can be terminated by either party by providing notice to the other party of the intent to cancel or to
not
extend. Relatively short lease durations for these properties are intended to provide flexibility to the Company as changing operational needs and shifting opportunities often result in cancellation or non-renewal of these leases by the Company or the lessor.
 
The initial lease term for certain shop and office locations is for periods ranging from
one
to
five
years with early cancellation options. The Company prefers that leases include early cancellation provisions to prevent becoming locked into long term leases that become operationally unjustified and to allow the flexibility to pursue more cost-effective options for similar properties if they become available. These leases often include the option to extend for additional periods, which
may
or
may
not
be exercised. Based on historical experience, the Company does
not
always extend these leases, sometimes exercises the option to cancel leases early and sometimes lessors choose to cancel leases or
not
extend.
 
The Company adopted ASU
2016
-
02
and related amendments on
January 1, 2019
utilizing the modified retrospective approach and elected to apply the practical expedients outlined above. This election allowed the Company to continue to recognize lease expense for operating leases for which the initial term was
twelve
months or less, or for which it is reasonably likely that early cancellation provisions will be exercised, on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the leases.
 
The Company leases trucks to owner-operators under our lease-to-own program. We also lease dock space to a related party at our Laredo, Texas terminal. We have reviewed these operating leases and determined that the adoption of ASU
2016
-
02
did
not
require a change to our financial statements, as our method of accounting for related assets and lease revenue is consistent with the provisions of the new standard. 
 
Because the Company’s historical method of accounting for leases is consistent with the provisions of ASU
2016
-
02,
the adoption of ASU
2016
-
02
on
January 1, 2019
did
not
have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
 
Right-of-Use
Leases
 
Following the Company’s adoption of ASU
2016
-
02
and related amendments on
January 1, 2019,
the Company entered into operating leases which include initial terms ranging from
three
to
five
years and which do
not
include an option for early cancellation. In accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic
842,
these leases resulted in the recognition of right-of-use assets and corresponding right-of-use lease liabilities, respectively, valued at 
$2.0
million as of
March 31, 2020.
These assets and liabilities are recognized based on the present value of future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date, using the Company’s incremental borrowing rate as of the respective dates of lease inception, as the rate implicit in each lease is
not
readily determinable. The right-of-use assets are recorded in other assets, and the lease liability is recorded in accrued expenses and other liabilities and in other long-term liabilities on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Lease expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is recorded in rent and purchased transportation in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. While the lease agreements contain provisions to extend after the initial term for an additional
five
years, the Company is
not
reasonably certain these extension options will be exercised. Therefore, potential lease payments that might occur under this extension period are
not
included in amounts recorded in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of
March 31, 2020.
 
Scheduled amounts and timing of cash flows arising from future right-of-use operating lease payments at
March 31, 2020,
are:
 
Maturity of
Right-of-Use
Lease Liabilities
 
(
i
n thousands)
 
2020 (remaining)
  $
464
 
2021
   
627
 
2022
   
544
 
2023
   
340
 
2024
   
114
 
Total undiscounted operating lease payments
  $
2,089
 
Less: Imputed interest
   
(126
)
Present value of operating lease liabilities
  $
1,963
 
         
Balance Sheet Classification
       
Right-of-use assets (recorded in other non-current assets)
  $
1,963
 
         
Current lease liabilities (recorded in other current liabilities)
  $
619
 
Long-term lease liabilities (recorded in other long-term liabilities)
   
1,344
 
Total operating lease liabilities
  $
1,963
 
         
Other Information
       
Weighted-average remaining lease term for operating leases (years)
   
3.5
 
Weighted-average discount rate for operating leases
   
3.59
%
 
Cash Flows
 
No
new right-of-use assets were recognized as non-cash asset additions that resulted from new operating lease liabilities during the
three
months ended
March 31, 2020.
Cash paid for amounts included in the present value of operating lease liabilities was
$0.1
million during the
three
months ended
March 31, 2020
and is included in operating cash flows.
 
Operating Lease Costs
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2020
   
2019
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Long term
  $
134
    $
-
 
Short term
   
580
     
502
 
Total
  $
714
    $
502
 
 
Lessor Disclosures under ASC Topic
842
 
The Company leases trucks to independent contractors under operating leases, which generally have a term of up to
five
years and include options to purchase the truck at the end of the lease. In the event that an independent contractor defaults on their lease, the Company generally leases the truck to another independent contractor.
 
As of
March 31, 2020,
the gross carrying value of trucks underlying these leases was
$60.8
million and accumulated depreciation was
$28.2
million. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the equipment, down to an estimated salvage value. In most cases, the Company has agreements in place with certain manufacturers whereby salvage values are guaranteed by the manufacturer. In other cases, where salvage values are
not
guaranteed, estimates of salvage value are based on the expected market values of equipment at the time of disposal. During the quarter ended
March 31, 2020,
the Company incurred
$1.9
million of depreciation expense for these assets.
 
The Company leases dock space to a related party at a Laredo, Texas terminal and warehouse and office space to a lessee at a
second
Laredo, Texas terminal. The dock space and the warehouse and office space leased is depreciated in conjunction with the structures and improvements for the respective Laredo terminals on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets. Lease income is recorded as a component of Non-operating income in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
Lease Revenue
 
The Company’s operating lease revenue is disclosed in the table below.
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2020
   
2019
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Leased truck revenue (recorded in revenue, before fuel surcharge)
  $
2,394
    $
2,448
 
Leased facility space revenue (recorded in non-operating income)
   
67
     
39
 
Total lease revenue
  $
2,461
    $
2,487
 
 
 
Lease Receivables
 
Future minimum operating lease payments receivable at
March 31, 2020:
 
   
(in thousands)
 
         
2020 (remaining)
  $
5,370
 
2021
   
4,660
 
2022
   
3,951
 
2023
   
2,864
 
2024
   
1,128
 
Thereafter
   
1
 
Total future minimum lease payments receivable
  $
17,974
 
v3.20.1
Note E - Stock-based Compensation
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements  
Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]
NOTE
E
: STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
The Company maintains a stock incentive plan (the “Plan”) under which incentive and nonqualified stock options and other stock awards
may
be granted. Under the Plan,
750,000
shares are reserved for the issuance of stock awards to directors, officers, key employees, and others. The stock option exercise price and the restricted stock purchase price under the Plan shall
not
be less than
85%
of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date the award is granted. The fair market value is determined by the closing price of the Company’s common stock, on its primary exchange, on the same date that the option or award is granted.
 
In
January 2020,
the Company granted
7,000
shares of common stock to certain key employees. These stock awards have a grant date fair value of
$56.45
per share, based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant, and vest on the
fourth
anniversary date in
January 2024.
 
In
March 2020,
the Company granted
2,608
shares of common stock to non-employee directors. These stock awards have a grant date fair value of
$30.75
per share, based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant, and vested immediately.
 
The total grant date fair value of stock vested during the
first
three
months of
2020
was approximately
$80,000.
Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense, recognized in Salaries, wages and benefits during the
first
three
months of
2020
was approximately
$305,000
and includes approximately
$80,000
recognized as a result of grant of
326
shares to each non-employee director during the
first
quarter of
2020.
The recognition of stock-based compensation expense decreased both diluted and basic earnings per common share by approximately
$0.04
during the
first
quarter of
2020.
As of
March 31, 2020,
the Company had stock-based compensation plans with total unvested stock-based compensation expense of approximately
$1,074,000
which is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining vesting period. As a result, the Company expects to recognize approximately
$266,000
in additional compensation expense related to unvested option awards during the remainder of
2020
and to recognize approximately
$354,000,
$354,000,
$92,000
and
$8,000
in additional compensation expense related to unvested option awards during the years
2021,
2022,
2023
and
2024,
respectively.
 
The total grant date fair value of stock and stock options vested during the
first
three
months of
2019
was approximately
$39,000.
Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense, recognized in Salaries, wages and benefits during the
first
three
months of
2019
was approximately
$306,000,
and included approximately
$90,000
recognized as a result of the accrual of
205
shares to each non-employee director during the
first
quarter of
2019.
The recognition of stock-based compensation expense decreased both diluted and basic earnings per common share by approximately
$0.04
during the
first
quarter
2019.
As of
March 31, 2019,
the Company had stock-based compensation plans with total unvested stock-based compensation expense of approximately
$1,648,000
which was being amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining vesting period.
 
A summary of the status of the Company’s non-vested restricted stock as of
March 31, 2020
and changes during the
three
months ended
March 31, 2020,
is as follows:
 
   
Restricted Stock
 
   
Number of
Shares
   
Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
 
Non-vested at January 1, 2020
   
55,459
    $
24.35
 
Granted
   
9,608
     
49.47
 
Canceled/forfeited/expired
   
(357
)    
56.45
 
Vested
   
(2,608
)    
30.75
 
Non-vested at March 31, 2020
   
62,102
    $
27.78
 
 
v3.20.1
Note I - Income Taxes
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements  
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]
NOTE
I
: INCOME TAXES
The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. and Canadian federal income tax laws as well as the income tax laws of multiple state jurisdictions. The major tax jurisdictions in which the Company operates generally provide for a deficiency assessment statute of limitations period of
three
years, and as a result, the Company’s tax years
2016
and forward remain open to examination in those jurisdictions.
 
In determining whether a tax asset valuation allowance is necessary, management, in accordance with the provisions of ASC
740
-
10
-
30,
weighs all available evidence, both positive and negative, to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is necessary. If negative conditions exist which indicate a valuation allowance might be necessary, consideration is then given to what effect the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and the availability of tax strategies might have on future taxable income to determine the amount, if any, of the required valuation allowance. As of
March 31, 2020,
management determined that the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and available tax strategies would generate sufficient future taxable income to realize its tax assets and therefore a valuation allowance was
not
necessary.
 
The Company recognizes a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than
not
that the position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. As of
March 31, 2020,
an adjustment to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for uncertain tax positions has
not
been required as management believes that the Company’s tax positions taken in income tax returns filed or to be filed are supported by clear and unambiguous income tax laws. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain income tax positions, if any, in income tax expense. During the
three
months ended
March 31, 2020
and
2019,
the Company has
not
recognized or accrued any interest or penalties related to uncertain income tax positions.
 
The Company’s effective income tax rates were
27.6%
and
25.4%
for the
three
months ended
March 31, 2020
and
2019,
respectively. Our effective tax rate for the
three
months ended
March 31, 2020
differs from amounts computed by applying the United States federal statutory rates to pre-tax income primarily due to non-deductible expenses, state taxes and the tax benefits related to stock-based compensation.
v3.20.1
Note C - Revenue Recognition
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements  
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]
NOTE C: REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company has a single performance obligation, to transport our customer’s freight from a specified origin to a specified destination. The Company has the discretion to choose to self-transport or to arrange for alternate transportation to fulfill the performance obligation. Where the Company decides to self-transport the freight, the Company classifies the service as truckload services, and where the Company arranges for alternate transportation of the freight, the Company classifies the service as brokerage and logistics services. In either case, the Company is paid a rate to transport freight from its origin location to a specified destination. Because the primary factors influencing revenue recognition, including performance obligation, customer base, and timing of revenue recognition, are the same for both of its service categories, the Company utilizes the same revenue recognition method throughout its operations.
 
Company revenue is generated from freight transportation services performed utilizing heavy truck trailer combinations. While various ownership arrangements
may
exist for the equipment utilized to perform these services, including Company owned or leased, owner-operator owned, and
third
-party carriers, revenue is generated from the same base of customers. Contracts with these customers establish rates for services performed, which are predominantly rates that will be paid to pick up, transport and drop off freight at various locations. In addition to transportation, revenue is also awarded for various accessorial services performed in conjunction with the base transportation service. The Company also has other revenue categories that are
not
discussed in this note or broken out in our Statements of Operations due to their immaterial amounts.
 
In fulfilling the Company’s obligation to transport freight from a specified origin to a specified destination, control of freight is transferred to us at the point it has been loaded into the driver’s trailer, the doors are sealed and the driver has signed a bill of lading, which is the basic transportation agreement that establishes the nature, quantity and condition of the freight loaded, responsibility for invoice payment, and pickup and delivery locations. Our revenue is generated, and our customer receives benefit, as the freight progresses towards delivery locations. In the event our customer cancels the shipment at some point prior to the final delivery location and re-consigns the shipment to an alternate delivery location, we are entitled to receive payment for services performed for the partial shipment. Shipments are generally conducted over a relatively short time span, generally
one
to
three
days; however, freight is sometimes stored temporarily in our trailer at
one
of our drop yard locations or at a location designated by a customer. Our revenue is categorized as either Freight Revenue or Fuel Surcharge Revenue, and both are earned by performing the same freight transportation services, discussed further below.
 
Freight Revenue – revenue generated by the performance of the freight transportation service, including any accessorial services, provided to customers.
 
Fuel Surcharge Revenue – revenue designed to adjust freight revenue rates to an agreed upon base cost for diesel fuel. Diesel fuel prices can fluctuate widely during the term of a contract with a customer. At the point that freight revenue rates are negotiated with customers, a sliding scale is agreed upon that approximately adjusts diesel fuel costs to an agreed upon base amount. In general, as fuel prices increase, revenue from fuel surcharge increases, so that diesel fuel cost is adjusted to the approximate base amount agreed upon.
 
Revenue is recognized over time as the freight progresses towards its destination and the transportation service obligation is fulfilled. For loads picked up during the reporting period, but delivered in a subsequent reporting period, revenue is allocated to each period based on the transit time in each period as a percentage of total transit time. There are
no
assets or liabilities recorded in conjunction with revenue recognized, other than Accounts Receivable and Estimated Credit Losses.
v3.20.1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2019
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:    
Net Loss $ (1,304) $ 8,301
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Depreciation 14,295 13,187
Bad debt expense 239 69
Stock compensation-net of excess tax benefits 305 306
(Benefit from) provision for deferred income taxes (498) 2,729
Recognized loss (gain) on marketable equity securities 9,339 (3,184)
Loss/(gain) on disposition of equipment 1 (425)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:    
Accounts receivable (5,053) (5,356)
Prepaid expenses, deposits, inventories, and other assets (530) 1,269
Income taxes refundable 75
Trade accounts payable 8,048 199
Accrued expenses and other liabilities (1,339) 2,567
Net cash provided by operating activities 23,503 19,737
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:    
Purchases of property and equipment (23,158) (7,926)
Proceeds from disposition of equipment 5,325 5,787
Purchases of marketable equity securities, net of return of capital (3,026) (72)
Net cash used in investing activities (20,859) (2,211)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:    
Borrowings under line of credit 137,243 131,387
Repayments under line of credit (128,657) (133,442)
Borrowings of long-term debt 5,789
Repayments of long-term debt (13,670) (19,480)
Borrowings under margin account 3,753 166
Repayments under margin account (985) (324)
Repurchases of common stock (321) (1,618)
Net cash used in financing activities (2,637) (17,522)
NET INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH 7 4
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH -Beginning of period 318 282
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH -End of period 325 286
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:    
Interest 2,185 2,037
Income taxes 15
NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:    
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable $ 2,239 $ 4,025
v3.20.1
Note M - Leases - Lease Revenue (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2019
Lease revenue $ 2,461 $ 2,487
Trucks under Operating Lease [Member]    
Lease revenue 2,394 2,448
Dock Space under Operating Lease [Member]    
Lease revenue $ 67 $ 39
v3.20.1
Note L - Litigation (Details Textual) - The Violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Arkansas Minimum Wage [Member] - USD ($)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Feb. 18, 2020
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss   $ 16,500,000
Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded to Other Party $ 421,000  
Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities [Member]    
Loss Contingency Accrual, Ending Balance $ 16,500,000  
v3.20.1
Document And Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Apr. 23, 2020
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Registrant Name PAM TRANSPORTATION SERVICES INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0000798287  
Trading Symbol ptsi  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Small Business true  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)   5,742,330
Entity Shell Company false  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2020  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2020  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Amendment Flag false  
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock ($0.01 par value)  
v3.20.1
Note E - Stock-based Compensation (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Notes Tables  
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit, Activity [Table Text Block]
   
Restricted Stock
 
   
Number of
Shares
   
Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
 
Non-vested at January 1, 2020
   
55,459
    $
24.35
 
Granted
   
9,608
     
49.47
 
Canceled/forfeited/expired
   
(357
)    
56.45
 
Vested
   
(2,608
)    
30.75
 
Non-vested at March 31, 2020
   
62,102
    $
27.78
 
v3.20.1
Note M - Leases (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Notes Tables  
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block]
Maturity of
Right-of-Use
Lease Liabilities
 
(
i
n thousands)
 
2020 (remaining)
  $
464
 
2021
   
627
 
2022
   
544
 
2023
   
340
 
2024
   
114
 
Total undiscounted operating lease payments
  $
2,089
 
Less: Imputed interest
   
(126
)
Present value of operating lease liabilities
  $
1,963
 
         
Balance Sheet Classification
       
Right-of-use assets (recorded in other non-current assets)
  $
1,963
 
         
Current lease liabilities (recorded in other current liabilities)
  $
619
 
Long-term lease liabilities (recorded in other long-term liabilities)
   
1,344
 
Total operating lease liabilities
  $
1,963
 
         
Other Information
       
Weighted-average remaining lease term for operating leases (years)
   
3.5
 
Weighted-average discount rate for operating leases
   
3.59
%
Lease, Cost [Table Text Block]
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2020
   
2019
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Long term
  $
134
    $
-
 
Short term
   
580
     
502
 
Total
  $
714
    $
502
 
Operating Lease, Lease Income [Table Text Block]
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2020
   
2019
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Leased truck revenue (recorded in revenue, before fuel surcharge)
  $
2,394
    $
2,448
 
Leased facility space revenue (recorded in non-operating income)
   
67
     
39
 
Total lease revenue
  $
2,461
    $
2,487
 
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Fiscal Year Maturity [Table Text Block]
   
(in thousands)
 
         
2020 (remaining)
  $
5,370
 
2021
   
4,660
 
2022
   
3,951
 
2023
   
2,864
 
2024
   
1,128
 
Thereafter
   
1
 
Total future minimum lease payments receivable
  $
17,974
 
v3.20.1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2019
OPERATING REVENUES:    
Operating revenues $ 129,155 $ 128,686
OPERATING EXPENSES AND COSTS:    
Salaries, wages and benefits 32,798 31,063
Operating supplies and expenses 23,715 23,512
Rent and purchased transportation 42,927 44,554
Depreciation 14,295 13,187
Insurance and claims 42 4,114
Other 5,844 2,994
Loss/(gain) on disposition of equipment 48 (425)
Total operating expenses and costs 119,669 118,999
OPERATING INCOME 9,486 9,687
NON-OPERATING (EXPENSE)/INCOME (9,076) 3,472
INTEREST EXPENSE (2,212) (2,040)
(LOSS)/INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES (1,802) 11,119
FEDERAL AND STATE INCOME TAX (BENEFIT) EXPENSE:    
Current 89
Deferred (498) 2,729
Total federal and state income tax (benefit) expense (498) 2,818
NET (LOSS)/INCOME $ (1,304) $ 8,301
(LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:    
Basic (in dollars per share) $ (0.23) $ 1.40
Diluted (in dollars per share) $ (0.23) $ 1.39
AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:    
Basic (in shares) 5,746 5,921
Diluted (in shares) 5,746 5,985
Freight Transportation Service [Member]    
OPERATING REVENUES:    
Operating revenues $ 111,822 $ 110,345
Fuel Surcharge [Member]    
OPERATING REVENUES:    
Operating revenues $ 17,333 $ 18,341
v3.20.1
Note M - Leases - Lease Receivables (Details)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2020
USD ($)
2020 (remaining) $ 5,370
2021 4,660
2022 3,951
2023 2,864
2024 1,128
Thereafter 1
Total future minimum lease payments receivable $ 17,974
v3.20.1
Note M - Leases (Details Textual) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2019
Operating Lease, Payments $ 100    
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Ending Balance 587,164   $ 563,162
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Ending Balance 184,316   $ 175,887
Depreciation, Total 14,295 $ 13,187  
Trucks under Operating Lease [Member]      
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Ending Balance 60,800    
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Ending Balance 28,200    
Depreciation, Total 1,900    
Accrued Expenses And Other Liabilities And Other Long-term Liabilities [Member]      
Operating Lease, Liability, Total 1,963    
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset 1,963    
Leases without Early Cancellation Options [Member] | Operating Lease Liabilities [Member]      
Operating Lease, Liability, Total 2,000    
Leases without Early Cancellation Options [Member] | Accrued Expenses And Other Liabilities And Other Long-term Liabilities [Member]      
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset $ 2,000    
Trucks under Operating Lease [Member]      
Lessor, Operating Lease, Term of Contract (Year) 5 years    
Minimum [Member] | Shop and Office Leases with Early Cancellation Options [Member]      
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract (Year) 1 year    
Minimum [Member] | Leases without Early Cancellation Options [Member]      
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract (Year) 3 years    
Maximum [Member] | Shop and Office Leases with Early Cancellation Options [Member]      
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract (Year) 5 years    
Maximum [Member] | Leases without Early Cancellation Options [Member]      
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract (Year)     5 years
v3.20.1
Note B - Recent Accounting Pronouncements
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements  
Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Text Block]
NOTE
B
: RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In
March 2020,
the FASB issued ASU
No.
2020
-
04,
(“ASU
2020
-
04”
), Reference Rate Reform (Topic
848
): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. ASU
2020
-
04
was issued to provide optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform on financial reporting. ASU
2020
-
04
is effective as of
March 12, 2020
through
December 31, 2022.
The Company has evaluated the provisions of this standard and determined that it is applicable to our line of credit and investment margin account. The London Interbank Offered Rate “LIBOR” is the basis for interest charges on outstanding borrowings for both our line of credit and investment margin account. The scheduled discontinuation of LIBOR is
not
expected to materially alter any provisions of either of these debt instruments, except for the identification of a replacement reference rate. The Company has evaluated the new guidance and does
not
expect it to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
 
In
June 2016,
the FASB issued ASU
No.
2016
-
13,
(“ASU
2016
-
13”
), Accounting for Credit Losses (Topic
326
). ASU
2016
-
13
requires the use of an “expected loss” model on certain types of financial instruments. The standard also amends the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and requires estimated credit losses to be recorded as allowances instead of reductions to the amortized cost of the securities. ASU
2016
-
13
is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after
December 15, 2019,
with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance on
January 1, 2020
did
not
have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
v3.20.1
Note D - Marketable Equity Securities (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Notes Tables  
Marketable Securities [Table Text Block]
   
March 31, 2020
   
December 31, 2019
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Fair market value
  $
23,207
    $
29,521
 
Cost
   
26,624
     
24,156
 
Unrealized (loss) / gain
  $
( 3,417
)   $
5,365
 
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block]
   
March 31, 2020
   
December 31, 2019
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Gross unrealized gains
  $
3,352
    $
7,808
 
Gross unrealized losses
   
6,769
     
2,443
 
Net unrealized (loss) / gain
  $
(3,417
)   $
5,365
 
Schedule of Realized Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2020
   
2019
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Sales proceeds
  $
677
    $
-
 
Cost of securities sold
   
1,211
     
-
 
Realized loss
  $
(534
)   $
-
 
v3.20.1
Note J - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Notes Tables  
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
   
(in thousands)
 
                                 
Marketable equity securities
  $
23,207
    $
23,207
     
-
     
-
 
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]
   
Carrying
Value
   
Estimated
Fair Value
 
   
(in thousands)
 
                 
Long-term debt
  $
223,567
    $
226,746
 
v3.20.1
Note H - Net Income Per Share - Computations of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2019
Net (loss)/income $ (1,304) $ 8,301
Basic (in shares) 5,746 5,921
Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents (in shares) 64
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares) 5,746 5,985
Basic (in dollars per share) $ (0.23) $ 1.40
Diluted (in dollars per share) $ (0.23) $ 1.39
v3.20.1
Note E - Stock Based Compensation - Summary of Nonvested Restricted Stock (Details) - Restricted Stock [Member]
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
$ / shares
shares
Non-vested (in shares) | shares 55,459
Nonvested - weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 24.35
Granted (in shares) | shares 9,608
Granted - weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 49.47
Canceled/forfeited/expired (in shares) | shares (357)
Canceled/forfeited/expired - weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 56.45
Vested (in shares) | shares (2,608)
Vested - weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 30.75
Non-vested (in shares) | shares 62,102
Nonvested - weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 27.78
v3.20.1
Note D - Marketable Equity Securities
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements  
Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]
NOTE
D
: MARKETABLE EQUITY SECURITIES
The Company’s investments in marketable securities consist of equity securities with readily determinable fair values. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method, and interest and dividends on securities are included in non-operating (expense) income.
 
Marketable equity securities are carried at fair value, with gains and losses in fair market value included in the determination of net income. The fair value of marketable equity securities is determined based on quoted market prices in active markets, as described in Note J, below.
 
The following table sets forth market value, cost, and unrealized losses and gains on equity securities as of
March 31, 2020
and
December 31, 2019.
 
   
March 31, 2020
   
December 31, 2019
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Fair market value
  $
23,207
    $
29,521
 
Cost
   
26,624
     
24,156
 
Unrealized (loss) / gain
  $
( 3,417
)   $
5,365
 
 
The following table sets forth the gross unrealized losses and gains on the Company’s marketable securities as of
March 31, 2020
and
December 31, 2019.
 
   
March 31, 2020
   
December 31, 2019
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Gross unrealized gains
  $
3,352
    $
7,808
 
Gross unrealized losses
   
6,769
     
2,443
 
Net unrealized (loss) / gain
  $
(3,417
)   $
5,365
 
 
The following table shows the Company’s net realized (losses) gains during the
first
three
months of
2020
and
2019
on certain marketable equity securities.
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2020
   
2019
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Sales proceeds
  $
677
    $
-
 
Cost of securities sold
   
1,211
     
-
 
Realized loss
  $
(534
)   $
-
 
 
There were
no
sales of marketable equity securities during the
first
three
months of
2019.
 
For the quarter ended
March 31, 2020,
the Company recognized dividends received of approximately
$305,000
in non-operating income in its statements of operations. For the quarter ended
March 31, 2019,
the Company recognized dividends of approximately
$277,000
in non-operating income in its statements of operations.
 
The market value of the Company’s equity securities are periodically used as collateral against any outstanding margin account borrowings. As of
March 31, 2020
and
December 31, 2019,
the Company had outstanding borrowings of approximately
$10,242,000
and
$7,474,000,
respectively, under its margin account. Margin account borrowings are used for the purchase of marketable equity securities and as a source of short-term liquidity and are included in Accrued expenses and other liabilities on our balance sheets.
 
Our marketable equity securities portfolio had a net unrealized pre-tax loss in market value of approximately
$8,805,000
during the
first
quarter of
2020,
and a net unrealized pre-tax gain in market value of approximately
$3,184,000
during the
first
quarter of
2019,
which were reported as Non-operating income for the respective periods.
v3.20.1
Note H - Net Income Per Share
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements  
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]
NOTE
H
:
NET INCOME PER
SHARE
Basic earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by adjusting the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding by common stock equivalents attributable to dilutive stock options. The computation of diluted earnings per share does
not
assume conversion, exercise, or contingent issuance of securities that would have an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share. The computations of basic and diluted earnings per share were as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2020
   
2019
 
   
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
                 
Net (loss)/income
  $
(1,304
)   $
8,301
 
                 
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
   
5,746
     
5,921
 
Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents
   
-
     
64
 
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
   
5,746
     
5,985
 
                 
Basic (loss)/earnings per share
  $
(0.23
)   $
1.40
 
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share
  $
(0.23
)   $
1.39
 
v3.20.1
Note L - Litigation
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements  
Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block]
NOTE
L
: LITIGATION
Other than the lawsuit discussed below, the Company is
not
a party to any pending legal proceeding which management believes to be material to the financial statements of the Company. The Company maintains liability insurance against risks arising out of the normal course of its business.
 
We are a defendant in a collective- and class-action lawsuit which was filed on
December 9, 2016,
in the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas. The plaintiffs, who include current and former employee drivers who worked for the Company during the period of
December 9, 2013,
through
December 31, 2019,
allege violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Arkansas Minimum Wage Law including “failure to pay minimum wage during orientation, failure to pay minimum wage to team drivers after initial orientation, failure to pay minimum wage to solo-drivers after initial orientation, failure to pay for compensable travel time, Comdata card fees, unlawful deductions, and breach of contract.” The plaintiffs are seeking actual and liquidated damages to include court costs and legal fees. On
February 18, 2020,
the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas granted preliminary approval of a
$16.5
million settlement reached with the plaintiffs. The settlement is subject to final approval by the court. As of
March 31, 2020,
the preliminary settlement amount of
$16.5
million is reserved in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Management has determined that any losses under this claim will
not
be covered by existing insurance policies.
 
On
March 31, 2020,
the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas dismissed the collective- and class-action lawsuit filed against the company on
May 29, 2019
by plaintiffs, who were independent contractors alleging violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Arkansas Minimum Wage Law. The plaintiffs, through their attorneys, alleged “misclassification as independent contractors, payment on the basis of miles without regard to the number of hours worked, improper deductions, and failure to pay minimum wage.” The dismissal of this lawsuit resulted when the Company and plaintiffs reached a settlement agreement for approximately
$421,000,
plus legal fees. Legal reserve accruals in excess of the amount outlined in the settlement agreement were reversed during the quarter ended
March 31, 2020,
resulting in a reduction in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
 
The Company’s participation in the settlements of the above matters does
not
constitute an admission by the Company of any fault or liability, and the Company does
not
admit any fault or liability.