LANDSTAR SYSTEM INC
10-Q, 1998-05-08
TRUCKING (NO LOCAL)
Previous: APPLEBEES INTERNATIONAL INC, 4, 1998-05-08
Next: BRAKE HEADQUARTERS U S A INC, S-3/A, 1998-05-08




<PAGE>

                              UNITED STATES
                    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                         Washington, D.C.  20549

                                FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
[  X  ] Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
        Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 28, 1998

                              or

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

For the transition period from _________________ to _____________________

Commission File Number: 0-21238

                             LANDSTAR SYSTEM, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

          Delaware                                       06-1313069   
  (State or other jurisdiction                        (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)                     Identification No.)

                 4160 Woodcock Drive, Jacksonville, Florida           
                 (Address of principal executive offices)                      

                                     32207
                                   (Zip Code)

                                 (904) 390-1234
             (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

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

                                             Yes  (  X  )      No  (    )     

The number of shares of the registrant's Common Stock, par value $.01 per
share, outstanding as of the close of business on May 6, 1998 was 11,331,733.







<PAGE>
                                    PART I

                            FINANCIAL INFORMATION


                        Item 1.  Financial Statements

     The interim consolidated financial statements contained herein reflect
all adjustments (all of a normal, recurring nature) which, in the opinion of
management, are necessary for a fair statement of the financial condition,
results of operations, cash flows and changes in shareholders' equity
for the periods presented. They have been prepared in accordance with Rule
10-01 of Regulation S-X and do not include all the information and footnotes
required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial
statements. Operating results for the thirteen weeks ended March 28, 1998 
are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the 
entire fiscal year ending December 26, 1998.

     These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with
the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's
1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


                                    Index


Item 1
    
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 28, 1998
  and December 27, 1997 ................................................ Page 3

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Thirteen Weeks 
  Ended March 28, 1998 and March 29, 1997 .............................. Page 4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Thirteen Weeks
  Ended March 28, 1998 and March 29, 1997 .............................. Page 5

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders'
  Equity for the Thirteen Weeks Ended March 28, 1998 ................... Page 6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.............................. Page 7

Item 2

Management's Discussion and Analysis of 
  Financial Condition and Results of Operations......................... Page 9












                                       2



<PAGE>
                         LANDSTAR SYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                              CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                   (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                     (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   March 28,      December 27,
                                                                     1998             1997
                                                                 -------------    ------------
ASSETS
<S>                                                               <C>             <C> 
Current assets:
   Cash                                                            $   11,303     $    17,994
   Short-term investments                                               3,036           3,012
   Trade accounts receivable, less allowance of $7,199               
      and $5,957                                                      173,642         176,785
   Other receivables, including advances to independent
      contractors, less allowance of $4,555 and $4,009                 16,505          12,599
   Prepaid expenses and other current assets                           11,651           7,832
                                                                   ----------     -----------
                    Total current assets                              216,137         218,222
                                                                   ----------     -----------
Operating property, less accumulated depreciation
   and amortization of $52,685 and $50,301                             77,534          81,258
Goodwill, less accumulated amortization of $9,252 and $8,818           52,855          53,289
Other assets                                                            5,153           4,410
                                                                   ----------     -----------
Total assets                                                       $  351,679     $   357,179
                                                                   ==========     ===========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:
   Cash overdraft                                                  $   14,730     $    12,475
   Accounts payable                                                    58,652          50,394
   Current maturities of long-term debt                                13,070          14,228
   Insurance claims                                                    30,210          28,247
   Other current liabilities                                           29,992          33,827
                                                                   ----------     -----------
                    Total current liabilities                         146,654         139,171
                                                                   ----------     -----------
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities                           33,149          36,218
Insurance claims                                                       29,008          27,890
Deferred income taxes                                                   2,703           2,204

Shareholders' equity:
   Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 20,000,000
      shares, issued 12,936,974 shares and 12,900,974 shares              129             129
   Additional paid-in capital                                          63,058          62,169
   Retained earnings                                                  116,837         112,345
   Cost of 1,513,441 and 915,441 shares of common stock in treasury   (39,859)        (22,947)
                                                                   ----------     -----------
                    Total shareholders' equity                        140,165         151,696
                                                                   ----------     -----------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                         $  351,679     $   357,179
                                                                   ==========     ===========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>                               
                                       3

<PAGE>
                          LANDSTAR SYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                     (Unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                      Thirteen Weeks Ended
                                                                     -----------------------
                                                                      March 28,    March 29,
                                                                         1998        1997   
                                                                     ----------   ----------
<S>                                                                 <C>           <C>       
Revenue                                                              $  320,168   $  305,558
Investment income                                                           331

Costs and expenses:
    Purchased transportation                                            223,277      213,626
    Drivers' wages and benefits                                           6,202        8,145
    Fuel and other operating costs                                       14,067       14,659
    Insurance and claims                                                 13,416        9,331
    Commissions to agents and brokers                                    23,576       22,719
    Selling, general and administrative                                  26,396       24,166
    Depreciation and amortization                                         4,873        5,114
    Restructuring costs                                                                1,179
                                                                     ----------   ----------
         Total costs and expenses                                       311,807      298,939
                                                                     ----------   ----------
Operating income                                                          8,692        6,619
Interest and debt expense                                                 1,013        1,439
                                                                     ----------   ----------
Income before income taxes                                                7,679        5,180
Income taxes                                                              3,187        2,175
                                                                     ----------   ----------
Net income                                                           $    4,492   $    3,005
                                                                     ==========   ==========

Earnings per common share                                            $     0.38   $     0.24
                                                                     ==========   ==========
Diluted earnings per share                                           $     0.38   $     0.24
                                                                     ==========   ==========
Average number of shares outstanding:                            
     Earnings per common share                                       11,686,000   12,726,000
                                                                     ==========   ==========
     Diluted earnings per share                                      11,746,000   12,756,000
                                                                     ==========   ==========
                                                                   

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
                                          




                                       4













<PAGE>
                                  LANDSTAR SYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                          (Dollars in thousands)
                                              (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       Thirteen Weeks Ended
                                                                   ---------------------------
                                                                     March 28,      March 29,
                                                                       1998           1997
                                                                   -----------     -----------
<S>                                                              <C>             <C>          
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
     Net income                                                    $    4,492      $    3,005
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
        by operating activities:
          Depreciation and amortization of operating property           4,389           4,579
          Amortization of goodwill and non-competition agreements         484             535
          Non-cash interest charges                                        81              66
          Provisions for losses on trade and other accounts
               receivable                                               2,048             622
          Gains on sales of operating property                           (436)           (762)
          Deferred income taxes, net                                      499              76
          Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                 Decrease (increase) in trade and other
                     accounts receivable                               (2,811)         12,961
                 Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets         (4,717)           (867) 
                 Increase in accounts payable                           8,258           9,519
                 Increase (decrease) in other liabilities              (3,835)          1,023
                 Increase in insurance claims                           3,081           1,670
                                                                   -----------     -----------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES                              11,533          32,427
                                                                   -----------     -----------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
     Purchases of operating property                                   (1,717)         (4,289)
     Proceeds from sales of operating property                          1,488           5,729
                                                                   -----------     -----------
NET CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES                         (229)          1,440 
                                                                   -----------     -----------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
     Increase (decrease) in cash overdraft                              2,255          (5,301)
     Proceeds from exercise of stock options and
       related income tax benefit                                         889             146
     Purchases of common stock                                        (16,912)         (3,990)
     Principal payments on long-term debt and capital lease
        obligations                                                    (4,227)        (20,887)
                                                                   -----------     -----------
NET CASH USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES                                 (17,995)        (30,032)
                                                                   -----------     -----------
Increase (decrease) in cash                                            (6,691)          3,835 
Cash at beginning of period                                            17,994           4,187
                                                                   -----------     -----------
Cash at end of period                                              $   11,303      $    8,022
                                                                   ===========     ===========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
                          
</TABLE>

                                       5
<PAGE>
                                  LANDSTAR SYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                                   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES
                                       IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                    Thirteen Weeks Ended March 28, 1998
                                          (Dollars in thousands)
                                                (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                    Treasury Stock
                                Common Stock   Additional              at Cost
                            ------------------  Paid-In  Retained  ------------------
                              Shares    Amount  Capital  Earnings    Shares   Amount    Total
                            ---------- ------- --------- --------  ---------  -------  ---------

<S>                         <C>        <C>      <C>      <C>         <C>      <C>      <C>    
Balance December 27, 1997   12,900,974 $  129   $62,169  $112,345    915,441 $(22,947) $151,696

Purchases of common stock                                            598,000  (16,912)  (16,912) 

Exercise of stock options
  and related income tax
   benefit                      36,000              889                                     889 
                                                                                           
Net income                                                  4,492                         4,492
                            ---------- -------  --------  -------- --------- --------- ---------

Balance March 28, 1998      12,936,974 $  129   $63,058  $116,837  1,513,441 $(39,859) $140,165
                            ========== =======  ======== ========= ========= ========= =========

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



                                       

</TABLE>











                                       6











<PAGE>

                 LANDSTAR SYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
              NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                              (Unaudited)

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Landstar System,
Inc. and its subsidiary, Landstar System Holdings, Inc., and reflect all 
adjustments (all of a normal, recurring nature) which are, in the opinion of
management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods 
presented. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires
the use of management's estimates.  Actual results could differ from those 
estimates. Landstar System, Inc. and its subsidiary are herein referred to as 
"Landstar".


(1)   Reclassification of Certain Costs

      Certain costs in the amount of $1,496,000 were reclassified from 
      purchased transportation to fuel and other operating costs for the 1997 
      period in order to conform with the classification of these costs in 
1998.  The reclassification had no effect on operating income or net 
      income for the period.

(2)   Income Taxes

      The provisions for income taxes for the 1998 and 1997 thirteen-week
      periods were based on estimated combined full year effective income 
      tax rates of 41.5% and 42.0%, which are higher than the statutory federal
      income tax rate, primarily as a result of state income taxes, 
      amortization of certain goodwill and the meals and entertainment 
      exclusion.

(3)   Earnings Per Share

      Earnings per common share amounts are based on the weighted average 
      number of common shares outstanding and diluted earnings per share 
      amounts are based on the weighted average number of common shares 
      outstanding plus the incremental shares that would have been outstanding
      upon the assumed exercise of all dilutive stock options.

(4)   Additional Cash Flow Information

      During the 1998 period, Landstar paid income taxes and
      interest of $4,049,000 and $821,000, respectively.
      During the 1997 period, Landstar paid income taxes and
      interest of $813,000 and $1,719,000, respectively.











                                       7






















<PAGE>
(5)   Segment Information

      The following tables summarize information about Landstar's reportable 
      business segments for the thirteen weeks ending March 28, 1998 
      and March 29, 1997 (in thousands): 

      <TABLE>
      <CAPTION>
      Thirteen Weeks Ending March 28, 1998          
      ------------------------------------                 Company-
                                                            owned
                                   Carrier    Multimodal   Tractor    Insurance    Other      Total     
                                   -------    ----------   -------    ---------    -----      -----
      <S>                          <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>
      External revenue          $  229,696   $   62,578  $  21,984   $   5,910               $ 320,168 
      Investment income                                                    331                     331
      Internal revenue               8,610          120        639       5,242                  14,611
      Operating income              12,389          934       (245)      3,064    $(7,450)       8,692



      Thirteen Weeks Ending March 29, 1997                 
      ------------------------------------                 Company-
                                                            owned
                                   Carrier    Multimodal   Tractor    Insurance    Other      Total     
                                   -------    ----------   -------    ---------    -----      ----- 
      <S>                          <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>      <C>
      External revenue          $  221,473   $   56,792  $  27,293                           $  305,558 
      Internal revenue              11,326          188      3,193                               14,707
      Operating income              13,406          643       (675)                $(6,755)       6,619

      </TABLE>

(6)   Commitments and Contingencies

      At March 28, 1998, Landstar had commitments for letters of
      credit outstanding in the amount of $24,659,000, primarily as
      collateral for insurance claims. The commitments for letters of credit
      outstanding included $17,659,000 under the Second Amended and Restated 
      Credit Agreement and $7,000,000 secured by assets deposited with a 
      financial institution.

      Landstar is involved in certain claims and pending litigation 
      arising from the normal conduct of business. Based on the 
      knowledge of the facts and, in certain cases, opinions of 
      outside counsel, management believes that adequate provisions
      have been made for probable losses with respect to the resolution
      of all claims and pending litigation and that the ultimate outcome,
      after provisions thereof, will not have a material adverse effect
      on the financial condition of Landstar, but could have a material
      effect on the results of operations in a given quarter or year.






                                       8






















<PAGE>
                                                                            
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the
attached interim consolidated financial statements and notes
thereto, and with the Company's audited financial statements and
notes thereto for the fiscal year ended December 27, 1997 and
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations included in the 1997 Annual Report to
Shareholders.

                          RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Landstar System, Inc. and its subsidiary, Landstar System Holdings, Inc. 
("Landstar" or the "Company"), provide transportation services to a variety 
of market niches throughout the United States and to a lesser extent in Canada
and between the United States and Canada and Mexico through its operating 
subsidiaries which employ different operating strategies. The Company 
has four reportable business segments: the carrier segment, the multimodal
segment, the company-owned tractor segment and the insurance segment.

The carrier segment consists of Landstar Ranger, Inc. ("Landstar Ranger"), 
Landstar Inway, Inc. ("Landstar Inway") and Landstar Ligon, Inc. The carrier 
segment provides truckload transportation for a wide range of general 
commodities over irregular routes with its fleet of dry and specialty vans and 
unsided trailers, including flatbed, drop deck and specialty. The carrier 
segment markets its services primarily through independent commission sales 
agents and utilizes tractors provided by independent contractors.  The nature 
of the carrier segment's business is such that a significant portion of its 
operating costs varies directly with revenue. 

The multimodal segment is comprised of Landstar Logistics, Inc. and Landstar 
Express America, Inc. ("Landstar Express"). Transportation services provided 
by the multimodal segment include the arrangement of intermodal moves, contract 
logistics, truck brokerage, short-to-long haul movement of containers by truck 
and emergency and expedited air freight and truck services. The multimodal 
segment markets its services through independent commission sales agents and 
utilizes capacity provided by independent contractors, including railroads 
and air cargo carriers. The nature of the multimodal segment's business is 
such that a significant portion of its operating costs also varies directly 
with revenue. 

The company-owned tractor segment consists of Landstar Poole, Inc. ("Landstar 
Poole"). This segment provides truckload transportation services over short and
medium length regional traffic lanes. The company-owned tractor segment 
primarily markets its services through an employee sales force 
and primarily utilizes company-owned and employee-driven tractors. 











                                       9





















<PAGE>
The insurance segment is Signature Insurance Company ("Signature"), a wholly-
owned offshore insurance subsidiary, formed in March 1997. The insurance 
segment reinsures certain property, casualty and occupational accident risks of
certain independent contractors who have contracted to haul freight for 
Landstar. In addition, the insurance segment provides certain property and 
casualty insurance directly to Landstar's operating subsidiaries. 

During the fourth quarter of 1996, the Company announced a plan to 
restructure the operations of both Landstar Poole and Landstar T.L.C., Inc. 
("Landstar T.L.C."). The Landstar Poole restructuring plan included the 
transfer of the variable cost business component of Landstar Poole to Landstar
Ranger and the disposal of 175 company-owned tractors. The Landstar T.L.C. 
restructuring plan included the merger of the operations of Landstar T.L.C. 
into Landstar Inway and the disposal of all the company-owned tractors. The 
restructuring was substantially completed by June 28, 1997.

Purchased transportation represents the amount an independent contractor 
is paid to haul freight and is primarily based on a contractually agreed-upon
percentage of revenue generated by the haul for truck capacity provided by
independent contractors. Purchased transportation for the intermodal services 
operations and the air freight operations of the multimodal segment is based on
a contractually agreed-upon fixed rate. Purchased transportation as a 
percentage of revenue for the intermodal services operations is normally higher
than that of Landstar's other transportation operations. Purchased 
transportation is the largest component of costs and expenses and, on a 
consolidated basis, increases or decreases in proportion to the revenue 
generated through independent contractors. Commissions to agents and brokers 
are primarily based on contractually agreed-upon percentages of revenue or 
contractually agreed-upon percentages of gross profit. Commissions to agents 
and brokers as a percentage of consolidated revenue will vary directly with 
revenue generated through independent commission sales agents. Both purchased 
transportation and commissions to agents and brokers generally will also 
increase or decrease as a percentage of the Company's consolidated revenue
if there is a change in the percentage of revenue contributed by the intermodal
services operations or the air freight operations of the multimodal segment or 
through the company-employed drivers of the company-owned tractor segment.

Drivers' wages and benefits represent the amount the Company's employee 
drivers are compensated. Employee drivers are compensated primarily on a cents-
per-mile-driven basis. Drivers' wages and benefits as a percentage of 
consolidated revenue generally will vary only if there is a change in the 
revenue contribution generated through independent contractors or a change in 
the rate of employee driver pay or benefit structure.

The Company's intention is to continue its expansion of truckload capacity 
provided by independent contractors and to maintain or reduce its truckload 
capacity provided by company-owned equipment and company-employed drivers. It 
is also the Company's intention to favor independent commission sales agent 
locations over company-owned and operated locations. Accordingly, purchased 
transportation and commissions to agents and brokers are anticipated to increase
as a percentage of total consolidated revenue and drivers' wages and benefits 
are anticipated to decline as a percentage of total consolidated revenue over 
time.





                                       10
<PAGE>
Potential liability associated with accidents in the trucking industry is 
severe and occurrences are unpredictable. The industry is also subject to 
substantial workers' compensation expense. A material increase in the 
frequency or severity of accidents or workers' compensation claims or the 
unfavorable development of existing claims can be expected to adversely affect
Landstar's operating income.

The cost of fuel is the largest component of fuel and other operating costs.
Changes in prevailing prices of fuel or increases in fuel taxes can 
significantly affect the company-owned tractor segment's operating results. 
Also included in fuel and other operating costs are costs of equipment 
maintenance paid to third parties.

Employee compensation and benefits account for over half of the Company's
selling, general and administrative expense. Other significant components of 
selling, general and administrative expense are data processing expense, 
communications costs and rent expense.

Depreciation and amortization primarily relate to depreciation of tractors
and trailers.

The following table sets forth the percentage relationships of
expense items and investment income to revenue for the periods indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    Thirteen Weeks Ended
                                                                   -----------------------
                                                                   March 28,     March 29,
                                                                      1998          1997
                                                                   ----------   ----------
<S>                                                               <C>          <C>        
Revenue                                                               100.0%       100.0%
Investment income                                                       0.1%         

Costs and expenses:
    Purchased transportation                                           69.7%        69.9%
    Drivers' wages and benefits                                         1.9%         2.7%
    Fuel and other operating costs                                      4.4%         4.8%
    Insurance and claims                                                4.2%         3.0%
    Commissions to agents and brokers                                   7.4%         7.4%
    Selling, general and administrative                                 8.3%         7.9%
    Depreciation and amortization                                       1.5%         1.7%
    Restructuring costs                                                              0.4%
                                                                      -------      ------
            Total costs and expenses                                   97.4%        97.8%
                                                                      -------      ------
Operating income                                                        2.7%         2.2%
Interest and debt expense                                               0.3%         0.5%
                                                                      -------      ------
Income before income taxes                                              2.4%         1.7%
Income taxes                                                            1.0%         0.7%
                                                                      -------      ------
Net income                                                              1.4%         1.0%
                                                                      =======      ======
</TABLE>


                                       11





<PAGE>
THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED MARCH 28, 1998 COMPARED TO THIRTEEN WEEKS
ENDED MARCH 29, 1997

Revenue for the 1998 thirteen-week period was $320,168,000, an increase of 
$14,610,000, or 4.8%, over the 1997 thirteen-week period. The increase was 
attributable to higher revenue of $8,223,000 and $5,786,000 at the carrier 
and multimodal segments, respectively, and premium revenue of $5,910,000 
generated by the insurance segment. These increases were partially offset 
by a $5,309,000 revenue decline at the company-owned tractor segment, which
resulted from the restructuring of the operations of Landstar Poole. Overall,
revenue per revenue mile (price) increased approximately 5%, which reflected 
improved freight quality, while revenue miles (volume) were approximately 3%
lower than 1997, primarily as a result of the restructuring of the operations
of Landstar Poole and Landstar T.L.C. During the 1998 and 1997 periods, revenue
generated through all independent contractors, including railroads and air 
cargo carriers, was 92.9% of consolidated revenue. During the 1998 period, 
$331,000 of investment income was generated by the insurance segment.

Purchased transportation was 69.7% of revenue in 1998 compared with 69.9% in 
1997. Drivers' wages and benefits were 1.9% of revenue in 1998 compared with 
2.7% in 1997. Fuel and other operating costs were 4.4% of revenue in 1998 
compared with 4.8% in 1997. The decrease in purchased transportation as 
a percentage of revenue was primarily attributable to the effect of the premium
revenue generated at the insurance segment, partially offset by an increase in 
the percentage of revenue (excluding premium revenue) generated 
through independent contractors due to the reduction of company-owned tractors
as a result of the Landstar Poole and Landstar T.L.C. restructuring. The 
decrease in drivers' wages and benefits and fuel and other operating costs was
due primarily to the effect of premium revenue generated at the insurance 
segment and the reduction of company-owned tractors as a result of the 
restructuring. Insurance and claims were 4.2% of revenue in 1998 compared with 
3.0% in 1997. The increase in insurance and claims as a percentage of revenue 
was primarily attributable to the effects of insurance programs available to 
the Company's independent contractors which Signature reinsures. Excluding the
premium revenue and insurance and claims expense related to the above 
reinsurance programs, insurance and claims as a percentage of revenue was 3.0%
in 1998. Commissions to agents and brokers were 7.4% of revenue in both 1998 
and 1997. Selling, general and administrative costs were 8.3% of revenue in 
1998 compared with 7.9% of revenue in 1997, primarily due to a higher provision
for customer bad debts, increased management information systems costs, 
marketing and administrative costs at Signature and one time costs related to
the relocation of Landstar Express from Charlotte, North Carolina
to Jacksonville, Florida. Depreciation and amortization was 1.5% of revenue 
in 1998 compared with 1.7% in 1997, primarily due to the effect of increased 
revenue including the premium revenue generated at the insurance segment. 

On December 18, 1996, the Company announced a plan to restructure its Landstar 
T.L.C. and Landstar Poole operations, in addition to the relocation of its 
Shelton, Connecticut corporate office headquarters to Jacksonville, Florida in 
the second quarter of 1997. During the first quarter of 1997, the 
Company recorded $1,179,000 of restructuring costs. The restructuring was 
substantially completed by June 28, 1997.





                                       12
<PAGE>


Interest and debt expense was 0.3% of revenue in 1998 and 0.5% in 1997.
This decrease was primarily attributable to the effect of lower average 
borrowings on the senior credit facility and reduced capital lease obligations.

The provisions for income taxes for the 1998 and 1997 thirteen-week periods 
were based on estimated full year combined effective income tax rates of 
approximately 41.5% and 42.0%, respectively, which are higher than the 
statutory federal income tax rate primarily as a result of state income taxes, 
amortization of certain goodwill and the meals and entertainment exclusion. 

Net income was $4,492,000, or $0.38 per common share, in the 1998 period
compared with $3,005,000, or $0.24 per common share, in the 1997 period. 
Including the dilutive effect of the Company's stock options, diluted earnings 
per share was $0.38 in the 1998 period and $0.24 in the 1997 period. Excluding 
restructuring costs, net income for the 1997 period would have been $3,689,000,
or $0.29 per common share ($0.29 diluted earnings per share).

CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

Shareholders' equity decreased to $140,165,000 at March 28, 1998, compared with
$151,696,000 at December 27, 1997, as a result of the repurchase of 598,000
shares of common stock, at an aggregate cost of $16,912,000, partially offset by
net income for the period. Shareholders' equity was 75% of total 
capitalization at both March 28, 1998 and December 27, 1997.

Working capital and the ratio of current assets to current
liabilities were $69,483,000 and 1.47 to 1, respectively, at March
28, 1998, compared with $79,051,000 and 1.57 to 1, respectively, at
December 27, 1997. Landstar has historically operated with a current
ratio of approximately 1.5 to 1. Cash provided by operating activities was
$11,533,000 in the 1998 period compared with $32,427,000 in the
1997 period. The decrease in cash flow provided by operating
activities was primarily attributable to the timing of cash collections and
payments. During the 1998 period, Landstar purchased $1,717,000
of operating property. Landstar plans to acquire approximately $23,000,000 of 
operating property during the remainder of fiscal year 1998 either by purchase
or lease financing.

The Company is aware of the issues associated with the programming code in its 
existing computer systems in order for the systems to recognize date-sensitive 
information when the year changes to 2000. The Company believes it has 
identified and is in the process of modifying all computer software which 
requires change to ensure its computer systems will be year 2000 compliant as 
part of its scheduled maintenance and normal system upgrades. As such, 












                                       13





















<PAGE>

management has not separately quantified the cost of year 2000 compliance, 
however, management does not believe that the future costs of maintaining and 
upgrading Landstar's computer systems will have a material adverse effect on 
results of operations. It is anticipated that all reprogramming and testing 
efforts will be completed by May 1999. To date, confirmations have been 
received from the Company's primary outside processing vendors that plans have
been developed to address the year 2000 issue.

Management believes that cash flow from operations combined with the Company's
borrowing capacity under its revolving credit agreement will be adequate to
meet Landstar's debt service requirements, fund continued growth, both internal
and through acquisitions, and meet working capital needs.

Management does not believe inflation has had a material impact on the 
results of operations or financial condition of Landstar in the past five
years.  However, inflation higher than that experienced in the past five
years might have an adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.

                            SEASONALITY

Landstar's operations are subject to seasonal trends common to the
trucking industry.  Results of operations for the quarter ending in
March is typically lower than the quarters ending June, September
and December due to reduced shipments and higher operating costs in
the winter months.












                                       14

<PAGE>                                    PART II

                                     OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

On August 5, 1997, suit was filed entitled Rene Alberto Rivas Vs. Landstar 
System, Inc., Landstar Gemini, Inc., Landstar Ranger, Inc., Risk Management
Claims Services, Inc., Insurance Management Corporation, and Does 1 through 
500, inclusive, in federal district court in Los Angeles. The suit claims Rivas 
represents a class of all drivers who, according to the suit, should be 
classified as employees and are therefore allegedly aggrieved by the practice 
of Landstar Gemini, Inc. requiring such drivers, as independent contractors, to 
provide either a worker's compensation certificate or to participate in an 
occupational accident insurance program. Rivas claims violations of federal 
leasing regulations for allegedly improperly disclosing the program. Rivas also 
claims violations of Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organizations ("RICO") Act 
and the California Business and Professions Act. He seeks on behalf of himself 
and the class damages of $15 million trebled by virtue of trebling provisions 
in the RICO Act plus punitive damages. A motion to dismiss these claims was 
argued to the court on February 9, 1998, and the court's decision is pending. 
On March 24, 1998, the court granted defendant's motion to dismiss the RICO 
claim and invited briefs on the question of a private right of action to 
enforce the federal leasing regulations. The court will likely refer Rivas' 
remaining claims to arbitration if a private right of action and Federal court
jurisdiction is sustained. Plaintiff may appeal dismissal of the RICO claim.
The Company continues to vigorously contest this action. It believes that the 
drivers in question are properly classified as independent contractors and 
that it also has other meritorious defenses to the various claims.


Item 2.  Changes in Securities

None.

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

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

None

Item 5.  Other Information

None.




                                       15




<PAGE>
Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)      Exhibits

         The exhibits listed on the Exhibit Index are filed as part
         of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

(b)      Form 8-K

         No reports on Form 8-K were filed by the Registrant during the
         thirteen week period ended March 28, 1998.


                              EXHIBIT INDEX

Registrant's Commission File No.: 0-21238

Exhibit No.       Description
- ------------       -----------

   (11)           Statement re: Computation of Per Share Earnings:

         11.1 *   Landstar System, Inc. and Subsidiary Calculation of Earnings
                  Per Common Share for the Thirteen Weeks Ending 
                  March 28, 1998 and March 29, 1997

11.2  *   Landstar System, Inc. and Subsidiary Calculation of Diluted 
                  Earnings Per Share for the Thirteen Weeks Ending 
                  March 28, 1998 and March 29, 1997

   (27)           Financial Data Schedules:

         27.1 *   1998 Financial Data Schedule


__________________
* Filed herewith












                                         



                                       16


<PAGE>
                                     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.


                                          LANDSTAR SYSTEM, INC.



Date:     May 8, 1998                     Henry H. Gerkens
                                          ----------------------------
                                          Henry H. Gerkens
                                          Executive Vice President and
                                          Chief Financial Officer;
                                          Principal Financial Officer



Date:     May 8, 1998                     Robert C. LaRose
                                          ----------------------------
                                          Robert C. LaRose
                                          Vice President Finance and Treasurer;
                                          Principal Accounting Officer




[DESCRIPTION]   CALCULATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE  

<PAGE>
                                                                 EXHIBIT 11.1


                         LANDSTAR SYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                       CALCULATION OF EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
                       (In thousands, except per share amounts)
                                       (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                    Thirteen       Thirteen
                                                  Weeks Ending   Weeks Ending
                                                    March 28,       March 29, 
                                                      1998           1997    
                                                  ------------   ------------


Earnings available for earnings per share:

<S>                                             <C>            <C>
Net income                                        $      4,492   $      3,005
                                                  ============   ============






Average number of common shares outstanding             11,686         12,726
                                                  ============   ============






Earnings per common share                         $       0.38   $       0.24
                                                  ============   ============

</TABLE>








<PAGE>

                                                                  EXHIBIT 11.2

                         LANDSTAR SYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                       CALCULATION OF DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
                       (In thousands, except per share amounts)
                                       (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                    Thirteen       Thirteen
                                                  Weeks Ending   Weeks Ending
                                                    March 28,       March 29, 
                                                      1998           1997    
                                                  ------------   ------------

<S>                                             <C>            <C>
Net income                                        $      4,492   $      3,005
                                                  ============   ============






Average number of common shares
    outstanding                                         11,686         12,726
                                                  ============   ============
  Plus: Incremental shares from
    assumed exercise of stock 
    options                                                 60             30
                                                  ------------   ------------                        
Average number of common shares              
    and common share equivalents                                
    outstanding                                         11,746         12,756                       
                                                  ============   ============                    

Diluted earnings per share                        $       0.38   $       0.24
                                                  ============   ============

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

































<PAGE>


       

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 28, 1998 (Unaudited) and the Consolidated
Statements of Income for the thirteen weeks ended March 28, 1998 (Unaudited)
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
        

<S>                                        <C>        
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                    OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-26-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             DEC-28-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-28-1998
<CASH>                                          11,303
<SECURITIES>                                     3,036
<RECEIVABLES>                                  180,841
<ALLOWANCES>                                     7,199
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               216,137
<PP&E>                                         130,219
<DEPRECIATION>                                  52,685
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 351,679
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          146,654
<BONDS>                                         33,149
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           129
<OTHER-SE>                                     140,036
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   351,679
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               320,499
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  243,546
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                13,416
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 2,048
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               1,013
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  7,679
<INCOME-TAX>                                     3,187
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              4,492
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     4,492
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.38
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.38

        

        

</TABLE>


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission