<PAGE> 1
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[X] Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 For the Quarter Ended September 30, 1997
[ ] 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 0-19969
ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 6711 71-0673405
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Classification Code No.) Identification No.)
3801 Old Greenwood Road
Fort Smith, Arkansas 72903
(501) 785-6000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
area code, of the registrant's principal executive offices)
Not Applicable
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
if changed since last report.)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants (1) have 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
registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Outstanding at October 31,
Class 1997
---------------------------- ---------------------------
Common Stock, $.01 par value 19,592,613 shares
<PAGE> 2
ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION
INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
<S> <C>
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets --
September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996 ............................... 3
Consolidated Statements of Operations --
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 ........ 5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows --
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 .................. 7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - September 30, 1997 ........... 8
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations .................................... 13
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings ......................................................... 24
Item 2. Changes in Securities ..................................................... 24
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities ........................................... 24
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders ....................... 24
Item 5. Other Information ......................................................... 24
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K .......................................... 24
SIGNATURES ........................................................................... 25
EXHIBITS
Exhibit 11. Statement Re: Computation of Earnings Per Share
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 3
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPTEMBER 30 DECEMBER 31
1997 1996
------------ -----------
(UNAUDITED) (NOTE)
($ THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents .................................. $ -- $ 2,427
Trade receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts
(1997 -- $5,481,000; 1996 -- $6,118,000) ................ 195,640 178,766
Inventories -- Note E ...................................... 31,531 33,811
Prepaid expenses ........................................... 14,266 12,869
Federal and state income taxes refundable .................. 5,500 7,320
Deferred federal income taxes .............................. 13,891 16,490
Other ...................................................... 3,035 --
--------- ---------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS ................................... 263,863 251,683
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Land and structures ........................................ 212,358 228,051
Revenue equipment .......................................... 208,127 253,009
Manufacturing equipment .................................... 18,793 18,815
Service, office and other equipment ........................ 64,221 61,987
Leasehold improvements ..................................... 7,372 8,899
--------- ---------
510,871 570,761
Less allowances for depreciation and amortization .......... (218,207) (214,195)
--------- ---------
292,664 356,566
OTHER ASSETS .................................................... 42,743 60,630
ASSETS HELD FOR SALE ............................................ 7,818 9,148
GOODWILL, less amortization
(1997 -- $30,824,000; 1996 -- $28,006,000) ................. 137,144 150,154
--------- ---------
$ 744,232 $ 828,181
========= =========
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE> 4
ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPTEMBER 30 DECEMBER 31
1997 1996
------------ -----------
(UNAUDITED) (NOTE)
($ THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Bank overdraft .............................................. $ 4,279 $ --
Bank drafts payable ......................................... 7,090 502
Trade accounts payable ...................................... 85,468 77,338
Accrued expenses ............................................ 166,793 179,918
Current portion of long-term debt ........................... 19,606 37,197
--------- ---------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES ............................... 283,236 294,955
LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion ............................. 223,859 317,874
OTHER LIABILITIES ................................................ 22,922 21,423
DEFERRED FEDERAL INCOME TAXES .................................... 36,115 22,479
MINORITY INTEREST ................................................ 32,864 34,020
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, $.01 par value,
authorized 10,000,000 shares; issued 1,495,000 shares ... 15 15
Common stock, $.01 par value,
authorized 70,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding
1997: 19,589,013 shares; 1996: 19,512,250 shares ........ 196 195
Additional paid-in capital .................................. 192,864 192,328
Retained earnings (deficit) ................................. (47,839) (55,108)
--------- ---------
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY .............................. 145,236 137,430
CONTINGENCIES -- Note G
--------- ---------
$ 744,232 $ 828,181
========= =========
</TABLE>
Note: The balance sheet at December 31, 1996 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.
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
4
<PAGE> 5
ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30 SEPTEMBER 30
1997 1996 1997 1996
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
CONTINUING OPERATIONS: ($ THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING REVENUES
LTL motor carrier operations .......................... $ 328,767 $ 305,926 $ 936,791 $ 899,735
Truckload motor carrier operations (Note D) ........... -- 19,171 39,366 55,926
Intermodal operations ................................. 47,585 47,552 141,003 134,319
Tire operations ....................................... 46,169 39,488 119,277 106,606
Service and other ..................................... 2,768 2,369 7,145 6,281
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
425,289 414,506 1,243,582 1,202,867
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
OPERATING EXPENSES AND COSTS
LTL motor carrier operations .......................... $ 309,033 $ 307,527 $ 888,298 $ 916,521
Truckload motor carrier operations (Note D) ........... -- 18,139 37,304 52,015
Intermodal operations ................................. 46,420 48,366 138,869 132,461
Tire operations ....................................... 45,423 40,184 120,862 110,249
Service and other ..................................... 2,766 2,529 7,258 7,305
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
403,642 416,745 1,192,591 1,218,551
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) .................................. 21,647 (2,239) 50,991 (15,684)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Gain (loss) on sale of property and
non-revenue equipment ............................... (2,333) 737 (4,147) 3,458
Gain on sale of Cardinal Freight Carriers (Note D) .... 8,985 -- 8,985 --
Interest expense ...................................... (5,260) (7,656) (19,100) (22,495)
Minority interest in subsidiary ....................... (228) (82) 826 1,045
Other, net ............................................ (2,155) (2,004) (5,255) (5,279)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
(991) (9,005) (18,691) (23,271)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING
OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES ......................... 20,656 (11,244) 32,300 (38,955)
FEDERAL AND STATE INCOME TAXES (CREDIT)
Current ............................................... 3,035 (4,916) 4,500 (9,396)
Deferred .............................................. 8,363 1,327 11,685 (4,397)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
11,398 (3,589) 16,185 (13,793)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS ................. 9,258 (7,655) 16,115 (25,162)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE> 6
ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) -- Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30 SEPTEMBER 30
1997 1996 1997 1996
------------ -------------- ------------ --------------
($ THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Note C):
(Loss) from discontinued operations (net of tax benefits
of $208 and $478 for the three months ended
September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively, and
$1,476 and $928 for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively) ............. $ (363) $ (831) $ (2,529) $ (1,669)
(Loss) on disposal of discontinued operations (net of
tax benefits of $605 for the three and nine months
ended September 30, 1997) .............................. (3,093) -- (3,093) --
------------ -------------- ------------ --------------
LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS ........................ (3,456) (831) (5,622) (1,669)
------------ -------------- ------------ --------------
NET INCOME (LOSS) ......................................... 5,802 (8,486) 10,493 (26,831)
Preferred stock dividends ................................. 1,075 1,074 3,224 3,224
------------ -------------- ------------ --------------
NET INCOME (LOSS)
FOR COMMON SHAREHOLDERS ................................. $ 4,727 $ (9,560) $ 7,269 $ (30,055)
============ ============== ============ ==============
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
PRIMARY:
Continuing operations (1) .............................. $ 0.41 $ (0.45) $ 0.65 $ (1.45)
Discontinued operations ................................ (0.17) (0.04) (0.29) (0.09)
------------ -------------- ------------ --------------
NET INCOME (LOSS) (1) ..................................... $ 0.24 $ (0.49) $ 0.36 $ (1.54)
------------ -------------- ------------ --------------
AVERAGE COMMON SHARES
OUTSTANDING (PRIMARY): ................................. 20,048,212 19,508,620 19,708,418 19,512,509
============ ============== ============ ==============
FULLY DILUTED:
Continuing operations .................................. $ 0.39 $ (0.45) $ 0.65 $ (1.45)
Discontinued operations ................................ (0.14) (0.04) (0.29) (0.09)
------------ -------------- ------------ --------------
NET INCOME (LOSS) ......................................... $ 0.25 $ (0.49) $ 0.36 $ (1.54)
AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
(FULLY DILUTED) (2) ..................................... 23,953,837 19,508,620 19,708,418 19,512,509
============ ============== ============ ==============
CASH DIVIDENDS PAID PER COMMON SHARE ...................... $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.01
============ ============== ============ ==============
</TABLE>
(1) Gives consideration to preferred stock dividends of $1.1 million per
quarter
(2) Assumes conversion of preferred shares into common for three months ended
September 30, 1997. Conversion would be anti-dilutive for all other periods
presented.
6
<PAGE> 7
ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30
1997 1996
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
($ THOUSANDS)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities ................ $ 60,946 $ (1,504)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of property, plant and equipment,
less capitalized leases ....................................... (9,448) (22,472)
Proceeds from asset sales ....................................... 31,781 49,886
Net proceeds from the sale of Cardinal Freight Carriers, Inc. ... 36,467 --
Net proceeds from the sale of The Complete Logistics Company .... 2,403 --
--------- ---------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES ............................ 61,203 27,414
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Deferred financing costs and expenses ........................... (1,164) (3,512)
Borrowings under revolving credit facilities .................... 328,185 203,060
Payments under revolving credit facilities ...................... (392,985) (214,060)
Payments on long-term debt ...................................... (12,525) (14,216)
Payments under term loan facilities ............................. (42,448) (11,566)
Dividends paid .................................................. (3,224) (3,419)
Other, net ...................................................... 206 (651)
--------- ---------
NET CASH USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES ................................ (123,955) (44,364)
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ............................ (1,806) (18,454)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period ................ 1,806 16,945
--------- ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD ........................... $ -- $ (1,509)
========= =========
</TABLE>
7
<PAGE> 8
ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE A - ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Arkansas Best Corporation (the "Company") is a diversified holding company
engaged through its subsidiaries primarily in motor carrier operations,
intermodal operations and truck tire retreading and sales. Principal
subsidiaries are ABF Freight System, Inc., ("ABF"), Treadco, Inc. ("Treadco"),
and Clipper Exxpress Company, CaroTrans International, Inc. ("CaroTrans"), and
related companies ("Clipper Worldwide"), G.I. Trucking Company ("G.I. Trucking")
and FleetNet America, Inc. (formerly Carolina Breakdown Service, Inc.) and,
until July 15, 1997, Cardinal Freight Carriers, Inc. ("Cardinal").
Approximately 81% of ABF's employees are covered under a collective bargaining
agreement with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters which expires on March
31, 1998.
NOTE B - FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim
financial statements 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 the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting
of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have
been included. Operating results for the three months and nine months ended
September 30, 1997, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be
expected for the year ending December 31, 1997. For further information, refer
to the Company's financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996.
Motor carrier revenue equipment gains and losses are reported as operating
expenses and costs in 1997. The 1996 Statement of Operations has been
reclassified to conform to the 1997 presentation. (See Note F.)
The differences between the effective tax rates for the three and nine months
ended September 30, 1997, and the federal statutory rate resulted from state
income taxes, amortization of goodwill, minority interest, and other
nondeductible expenses. In addition, income tax expense for the same periods
exceeds the expected amounts because of $3.5 million of taxes attributable to a
lower tax basis than accounting basis in Cardinal. The basis difference resulted
from goodwill of approximately $9.5 million allocated to Cardinal as a result of
purchase accounting for the 1995 WorldWay acquisition, which included Cardinal.
NOTE C - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
As of June 30, 1997 and prior periods since 1995, the Company was engaged in
providing logistics services, including warehousing and distribution, through
two wholly owned subsidiaries, The Complete Logistics Company ("CLC") and
Integrated Distribution Inc. ("IDI"). On August 8, 1997, the Company completed
the sale of all of the outstanding shares of CLC for $2.5 million in cash,
subject to purchase price adjustments. The sale of CLC resulted in a pre-tax
loss of $1.3 million. During September 1997, the Company completed its plan to
exit the logistics segment by disposing of IDI. As of September 30, 1997, the
Company recorded a loss for the disposal of IDI of $2,200,000, net of tax
benefits of $100,000. On October 31, 1997, the Company closed the sale of IDI
for proceeds of approximately $600,000, subject to purchase price adjustments.
As of September 30, 1997, the net assets of IDI of approximately $255,000 were
included in other assets.
8
<PAGE> 9
ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Results of operations of the logistics segment have been reported as
discontinued operations for the quarter ended September 30, 1997 and the
statements of operations for all prior periods have been restated to remove
revenue and expenses of the logistics segment. Results of the logistics
operations segment included in discontinued operations are summarized as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30 SEPTEMBER 30
1997 1996 1997 1996
------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues ................... $ 5,587 $ 14,007 $ 29,812 $ 41,482
Operating income (loss) .... (476) (1,077) (3,516) (1,882)
Pre-tax income (loss) ...... (571) (1,309) (4,005) (2,597)
</TABLE>
NOTE D - SALE OF CARDINAL FREIGHT CARRIERS, INC.
On July 15, 1997, the Company sold Cardinal for approximately $38 million in
cash. The sale resulted in a pre-tax gain of approximately $9 million, subject
to adjustments in the purchase price under the terms of the definitive
agreement. The net proceeds from the sale of Cardinal were used to pay down bank
debt. Results of operations for Cardinal are summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30 SEPTEMBER 30
1997 1996 1997 1996
---- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue .............. $ -- $19,171 $39,366 $55,926
Operating income ..... -- 1,028 2,087 3,900
Net income ........... -- 507 1,027 1,989
</TABLE>
NOTE E - INVENTORIES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPTEMBER 30 DECEMBER 31
1997 1996
------- -------
($ THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Finished goods ...................... $22,650 $24,029
Materials ........................... 5,913 6,267
Repair parts, supplies and other .... 2,968 3,535
------- -------
$31,531 $33,831
======= =======
</TABLE>
9
<PAGE> 10
ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE F - OPERATING EXPENSES AND COSTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30 SEPTEMBER 30
1997 1996 1997 1996
--------- ----------- ----------- -----------
(UNAUDITED)
($ THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
LTL Motor Carrier Operations:
Salaries and wages ............................ $ 213,122 $ 210,756 $ 615,339 $ 629,053
Supplies and expenses ......................... 30,714 31,502 90,870 96,724
Operating taxes and licenses .................. 10,781 11,729 31,767 36,831
Insurance ..................................... 6,023 8,018 18,847 21,169
Communications and utilities .................. 7,385 7,292 21,075 22,533
Depreciation and amortization ................. 7,632 9,569 25,098 32,329
Rents and purchased transportation ............ 31,518 25,190 81,252 69,138
Other ......................................... 2,350 3,876 6,147 9,694
Gain on sale of revenue equipment ............. (492) (405) (2,097) (950)
--------- ----------- ----------- -----------
309,033 307,527 888,298 916,521
Truckload Motor Carrier Operations:
Salaries and wages ............................ -- 6,975 14,310 19,962
Supplies and expenses ......................... -- 3,440 7,257 9,673
Operating taxes and licenses .................. -- 1,822 3,543 5,392
Insurance ..................................... -- 771 1,677 2,089
Communications and utilities .................. -- 275 589 742
Depreciation and amortization ................. -- 902 1,910 2,663
Rents and purchased transportation ............ -- 3,833 7,741 11,184
Other ......................................... -- 121 275 310
Loss on sale of revenue equipment ............. -- -- 2 --
--------- ----------- ----------- -----------
-- 18,139 37,304 52,015
Intermodal Operations:
Cost of services .............................. 39,421 41,254 117,894 111,894
Selling, administrative and general ........... 6,999 7,116 20,975 20,583
Gain on sale of revenue equipment ............. -- (4) -- (16)
--------- ----------- ----------- -----------
46,420 48,366 138,869 132,461
Tire Operations:
Cost of sales ................................. 33,383 26,784 87,908 83,182
Selling, administrative and general ........... 12,040 13,400 32,954 27,067
--------- ----------- ----------- -----------
45,423 40,184 120,862 110,249
Service and other: ............................... 2,766 2,529 7,258 7,305
--------- ----------- ----------- -----------
$ 403,642 $ 416,745 $ 1,192,591 $ 1,218,551
========= =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
NOTE G - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
Various legal actions, the majority of which arise in the normal course of
business, are pending. None of these legal actions are expected to have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition. The Company
maintains liability insurance against risks arising out of the normal course of
its business, subject to certain self-insured retention limits.
10
<PAGE> 11
ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company's subsidiaries store some fuel for its tractors and trucks in
approximately 118 underground tanks located in 30 states. Maintenance of such
tanks is regulated at the federal and, in some cases, state levels. The Company
believes that it is in substantial compliance with all such regulations. The
Company is not aware of any leaks from such tanks that could reasonably be
expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company. Environmental
regulations have been adopted by the United States Environmental Protection
Agency ("EPA") that will require the Company to upgrade its underground tank
systems by December 1998. The Company currently estimates that such upgrades,
which are currently in progress, will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company.
The Company has received notices from the EPA and others that it has been
identified as a potentially responsible party ("PRP") under the Comprehensive
Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act or other federal or state
environmental statutes at several hazardous waste sites. After investigating the
Company's or its subsidiaries' involvement in waste disposal or waste generation
at such sites, the Company has either agreed to de minimis settlements
(aggregating approximately $200,000 over the last six years), or believes its
obligations with respect to such sites would involve immaterial monetary
liability, although there can be no assurances in this regard.
As of September 30, 1997, the Company has accrued approximately $2.9 million to
provide for environmental-related liabilities. The Company's environmental
accrual is based on management's best estimate of the actual liability. The
Company's estimate is founded on management's experience in dealing with similar
environmental matters and on actual testing performed at some sites. Management
believes that the accrual is adequate to cover environmental liabilities based
on the present environmental regulations.
NOTE H - RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No.
128, Earnings Per Share, which is required to be adopted on December 31, 1997.
At that time, the Company will be required to change the method currently used
to compute earnings per share and to restate all prior periods. Under the new
requirements for computing primary earnings per share, the dilutive effect of
stock options will be excluded. The impact of Statement No. 128 on the
calculation of primary earnings per share and fully diluted earnings per share
is not expected to be material.
In June 1997, the FASB issued Statement No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income.
The Statement establishes standards for the reporting and display of
comprehensive income and its components in a full set of general purpose
financial statements. The Statement is effective for the Company in 1998. The
Company does not anticipate that adoption of this Statement will have a material
impact on the current presentation of its financial statements.
11
<PAGE> 12
ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In June 1997, the FASB issued Statement No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of
an Enterprise and Related Information. The Statement changes the way public
companies report segment information in annual financial statements and also
requires those companies to report selected segment information in interim
financial reports to shareholders. The proposal superseded FASB Statement No. 14
on segments. The Statement is effective for the Company in 1998. The Company is
currently evaluating the impact that the Statement will have on its segment of
business reporting.
12
<PAGE> 13
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Arkansas Best Corporation (the "Company") is a diversified holding company
engaged through its subsidiaries primarily in less-than-truckload ("LTL") and
truckload motor carrier operations, freight intermodal operations, truck tire
retreading and new tire sales. Principal subsidiaries owned are ABF Freight
System, Inc. ("ABF"), Treadco, Inc. ("Treadco"), and Clipper Exxpress Company
and affiliates ("Clipper Group") and including CaroTrans International, Inc.
("CaroTrans"), ("Clipper Worldwide"), and G.I. Trucking Company ("G.I.
Trucking") and FleetNet America, Inc., formerly Carolina Breakdown Service, Inc.
and, until July 15, 1997, Cardinal Freight Carriers, Inc. ("Cardinal").
The Company in 1991 reduced its ownership in Treadco, through an initial public
offering of Treadco common stock, to approximately 46%, while retaining control
of Treadco by reason of its stock ownership, board representation and provision
of management services. As a result, Treadco is consolidated with the Company
for financial reporting purposes, with the ownership interests of the other
stockholders reflected as minority interest.
OPERATING RESULTS
The discussion and analysis of results of operations reflects information
generally prepared on a business segment basis with motor carrier operations
further separated between LTL and truckload, based on the primary business of
the subsidiary. LTL subsidiaries also handle some truckload freight. Operating
expenses include the reclassification of certain expenses and costs between the
Company and its subsidiaries and elimination of the effects of intercompany
transactions. Operating profit on a business segment basis differs from
operating income as reported in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other income and expenses (which include amortization expense), except for
interest expense and minority interest, have been allocated to individual
segments for the purpose of calculating operating profit on a segment basis.
13
<PAGE> 14
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
During 1996, the Company changed the name of its forwarding operations segment
to the intermodal operations segment.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30 SEPTEMBER 30
1997 1996 1997 1996
--------- --------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING REVENUES
LTL motor carrier operations .......... $ 328,767 $ 305,926 $ 936,791 $ 899,735
Truckload motor carrier operations .... -- 19,171 39,366 55,926
Intermodal operations ................. 47,585 47,552 141,003 134,319
Tire operations ....................... 46,169 39,488 119,277 106,606
Service and other ..................... 2,768 2,369 7,145 6,281
--------- --------- ----------- -----------
$ 425,289 414,506 $ 1,243,582 $ 1,202,867
--------- --------- ----------- -----------
OPERATING PROFIT (LOSS)
LTL motor carrier operations .......... $ 16,594 $ 538 $ 42,070 $ (15,914)
Truckload motor carrier operations .... -- 1,031 2,060 3,908
Intermodal operations ................. 627 (1,298) 720 558
Tire operations ....................... 853 228 (1,693) (2,862)
Service and other ..................... (915) (4,005) (1,568) (3,195)
--------- --------- ----------- -----------
TOTAL OPERATING PROFIT (LOSS) ............ 17,159 (3,506) 41,589 (17,505)
GAIN ON SALE OF CARDINAL FREIGHT
CARRIERS, INC ......................... 8,985 -- 8,985 --
INTEREST EXPENSE ......................... (5,260) (7,656) (19,100) (22,495)
MINORITY INTEREST ........................ (228) (82) 826 1,045
--------- --------- ----------- -----------
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING
OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES ........ $ 20,656 $ (11,244) $ 32,300 $ (38,955)
========= ========= =========== ===========
</TABLE>
The following table sets forth for the periods indicated a summary of the
Company's operations as a percentage of revenues with other income and expenses
allocated on a business segment basis. The basis of presentation for business
segment data differs from the basis of presentation for data the Company
provides to the U.S. Department of Transportation ("D.O.T.").
14
<PAGE> 15
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30 SEPTEMBER 30
1997 1996 1997 1996
---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
LTL MOTOR CARRIER OPERATIONS
Salaries and wages ..................... 64.8% 68.9% 65.7% 69.9%
Supplies and expenses .................. 9.3 10.3 9.7 10.8
Operating taxes and licenses ........... 3.3 3.8 3.4 4.1
Insurance .............................. 1.8 2.6 2.0 2.4
Communications and utilities ........... 2.2 2.4 2.2 2.5
Depreciation and amortization .......... 2.3 3.1 2.7 3.6
Rents and purchased transportation ..... 9.6 8.2 8.7 7.7
Other .................................. 0.7 1.3 0.7 1.1
Gain on sale of revenue equipment ...... (0.1) (0.1) (0.2) (0.1)
Other non-operating (net) .............. 1.0 (0.7) 0.7 (0.1)
---- ----- ----- -----
94.9% 99.8% 95.6% 101.9%
==== ===== ===== =====
TRUCKLOAD MOTOR CARRIER OPERATIONS
Salaries and wages ..................... -- 36.4% 36.4% 35.7%
Supplies and expenses .................. -- 17.9 18.4 17.3
Operating taxes and licenses ........... -- 9.5 9.0 9.6
Insurance .............................. -- 4.0 4.3 3.7
Communications and utilities ........... -- 1.4 1.5 1.3
Depreciation and amortization .......... -- 4.7 4.9 4.8
Rents and purchased transportation ..... -- 20.0 19.7 20.0
Other .................................. -- 0.6 0.7 0.6
---- ----- ----- -----
-- 94.5% 94.9% 93.0%
==== ===== ===== =====
INTERMODAL OPERATIONS
Cost of services ....................... 82.8% 86.8% 83.6% 83.3%
Selling, administrative and general .... 14.7 15.0 14.9 15.3
Gain on sale of revenue equipment ...... -- -- -- --
Other non-operating (net) .............. 1.1 1.0 1.0 1.0
---- ----- ----- -----
98.6% 102.8% 99.5% 99.6%
==== ===== ===== =====
TIRE OPERATIONS
Cost of sales .......................... 72.3% 67.8% 73.7% 78.0%
Selling, administrative and general .... 26.1 33.9 27.6 25.4
Other non-operating (net) .............. (0.2) (2.3) 0.1 (0.7)
---- ----- ----- -----
98.2% 99.4% 101.4% 102.7%
==== ===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
Consolidated revenues from continuing operations of the Company for the three
months ended September 30, 1997 were $425 million compared to $415 million for
the three months ended September 30, 1996. The Company had an operating profit
(segment basis) from continuing operations
15
<PAGE> 16
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
of $26.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 1997 compared to an
operating loss from continuing operations of $3.5 million for the three months
ended September 30, 1996. The Company had income from continuing operations of
$9.3 million, or $0.41 per share ($0.39 fully diluted), for the third quarter of
1997 compared to a loss from continuing operations of $7.7 million, or $0.45
cents per share, for the third quarter of 1996. The Company had net income of
$5.8 million, or $.24 per common share, compared to a net loss of $8.5 million,
or a loss of $.49 per common share, for the three months ended September 30,
1996.
Earnings per common share from continuing operations for the three months ended
September 30, 1997 assumes conversion of preferred stock to common shares for
earnings per share. Average common shares outstanding for the three months ended
September 30, 1997 were 20.0 million (24.0 million fully diluted) compared to
19.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 1996. Outstanding shares
for the third quarter of 1996 do not assume conversion of preferred stock to
common shares because conversion would be anti-dilutive.
MOTOR CARRIER OPERATIONS.
Less-Than-Truckload Motor Carrier Operations. The Company's LTL motor carrier
operations are conducted by ABF and G.I. Trucking.
Revenues from LTL motor carrier operations for the three months ended September
30, 1997 were $329 million, with an operating profit of $16.6 million compared
to revenues of $306 million and an operating profit of $0.5 million for the
three months ended September 30, 1996.
For the three months ended September 30, 1997, ABF accounted for 91% of LTL
revenues. ABF's revenue increased 6.3% for the three months ended September 30,
1997 compared to the same period in 1996, reflecting a 2% increase in revenue
from the UPS work stoppage and a continuing favorable pricing environment. ABF's
revenue per hundredweight increased to $17.51 for the three months ended
September 30, 1997, a 7.7% increase from the third quarter of 1996. This
increase was offset by a slight decrease in tonnage resulting from ABF's
emphasis on account profitability. ABF's 1997 third quarter tonnage per day
decreased 1.5% from the 1996 third quarter.
The LTL revenue increase for the three months ended September 30, 1997 can also
be attributed to G.I. Trucking's revenue increasing 25.3% over the three months
ended September 30, 1996. G.I. Trucking has continued to replace revenues lost
as a result of the ABF/Carolina Freight Carriers merger in September 1995. The
UPS stoppage accounted for 8% of G.I. Trucking's increased revenue.
G.I.Trucking's revenue per hundredweight increased to $10.54 for the third
quarter 1997, a 5% increase from the third quarter of 1996. G.I. Trucking's
tonnage increased 19.2% for the three months ended September 30, 1997 from the
same period in 1996. G.I.'s Trucking's operating ratio as reported to the D.O.T.
was 96.9% for the third quarter of 1997 compared to 107.3% for the third quarter
of 1996.
During 1996, ABF discontinued 12 of the regional distribution terminal
operations that it had acquired through the ABF/Carolina merger. These closings,
which occurred during the first two quarters of 1996, returned ABF to its
historical terminal system configuration. This reconfiguration allowed ABF to
gradually reduce its direct labor costs, improve its weight per trailer and
reduce its empty miles. ABF's operating
16
<PAGE> 17
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ratio as reported to the D.O.T. was 93.2% in the third quarter of 1997 compared
to 99.7% in the third quarter of 1996.
The decrease in salaries and wages as a percent of revenue was the result of
productivity improvements by both ABF and G.I. Trucking. ABF's salaries, wages
and benefits increased 3.8% annually effective April 1, 1996, pursuant to a
collective bargaining agreement with its Teamsters employees. Effective April 1,
1997, for the final year of the Teamsters' agreement, ABF's salaries, wages and
benefits increased 3.9%.
The decrease in operating supplies and expenses as a percent of revenue from the
third quarter of 1996 to the third quarter of 1997 results from reduced fuel
prices and savings from fuel economy, fleetwide. In addition, the disposal of
revenue equipment to balance equipment needs to revenue levels throughout 1996
also resulted in decreased operating supplies and expenses, decreased operating
taxes and licenses and decreased depreciation and amortization.
A decrease in depreciation and amortization also resulted from ABF's
reconfiguration of its terminal system which allowed for improved asset
utilization. Also, ABF increased its use of leased revenue equipment and outside
alternate modes of transportation as reflected in the increase in rents and
purchased transportation as a percent of revenue.
Insurance expense for ABF decreased as a percentage of revenue for the third
quarter of 1997 as compared to the third quarter of 1996, reflecting better loss
experience for loss and damage claims as well as better loss experience for
bodily injury and property damage claims.
Truckload Motor Carrier Operations. The Company's truckload motor carrier
operations are conducted through Cardinal.
On July 15, 1997, the Company announced the completion of the sale of Cardinal.
See Note D to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.
INTERMODAL OPERATIONS. The Company's intermodal operations are conducted
primarily by Clipper Worldwide.
Revenues from the intermodal operations for the three months ended September 30,
1997 totalled $47.6 million, an increase of 0.07% over the three months ended
September 30, 1996, resulting from a 4.2% increase in revenues for the Clipper
Group and a 10.0% decrease in revenues for CaroTrans. Throughout 1996, the
Clipper Group experienced an increase in average weight per shipment, resulting
in a decline in revenue per hundredweight without a proportionate reduction in
cost per hundredweight, resulting in a decline in margins on higher revenues.
During 1997, the Clipper Group has focused on smaller shipment sizes to improve
margins. Average weight per shipment for the third quarter of 1997 was down
11.9% from the third quarter of 1996. During the quarter, the Clipper Group
improved yields and decreased costs per shipment. Effective January 1, 1997, the
Clipper Group implemented a 5.9% rate increase to help offset the reduction in
revenue per hundredweight.
17
<PAGE> 18
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CaroTrans expanded into some higher cost markets during 1996 and also
experienced a shift in market mix to more full-container-load freight. Also,
ocean container costs increased. CaroTrans recorded a charge in the third
quarter of 1997 for $400,000 for the estimated cost of the consolidation of
administrative offices and some sales locations with the Clipper Group. Each of
these factors negatively impacted operating results for the quarter. The
consolidation of administrative office and sales locations should increase the
efficiency of Clipper Worldwide in the future. The decline in CaroTrans revenue
was expected due to actions taken in late 1996 and early 1997 to enhance
profitability.
TIRE OPERATIONS. Treadco's revenues for the three months ended September 30,
1997 increased 16.9% to $46.1 million from $39.5 million for the three months
ended September 30, 1996. For the third quarter of 1997, "same store" sales
increased 11.9% and "new store" sales increased 4.7%. "Same store" sales include
both production locations and sales locations that have been in existence for
the entire periods presented. "New store" sales resulted from one new production
facility and three new sales locations. Revenues from retreading for the three
months ended September 30, 1997 increased 17.0% when compared to the same period
in 1996. Revenues from new tire sales increased 13.9% for the third quarter 1997
when compared to the same period in 1996. Service revenues for the 1997 third
quarter increased 30.8%.
During September 1996, Treadco completed the conversion of its production
facilities that were under Bandag retread franchises to Oliver Rubber Company
("Oliver") licensed facilities. The conversion was completed in phases
throughout the first three quarters of 1996, with approximately one-third of its
production facilities converted each quarter.
Treadco faces increased competition as Bandag, Inc. has granted additional
franchises in some locations currently being served by Treadco. This has led to
increased pricing pressures in the marketplace. As anticipated, Bandag continues
to target Treadco's customers, which has caused the loss of a substantial amount
of national account business, and in many cases, the business retained is at
lower margins.
The decrease in cost of sales as a percent of revenue resulted primarily from
lower tread rubber costs with Oliver and lower new-tire costs. The increase in
selling, administrative, and general expenses resulted from several factors,
including expenses related to employee insurance costs and bad debt expenses.
INTEREST. Interest expense was $5.2 million for three months ended September 30,
1997 compared to $7.7 million for three months ended September 30, 1996
primarily due to a reduction of outstanding debt, although lower interest rates
also impacted interest cost.
INCOME TAXES. The difference between the effective tax rate for 1997 and the
federal statutory rate resulted from state income taxes, amortization of
goodwill, minority interest, and other nondeductible expenses. In addition,
income tax expense for the third quarter of 1997 exceeds the expected amount
because of $3.5 million of taxes attributable to a lower tax basis than
accounting basis in Cardinal. The basis difference resulted from goodwill of
approximately $9.5 million allocated to Cardinal as a result of purchase
accounting for the 1995 WorldWay acquisition, which included Cardinal.
18
<PAGE> 19
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 COMPARED TO THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
Consolidated revenues from continuing operations of the Company for the nine
months ended September 30, 1997 were $1,244 million compared to $1,203 million
for the nine months ended September 30, 1996. The Company had an operating
profit from continuing operations of $50.6 million (segment basis) for the nine
months ended September 30, 1997 compared to an operating loss from continuing
operations of $17.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996. For
the nine months ended September 30, 1997, the Company had income from continuing
operations of $16.1 million or $0.65 per share, compared to a loss from
continuing operations of $25.2 million, or $1.45 per share for the nine months
ended September 30, 1996. The Company had net income of $10.5 million, or $.36
per common share, compared to a net loss of $26.8 million, or a loss of $1.54
per common share, for the nine months ended September 30, 1996.
Earnings per common share for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996
give consideration to preferred stock dividends of $3.3 million. Average common
shares outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and September
30, 1996 were 19.7 and 19.5 million, respectively. Outstanding shares for each
period do not assume conversion of preferred stock to common shares, because
conversion would be anti-dilutive for these periods.
MOTOR CARRIER OPERATIONS.
Less-Than-Truckload Motor Carrier Operations. The Company's LTL motor carrier
operations are conducted by ABF and G.I. Trucking.
Revenues from the LTL motor carrier operations segment for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997 were $937 million, with an operating profit (segment basis)
of $42.1 million compared to $900 million of revenue and an operating loss of
$15.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996.
For the nine months ended September 30, 1997, ABF accounted for 91% of LTL
revenues. ABF's revenue increased 2.4% for the nine months ended September 30,
1997 compared to the same period in 1996. ABF's revenue per hundredweight
increased to $17.28 for the nine months ended September 30, 1997, a 7.3%
increase from the first nine months of 1996. This increase was offset by a
decrease in tonnage resulting from ABF's emphasis on account profitability.
ABF's 1997 tonnage per day for the nine months ended September 30, 1997
decreased 5.0% from the same period in 1996.
The LTL revenue increase for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 can also
be attributed to G.I. Trucking's revenue increasing 30.2% over the nine months
ended September 30, 1996. G.I. Trucking has continued to replace revenues lost
as a result of the ABF/Carolina Freight Carriers merger in September 1995. The
UPS stoppage accounted for an estimated 2.5% of G.I.Trucking's increased
revenues. G.I.Trucking's revenue per hundredweight increased to $10.41, a 2.4%
increase from the nine months of 1996. G.I.Trucking's tonnage increased 27.1%
for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 from the same period in 1996. G.I.
Trucking's operating ratio as reported to the D.O.T. was 99.1% for the nine
months ended September 30, 1997 compared to 109.6% for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996.
19
<PAGE> 20
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
During 1996, ABF discontinued 12 of the regional distribution terminal
operations that it had acquired through the ABF/Carolina merger. These closings,
which occurred during the first two quarters of 1996, returned ABF to its
historical terminal system configuration. This reconfiguration allowed ABF to
gradually reduce its direct labor costs, improve its weight per trailer and
reduce its empty miles. ABF's operating ratio as reported to the D.O.T. was
94.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 compared to 101.3% for the
same period in 1996.
The decrease in salaries and wages as a percent of revenue was the result of
productivity improvements by both ABF and G.I. Trucking. ABF's salaries, wages
and benefits increased 3.8% annually effective April 1, 1996, pursuant to a
collective bargaining agreement with its Teamsters employees. Effective April 1,
1997, for the final year of the Teamsters' agreement, ABF's salaries, wages and
benefits increased 3.9%.
The decrease in operating supplies and expenses as a percent of revenue from the
third quarter of 1996 to the third quarter of 1997 was due in part to fewer
miles traveled by company-owned revenue equipment which resulted in decreased
maintenance and fuel expenses. Decreases in fuel prices and better fuel economy
fleetwide also decreased operating supplies and expenses. In addition, the
disposal of revenue equipment to balance equipment needs to revenue levels
throughout 1996 also resulted in decreased operating supplies and expenses,
decreased operating taxes and licenses and decreased depreciation and
amortization.
A decrease in depreciation and amortization also resulted from ABF's
reconfiguration of its terminal system which allowed for improved asset
utilization. Also, ABF increased its use of leased revenue equipment and outside
alternate modes of transportation as reflected in the increase in rents and
purchased transportation as a percent of revenue.
Truckload Motor Carrier Operations. The Company's truckload motor carrier
operations are conducted through Cardinal.
On July 15, 1997 the Company announced the completion of the sale of Cardinal.
See Note D of the unaudited consolidated financial statements.
INTERMODAL OPERATIONS. The Company's intermodal operations are conducted
primarily through Clipper Worldwide.
Revenues from the intermodal operations segment for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997 increased 4.9% over the nine months ended September 30, 1996,
resulting from an 8.5% increase in revenues for the Clipper Group and a 3.7%
decrease in revenues for CaroTrans. Throughout 1996, the Clipper Group
experienced an increase in average weight per shipment, resulting in a decline
in revenue per hundredweight without a proportionate reduction in cost per
hundredweight, resulting in a decline in margins on higher revenues. The Clipper
Group has focused on smaller shipment sizes to improve the margins. During the
nine months of 1997, the Clipper Group improved yields and decreased costs per
shipment when compared to the nine months of 1996. Effective January 1, 1997,
the Clipper Group implemented a 5.9% rate increase to help offset the reduction
in revenue per hundredweight.
20
<PAGE> 21
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CaroTrans expanded into some higher cost markets during 1996 and also
experienced a shift in market mix to more full-container-load freight. Also,
ocean container costs increased. CaroTrans recorded a charge of $400,000 in 1997
relating to the consolidation of administrative offices and some sales locations
with the Clipper Group. Each of these factors negatively impacted operating
results. The consolidation of administrative office and some sales locations
should increase the efficiency of Clipper Worldwide in the future. The decline
in revenue for CaroTrans was expected due to actions taken in late 1996 and
early 1997 to enhance profitability.
TIRE OPERATIONS. Treadco's revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 1997
increased 11.9% to $119.2 million from $106.6 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996. For the first nine months of 1997, "same store" sales
increased 5.0% and "new store" sales increased 6.8%. "Same store" sales include
both production locations and sales locations that have been in existence for
the entire periods presented. "New store" sales resulted from one new production
facility and three new sales locations. Revenues from retreading for the nine
months ended September 30, 1997 increased 7.2% when compared to the same period
in 1996. Revenues from new tire sales increased 13.4% for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997 when compared to the nine months ended September 30, 1996.
Service revenues for the first nine months of 1997 increased 25.3%.
During September 1996, Treadco completed the conversion of its production
facilities that were under Bandag retread franchises to Oliver Rubber Company
("Oliver") licensed facilities. The conversion was completed in phases
throughout the first three quarters of 1996, with approximately one-third of its
production facilities converted each quarter.
Treadco faces increased competition as Bandag, Inc. has granted additional
franchises in some locations currently being served by Treadco. This has led to
increased pricing pressures in the marketplace. As anticipated, Bandag continues
to target Treadco's customers, which has caused the loss of a substantial amount
of national account business, and in many cases, the business retained is at
lower margins.
The decrease in cost of sales as a percent of revenue resulted primarily from
lower tread rubber costs with Oliver. The increase in selling, administrative,
and general expenses resulted from several factors, including salaries and wage
expense increases for employees added for new locations, cost-of-living raises,
and employee insurance costs and bad debt expense.
INTEREST. Interest expense was $19.1 million for nine months ended September 30,
1997 compared to $22.5 million for nine months ended September 30, 1996
primarily due to a reduction of outstanding debt.
INCOME TAXES. The difference between the effective tax rate for 1997 and the
federal statutory rate resulted from state income taxes, amortization of
goodwill, minority interest, and other nondeductible expenses. In addition,
income tax expense for the third quarter of 1997 exceeds the expected amount
because of $3.5 million of taxes attributable to a lower tax basis than
accounting basis in Cardinal. The basis difference resulted from goodwill of
approximately $9.5 million allocated to Cardinal as a result of purchase
accounting for the 1995 WorldWay acquisition, which included Cardinal.
21
<PAGE> 22
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September
30, 1997 was $60.9 million compared to net cash used of $1.5 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 1996. The increase is due primarily to the
improvement in operating results and net income for 1997. In addition to cash
provided by operations, sale of excess property and equipment provided cash of
$31.7 million and the sale of Cardinal Freight and Complete Logistics provided
cash of $38.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997.
The Company is party to a $347 million credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement")
with Societe Generale, Southwest Agency, as Managing and Administrative Agent
and NationsBank of Texas, N.A., as Documentation Agent, and with 14 other
participating banks. The Credit Agreement originally included a $72 million term
loan and provides for up to $275 million of revolving credit loans (including
letters of credit).
At September 30, 1997, there were $128.1 million of Revolver Advances and
approximately $46.0 million of letters of credit outstanding. Net proceeds from
the Cardinal sale of approximately $35 million were used to pay the term loan in
full on July 15, 1997, with the remaining proceeds paid on the Revolver
Advances. Net proceeds of $2.5 million from the Complete Logistics sale were
used to pay on the Revolver Advances on August 8, 1997.
The Credit Agreement contains various covenants which limit, among other things,
indebtedness, distributions, capital expenditures, asset sales, restricted
payments, investments, loans and advances, as well as requiring the Company to
meet certain financial tests. On January 31, 1997, the Company obtained a first
amendment to the Credit Agreement which included revised financial covenants
with which the Company was in compliance. The Credit Agreement had previously
been amended in February 1996, including a revision of financial covenants. As a
part of the February 1996 amendment, the Company obtained an additional credit
agreement which provided for borrowings of up to $30 million. In connection with
the January 1997 amendment, the available borrowings were reduced to $15
million. The additional credit agreement was terminated by the Company on June
30, 1997.
At September 30, 1997, the Company had approximately $101 million of
availability under the Credit Agreement. Concurrent with the closing of the sale
of Cardinal on July 15, 1997, the Company and its banks agreed to a second
amendment to the Credit Agreement, the primary effect of which was to extend the
maturity from August 1998 to August 1999.
Treadco is a party to a revolving credit facility with Societe Generale (the
"Treadco Credit Agreement"), providing for borrowings up to $20 million.
The Treadco Credit Agreement contains various covenants which limit, among other
things, dividends, disposition of receivables, indebtedness and investments, as
well as requiring Treadco to meet certain financial tests. The Treadco Credit
Agreement was amended and restated on September 30, 1997, primarily to extend
the termination date, to revise certain financial covenants and to revise
Treadco's interest rate on advances.
22
<PAGE> 23
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management believes, based upon the Company's current levels of operations and
anticipated growth, the Company's cash, capital resources, borrowings available
under the Credit Agreement and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to
finance current and future operations and meet all scheduled debt service
requirements.
SEASONALITY
Motor carrier operations are affected by seasonal fluctuations, which affect
tonnage to be transported. Freight shipments, operating costs and earnings are
also affected adversely by inclement weather conditions. The third calendar
quarter of each year usually has the highest tonnage levels while the first
quarter has the lowest. Intermodal operations are similar to motor carrier
operations with revenues being weaker in the first quarter and stronger during
the months of September and October. Treadco's operations are somewhat seasonal
with the last nine months of the calendar year generally having the highest
levels of sales.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Management's Discussion and Analysis Section of this report contains
forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations and are
subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ
materially from current expectations due to a number of factors, including
general economic conditions; competitive initiatives and pricing pressures;
union relations; availability and cost of capital; shifts in market demand;
weather conditions; the performance and needs of industries served by the
Company's businesses; actual future costs of operating expenses such as fuel and
related taxes; self-insurance claims and employee wages and benefits; actual
costs of continuing investments in technology; and the timing and amount of
capital expenditures.
23
<PAGE> 24
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
From time to time, the Company is named as a defendant in legal
actions, the majority of which arise out of the normal course of its business.
The Company is not a party to any pending legal proceeding which the Company's
management believes to be material to the financial condition of the Company.
The Company maintains liability insurance against risks in excess of retention
levels arising out of the normal course of its business (see Note G to the
Company's Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements).
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.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a) EXHIBITS.
Exhibit 11 - Statement Re: Computation of Earnings Per Share.
Exhibit 27 - Financial Data Schedule.
(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
Form 8-K dated August 1, 1997
Item 5. On July 15, 1997, Arkansas Best Corporation's (the
"Company's") existing $346,971,312 Amended and Restated Credit
Agreement with Societe Generale, Southwest Agency as Managing
Agent and Administrative Agent, NationsBank of Texas, N.A., as
Documentation Agent, and certain other banks was amended.
24
<PAGE> 25
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION
(Registrant)
Date: November 8, 1997 s/ David E. Loeffler
--------------------------------
David E. Loeffler
Vice President-Treasurer, Chief
Financial Officer and Principal
Accounting Officer
25
<PAGE> 26
EXHIBIT INDEX
ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION
The following exhibits are filed with this report.
EXHIBIT
NO.
11 Statement Re: Computation of Earnings per Share
27 Financial Data Schedule
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 11
STATEMENT RE: COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30 SEPTEMBER 30
1997 1996 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
($ THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PRIMARY:
Average shares outstanding ..................... 19,556,633 19,508,620 19,521,860 19,512,509
Net effect of dilutive stock options -
Based on the treasury stock method
using average market price ................. 491,579 -- 186,558 --
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Average common shares outstanding .............. 20,048,212 19,508,620 19,708,418 19,512,509
============ ============ ============ ============
Income (loss) from continuing operations ....... 9,258 (7,655) 16,115 (25,162)
Discontinued operations (loss) ................. (3,456) (831) (5,622) (1,669)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net income (loss) .............................. $ 5,802 $ (8,486) $ 10,493 $ (26,831)
Less: Preferred stock dividends ................ 1,075 1,074 3,224 3,224
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net income (loss) applicable
to common shareholders ....................... $ 4,727 $ (9,560) $ 7,269 $ (30,055)
============ ============ ============ ============
Per common and common equivalent share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Per common share .......................... $ .41 $ (.45) $ .65 $ (1.45)
Discontinued operations (loss) per common
Share ..................................... (.17) (.04) (.29) (.09)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net income (loss) per common share ........... $ . 24 $ (0.49) $ .36 $ (1.54)
============ ============ ============ ============
FULLY DILUTED:
Average shares outstanding ..................... 19,556,633 19,508,620 19,521,860 19,514,453
Net effect of dilutive stock options -
Based on the treasury stock method
using closing market price ................. 600,352 -- 600,352 --
Conversion of preferred stock (1) .............. 3,796,852
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Average common shares outstanding .............. 23,953,837 19,508,620 19,708,418 19,512,509
============ ============ ============ ============
Income (loss) from continuing operations ....... 9,258 (7,655) 16,115 (25,162)
Discontinued operations (loss) ................. (3,456) (831) (5,622) (1,669)
Net income (loss) .............................. $ 5,802 $ (8,486) $ 10,493 $ (26,831)
Less: Preferred stock dividends ................ -- 1,074 3,224 3,224
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net income (loss) applicable
to common shareholders (1) ................... $ 5,802 $ (9,560) $ 7,269 $ (30,055)
============ ============ ============ ============
Per common and common equivalent share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Per common share .......................... $ .39 $ (.45) $ .65 $ (1.45)
Discontinued operations (loss) per common
Share ..................................... (.14) (.04) (.29) (.09)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Per common and common equivalent share:
Net income (loss) per common share ........... $ .25 $ (0.49) $ .36 $ (1.54)
============ ============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
(1) Net income applicable to common shareholders for the third quarter of 1997
in the fully diluted calculation includes preferred dividends due to the
assumed conversion. Conversion of outstanding preferred stock into common
would be anti-dilutive for all other periods presented.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE ARKANSAS
BEST CORPORATION QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER
30, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1997
<CASH> 0
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 195,640
<ALLOWANCES> 5,481
<INVENTORY> 31,531
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 263,863
<PP&E> 510,871
<DEPRECIATION> 218,207
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 744,232
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 283,236
<BONDS> 223,859
0
15
<COMMON> 196
<OTHER-SE> 145,025
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 744,232
<SALES> 119,277
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 1,243,582
<CGS> 87,908
<TOTAL-COSTS> 1,192,591
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 833
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 19,100
<INCOME-PRETAX> 32,300
<INCOME-TAX> 16,185
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 16,115
<DISCONTINUED> (5,622)
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 10,493
<EPS-PRIMARY> .36
<EPS-DILUTED> .36
</TABLE>
