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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-K
(MARK ONE)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
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 0-24576
AASCHE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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<C> <C>
DELAWARE 36-3964954
(State or other jurisdiction (IRS Employer
of incorporation or organization) Identification Number)
10214 N. MT. VERNON ROAD 60178
SHANNON, ILLINOIS (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)
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Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (815) 864-2421
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, par value $.0001 per Share
Warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock, par value $.0001 per Share
(Title of Class)
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] NO [ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]
The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrant based upon the closing sale price of the stock as reported on the
Nasdaq National Market on March 17, 1997, was $14,190,091.
At March 17, 1997, 3,994,177 shares of the registrant's Common Stock were
outstanding.
DOCUMENT INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The registrant's definitive proxy statement for the annual meeting of
stockholders, estimated to be held on May 14, 1997, expected to be filed with
the Commission not later than April 10, 1997 is incorporated by reference into
Part III of this Form 10-K.
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
Aasche Transportation Services, Inc. (the "Company") is a 57-year-old
non-union, truckload carrier that operates primarily in the
temperature-controlled segment of the transportation services industry. The
Company transports a variety of foods and other products that require
temperature-controlled service and "just-in-time" delivery. The "just-in-time"
concept stresses the importance of precise delivery times and the need for
dependability in order to control inventory levels and limit handling. A
substantial portion of the Company's business is concentrated in target markets
in the Midwest, Southeast, Northeast and South Central United States. The
Company operates predominately in the long-haul, "full-truckload" segment of the
temperature-controlled transportation services industry although the regional
fleet continues to expand. Less than 10% of the business is in the
"less-than-truckload" segment. Full truckload operations typically involve a
single shipment occupying the entire carrying capacity of a semi-trailer, moving
directly from origin to destination. The full truckload segment generally is
less capital intensive, more fragmented and populated by smaller firms than the
less-than-truckload segment.
From 1939 to 1979, the Company operated as a carrier of agricultural
products and livestock. In 1973, Larry L. Asche and Diane L. Asche purchased
Asche Transfer from its founder, Clarence Asche, the uncle of Larry L. Asche. In
1979, Asche Transfer, Inc. ("Asche Transfer") began to convert its operations
from agricultural and livestock transportation to carriage of
temperature-controlled food and other products. Since 1984, the Company has
operated exclusively in the temperature-controlled segment of the transportation
services industry. In 1985, Asche Transfer retained Kevin M. Clark, then a
management and marketing consultant, to assist in the design and implementation
of its business strategy as a temperature-controlled carrier. In 1987, Mr. Clark
became an officer, director and one-third stockholder of Asche Transfer.
Immediately prior to the effective date of the Company's initial public
offering, the three stockholders of Asche Transfer -- Larry L. Asche, Diane L.
Asche and Kevin M. Clark (the "Principal Stockholders") -- exchanged their
shares of Asche Transfer common stock for 1,275,000 shares of the Company's
common stock pursuant to a tax-free merger. The Company completed its initial
public offering of 1,000,000 shares of its Common Stock on September 23, 1994.
On October 17, 1994, the underwriters exercised an option to purchase an
additional 150,000 shares of common stock to cover over-allotments.
On May 16, 1995, AG Carriers, Inc. ("AG Carriers"), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company, acquired all of the assets of AG. Carriers, Inc.
(renamed RHB Properties, Inc. contemporaneously with the closing of such
transaction) ("AG./RHB") and all of the stock of AGC Transportation Service,
Inc. ("ATSI") ("AG./RHB" and "ATSI" collectively referred to as "Former AG"),
pursuant to the terms of a certain Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Assets
dated as of April 20, 1995 among the Company, AG./RHB and Richard S. Baugh, sole
stockholder of AG./RHB. Former AG was a Tavares, Florida-based, non-union
carrier that specialized in the transportation of temperature-controlled
products for customers in the Southeast, Northeast and Midwestern United States.
The purchase price was $11,250,000, consisting of $1,000,000 in the form of
115,075 shares of the Company's Common Stock, $5,275,000 cash, and two
promissory notes totaling $4,975,000 payable to AG./RHB in 20 quarterly
principal installments of $248,750, plus accrued interest at 8% per annum
simple, commencing on August 16, 1995, and continuing until and including May
16, 2000. In connection with the transaction, Mr. Baugh entered into an
employment agreement to serve as president of AG Carriers, for a term of five
years at an annual salary of $150,000, and a noncompetition agreement with the
Company for a period of five years.
In accordance with the original purchase agreement, the Company guaranteed
the total value of the Company's common stock issued in the purchase. If during
the period from May 16, 1997 through September 12, 1997, the closing price per
share of the Company's common stock has not reached at least $8.69 per share,
then on the 30th day following September 12, 1997, the Company shall issue
sufficient additional shares of the Company's common stock such that all of the
shares issued have a total value of $1,000,000. In the event the additional
shares are required to be issued, management believes this will not have a
material adverse impact on the financial position or operations of the Company.
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On December 22, 1995 the Company completed a merger pursuant to which,
Polar Express Corporation ("Polar") became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company. Under the terms of the merger agreement 1,401,355, shares of the
Company's Common Stock were issued in exchange for all of the outstanding common
shares and unit purchase options of Polar. In addition, the Company issued
1,006,905 warrants to purchase the Company's Common Stock in exchange for all
the outstanding warrants of Polar. The transaction costs associated with the
merger (consisting primarily of legal, accounting and advisory fees) resulted in
a nonrecurring charge of $1,269,000 which was recorded in the fourth quarter of
1995. In addition, on December 29, 1995, the Company fully extinguished certain
secured obligations of Polar totaling $4,937,000, and refinanced such debt with
another lender, substantially lowering the Company's overall interest rate. As a
result of the early retirement, the Company accelerated amortization of
unamortized debt issuance costs and incurred prepayment penalties totaling
approximately $395,000, which has been presented as an extraordinary item in the
consolidated statement of operations, with associated tax benefits of $134,000.
The merger was accounted for as a pooling of interest. Accordingly, the
accompanying consolidated financial statements have been retroactively restated
for all periods presented to include the results of operations, financial
position and cash flows of the merged entities.
Polar operates primarily in the long-haul, temperature-controlled truckload
segment of the transportation services industry. Using temperature-controlled
trailers, Polar transports a variety of food and other products, such as
foliage, that must be maintained at constant temperatures in transit. Polar also
provides time-sensitive service, either temperature-controlled or dry, to meet
the needs of manufacturers, distributors, retail chains and other customers that
require "just-in-time" deliveries from their suppliers. Polar operates
exclusively as a truckload carrier, hauling freight directly from origin to
destination without handling the cargo between points.
STRATEGY
The Company's business strategy is to offer premium-quality service to
high-volume selective customers that have significant temperature-controlled
transportation requirements. The Company believes that these customers provide
more predictable and, in some respects, less price-sensitive business because
the Company believes that service, rather than price, generally is the primary
factor that dictates its customers' choice of carrier. The Company is currently
a "core carrier" for Coca-Cola (including Coca-Cola Foods, Coca-Cola/Minute
Maid, Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola USA), Hershey, Tropicana Foods, Americold,
S.C. Johnson Wax, Wal-Mart, and Schreiber Foods. The Company seeks to expand its
core carrier relationships with well known national producers of foods and other
products.
The Company uses sophisticated satellite communications and advanced
computer systems to increase operating and administrative efficiencies.
Management believes a significant commitment to technologically advanced systems
is important to delivering high-quality services required by the high-volume
customers sought by the Company. These systems have allowed the Company to
improve customer satisfaction, asset and driver utilization and operating
efficiency.
The Company maintains a fleet of late-model tractors and trailers which,
coupled with its commitment to advanced technology systems, management believes
will enable the Company to continue to attract as customers high-volume,
national producers of food and other products requiring temperature-controlled
transportation.
Part of the Company's growth strategy is to increase market share through
acquisitions in the transportation industry. Any acquisitions will be based upon
enhancing the Company's strategic, financial and operational value. No specific
sums have been earmarked for acquisitions, and the aggregate amount expended for
acquisitions will depend on the availability of suitable candidates and the
negotiated terms. Since September 23, 1994, the date of its initial public
offering, the Company has completed the acquisition of AG./RHB and has completed
the merger with Polar.
MARKETING
The Company markets high-quality, "just-in-time," temperature-controlled
services in the truckload carrier market, primarily to high-volume customers
with predictable movements in traffic lanes served by the
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Company. The Company has concentrated its marketing efforts on the
transportation of temperature-controlled products for the following reasons:
- Producers and processors of temperature-controlled commodities demand
premium-quality transportation service from carriers with technologically
advanced systems and a late-model fleet of equipment to maintain
consistent temperature integrity and product condition.
- The demand for food and household products is generally less sensitive to
changes in the economy than more cyclical products, and management
believes demand for frozen food and other temperature-sensitive products
has been increasing in recent years.
- Growth opportunities arise for truck lines in the temperature-controlled
market segment as shippers with proprietary trucks replace their aging
fleets in favor of truckload carriers with late-model fleets and
technologically advanced systems.
The Company targets the Midwest, Southeast, Northeast and South Central
United States as its principal service areas based upon its success in
developing significant customers in these markets. In particular, the Southeast,
Northeast and South Central regions have generated outbound delivery
opportunities for the return trip to the Midwest. Management believes these
regions offer significant opportunities to service the needs of national
shippers of food and food products. Because of its presence in these regions,
the Company is becoming increasingly competitive for return shipments, thereby
reducing empty miles, improving productivity, and increasing overall
profitability. The addition of AG Carriers in May 1995 and Polar in December
1995 complemented this strategy by improving the dispatch of equipment from the
Southeast and South Central regions to the Midwest and Northeast.
CUSTOMERS
The Company's customers consist primarily of high-volume shippers that have
significant temperature-controlled transportation requirements. Management
believes these major customers provide more predictable and, in some respects,
less price-sensitive business for the Company. The Company is currently a "core
carrier" for Coca-Cola (including Coca-Cola Foods, Coca-Cola/Minute Maid,
Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola USA), Hershey, Tropicana Foods, Americold, S.C.
Johnson Wax, Wal-Mart and Schreiber Foods. "Core-carrier" relationships involve
strategic alliances between volume shippers and their distribution partners
dedicated to transporting goods.
The Company maintains a strong commitment to expanding its relationships
with existing customers. Once a customer relationship has been established,
regional customer service personnel maintain frequent contact and solicit
additional business. Customer shipping patterns are monitored daily and, as such
patterns expand or change, the Company attempts to obtain additional customers
to complement the new traffic flow.
Generally, the Company determines its freight rates through direct
negotiations with its customers, rather than relying upon published tariffs.
This practice allows the Company to maintain flexibility in responding rapidly
to the varying service demands of its customers. The Company has written
contracts with approximately 98% of its customers. The contracts generally
require the customer to use the Company for a specified minimum number of
shipments each year and may be terminated by either party upon 30 to 60 days'
written notice. The loss of any of the Company's largest customers could
adversely affect the Company's profitability.
OPERATIONS
The Company's operations are designed to maximize efficiency and provide
quality service to customers. Through the use of the Company's satellite-based
communication system, which is complemented by its fully integrated computer
system, dispatchers monitor the location and delivery schedules of all shipments
and equipment to coordinate routes and maximize utilization of drivers and
equipment.
The Company's headquarters and principal terminal are located at Shannon,
Illinois. In addition, the Company operates the Asche Foliage Transport regional
terminal, warehouse and office facility in Apopka, Florida, maintenance terminal
in Atlanta Georgia, the AG Carriers terminal in Tavares, Florida and the Polar
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terminal in Tontitown, Arkansas. These terminals help facilitate the efficient
dispatch of the Company's equipment within it's freight lanes, enhance driver
recruiting and return drivers to their homes on a regular schedule. The Company
also has arrangements to drop trailers at various major customers' shipping
locations to facilitate preloading of shipments and thereby increase efficiency.
REVENUE EQUIPMENT
The Company's policy is to purchase or lease high-quality, late-model
tractors and temperature-controlled trailers manufactured to its specifications.
The Company also contracts with owner-operators to provide additional tractors
and trailers. The Company has established standard specifications for the
purchased tractors and trailers that allow the Company to simplify driver
training, control the cost of maintaining a spare parts inventory, enhance its
preventive maintenance program and increase fuel economy. The Company believes
the higher initial cost of such equipment is recovered through better resale
marketability and helps the Company to attract and retain drivers. The tractors
are equipped with optimal comfort and safety features, such as air-conditioning,
high-quality interiors, power steering, engine brakes and sleeper cabs.
As of December 31, 1996, the Company owned or leased 514 tractors and 717
temperature-controlled trailers and utilized 51 late-model tractors and 25
trailers that were owned and operated by owner-operators. Most of the
Company-owned tractors are Kenworth and Peterbilt, which are manufactured by
Paccar, and most of the Company-owned trailers are manufactured by Utility and
Great Dane. Most of the Company's trailers is equipped with logistics tracks on
the interior sidewall so that decking can be installed to increase utilization
by providing a second stacking surface for its customers' products. On February
11, 1997, the Company entered into a purchase agreement to sell 68 Polar
tractors and 141 Polar trailers. The transaction is expected to be completed in
March 1997.
The Company has established a computerized maintenance program that tracks
service intervals, repairs and component history and gives the per-mile
operating cost of each piece of equipment. The Company's policy is to replace
its tractors every four years and its trailers every seven years, although it
maintains warranties that extend beyond the four-year life of the tractors on
all engines, transmissions, drive axles and running gear. The Company is an
authorized Paccar warranty repair facility for the Kenworth and Peterbilt
tractors that the Company owns, which allows the Company to be reimbursed from
the manufacturer for the cost of repairing its tractors.
DRIVERS AND OWNER-OPERATORS
All of the Company's drivers must meet specific standards relating
primarily to safety record, driving experience and personal evaluation,
including DOT-mandated physical examinations, drug testing and personal
background checks. The Company recruits drivers by offering competitive
compensation packages and operating late-model, comfortable tractors.
Company drivers are compensated on the basis of miles driven and number of
stops in transit or deliveries completed. All drivers are paid by the mile
operated, based upon the number of years of experience and service with the last
three employers. In addition, short-haul and long-haul drivers have the right to
earn bonuses based on safety requirements, annual mileage and years of service
with the Company. All employees, including drivers, are eligible to participate
in the Company's 401(k) Plan, which includes an employee stock ownership plan,
and health, life and dental insurance plans.
The over-the-road, long-haul, truckload segment of the trucking industry,
of which the Company is a part, experiences significant driver turnover. In
addition, because of strict regulations, the trucking industry has a limited
pool from which to select qualified drivers. As a result, the Company must
compete with other transportation service companies for the currently available
drivers. Management anticipates that the intense competition for qualified
drivers in the trucking industry will continue. Although the Company currently
has an adequate number of drivers, there can be no assurance that the Company
will not be affected by a shortage of qualified drivers in the future.
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In addition to its employees, the Company contracts with a select group of
owner-operators who own and operate their own tractors and in certain instances,
their own trailers. The Company's selection process for independent
owner-operators is substantially the same as the process for employee drivers.
Each owner-operator is required to enter into an owner-operator lease agreement
with the Company, which is cancelable by either party upon thirty days' notice.
The Company believes that owner-operators provide the Company with an additional
source of drivers, particularly during periods of peak demand for transportation
services.
TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGY
The Company has invested in technological systems that are designed to
enhance operational and administrative efficiencies. All of Asche Transfer's,
sixteen of AG Carriers' and twenty of Polar's tractors are equipped with a
two-way, satellite-based tracking and communication system produced by
Qualcomm(TM), Incorporated ("Qualcomm"), a leading communication system
manufacturer, as well as on board computers that enable the Company to monitor
scheduling and equipment locations more effectively while communicating directly
with drivers, and informing customers of the location and estimated delivery
time of their freight. The Company intends to equip the remaining tractors in
the AG Carriers and Polar fleet with Qualcomm units during 1998.
The Qualcomm system allows drivers and dispatchers to have instant,
on-the-road communication. This enhanced communication system permits a
dispatcher to make a load assignment to the driver through an on-board display
unit. This unit also signals a driver when an assignment is available, in order
to allow for rest in the tractor's sleeper cab pending an assignment. The system
permits the driver to respond to the dispatcher quickly, thereby eliminating
waiting time and inefficient dependence upon truck-stop telephones. In addition,
directions to each customer pick-up and drop-off location are programmed into
the database to provide drivers and dispatchers constant access to the
information.
The Qualcomm system has also increased the Company's ability to maintain
strong communications with its customers. The Qualcomm system automatically
transmits to the Company the location of every cargo load each hour, equipment
information and other data that may be used by the dispatcher to meet delivery
schedules to match available equipment and loads. Because accurate information
concerning the status and estimated delivery time of cargo shipments is
continuously tracked by the Company's on-line computer, responses to customer
inquiries can be made much more rapidly with the Qualcomm system. The Company's
billing department has immediate access to all information necessary to generate
customer invoices upon delivery of a load.
The Company has a centralized, fully integrated management system that
utilizes an IBM AS/400 computer with software from Innovative Computing
Corporation. The system is located at the corporate headquarters and is on-line
with the Company's other terminals. The system's company-wide database allows
the Company to respond quickly to customer information requests without having
to combine data files from several sources. The Company also utilizes
"electronic data interchange" that permits direct communication of billing and
load tracking information between the Company's computer system and the computer
systems of many of its customers. The Company's ability to exchange data
electronically with customers regarding their shipments has significantly
enhanced quality control and customer service.
SAFETY AND INSURANCE
The Company's safety department is responsible for training and supervising
personnel to keep safety awareness at its highest level. The Company has
implemented an active safety and loss prevention program at its corporate
headquarters and its regional terminals. The Company has received a
"satisfactory" safety and fitness rating (the highest rating) from the DOT.
The emphasis on safety begins in the hiring and orientation process, where
prospective employees are given physical examinations, orientation, safety
training and drug testing. Newly hired drivers, regardless of experience level,
must participate in a three day training program. The Company's safety and loss
prevention program is comprised of ongoing education, random drug testing,
training and retraining of drivers regarding safe vehicle operations, loading
and unloading procedures and accident reporting.
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The Company is committed to securing appropriate insurance coverage at
cost-effective rates. The primary claims that arise in the trucking industry
consist of cargo loss and damage, personal injury, property damage and workers'
compensation. The Company maintains insurance that it believes is adequate to
cover its liabilities and risks.
FUEL MANAGEMENT
Motor carrier service is dependent upon the availability of diesel fuel.
The Company manages fuel purchases by directing its drivers to certain truck
stops that give the Company discounts in return for volume purchases on a
recurring basis. Through the use of computerized monitoring devices imbedded in
the engines of its tractors, the Company monitors fuel usage, miles per gallon
and cost per mile. The Company has not experienced any difficulty in maintaining
fuel supplies sufficient to support its operations. Historically, the Company
has been able to pass on a portion of fuel price increases to its customers.
Nevertheless, shortages of fuel, increases in fuel prices or fuel tax rates or
rationing of petroleum products could have a materially adverse effect on the
operations and profitability of the Company.
COMPETITION
The trucking industry, in general, is highly competitive and fragmented.
The Company competes primarily with other long-haul, temperature-controlled
truckload carriers, private fleets operated by existing and potential customers
and, to a lesser extent, railroads. Although the general effect of deregulation
and the trucking industry during the 1980s created substantial downward pressure
on the industry's rate structure, the Company believes that competition for the
freight transported by the Company is based primarily on its ability to provide
premium quality service, i.e., just-in-time performance, advanced technology
capabilities and reliability made possible through operation of a late-model
fleet. The Company believes that significant opportunities exist for growth in
the temperature-controlled segment. The Company currently accounts for less than
1% of the revenue generated by the temperature-controlled segment of the
trucking industry. The five largest companies in the temperature-controlled
segment generated a substantial portion of the revenues of all companies in the
segment, and there are other trucking companies in the temperature-controlled
segment that possess substantially greater financial resources, operate more
equipment or carry a larger volume of freight than the Company. The Company also
competes with other motor carriers in hiring qualified drivers.
REGULATION
The Company's drivers and independent contractors must comply with the
safety and fitness regulations promulgated by the DOT, including those relating
to drug and alcohol testing and hours of service. Management believes that its
operations are in material compliance with current laws and regulations.
The Company's operations are subject to various federal, state and local
environmental laws and regulations, implemented principally by the EPA and
similar state regulatory agencies, governing the management of hazardous wastes,
other discharge of pollutants into the air and surface and underground waters
and the disposal of certain substances. Management believes that its operations
are in material compliance with current laws and regulations.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 1996, the Company employed 680 persons, of whom 502 were
drivers, 178 were maintenance and support personnel including management and
administration, and the Company contracted with 51 owner-operators. None of the
Company's employees is represented by a collective bargaining unit and the
Company has never experienced a work stoppage. The Company believes that its
relations with its employees are good.
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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The Company's executive officers are as follows:
LARRY L. ASCHE, age 45, has served as Chairman and Director of the Company
since July 1994 and as Chief Executive Officer since November 1996. Mr. Asche
also served as Chief Operating Officer from July 1994 to November 1996. Mr.
Asche has served as President and Director of Asche Transfer since its
incorporation in February 1983 and also serves as Chairman of the Board of AG
Carriers and Chairman of the Board of Polar. Mr. Asche acquired the business
from Clarence Asche, Mr. Asche's uncle, in 1973 and operated Asche Transfer for
ten years as a sole proprietorship. Mr. Asche is the husband of Diane L. Asche.
KEVIN M. CLARK, age 41, has served as President and Director of the Company
since July 1994. Mr. Clark also served as Chief Executive Officer from July 1994
to November 1996. Since May 1987, Mr. Clark has served as Vice President of
Asche Transfer and is Vice-President of AG Carriers and Vice-President of Polar.
Prior to joining Asche Transfer, Mr. Clark served for over two years as a
management consultant to Asche Transfer. From 1982 to 1984, Mr. Clark was Vice
President and Director of Batt Trucking, Inc., Caldwell, Idaho, a refrigerated
trucking company. From 1980 to 1984, Mr. Clark was the founder and President of
National Traffic Services Corporation, Boise, Idaho, a management consulting
firm providing regulatory compliance assistance to regional and national
transportation companies. Prior to that time, Mr. Clark served as the
Transportation Auditor, Acting Director, Idaho Public Utilities Commission,
Boise, Idaho and prior thereto, he was a transportation specialist with
Consolidated Freightways, Boise, Idaho. Mr. Clark has a B.S. degree in business
from Ottawa University, Phoenix, Arizona. Mr. Clark has also received a
Transportation Practitioner Degree from the College of Advanced Traffic,
Chicago, Illinois and has been admitted to practice before the Interstate
Commerce Commission and Federal Maritime Commission. Mr. Clark has served as
Chairman of the Advisory Board of Directors of the University of Georgia
Trucking Profitability Strategies Conference. He is also the author of three
books in the transportation and business fields and has been a frequent speaker
for various national organizations.
LEON M. MONACHOS, age 45, has served as a Director of the Company since
March 1996 and as Chief Financial Officer since May 1996. Since September 1996,
Mr. Monachos has served as Vice-President of Finance of Asche Transfer, AG
Carriers and Polar. From October 1995 to May 1996, Mr. Monachos had been an
advisor to the president and founder of a large privately-owned trucking
company. From June 1986 to September 1995, he was employed at Ernst & Young LLP,
a public accounting firm, most recently as Senior Manager. Mr. Monachos has a
B.S. degree from the University of Illinois and is a certified public
accountant.
DANIEL R. WRIGHT, age 53, has served as Chief Operating Officer since
November 1996. From July 1994 to February 1996, Mr. Wright was Vice President --
Marketing and Customer Services of Asche Transfer. From February 1996 to
November 1996, Mr. Wright was Executive Vice President of Polar. He previously
served as Director of Operations for Asche Transfer from February 1993 where he
was responsible for the dispatch and coordination of Asche Transfer's equipment.
Prior to working for Asche Transfer, Mr. Wright was regional manager for Can Am
Express of Summit, Illinois from July 1990 until January 1993. Prior to this
position, Mr. Wright was Vice President and General Manager for R&A Trucking in
Waterloo, Iowa for three years, and before he assumed this position, Mr. Wright
was Vice President of Marketing and Operations at Hawkeye Refrigerated Services
in Cedar Rapids, Iowa for six years.
DIANE L. ASCHE, age 43, has served as Vice President, Secretary and
Director of the Company since July 1994. Mrs. Asche has served as Vice
President, Secretary and Director of Asche Transfer since its incorporation in
February 1983 and in addition, serves as Secretary of AG Carriers and as
Secretary of Polar. From the time Larry L. Asche and Mrs. Asche acquired the
business, she has controlled and directed the administration of the Company.
Mrs. Asche is the wife of Larry L. Asche.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company's corporate headquarters and principal terminal are located on
a five-acre tract in Shannon, Illinois, that consist of six buildings with 4,400
square feet of office space, 12,000 square feet of space devoted to equipment
maintenance and repair, as well as two acres of parking space. The AG Carriers
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facility in Tavares, Florida, acquired in May 1995, consists of 6,000 square
feet of office space and 2.5 acres of parking. The Company rents 2.0 additional
acres of parking adjacent to the AG Carriers headquarters from Richard S. Baugh
under a five-year lease. The Company leases from an unrelated party a
15,000-square-foot terminal, warehouse and office facility used for the
operations of the Asche Foliage Transport Division in Apopka, Florida under a
five-year lease. The Company also owns a 70-door, 10,000-square-foot terminal in
Atlanta, Georgia. The Polar facility consists of approximately 13,000 square
feet of leased office space and approximately 13,000 additional square feet of
leased shop area and a parking area located in Tontitown, Arkansas, pursuant to
a ten year lease.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company has been from time to time a party to litigation incidental to
its business, primarily involving claims for personal injury and property damage
incurred in the transportation of freight. The Company has not received notice
of any pending claims other than those arising from vehicle accidents and there
are no environmental, regulatory, or other governmental proceedings pending
against the Company. The Company maintains insurance that it believes is
adequate to cover its liability risks.
In May 1996, the Company settled all outstanding litigation related to
Polar's acquisition of PEI for $150,000. In conjunction with the Polar merger,
5% of the Company's common stock issued in the merger (69,941 shares) were held
in an escrow account pending final determination of the litigation. Upon
reaching a final settlement, 34,030 of the common shares held in the escrow
account were retired by the Company.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to the Company's security holders during the
fourth quarter of fiscal 1996.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
STOCK INFORMATION
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
The Company's common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under
the symbol ASHE. The following table shows the quarters' high and low closing
prices as reported by Nasdaq.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL 1996 HIGH LOW FISCAL 1995 HIGH LOW
----------- ---- --- ----------- ---- ---
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
First Quarter............ 5 1/2 3 5/8 First Quarter........... 8 7/8 7 1/8
Second Quarter........... 7 1/8 3 1/2 Second Quarter.......... 9 1/2 7 3/8
Third Quarter............ 5 7/8 3 1/2 Third Quarter........... 8 3/4 6 7/8
Fourth Quarter........... 5 3/8 3 3/32 Fourth Quarter.......... 7 3/4 4 7/8
</TABLE>
As of March 17, 1997 there were approximately 202 holders of record.
The Company has never paid cash dividends on its common stock and the Board
of Directors intends to continue a policy of retaining any earnings for use in
the Company's operations. The Company does not anticipate paying any cash
dividends in the foreseeable future. In addition, the Company's loan agreement
contains a prohibition on the payment of any cash dividends. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations --
Liquidity and Capital Resources."
9
<PAGE> 10
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 1996,
1995, 1994 and 1993, and the balance sheet data at December 31, 1996, 1995,
1994, 1993 and 1992 are derived from the audited financial statements and should
be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" and the Financial Statements and Notes
thereto included elsewhere.
(in thousands, except per share data)
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NET REVENUES................................................ $ 77,365 $ 67,748 $ 34,034 $ 19,335 $ 16,999
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Salaries, wages and benefits.............................. 27,109 24,352 11,605 5,243 3,371
Fuel...................................................... 13,350 10,532 4,889 2,285 1,468
Purchased transportation.................................. 10,772 7,148 4,802 5,519 7,634
Supplies and maintenance.................................. 7,032 6,369 3,256 1,421 990
Depreciation and amortization............................. 8,547 7,887 3,309 1,680 1,103
Taxes and licenses........................................ 2,073 1,762 792 349 213
Insurance................................................. 2,838 2,784 1,266 617 519
Communications and utilities.............................. 818 809 431 210 170
Loss (gain) on disposition of equipment(1)................ 1,165 (323) (74) (1) (64)
Litigation settlement(2).................................. 150 -- -- -- --
Polar restructuring expense(3)............................ 490 -- -- -- --
Investment write-off...................................... 100 -- -- -- --
Writedown of equipment to net realizable value(1)......... 1,155 -- -- -- --
Severance expense......................................... 81 -- -- -- --
Merger consummation costs(4).............................. -- 1,269 -- -- --
Other..................................................... 2,298 1,297 281 196 107
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total operating expenses................................ 77,978 63,886 30,557 17,519 15,511
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME..................................... (613) 3,862 3,477 1,816 1,488
OTHER (EXPENSES) INCOME:
Interest expense.......................................... (3,464) (4,069) (2,366) (1,270) (822)
Amortization of debt issuance cost(4)..................... -- (447) (1,786) -- --
Other..................................................... 136 127 61 8 5
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAX BENEFIT (PROVISION) AND EXTRAORDINARY
ITEM...................................................... (3,941) (527) (614) 554 671
INCOME TAX BENEFIT (PROVISION).............................. 1,321 (538) (465) (222) (183)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
LOSS BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM.............................. (2,620) (1,065) (1,079) 332 488
Loss on extinguishment of debt, net of income tax benefit
of $134................................................. -- 261 -- -- --
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
NET LOSS.................................................... $ (2,620) $ (1,326) $ (1,079) $ 332 $ 488
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Historical loss per common share:
Loss before extraordinary item............................ $ (0.27)
Extraordinary item........................................ (0.07)
---------
Net loss.................................................. $ (0.67) $ (0.34)
========= =========
Proforma net (loss) income per common share
(unaudited)(5):........................................... $ (0.57) $ 0.26 $ 0.38
========= ========= =========
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares
outstanding:
Historical................................................ 3,928,596 3,860,275
========= =========
Proforma(5)............................................... 1,878,649 1,275,000 1,275,000
========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital............................................. $(11,601) $(11,729) $(3,759) $(1,492) $ (579)
Property and equipment, net................................. 29,552 48,280 32,114 9,557 6,500
Total assets................................................ 49,326 68,933 43,693 11,452 8,273
Debt and capital lease obligations (including current
maturities)............................................... 30,104 45,868 30,395 9,166 6,660
Stockholders' equity........................................ 10,531 12,905 8,311 1,203 871
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
(1) See Note 3 to Audited Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2) See Note 13 to Audited Consolidated Financial Statements.
(3) See Note 14 to Audited Consolidated Financial Statements.
(4) See Note 1 to Audited Consolidated Financial Statements.
(5) The pro forma net (loss) income per share data assume that 1,275,000 shares
were issued and outstanding prior to the reorganization of the Company. See
Note 1 to Audited Consolidated Financial Statements.
10
<PAGE> 11
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
Beginning in 1992, the Company commenced a program to increase its size and
operational efficiency. This program changed the Company's strategic direction
by implementing a shift to company-owned revenue equipment, and equipping
tractors with the QUALCOMM(TM) two-way satellite-based tracking and
communication system and advanced computer software systems. The Company also
implemented a strategy of pursuing strategic acquisitions of other
temperature-controlled truckload carriers. Since its September 1994 initial
public offering, the Company acquired all of the assets of Former AG (the "AG
Acquisition"), a Florida-based carrier that generated $16.3 million in net
revenues and $2.3 million in operating income during 1994, and on December 22,
1995, completed the merger with Polar (the "Merger"). Polar was formed in August
1994 to acquire the outstanding stock of PEI, an Arkansas-based carrier (the
"PEI Acquisition"). PEI generated $14.1 million in net revenues and $1.5 million
in operating income during the eight month period from January 1994 through
August 1994, prior to the PEI Acquisition. Polar generated $7.7 million in net
revenues and $0.6 million in operating income during the four month period from
August 1994 through December 1994.
The merger with Polar was accounted for as a pooling of interests (pooled
results only include the operations of Polar since its inception in August 1994,
and do not include the results of the predecessor company, PEI). Under the
accounting rules applicable to transactions qualifying as a pooling of
interests, the Company restated its prior years' financial statements as if the
Company and Polar had been operated on a combined basis for all periods
presented. Therefore, all financial information presented reflects the combined
operations of such companies.
In connection with the merger and the subsequent extinguishment of certain
Polar debt, the Company recognized one-time charges of approximately $1.7
million. These charges consisted primarily of legal, accounting, and advisory
fees of $1.3 million in connection with the Polar merger and $0.4 million
related to the debt extinguishment.
The results of operations discussed below are not necessarily comparable
between periods because (1) 1995 results from operations include AG Carriers for
the seven and one half months from the date of acquisition in May 1995 and (2)
1996 and 1995 includes twelve months results from operations of Polar, as
compared to four months results from operations in 1994 due to the PEI
Acquisition.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, AND 1995
Net revenues increased $9.6 million, or 14.2%, to $77.4 million in 1996
compared with $67.7 million in 1995. The increase in 1996 is partially due to
the AG Acquisition. During 1996, the Company decreased its owned tractor fleet
by 35 units and reduced contractor-operated units by 14. Without giving effect
to the additional net revenues contributed by the AG Acquisition, the Company's
net revenues increased by $2.6 million or 4.5%, due to having more tractors in
service throughout the year, increased volume from existing customers and the
addition of new customers.
Total miles increased 11.3 million, or 19.3%, to 70.1 million in 1996,
compared to 58.8 million in 1995, partially due to the AG Acquisition. Average
miles per tractor increased to 121,738 miles for 1996 from 120,843 miles for
1995. Average revenue per tractor increased 0.6% to $134,314 in 1996 from
$133,476 in 1995, due to better equipment utilization. Without giving effect to
the AG Acquisition, the Company's total miles increased 12.2%, to 54.8 million,
due to having more tractors in service throughout 1996.
The Company's operating ratio (operating expenses divided by operating
revenues) increased to 100.8% for 1996 from 94.3% for 1995. Excluding the
effects of the AG Acquisition, the Company's operating ratio increased to 103.4%
for 1996 from 95.5% for 1995. Total operating expenses increased $14.1 million,
or 22.1%, to $78.0 million in 1996 compared with $63.9 million in 1995,
partially due to the AG Acquisition, as well as, the loss on disposition of
equipment, the litigation settlement, the Polar restructuring expense and the
11
<PAGE> 12
writedown of equipment to net realizable value. Excluding the effects of the AG
Acquisition, total operating expenses increased $7.3 million, or 13.2%, to $62.4
million in 1996 compared to $55.1 million in 1995.
Salaries, wages and benefits increased $2.8 million, or 11.3%, to $27.1
million in 1996 compared to $24.4 million in 1995, partially due to the AG
Acquisition, as well as increases in overall compensation of drivers in order to
enhance driver recruitment and retention. Without giving effect to the AG
Acquisition, the Company's salaries, wages and benefits increased by $0.3
million, or 1.7%, due to increases in overall compensation of drivers in order
to enhance driver recruitment and retention.
Fuel expenses increased $2.8 million, or 26.8%, to $13.4 million in 1996
compared to $10.5 million in 1995, partially due to the AG Acquisition, as well
as the increased number of company-owned units in service throughout the year
and increased fuel prices. Without giving effect to the AG Acquisition, the
Company's fuel expense increased by $1.9 million or 21.8%. The increase is a
result of the increased number of company-owned units in service throughout the
year and increased fuel prices.
Purchased transportation increased $3.6 million, or 50.7%, to $10.8 million
in 1996 compared to $7.1 million in 1995, partially due to the AG Acquisition,
including an increase in brokered freight as well as an increase in equipment
operating lease payments. Without giving effect to the AG Acquisition, the
Company's purchased transportation increased by $2.3 million, or 40.5% as a
result of an increase in equipment operating lease payments.
Supplies and maintenance expenses increased $0.7 million, or 10.4%, to $7.0
million in 1996 compared to $6.4 million in 1995, primarily due to the AG
Acquisition. Without giving effect to the AG Acquisition, the Company's supplies
and maintenance expense increased by $0.1 million, or 1.3%.
Depreciation and amortization increased $0.7 million, or 8.4%, to $8.5
million in 1996 compared with $7.9 million in 1995, primarily due to the AG
Acquisition. Without giving effect to the AG Acquisition, the Company's
depreciation and amortization expense increased by $0.1 million, or 1.3%.
Loss on disposition of equipment in 1996 was $1.2 million compared to a
gain in 1995 of $0.3 million, largely due to the sale and leaseback of certain
Polar motor carrier equipment that resulted in a loss of $1.0 in 1996.
Litigation settlement expense represents the final settlement of all
outstanding litigation related to Polar's acquisition of PEI.
Polar restructuring expense represents severance payments to terminated
employees of Polar.
Writedown of equipment to net realizable value represents the writedown of
Polar equipment to more closely approximate the net realizable value of the
related equipment at year-end.
Interest expense decreased $0.6 million, or 14.9%, to $3.5 million for 1996
compared with $4.1 million for 1995, due to lower levels of debt and lower
overall interest rates. Outstanding debt and capital lease obligations
aggregated $30.1 million at December 31, 1996 compared to $45.9 million at
December 31, 1995. Without giving effect to the AG Acquisition, the Company's
interest expense decreased by $0.9 million, or 25.3%.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, AND 1994.
Net revenues increased $33.7 million, or 99.1%, to $67.7 million in 1995,
from $34.0 million in 1994, largely due to the AG Acquisition and the PEI
Acquisition. During 1995, the Company increased its owned tractor fleet by 156
units and added 38 contractor-operated units largely due to the AG Acquisition,
which accounted for 110 owned units and 15 contractor-operated units. Without
giving effect to the additional net revenues contributed by the AG Acquisition
and the Merger, the Company's net revenues increased by $5.0 million, or 19.0%,
due to having more tractors in service, increased volume from existing customers
and the addition of new customers.
Net revenues on a pro forma basis (assuming the AG Acquisition and the PEI
Acquisition had occurred on January 1, 1994) increased $9.5 million, or 14.8%,
for 1995. The higher pro forma net revenues are due to having more tractors in
service, increased volume from existing customers and the addition of new
customers
12
<PAGE> 13
in 1995. On a pro forma basis, the Company increased its owned tractor fleet by
52 units and added 22 contractor-operated units.
Total miles increased 31.3 million, or 113.8%, to 58.8 million for 1995,
compared to 27.5 million for 1994, largely due to the AG Acquisition and the PEI
Acquisition. Average miles per tractor decreased 6.5% to 120,840 miles for 1995
from 129,180 miles for 1994. Average revenue per tractor decreased 9.1% to
$133,476 in 1995 from $146,916 in 1994. The decreases in average miles per
tractor and average revenue per tractor are attributable to the effects of the
AG Acquisition and the Merger as well as competition within the industry.
Historically, AG Carriers has operated profitably with lower average miles per
tractor and lower average revenue per mile than Asche Transfer, and Polar has
operated with lower average miles per tractor and higher revenue per mile than
Asche Transfer. Without giving effect to the AG Acquisition and the Merger, the
Company's total miles increased by 5.3 million, or 22.5%, due to having more
tractors in service.
Total miles on a pro forma basis increased 11.3 million, or 21.3%, to 64.2
million for 1995. The higher pro forma miles are due to having more tractors in
service, increased volume from existing customers and the addition of new
customers.
The Company's operating ratio (operating expenses divided by operating
revenues) increased 4.5%, to 94.3% in 1995 from 89.8% in 1994. Excluding the
effects of nonrecurring merger costs of approximately $1.3 million, the
Company's operating ratio increased 2.7%, to 92.5%. The increase in the
operating ratio is due to increased competition in the industry, resulting from
an overcapacity of equipment available to service a stagnant market. Total
operating expenses increased $33.3 million, or 108.8%, to $63.9 million for
1995, compared to $30.6 million for 1994, largely due to the AG Acquisition and
the PEI Acquisition. Without giving effect to the AG Acquisition and the Merger,
the Company's total operating expenses increased by $6.7 million, or 28.6%, due
to costs related to operating the additional tractors in service.
Operating expenses on a pro forma basis increased $11.9 million, or 20.7%,
to $69.2 million for 1995.
Salaries, wages and benefits increased $12.8 million, or 110.0%, to $24.4
million in 1995 compared to $11.6 million in 1994, largely due to the AG
Acquisition and the PEI Acquisition, as well as an increase in support personnel
in preparation for future growth, an increase in drivers, and increases in
overall compensation of drivers in order to enhance driver recruitment and
retention. Without giving effect to the AG Acquisition and the Merger, the
Company's salaries, wages and benefits increased by $2.8 million, or 32.3%.
Salaries, wages and benefits on a pro forma basis increased $5.9 million,
or 29.2%, to $26.0 million for 1995. The increase was due to an increase in
support personnel in preparation for future growth, an increase in drivers, and
increases in overall compensation of drivers in order to enhance driver
recruitment and retention.
Fuel expenses increased $5.6 million, or 115.4%, to $10.5 million in 1995
compared to $4.9 million in 1994, largely due to the AG Acquisition and the PEI
Acquisition, as well as additional volume related to company owned units added
in 1995. Without giving effect to the AG Acquisition and the Merger, the
Company's fuel expense increased by $1.0 million or 26.0%, due to having more
tractors in service.
Fuel expense on a pro forma basis increased $2.2 million, or 24.3%, to
$11.4 million for 1995, due to having more tractors in service.
Purchased transportation expense increased $2.3 million, or 48.9%, to $7.1
million in 1995 compared to $4.8 million in 1994, largely due to the AG
Acquisition and the PEI Acquisition, including expenses related to brokerage
operations, which the Company had not previously engaged in, as well as an
increase in contractor operated units, less the effects of the purchase and
capitalization of certain trailers which previously were contractor operated
units. Without giving effect to the AG Acquisition and the Merger, the Company's
purchased transportation expense decreased by $0.7 million, or 16.7%, due to the
purchase and capitalization of certain trailers which previously were contractor
operated units.
Purchased transportation expense on a pro forma basis decreased $2.6
million, or 24.6%, to $8.0 million for 1995, due to the decrease in the use of
contractor operated units, in favor of company-owned units, as well as the
decrease in brokered freight in 1995.
13
<PAGE> 14
Supplies and maintenance expenses increased $3.1 million, or 95.6%, to $6.4
million in 1995 compared to $3.3 million in 1994, largely due to the AG
Acquisition and the PEI Acquisition, as well as costs related to additional
company owned units in service. Without giving effect to the AG Acquisition and
the Merger, the Company's supplies and maintenance expense increased by $1.0
million, or 36.7%, due to additional company-owned units in service, and the
increased cost of driver recruitment.
Supplies and maintenance expense on a pro forma basis increased $1.3
million, or 22.0%, to $7.0 million for 1995, due to additional company-owned
units in service, and increased cost of driver recruitment.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $4.6 million, or 138.4%, to
$7.9 million in 1995 compared to $3.3 million in 1994, largely due to the AG
Acquisition and the PEI Acquisition, as well as costs related to additional
company-owned units in service and amortization of goodwill related to the AG
and PEI Acquisitions. Without giving effect to the AG Acquisition and the
Merger, the Company's depreciation and amortization expense increased by $0.9
million or 34.7%, due to costs related to additional company owned units in
service.
Depreciation and amortization expense on a pro forma basis increased $2.4
million, or 40.4% to $8.4 million for 1995, due to costs related to additional
company-owned units in service.
Insurance expense increased $1.5 million, or 119.9%, to $2.8 million in
1995 compared to $1.3 million in 1994, largely due to the AG Acquisition and the
PEI Acquisition, as well as the higher number of units operated. Without giving
effect to the AG Acquisition and the Merger, the Company's insurance expense
increased by $0.2 million, or 30.9%, due to the higher number of units operated.
Insurance expense on a pro forma basis increased $0.3 million, or 12.2%, to
$3.0 million for 1995, due to additional owned units in service.
Interest expense increased $1.7 million, or 72.0%, to $4.1 million in 1995
compared to $2.4 million in 1994, due entirely to the AG Acquisition and the PEI
Acquisition. Without giving effect to the AG Acquisition and the Merger, the
Company's interest expense remained at $1.8 million on an increased level of
debt, reflecting a lower overall interest rate. Outstanding debt and capital
lease obligations aggregated $45.9 million at December 31, 1995 compared with
$30.4 million at December 31, 1994, resulting from the increase in the line of
credit, primarily used to fund the AG Acquisition and the Merger and related
costs, and additional debt and capital lease obligations related to equipment
purchases.
In connection with the PEI Acquisition September 1994, Polar incurred a
one-time, noncash charge of $2.2 million ("deferred debt issuance cost")
resulting from the issuance of one million shares of Polar common stock to
subordinated note holders, of which $0.4 million was expensed in the first
quarter of 1995 and $1.8 million was expensed in the fourth quarter of 1994.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
At December 31, 1996, the Company had a net working capital deficit of
$11.6 million, attributable to the growth of the Company through acquisitions
and 1996 operations. The working capital deficit also results from the financing
of revenue equipment purchases (noncurrent assets) through borrowings, a portion
of which is in current liabilities. The Company historically has funded its
working capital requirements through a combination of operating profits, short
turnover in trade receivables, effective cash management practices and borrowing
under its revolving bank line of credit. The Company has a revolving bank line
of credit with a $6.0 million borrowing limit based on a percentage of eligible
trade receivables, $5.2 million of which was borrowed against this line of
credit at December 31, 1996, and approximately $0.2 million was available.
The Company's growth and the significant investment in its modern fleet of
tractors and temperature-controlled trailers has been financed substantially
through long-term debt and capital lease obligations collateralized by the
equipment. During 1996, the Company decreased its fleet size by 35 tractors and
24 temperature-controlled trailers. During 1995, the Company increased its fleet
size by adding 193 new tractors and 229 new temperature-controlled trailers
(including 110 tractors and 134 trailers from AG Carriers).
14
<PAGE> 15
The Company's outstanding debt and capital lease obligations, including current
maturities, aggregated $30.1 million and $45.9 million at December 31, 1996 and
December 31, 1995, respectively.
In October 1994, the Company completed an initial public offering of its
common stock that raised net proceeds to the Company of $6.4 million. To date,
the Company has utilized proceeds to repay outstanding indebtedness under its
revolving bank line of credit and certain long-term debt obligations, to
purchase trailers, and for the AG Acquisition and the Merger. The AG Acquisition
and the Merger, as well as the growth of Asche Transfer's fleet, has resulted in
a debt to equity ratio (calculated excluding payables and other liabilities) of
2.86:1 at December 31, 1996, and 3.55:1 at December 31, 1995.
In January 1997, the Company borrowed $1 million against the appraised
value of approximately $1.5 million of a terminal and maintenance facility. In
February 1997, the Company entered into a purchase agreement to sell certain
Polar motor carrier equipment for $4.6 million. The transaction, which will be
completed in March 1997, is expected to generate $1.4 million in net cash
proceeds to the Company.
The Company believes that available cash, cash flow from future operations,
and borrowings available under its line of credit will be sufficient to meet its
current working capital needs. As the Company continues to facilitate its
planned future growth in 1997, the Company's capital needs may require
additional borrowings or an equity infusion.
CHANGE IN ESTIMATED SALVAGE VALUES
On October 1, 1994, the Company changed the estimated salvage values used
to compute depreciation and amortization for certain motor carrier equipment of
Asche Transfer from 25% to 40% of original purchase price. The change better
aligns the allocation of equipment cost with its expected use. This change
reduced operating expenses approximately $0.8 million and reduced the net loss
approximately $0.5 million, or $0.13 net loss per common share, in both 1996 and
1995. This change reduced operating expenses approximately $0.2 million and
reduced the net loss approximately $0.12 million, or $0.06 pro forma net loss
per common share, in the fourth quarter of 1994.
In December 1996, the Company adjusted the estimated salvage values related
to certain motor carrier equipment of Polar from 44% to 35% of the original
purchase price. This change better aligns the allocation of equipment cost with
its expected use. This resulted in a writedown of equipment in the amount of
$1.2 million, $0.7 million after-tax ($0.18 net loss per common share) in 1996.
RELATED PARTY LEASES
The Company currently leases certain of its revenue equipment from related
parties. Effective January 1, 1995, the Company and the related parties amended
all lease agreements, whereby, lease payments from the Company to the related
parties are fixed equal payments. Previously, the lease payments were based upon
usage by the Company. The effect of this change in 1995 and 1996 is not
quantifiable. Effective July 1, 1995, the leases were renegotiated by lowering
imputed interest to a fixed 12% rate and adjusting the residual balance to more
closely approximate the fair market value of the trailers at the end of the
expected life of each lease. These leases are accounted for as capital leases.
This change reduced interest expense by approximately $0.26 million and
decreased net loss by approximately $0.16 million ($0.04 net loss per common
share) in 1996. This change reduced interest expense by approximately $0.13
million and decreased net loss by approximately $0.08 million ($0.02 net loss
per common share) in 1995. Payments to related parties on capital lease
obligations in 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $774,000, $1,016,000 and $1,911,000,
respectively.
SEASONALITY
The Company's results of operations show a seasonal pattern because certain
of the frozen food companies serviced by the Company generally reduce shipments
during the summer season. During the winter months, the Company has at times
experienced delays in meeting its pick-up and delivery schedules as a result of
severe weather conditions. In addition, the Company's operating expenses have
historically been higher in the winter months due to decreased fuel efficiency
and increased maintenance costs in colder weather.
15
<PAGE> 16
Accordingly such factors cause fluctuations in results of operations. The
foliage division of Asche Transfer experiences seasonal fluctuations in volume
during certain periods of the year.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The financial statements of the Company are annexed to this Report as pages
F-2 through F-21.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH THE ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The information required by this item with respect to the directors of the
Company is incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive proxy
statement, expected to be filed with the Commission prior to April 10, 1997.
Information regarding executive officers is set forth in Part I of this report.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the
Company's definitive proxy statement, expected to be filed with the Commission
prior to April 10, 1997.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the
Company's definitive proxy statement, expected to be filed with the Commission
prior to April 10, 1997.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the
Company's definitive proxy statement, expected to be filed with the Commission
prior to April 10, 1997.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
The financial statements filed as part of this report are listed in the
accompanying Index to Financial Statements. The exhibits filed as part of this
report are listed in the accompanying Index to Exhibits. The Company will
furnish a copy of any exhibit listed to requesting stockholders upon payment of
the Company's reasonable expenses in furnishing those materials. No reports on
Form 8-K were filed by the Company during the fourth quarter of 1996.
16
<PAGE> 17
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
AASCHE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
By: /s/ LARRY L. ASCHE
------------------------------------
Larry L. Asche, Chief Executive
March 27, 1997 Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<C> <S> <C>
/s/ LARRY L. ASCHE Chief Executive Officer and Chairman March 27, 1997
- --------------------------------------------- of the Board of Directors (Principal
Larry L. Asche Executive Officer)
/s/ LEON M. MONACHOS Chief Financial Officer (Principal March 27, 1997
- --------------------------------------------- Financial and Accounting Officer)
Leon M. Monachos
/s/ KEVIN M. CLARK President, Director March 27, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------
Kevin M. Clark
/s/ DIANE L. ASCHE Director March 27, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------
Diane L. Asche
/s/ RICHARD S. BAUGH Director March 27, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------
Richard S. Baugh
/s/ STEVEN R. GREEN Director March 27, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------
Steven R. Green
/s/ GARY I. GOLDBERG Director March 27, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------
Gary I. Goldberg
</TABLE>
17
<PAGE> 18
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Reports of Independent Auditors............................. F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and
1995...................................................... F-4
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.......................... F-5
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the
Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.............. F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.......................... F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................. F-8
</TABLE>
F-1
<PAGE> 19
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Board of Directors and Shareholders
Aasche Transportation Services, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Aasche
Transportation Services, Inc. as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits. We did not audit the financial statements of Polar Express
Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary, which statements reflect total assets
constituting 31% at December 31, 1995, and total net revenues constituting 39%
in 1995 and 23% in 1994, of the related consolidated totals. Those statements
were audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us, and our
opinion, insofar as it relates to data included for Polar Express Corporation,
is based solely on the report of other auditors.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits and the report of other auditors provide a reasonable
basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of other auditors, the
financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects,
the consolidated financial position of Aasche Transportation Services, Inc. at
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the consolidated results of its operations and
its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Ernst & Young LLP
February 21, 1997
F-2
<PAGE> 20
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT'S REPORT
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Polar Express Corporation
Tontitown, Arkansas
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of POLAR
EXPRESS CORPORATION (A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF AASCHE TRANSPORTATION
SERVICES, INC.) as of December 29, 1995, and the related consolidated statements
of operations, changes in stockholder's equity and cash flows for the year ended
December 29, 1995 and the period from August 27, 1994 (inception) to December
30, 1994. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of POLAR
EXPRESS CORPORATION as of December 29, 1995, and the results of its operations
and cash flows for the year ended December 29, 1995 and the period from August
27, 1994 (inception) to December 30, 1994, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
/s/ Baird, Kurtz & Dobson
BAIRD, KURTZ & DOBSON
Fayetteville, Arkansas
March 1, 1996
F-3
<PAGE> 21
AASCHE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
----------------------
1996 1995
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ -- $ 503
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of
$71 and $67............................................ 6,682 6,454
Prepaid expenses and other current assets................. 2,033 1,801
-------- --------
Total current assets................................... 8,715 8,758
Property and equipment, at cost............................. 43,901 60,640
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization............ (14,349) (12,360)
-------- --------
Net property and equipment............................. 29,552 48,280
-------- --------
Excess of cost over net assets acquired, less accumulated
amortization of $448 and $220............................. 7,622 7,850
Deferred income taxes....................................... 3,022 3,406
Other assets................................................ 415 639
-------- --------
TOTAL ASSETS........................................... $ 49,326 $ 68,933
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Cash overdraft............................................ $ 349 $ --
Accounts payable.......................................... 2,299 2,974
Accrued liabilities....................................... 2,366 1,763
Guaranteed obligation of Employee Stock Ownership Plan.... 244 334
Line of credit............................................ 5,242 2,859
Current maturities of long-term debt with unrelated
parties................................................ 4,922 7,108
Current maturities of long-term debt with related party... 995 995
Current maturities of capital lease obligations with
unrelated parties...................................... 2,596 3,447
Current maturities of capital lease obligations with
related parties........................................ 1,303 1,007
-------- --------
Total current liabilities.............................. 20,316 20,487
Long-term debt with unrelated parties, less current
maturities............................................. 5,767 15,470
Long-term debt with related party, less current
maturities............................................. 2,545 3,483
Capital lease obligations with unrelated parties, less
current maturities..................................... 6,163 9,668
Capital lease obligations with related parties, less
current maturities..................................... 327 1,497
Deferred income taxes..................................... 3,677 5,423
-------- --------
Total liabilities...................................... 38,795 56,028
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $.0001 par value, 10,000,000 shares
authorized, 3,953,077 and 3,947,107 shares issued and
outstanding............................................ -- --
Additional paid-in capital................................ 14,598 14,442
Guarantee of Employee Stock Ownership Plan obligation..... (244) (334)
Accumulated deficit....................................... (3,823) (1,203)
-------- --------
Total stockholders' equity............................. 10,531 12,905
-------- --------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY............. $ 49,326 $ 68,933
======== ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
F-4
<PAGE> 22
AASCHE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
NET REVENUES................................................ $ 77,365 $ 67,748 $ 34,034
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Salaries, wages and benefits.............................. 27,109 24,352 11,605
Fuel...................................................... 13,350 10,532 4,889
Purchased transportation.................................. 10,772 7,148 4,802
Supplies and maintenance.................................. 7,032 6,369 3,256
Depreciation and amortization............................. 8,547 7,887 3,309
Taxes and licenses........................................ 2,073 1,762 792
Insurance................................................. 2,838 2,784 1,266
Communications and utilities.............................. 818 809 431
Loss (gain) on disposition of equipment................... 1,165 (323) (74)
Litigation settlement..................................... 150 -- --
Polar restructuring expense............................... 490 -- --
Investment write-off...................................... 100 -- --
Writedown of equipment to net realizable value............ 1,155 -- --
Severance expense......................................... 81 -- --
Merger consummation costs................................. -- 1,269 --
Other..................................................... 2,298 1,297 281
--------- --------- ---------
Total operating expenses............................... 77,978 63,886 30,557
--------- --------- ---------
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME..................................... (613) 3,862 3,477
OTHER (EXPENSES) INCOME:
Interest expense.......................................... (3,464) (4,069) (2,366)
Amortization of debt issuance cost........................ -- (447) (1,786)
Other..................................................... 136 127 61
--------- --------- ---------
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAX BENEFIT (PROVISION) AND EXTRAORDINARY
ITEM...................................................... (3,941) (527) (614)
INCOME TAX BENEFIT (PROVISION).............................. 1,321 (538) (465)
--------- --------- ---------
LOSS BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM.............................. (2,620) (1,065) (1,079)
Loss on extinguishment of debt, net of income tax benefit
of $134................................................ -- 261 --
--------- --------- ---------
NET LOSS.................................................... $ (2,620) $ (1,326) $ (1,079)
========= ========= =========
Historical net loss per common share:
Loss before extraordinary item............................ $ (0.67) (0.27)
Extraordinary item........................................ -- (0.07)
--------- ---------
Net loss.................................................. $ (0.67) $ (0.34)
========= =========
Proforma net loss per common share (unaudited).............. $ (0.57)
=========
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares
outstanding:
Historical............................................. 3,928,596 3,860,275
========= =========
Proforma............................................... 1,878,649
=========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
F-5
<PAGE> 23
AASCHE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GUARANTEE
COMMON STOCK OF EMPLOYEE
-------------------------------------- STOCK DEFERRED
NO PAR VALUE $.0001 PAR VALUE ADDITIONAL OWNERSHIP DEBT
---------------- ------------------- PAID-IN PLAN ISSUANCE
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL OBLIGATION COST
------ ------ ------ ------ ---------- ----------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at December 31, 1993................. 1,500 $ 1 -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
Exchange of shares of Asche Transfer, Inc.
for shares of Aasche Transportation Ser-
vices, Inc................................. (1,500) (1) 1,275,000 -- 1 -- --
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in
connection with initial public offering.... -- -- 1,150,000 -- 6,356 -- --
Common stock issuable with respect to interim
financing.................................. -- -- 411,000 -- 2,233 -- (2,233)
Issuance of shares in connection with Polar
acquisition of PEI......................... -- -- 431,550 -- 665 -- --
Amortization of debt issuance cost........... -- -- -- -- -- -- 1,786
Guarantee of Employee Stock Ownership Plan
obligation................................. -- -- -- -- -- (621) --
Net loss..................................... -- -- -- -- -- --
------ ------- --------- ------- ------- ----- -------
Balance at December 31, 1994................. -- -- 3,267,550 -- 9,255 (621) (447)
Issuance of shares in connection with AG
Carriers acquisition....................... -- -- 120,075 -- 1,045 -- --
Reduction in Guarantee of Employee Stock
Ownership Plan obligation.................. -- -- -- -- -- 287 --
Exchange of Polar 8% subordinated notes
payable for common stock................... -- -- -- -- 1,116 -- --
Issuance of shares in connection with Polar
initial public offering.................... -- -- 558,805 -- 3,020 -- --
Amortization of debt issuance cost........... -- -- -- -- -- -- 447
Issuance of other shares..................... -- -- 677 -- 6 -- --
Net loss..................................... -- -- -- -- -- -- --
------ ------- --------- ------- ------- ----- -------
Balance at December 31, 1995................. -- -- 3,947,107 -- 14,442 (334) --
Escrow shares retired in connection with
litigation settlement...................... -- -- (34,030) -- -- -- --
Exercise of stock options.................... -- -- 40,000 -- 156 -- --
Reduction in Guarantee of Employee Stock
Ownership Plan obligation.................. -- -- -- -- -- 90 --
Net loss..................................... -- -- -- -- --
------ ------- --------- ------- ------- ----- -------
Balance at December 31, 1996................. -- $ -- 3,953,077 $ -- $14,598 $(244) $ --
====== ======= ========= ======= ======= ===== =======
<CAPTION>
RETAINED
EARNINGS TOTAL
(ACCUMULATED) STOCKHOLDERS'
(DEFICIT) EQUITY
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Balance at December 31, 1993................. $ 1,202 $ 1,203
Exchange of shares of Asche Transfer, Inc.
for shares of Aasche Transportation Ser-
vices, Inc................................. -- --
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in
connection with initial public offering.... -- 6,356
Common stock issuable with respect to interim
financing.................................. -- --
Issuance of shares in connection with Polar
acquisition of PEI......................... -- 665
Amortization of debt issuance cost........... -- 1,786
Guarantee of Employee Stock Ownership Plan
obligation................................. -- (621)
Net loss..................................... (1,079) (1,079)
------- -------
Balance at December 31, 1994................. 123 8,310
Issuance of shares in connection with AG
Carriers acquisition....................... -- 1,045
Reduction in Guarantee of Employee Stock
Ownership Plan obligation.................. -- 287
Exchange of Polar 8% subordinated notes
payable for common stock................... -- 1,116
Issuance of shares in connection with Polar
initial public offering.................... -- 3,020
Amortization of debt issuance cost........... -- 447
Issuance of other shares..................... -- 6
Net loss..................................... (1,326) (1,326)
------- -------
Balance at December 31, 1995................. (1,203) 12,905
Escrow shares retired in connection with
litigation settlement...................... -- --
Exercise of stock options.................... -- 156
Reduction in Guarantee of Employee Stock
Ownership Plan obligation.................. -- 90
Net loss..................................... (2,620) (2,620)
------- -------
Balance at December 31, 1996................. $(3,823) $10,531
======= =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
F-6
<PAGE> 24
AASCHE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss.................................................. $ (2,620) $ (1,326) $ (1,079)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation......................................... 8,277 7,660 3,285
Amortization......................................... 270 759 1,955
Writedown of equipment to net realizable value....... 1,155 -- --
Loss (gain) on disposition of equipment.............. 1,165 (323) (74)
Deferred income taxes................................ (1,321) 404 390
Extraordinary item-extinguishment of debt............ -- 118 --
Changes in other operating items:
Trade receivables.................................. (228) (426) (1,019)
Prepaid expenses and other assets.................. (179) 138 (288)
Accounts payable................................... (675) (244) 377
Accrued liabilities................................ 691 680 (118)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities........ 6,535 7,440 3,429
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Property additions:
Revenue equipment....................................... (102) (1,432) (2,510)
Building, office equipment and other.................... (382) (1,297) --
Proceeds from the sale of equipment....................... 8,615 2,325 480
Purchase of Polar Express, Inc. net of cash acquired...... -- -- (2,640)
Purchase of AG Carriers net of cash acquired.............. -- (2,974) --
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing
activities.................................... 8,131 (3,378) (4,670)
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net borrowings on line of credit.......................... 2,383 2,044 647
Proceeds from issuance of subordinated debt............... -- -- 2,233
Principal payments on subordinated debt................... -- (1,117) --
Borrowings on long-term debt with unrelated parties....... 800 5,228 7,167
Principal payments on long-term debt with unrelated
parties................................................. (12,689) (12,770) (10,697)
Principal payments on long-term debt with related party... (938) (498) (102)
Principal payments on capital leases with unrelated
parties................................................. (4,356) (2,426) (1,305)
Principal payments on capital leases with related
parties................................................. (874) (579) (249)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options................... 156 -- --
Proceeds from issuance of common stock.................... -- 3,215 665
Deferred stock offering costs............................. -- -- (195)
Net proceeds from Aasche initial public offering.......... -- -- 6,356
-------- -------- --------
Net cash (used in) provided by financing
activities.................................... (15,518) (6,903) 4,520
-------- -------- --------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (CASH
OVERDRAFT)................................................ (852) (2,841) 3,279
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
(CASH OVERDRAFT):
Beginning of year......................................... 503 3,344 65
-------- -------- --------
End of year............................................... $ (349) $ 503 $ 3,344
======== ======== ========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Interest paid............................................. $ 3,424 $ 3,940 $ 2,101
======== ======== ========
Income taxes paid......................................... $ -- $ 103 $ 72
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
F-7
<PAGE> 25
AASCHE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1996
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND SHARE DATA)
1. DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
REORGANIZATION AND INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING
On September 23, 1994 (the "Effective Date"), Aasche Transportation
Services, Inc. (the "Company") completed an initial public offering for the sale
of 1,000,000 shares of common stock (the "Offering"). On October 17, 1994, the
underwriters exercised an option to purchase an additional 150,000 shares of
common stock to cover over-allotments. The net proceeds from these sales
received by the Company was $6,356, net of Offering costs of $1,694.
Immediately prior to the Effective Date of the Offering, the stockholders
of Asche Transfer, Inc. ("ATI") exchanged their shares of common stock of ATI
for 1,275,000 shares of common stock of the Company pursuant to a
reorganization. The Company was incorporated July 13, 1994 and commenced
operations and issued shares of common stock upon completion of the
reorganization. The transaction was accounted for similar to a pooling of
interests. ATI remains a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. Intercompany
accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
ATI is an irregular route, common and contract motor carrier specializing
in truckload transportation of perishable consumer products, principally items
requiring refrigeration, throughout the continental United States.
PURCHASE OF AG TRANSPORTATION SERVICE, INC. AND AG. CARRIERS, INC.
On May 16, 1995 the Company purchased all of the outstanding common stock
of AGC Transportation Service, Inc. and the net assets of AG. Carriers, Inc.
(collectively, AG Carriers) in exchange for $11,250 consisting of $5,275 cash,
$1,000 in the Company's common stock (115,075 shares) and two notes payable in
the amount of $4,975. The Company also issued 5,000 shares to a certain
individual as consideration for a finders fee in connection with the
acquisition. In conjunction with the acquisition, the Company recorded cost in
excess of net assets acquired of $6,237 to reflect the finalization of the
purchase price allocation. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and
accordingly, the 1995 consolidated statement of operations, includes the results
of AG Carriers for the seven and a half month period from the date of it
acquisition.
In accordance with the original purchase agreement, the Company guaranteed
the total value of the Company's common stock issued in the purchase. If during
the period from May 16, 1997 through September 12, 1997, the closing price per
share of the Company's common stock has not reached at least $8.69 per share,
then on the 30th day following September 12, 1997, the Company shall issue
sufficient additional shares of the Company's common stock such that all of the
shares issued have a total value of $1,000. In the event the additional shares
are required to be issued, management believes this will not have a material
adverse impact on the financial position or operations of the Company.
AG Carriers is a Florida-based carrier specializing in transporting
temperature-controlled foodstuffs and juice concentrates.
The following unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations are
based on certain amounts derived from the audited consolidated financial
statements of AG Carriers and the Company for the years ended December 31, 1995
and December 31, 1994, (the financial statements of the Company include the
results of Polar Express Corporation, see "Merger With Polar Express
Corporation" below), and assumes in each case, that the acquisition of the
assets and liabilities of AG Carriers occurred on January 1, 1994. The pro forma
statements are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations which
would have occurred had the
F-8
<PAGE> 26
AASCHE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
acquisition taken place on January 1, 1994 or of future results of the
consolidated operations of AG Carriers and the Company.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------
1995 1994
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Net revenues................................................ $73,976 $50,325
Operating expenses.......................................... 69,214 44,745
--------- ---------
Operating income............................................ 4,762 5,580
Other (expenses) income:
Interest expenses......................................... (4,374) (3,336)
Amortization of debt issuance cost........................ (447) (1,786)
Interest income........................................... 184 186
--------- ---------
(4,637) (4,936)
--------- ---------
Income before income taxes and extraordinary item........... 125 644
Income tax provision........................................ 799 258
--------- ---------
Income (loss) before extraordinary item..................... (674) 386
Loss on extinguishment of debt.............................. 261 --
--------- ---------
Net income (loss)........................................... $ (935) $ 386
========= =========
Net income (loss) per common share:
Income (loss) before extraordinary item................... $ (0.17) $ 0.19
Extraordinary loss........................................ (0.07) --
--------- ---------
Net income (loss)......................................... $ (0.24) $ 0.19
========= =========
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares
outstanding............................................... 3,905,015 1,998,724
--------- ---------
</TABLE>
MERGER WITH POLAR EXPRESS CORPORATION
On December 22, 1995, the Company completed a merger, pursuant to which
Polar Express Corporation ("Polar") became a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company. Under the terms of the merger agreement, 1,401,355 shares of the
Company's common stock were issued in exchange for all of the outstanding common
shares and unit purchase options of Polar. Approximately 5% of these shares were
held in an escrow account to cover liability and litigation costs related to the
litigation described in Note 13. In addition, the Company issued 1,006,905
warrants to purchase the Company's common stock in exchange for all the
outstanding warrants of Polar. The transaction costs associated with the merger
(consisting primarily of legal, accounting and advisory fees) resulted in a
nonrecurring charge of $1,269 which was recorded in the fourth quarter of 1995,
and is included as an operating expense. The merger was accounted for as a
pooling of interests. Accordingly, the accompanying consolidated financial
statements have been retroactively restated for all periods presented to include
the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of the merged
entities.
In connection with the acquisition of Polar Express, Inc. ("PEI") by Polar
in September 1994, Polar incurred a one-time, non-cash deferred debt issuance
cost of $2,233 resulting from the issuance of 1,000,000 shares of Polar common
stock to subordinated note holders, of which $1,786 was expensed in the fourth
quarter of 1994 and $447 was expensed in the first quarter of 1995. In February
1995, Polar completed an initial public offering of 1,350,000 units, each
consisting of one share of Polar common stock and one Polar common stock
purchase warrant, and raised net proceeds of approximately $3,020.
Polar is an Arkansas-based truckload carrier specializing in transporting
temperature-controlled and time sensitive freight.
F-9
<PAGE> 27
AASCHE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Operating results for Aasche for the period from January 1, 1995 through
December 21, 1995 and year ended December 31, 1994 and for Polar for the period
from January 1, 1995 through December 21, 1995 and for the four months ended
December 31, 1994, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994
---- ----
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
Net revenues
Aasche................................................. $40,303 $26,319
Polar.................................................. 26,046 7,715
------- -------
Total.................................................... $66,349 $34,034
------- -------
Net income (loss)
Aasche................................................. $ 530 $ 698
Polar.................................................. 60 (1,777)
------- -------
Total.................................................... $ 590 $(1,079)
------- -------
Change in stockholders' equity
Aasche................................................. $ -- $ --
Polar-common stock..................................... (34) (20)
Polar-additional paid-in capital....................... 34 20
------- -------
Total.................................................... $ -- $ --
------- -------
</TABLE>
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include all accounts of the Company
and its wholly owned subsidiaries, ATI, AG Carriers, Polar and Double A
Development, Inc. ("Double A") (see Note 3). The consolidated financial
statements reflect the acquisition of AG Carriers and the application of
purchase accounting and the merger with Polar as more fully explained in Note 1.
All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue is recognized when the freight leaves the terminal. Cost and
related expenses are recorded when the related revenue is recognized. Management
has concluded that the difference between the Company's method of recognizing
revenue and a prescribed method did not result in a material difference in
reported quarterly or annual net income and related per share amounts.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with a
maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment, including capitalized leases, are stated at cost,
less accumulated depreciation and amortization and are being depreciated and
amortized using both straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated
useful lives of the assets which range from two to thirty years. The carrying
amounts of motor carrier equipment are reflected at net realizable value, as
determined based on the estimated salvage values at the end of the estimated
useful life of the related motor carrier equipment.
F-10
<PAGE> 28
AASCHE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
INCOME TAXES
The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method. Under the
liability method, deferred taxes are recognized for the future tax consequences
attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying
amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.
HISTORICAL NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE
Historical net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss by
the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding,
except when such common equivalent shares are antidilutive.
PRO FORMA NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE
Pro forma net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss by the
weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding,
assuming the reorganization discussed in Note 1 had occurred on January 1, 1994.
The pro forma net loss per common share, computed assuming the reorganization
and Offering discussed in Note 1 had occurred on January 1, 1994, is $(0.40) for
the year ended December 31, 1994. The pro forma weighted average number of
common and common equivalent shares outstanding, computed assuming the
reorganization and Offering discussed in Note 1 had occurred on January 1, 1994,
is 2,726,594 for the year ended December 31, 1994.
DEFERRED FINANCING COSTS
Fees associated with the issuance of debt are amortized using the
straight-line method over the life of the related debt.
EXCESS OF COST OVER NET ASSETS ACQUIRED
The excess of cost over net assets acquired in connection with the
acquisition of AG Carriers (Note 1) is amortized on a straight-line basis over
30 years. The excess of cost over net assets acquired resulting from the
September 1994 acquisition of PEI by Polar ($1,833) is amortized on a straight
line basis over 25 years. The Company assesses long-lived assets for impairment
under FASB Statement No. 121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
and for Long-Lived Assets To Be Disposed Of. In accordance with this Statement,
the excess of cost over net assets acquired associated with assets acquired in a
purchase business combination is included in impairment evaluations when events
or circumstances exist that indicate the carrying amount of those assets may not
be recoverable. If this review indicates that the carrying amount will not be
recoverable, as determined based on the estimated undiscounted cash flows over
the remaining amortization period, the carrying amount of the excess of cost
over net assets acquired will be reduced by the estimated shortfall of cash
flows.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
In October 1995, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123"), was issued which, if
elected, would require companies to use a new fair value method of accounting
for stock-based compensation plans. The Company has elected to continue
following present accounting rules under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No.
25 ("APB 25"), "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" which uses an
intrinsic value method and often results in no compensation expense. Under APB
25, because the exercise price of the Company's employee stock options equals or
exceeds the market price of the underlying stock on the date of the grant, no
compensation expense is recognized.
F-11
<PAGE> 29
AASCHE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK AND CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to
concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash, cash equivalents and
trade receivables. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with high
credit quality financial institutions and instruments.
Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables is limited
to the large number of customers comprising the Company's customer base and
their dispersion across many different geographic locations.
For all periods presented, the Company had no significant concentrations of
credit risk or financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
RECLASSIFICATION
Certain amounts in the 1995 and 1994 financial statements have been
reclassified to conform to the 1996 presentation.
3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment at December 31, 1996 and 1995 consists of the
following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Land..................................................... $ 548 $ 548
Buildings................................................ 1,982 1,683
Motor carrier equipment.................................. 23,757 36,407
Motor carrier equipment under capital leases:
Unrelated parties...................................... 13,097 17,363
Related parties........................................ 3,160 3,365
Other equipment, furniture, and fixtures................. 1,357 1,274
-------- --------
43,901 60,640
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization.......... (14,349) (12,360)
-------- --------
$ 29,552 $ 48,280
======== ========
</TABLE>
In December 1996, the Company adjusted the estimated salvage values related
to certain motor carrier equipment of Polar from 44% to 35% of the original
purchase price. The change better aligns the allocation of equipment cost with
its expected use. This resulted in a writedown of equipment in the amount of
$1,155, $716 after-tax ($0.18 net loss per common share) in 1996.
In December 1996, the Company entered into various agreements for the sale
and leaseback of certain Polar motor carrier equipment which management believes
will reduce future operating expenses. The leases are classified as operating
leases in accordance with SFAS No. 13, Accounting for Leases. The book values of
the equipment totaling $6,329 have been removed from the balance sheet with the
resulting loss of $1,043, $647 after-tax ($0.16 net loss per common share) in
1996.
F-12
<PAGE> 30
AASCHE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
On February 11, 1997, the Company entered into a purchase agreement to sell
68 Polar tractors and 141 Polar trailers for $4,592. The transaction is expected
to generate $1,373 in net cash proceeds to the Company with no significant
earnings effect in 1997. The transaction is expected to be completed in March
1997.
In September 1995, the Company formed Double A as a terminal management
company, and subsequently acquired in 1995 a terminal and maintenance facility
located in Atlanta Georgia, for an aggregate purchase price of $963, which was
allocated to the land and building in the amount of $347 and $616 respectively.
In January 1997, Double A borrowed $1,000 against the appraised value of
approximately $1,500 of the facility. Monthly principal and interest payments of
$9 commence in March 1997 and continue for twenty years. The loan bears interest
at prime plus one percent adjusted every April, July, October and January,
provided, that the applicable interest rate shall never be greater than 10% or
less than 7%. The Company is subject to a debt service coverage ratio covenant
and guarantees the obligation.
On October 1, 1994, the Company changed the estimated salvage values used
to compute depreciation and amortization for certain motor carrier equipment of
ATI from 25% to 40% of the original purchase price. The change better aligns the
allocation of equipment cost with its expected use. This change reduced
operating expenses approximately $800 and reduced the net loss approximately
$500, or $0.13 net loss per common share, in 1996 and 1995. This change reduced
operating expenses approximately $200 and reduced the net loss approximately
$120, or $0.06 pro forma net loss per common share, in the fourth quarter of
1994.
The Company financed motor carrier equipment purchases with long-term notes
payable of $8,043 and $7,790 during the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.
4. LINE OF CREDIT
The Company maintains a revolving line of credit with a financial
institution which provides for a maximum funding of $6,000 based on a percentage
of eligible trade receivable. At December 31, 1996, the Company had borrowings
of $5,242 outstanding, with a maximum remaining availability of $239. The line
bears interest at the prime rate (8.25% at December 31, 1996) for the first
$2,000 and the prime rate plus one half of one percent on the balance above
$2,000. The line is renewable on April 30, 1997. The Company is subject to
certain restrictive covenants related to the line of credit, which include
maintaining a specified debt service coverage ratio, debt to equity ratio, a
specified tangible net worth and a restriction on the payment of dividends and
stock redemptions.
5. LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt at December 31, 1996 and 1995 consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
6.40% to 11.04% notes payable to unrelated parties due, in
various monthly installments through the year 2001....... $10,689 $22,578
8.00% note payable to a related party, due in quarterly
installments of $249 through May 16, 2000................ 3,540 4,478
------- -------
Total long-term debt....................................... 14,229 27,056
Less; current maturities................................... (5,917) (8,103)
------- -------
Long-term debt, less current maturities.................... $ 8,312 $18,953
======= =======
</TABLE>
On December 29, 1995, the Company fully extinguished certain secured
obligations of Polar totaling $4,937, and refinanced such debt with another
lender, substantially lowering its overall interest rate. As a result of the
early retirement, the Company accelerated amortization of unamortized debt
issuance costs and
F-13
<PAGE> 31
AASCHE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
incurred prepayment penalties totaling approximately $395, which has been
presented as an extraordinary item in the consolidated statement of operations,
with associated tax benefits of $134.
Notes payable to unrelated parties are secured by the related motor carrier
equipment.
The note payable to a related party resulted from the acquisition of AG
Carriers (Note 1) and is unsecured.
The principal maturities of long-term debt as of December 31, 1996, are as
follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1997....................................................... $ 5,917
1998....................................................... 4,438
1999....................................................... 2,891
2000....................................................... 894
2001....................................................... 89
-------
$14,229
=======
</TABLE>
6. COMMITMENTS
At December 31, 1996 the Company was obligated for future rentals under
capital and operating leases, as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CAPITAL CAPITAL
LEASES WITH LEASES WITH
UNRELATED RELATED OPERATING
PARTIES PARTIES LEASES
----------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1997........................................... $ 3,186 $1,420 $ 3,620
1998........................................... 3,213 347 3,591
1999........................................... 2,542 -- 3,321
2000........................................... 866 -- 2,642
2001........................................... -- -- 344
------- ------ -------
9,807 1,767 $13,518
=======
Amounts representing interest.................. (1,048) (137)
------- ------
Present value of minimum lease payments,
including current portion of $2,596 and
$1,303 respectively.......................... $ 8,759 $1,630
======= ======
</TABLE>
The Company incurred capital lease obligations with unrelated parties of
$5,864 and $3,857 for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
The Company incurred capital lease obligations with related parties of $602 and
$599 for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
Rent expense under operating leases amounted to $1,687, $617 and $242 for
the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
The capital leases with unrelated parties contain purchase options under
which the Company is required to purchase the equipment for a defined residual
amount, ranging from 20% to 40%, at the end of the lease term.
The Company leases its Polar corporate office and shop facilities from the
former owner of PEI (Note 1) pursuant to a ten year net lease which expires in
2004, with an option to renew for an additional five years. The base rental is
$123 per year. Polar has a right of first refusal with respect to any offer to
purchase such premises during the term of the lease.
F-14
<PAGE> 32
AASCHE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
7. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company evaluates the carrying amounts of significant classes of
financial instruments on the consolidated balances for disclosure of fair values
for which it is practicable. The following methods and assumptions were used to
estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is
practicable to estimate that value.
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables,
prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable, and accrued
liabilities approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those
instruments. The fair value of the Company's outstanding debt and capital leases
is estimated based on similar issues or on the current rates offered to the
Company for debt and capital leases of the same remaining maturities and the
carrying value is a reasonable estimate of its fair market value.
8. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS
On September 23, 1994, the Company entered into five-year employment and
stock option agreements with certain stockholders/officers of the Company under
which the stockholders/officers will be granted stock options to acquire up to
78,000 shares of common stock of the Company at exercise prices ranging from
$8.75 per share to $9.50 per share during the period from January 1, 1995 to
January 1, 1998, as defined in the agreement. The options shall expire upon the
first to occur: seven years after the date of grant of such options; or, the
date as of which the stockholder/officer shall cease, for any reason, to be an
officer of the Company. At December 31, 1996 and 1995, options to purchase
33,000 and 15,000 shares respectively, have been granted, at exercise prices
ranging from $8.75 per share to $9.00 per share, under the employment and stock
option agreements, of which none have been exercised.
On September 23, 1994, the Company adopted an incentive stock option plan
(Incentive Plan) for certain key employees of the Company. Under the Incentive
Plan, the Company may grant options to purchase up to 50,000 shares of the
Company's common stock to certain key employees. On July 26, 1995, the
stockholders approved an amendment to the Incentive Plan increasing the number
of shares available for grant to 150,000. The exercise price of each option must
be at least equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the date the
stock option is granted. These options will vest 18 months following the date of
grant, provided the optionee remains an employee of the Company. The maximum
term of options granted under the Incentive Plan generally is ten years. No
options were exercised in 1996, 1995 or 1994. The weighted-average
F-15
<PAGE> 33
AASCHE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
fair value of options granted during 1996 and 1995 is $1.74 and $3.21,
respectively. At December 31, 1996, the weighted-average remaining contractual
life of the options is 8.77 years.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING
OPTIONS --------------------------------------------
AVAILABLE FOR EXERCISE WEIGHTED-AVERAGE
GRANT SHARES PRICE RANGE EXERCISE PRICE
------------- ------ ----------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance December 31, 1993
Initial shares reserved.... 50,000 --
Options granted............ (29,600) 29,600 $7.00 $7.00
Options canceled........... 1,200 (1,200) $7.00 $7.00
------- -------
Balance December 31, 1994.... 21,600 28,400 $7.00 $7.00
Options granted............ (41,717) 41,717 $6.12 - $8.81 $8.60
Options canceled........... 2,950 (2,950) $7.00 $7.00
Increase in shares
reserved................ 100,000 --
------- -------
Balance December 31, 1995.... 82,833 67,167 $6.12 - $8.81 $7.99
------- -------
Options granted............ (45,000) 45,000 $3.75 - $4.63 $4.10
Options canceled........... 50,167 (50,167) $4.63 - $7.00 $6.55
------- -------
Balance December 31, 1996.... 88,000 62,000 $3.75 - $8.81 $6.34
======= =======
</TABLE>
On September 23, 1994, the Company adopted a stock option plan
(Non-Employee Directors and Advisors Plan) for the benefit of directors and
advisors who are not employees of the Company. Under the Non-Employee Directors
and Advisors Plan, the Company may grant options to purchase 50,000 shares of
the Company's common stock. Each eligible director and advisor at the
adjournment of each annual meeting held was automatically granted options to
purchase 5,000 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price per
share equal to 125% of the closing price of the common stock on the date of the
grant. In May 1996, the plan was amended whereby options granted under the plan
are granted at an exercise price per share equal to the closing price of the
common stock on the date of grant. An option may be exercised at any time within
10 years from the date of grant. At December 31, 1996 and 1995, options to
purchase 40,000 and 25,000 shares, respectively have been granted at prices
ranging from $3.75 to $10.94, of which none have been exercised. As of December
31, 1994, no options were granted or exercised under the plan.
On May 1, 1995, the Company entered into a five-year employment and stock
option agreement, under which its former chief financial officer may acquire up
to 100,000 shares of common stock of the Company at exercise prices equal to the
closing price of the common stock at each vesting date. Such options vested
20,000 per year beginning May 1, 1995. In May 1996, his employment was
terminated. At the time of his termination, 40,000 options had vested. In August
1996, these options were exercised at a price per share of $3.89.
On December 22, 1995, pursuant to the Polar merger agreement, the Company
issued options to purchase 150,015 shares of the Company's common stock in
exchange for 365,000 options to purchase Polar stock, which were originally
granted on February 8, 1995. Such options are exercisable at $7.66 per share. Of
these options, 102,750 vested at 33 1/3% per year commencing one year from the
date of grant, and the balance of 47,265 vest at 25% per year commencing one
year from the date of grant. During 1996, the 102,750 options that vested at
33 1/3% per year were canceled in connection with a separation agreement and
32,880 of the 47,265 options that vest at 25% per year were canceled. As of
December 31, 1996, 14,385 options remain outstanding, of which 3,596 have vested
and none have been exercised.
On December 22, 1995, pursuant to the Polar merger agreement, options to
purchase 100,000 shares of the Company's common stock were granted to Polar's
former chief financial officer, under the 1995 Incentive Stock Option Plan (the
"1995 ISO Plan"). The exercise price of these options was $6.12 per share, and
such
F-16
<PAGE> 34
AASCHE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
options vested in cumulative annual increments of 25,000 shares commencing June
30, 1996. During 1996, his employment was terminated and these options were
canceled. In accordance with a separation agreement between the employee and the
Company, options to purchase 60,000 shares of the Company's common stock at an
exercise price per share of $4.88 were granted, of which none have been
exercised. These options expire on August 25, 1999.
In accordance with a separation agreement entered into between a former
consultant of the Company and the Company in July 1996, options to purchase
50,000 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price per share of
$4.06 were granted, of which none have been exercised. These options expire on
March 31, 1998.
On May 15, 1996, the Company entered into a five-year employment and stock
option agreement, under which its current chief financial officer may acquire up
to 200,000 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise price per share
of $3.75. On May 15, 1996, 100,000 options vested and the remainder vest in
annual increments of 20,000 shares per year commencing May 15, 1997. The options
shall expire on the earlier of: ten years after the date of grant of such
options; or, a date up to six months, as defined in the agreement, subsequent to
which the chief financial officer shall cease, for any reason, to be an employee
of the Company.
In June 1996, the Company merged all of its stock option plans, with the
exception of the two plans in accordance with the separation agreements
described above, into one all inclusive plan, the Aasche Transportation
Services, Inc. Stock Option Plan. All matters relating to eligibility for
options and the number of options to which such individuals may be entitled
based upon events occurring prior to the adoption of this plan will be
determined in accordance with the applicable provisions of the prior plans.
The weighted-average fair value of all options granted during 1996 and
1995, excluding those options granted under the Incentive Plan, was $1.94 and
$4.56 respectively. At December 31, 1996, the weighted-average remaining
contractual life of all options, excluding those options granted under the
Incentive Plan, is 8.69 years.
Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is
required by Statement 123, which also requires that the information be
determined as if the Company has accounted for its employee stock options
granted subsequent to December 31, 1994 under the fair value method. The fair
value for these options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes
option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions for 1996
and 1995, respectively: risk-free interest rates of 6.34% and 6.75%; volatility
factors of the expected market price of the Company's common stock of 55.1% and
45.5%; and a weighted-average expected life of the option of 3.5 years; and no
dividend yield.
The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in
estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions
and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the
input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price
volatility. Because the Company's employee stock options have characteristics
significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the
subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in
management's opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable
single measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.
For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the
options is amortized to expense over the options' vesting period. Statement 123
is applicable only to options granted subsequent to December 31,
F-17
<PAGE> 35
AASCHE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
1994, therefore, its pro forma effect, are only presented for 1996 and 1995. The
Company's pro forma information follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Net loss.......................................... $(3,010) $(1,505)
Net loss per common share......................... (0.77) (0.39)
</TABLE>
EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN
In October 1994, the Company amended and restated the 401(k) Plan to
include as a part of the 401(k) Plan an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) for
the benefit of all eligible employees of the Company (see Note 11). Company
matching contributions and any dividends received may be used by the ESOP to
purchase common stock for the account of the participants. The Company may also
make discretionary contributions to the ESOP for the purchase of common stock.
In December 1994, the ESOP borrowed $621 from a bank to purchase 75,000 shares
of common stock from the stockholders. These shares are held in escrow and are
released by the tender to participants' accounts in the ESOP as the loan is
repaid. The loan obligation of the ESOP, which bears interest at prime, is
guaranteed by the Company and is considered unearned employee benefit expense.
The Company's guarantee of the ESOP loan has been recorded as a reduction of
stockholders' equity in the accompanying balance sheet at December 31, 1996 and
1995. The Company made no contributions to the ESOP in 1996, 1995 or 1994.
In December 1994, the Company implemented an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
(ESPP) for the benefit of all eligible employees of the Company. Participants of
the ESSP may contribute "after-tax" compensation through payroll deductions. The
Company was required to provide a 25% matching contribution. In April 1996, the
plan was amended to eliminate the Company matching contribution. The
contributions are used to purchase common stock of the Company from either the
ESOP or the open market. The Company made matching contributions to the ESPP of
$6 and $25 in 1996 and 1995, respectively.
WARRANTS
On September 23, 1994, the Company issued to the underwriter of the
Offering, for nominal consideration, warrants to purchase up to 100,000 shares
of common stock of the Company. All such warrants will be exercisable during the
four-year period commencing on September 23, 1995 at an exercise price of 125%
of the initial public offering price. At December 31, 1996, all warrants
remained outstanding.
On December 22, 1995, pursuant to the Polar merger agreement, the Company
issued 41,100 Series A warrants to purchase the Company's common stock, in
exchange for all outstanding Series A warrants of Polar. The warrants are
exercisable at $2.43 per share through February 8, 2000. At December 31, 1996,
all such warrants were outstanding. In January 1997, all 41,100 Series A
Warrants were exercised.
On December 22, 1995, pursuant to the Polar merger agreement, the Company
issued 965,805 Series B warrants to purchase the Company's common stock, in
exchange for all outstanding Series B warrants of Polar. At December 31, 1996,
all such warrants remain outstanding. The warrants are exercisable at $7.91 per
share through February 8, 2000, and are redeemable by the Company for
approximately $.02 if the closing price of the Company's common stock exceeds
$11.86 for any 20 consecutive trading days commencing February 9, 1996.
F-18
<PAGE> 36
AASCHE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
9. INCOME TAXES
Details of the benefit (provision) for income taxes are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
-------------------------
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current:
Federal.............................................. $ -- $ -- $ (73)
State................................................ -- -- (2)
------ ----- -----
Total current.......................................... -- -- (75)
Deferred:
Federal.............................................. 1,156 (466) (350)
State................................................ 165 (72) (40)
------ ----- -----
Total deferred......................................... 1,321 (538) (390)
------ ----- -----
Income tax provision before extraordinary item......... 1,321 (538) (465)
Tax benefit of extraordinary item...................... -- 134 --
------ ----- -----
$1,321 $(404) $(465)
====== ===== =====
</TABLE>
The benefit (provision) for income taxes differs from the amounts computed
by applying the statutory federal income tax rates to income before income taxes
due primarily to:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
-------------------------
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Income tax at statutory federal rate................... $1,340 $ 268 $ 209
Effect of:
Amortization of debt issuance cost (Note 1).......... -- (152) (607)
Tax loss on note exchange (Note 1)................... -- 169 --
Nondeductible merger consummation costs.............. -- (431) --
State income taxes, net of federal benefit........... 192 (48) (31)
Other, net........................................... (211) (210) (36)
------ ----- -----
$1,321 $(404) $(465)
====== ===== =====
</TABLE>
At December 31, 1996, the Company has approximately $356 of alternative
minimum tax credits available that can be carried forward indefinitely to offset
future income taxes. The Company also has unused net operating loss
carryforwards of approximately $6,900 which expire between 2004 and 2010. As a
result of Polar's purchase of PEI, Polar's subsequent initial public offering,
and the Merger (Note 1), utilization of certain net operating loss carryforwards
are subject to annual limitations.
F-19
<PAGE> 37
AASCHE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Temporary differences which result in deferred tax assets (liabilities) are
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31
------------------
1996 1995
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts and driver advances...... $ 27 $ 32
Accrued expenses......................................... 13 138
Net operating loss carryforwards......................... 2,666 3,050
Alternative minimum tax credits.......................... 356 356
------- -------
3,062 3,576
Deferred tax liabilities:
Basis of intangible assets............................... (164) (69)
Basis of revenue equipment............................... (3,171) (5,015)
Basis of capitalized leases.............................. (313) (156)
Revenue taxed on in transit shipments.................... (15) (104)
Other.................................................... (29) (183)
------- -------
(3,692) (5,527)
------- -------
Net deferred tax liability................................. $ (630) $(1,951)
======= =======
</TABLE>
10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company currently leases certain of its revenue equipment from related
parties. Effective January 1, 1995, the Company and the related parties amended
all lease agreements, whereby, lease payments from the Company and the related
parties are fixed equal payments. Previously, the lease payments were based upon
usage by the Company. The effect of this change in 1996 and 1995 is not
quantifiable. Effective July 1, 1995, the leases were renegotiated by lowering
imputed interest to a fixed 12% rate and adjusting the residual balance to more
closely approximate the fair market value of the trailers at the end of the
expected life of each lease. These leases are accounted for as capital leases.
This change reduced interest expense by approximately $260 and decreased net
loss by approximately $160 ($0.04 net loss per common share) in 1996. This
change reduced interest expense by $130 and decreased net loss by approximately
$80 ($0.02 net loss per common share) in 1995. Payments to related parties on
capital lease obligations in 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $774, $1,016 and $1,911,
respectively.
In connection with the Polar acquisition of PEI in September 1994, Polar
paid to another company managed by a former director of the Company a fee of
$110 plus certain legal fees and expenses. In addition, in connection with the
Polar merger, $150 was paid in 1995 as an investment banking fee to this same
company managed by this former director.
In connection with the acquisition of AG Carriers, the Company paid a
director $252 for services. In addition, as a result of the merger with Polar,
the same director of the Company was paid a consulting fee totaling $55.
F-20
<PAGE> 38
AASCHE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
11. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
Each of the Company's subsidiaries has its own profit-sharing and 401(k)
plans covering substantially all full-time employees after one year of service.
The table below illustrates the key elements of each plan.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASCHE TRANSFER POLAR AG CARRIERS
-------------- ----- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Matching contribution................... 50% Discretionary 50%
Participant's maximum contribution
eligible for matching................. 6% N/A 3%
Discretionary company contributions
allowed............................... Yes Yes Yes
Company contribution 1996............... $79 $-- $18
Company contribution 1995............... $62 $30 $ 8
Company contribution 1994............... $52 $-- N/A
</TABLE>
12. MAJOR CUSTOMERS
For the year ended December 31, 1995, one customer accounted for 12% of the
net revenues of the Company and the related customer's outstanding balance
represented 12% of net trade receivables as of December 31, 1995. For the year
ended December 31, 1994, two customers accounted for 14% and 13%, respectively,
of net revenues of the Company.
13. LITIGATION SETTLEMENT
In May 1996, the Company settled all outstanding litigation related to
Polar's acquisition of PEI for $150, or $0.02 net loss per common share. This
amount does not include the Company's legal costs incurred related to its
defense of this matter, which had been expensed as incurred and had not been
included in the settlement amount.
In conjunction with the Polar merger, 5% of the Company's common stock
issued in the merger (69,941 shares) were held in an escrow account pending
final determination of the litigation. Upon reaching a final settlement, 34,030
of the common shares held in the escrow account were retired by the Company.
14. RESTRUCTURING
The Company recorded a non-recurring one-time restructuring charge of $490,
or $0.08 net loss per common share, in June 1996 related to severance payments
to approximately 30 terminated employees of Polar.
F-21
<PAGE> 39
AASCHE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
15. QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
The following is a summary of the quarterly results of operations for the
years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
--------------------------------------------------------
MARCH 31(1) JUNE 30(2) SEPTEMBER 30 DECEMBER 31(3)
----------- ---------- ------------ --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1996
Net revenues.............................. $19,038 $20,051 $19,881 $18,395
Operating income (loss)................... 972 848 1,013 (3,446)
Net income (loss)......................... 71 (45) 135 (2,780)
Historical net income (loss) per common
share................................... $ 0.02 $ (0.01) $ 0.03 $(0.70)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
--------------------------------------------------
MARCH 31 JUNE 30 SEPTEMBER 30 DECEMBER 31(4)
-------- ------- ------------ --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1995
Net revenues................................. $13,340 $17,000 $18,641 $18,767
Operating income (loss)...................... 915 1,624 1,768(5) (445)(5)
Income (loss) before extraordinary item...... (230) 479 510 (1,824)
Net income (loss)............................ (230) 479 510 (2,085)
Historical net income (loss) per common
share:
Before extraordinary item.................. $ (0.06) $ 0.12 $ 0.13 $(0.46)
Extraordinary item......................... -- -- -- (0.07)
------- ------- ------- -------
Net income (loss).......................... $ (0.06) $ 0.12 $ 0.13 $(0.53)
======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
(1) Includes the effects of the litigation settlement (See Note 13).
(2) Includes the effects of the restructuring charge (See Note 14).
(3) Includes the effects of the sale leaseback transaction and the write-down of
equipment to net realizable value (see Note 3).
(4) Includes the effects of nonrecurring acquisition and debt extinguishment
charges (See Note 1).
(5) Includes the effects of the change in interest rate and residual values
effective July 1, 1995 (See Note 10).
F-22
<PAGE> 40
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION PAGE
-------------- ----------- ----
<C> <S> <C>
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger among Registrant, Asche Newco,
Inc. and Polar Express Corporation, dated July 12, 1995(1)
2.2 Amendment No. 1 to Agreement and Plan of Merger among
Registrant, Asche Newco, Inc. and Polar Express Corporation,
dated November 10, 1995(1)
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant(2)
3.1 (a) Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant(2)
3.2 By-laws of Registrant(2)
4.1 Specimen Common Stock Certificate(2)
10.1 Employment and Stock Option Agreement between Registrant and
Kevin M. Clark dated September 23, 1994(2)
10.2 Employment and Stock Option Agreement between Registrant and
Larry L. Asche dated September 23, 1994(2)
10.3 Employment and Stock Option Agreement between Registrant and
Diane L. Asche dated September 23, 1994(2)
10.4 Asche Transfer, Inc. Retirement and Savings Plan(2)
10.5 Key Employee Incentive Stock Option Plan as adopted on
September 23, 1994(3)
10.6 Non-Employee Directors and Advisors Plan as adopted on
September 23, 1994(4)
10.7 Second Amendment to Key Employee Incentive Stock Option Plan
effective as of July 26, 1995(5)
10.8 Non-Employee Directors and Advisors Plan as adopted on
September 23, 1994(3)
10.9 First Amendment to Non-Employee Directors and Advisors Plan
effective as of April 12, 1995(4)
10.10 Restated Aasche Transportation Services, Inc. Employees'
Stock Ownership Trust as adopted on September 22, 1994(3)
10.11 Amended and Restated Aasche Transportation Services, Inc.
Employees' Stock Ownership Plan as adopted on September 22,
1994(3)
10.12 First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Aasche
Transportation Services, Inc. Employees' Stock Ownership
Plan as adopted on October 24, 1994(3)
10.13 Second Amendment to the Amended and Restated Aasche
Transportation Services, Inc. Employees' Stock Ownership
Plan as adopted on November 15, 1994(3)
10.14 Third Amendment to the Amended and Restated Aasche
Transportation Services, Inc. Employees' Stock Ownership
Plan as restated effective as of September 22, 1994, dated
as of August 10, 1995(9)
10.15 The Aasche Transportation Services, Inc. Employee Stock
Purchase Plan(6)
10.16 Second Amendment to Aasche Transportation Services, Inc.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan effective as of May 1, 1996(9)
10.17 First Amendment to Aasche Transportation Services, Inc.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan effective as of January 1,
1995(6)
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 41
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION PAGE
-------------- ----------- ----
<C> <S> <C>
10.18 Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement between Aasche
Transportation Services, Inc. Employees' Stock Ownership
Trust and Larry L. Asche dated October 21, 1994(6)
10.19 Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement between Aasche
Transportation Services, Inc. Employees' Stock Ownership
Trust and Diane L. Asche dated October 21, 1994(6)
10.20 Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement between Aasche
Transportation Services, Inc. Employees' Stock Ownership
Trust and Kevin M. Clark dated October 21, 1994(6)
10.21 Lease Agreement between Asche Transfer, Inc. and K&D Leasing
dated December 14, 1992(2)
10.22 Lease Agreement between Asche Transfer, Inc. and Daniel
Asche dated December 14, 1992(2)
10.23 Lease Agreement between Asche Transfer, Inc. and Michele
Asche dated December 14, 1992(2)
10.24 Lease Agreement between Asche Transfer, Inc. and Angela
Asche dated December 14, 1992(2)
10.25 Lease Agreement between Asche Transfer, Inc. and L&D Leasing
dated December 14, 1992(2)
10.26 Lease Agreement between Asche Transfer, Inc. and
Asche-Nielsen dated December 14, 1992(2)
10.27 Insurance Policy with Golden Rule Insurance Company covering
the lives of Kevin M. Clark, Larry L. Asche and Diane L.
Asche(6)
10.28 Amendment No. 1 dated as of January 1, 1995 to Lease
Agreements dated December 14, 1992 between Asche Transfer,
Inc. and K&D Leasing, L&D Leasing, Asche-Nielsen, Daniel
Asche, Michele Asche and Angela Asche, respectively(6)
10.29 Amendment No. 2 dated as of July 1, 1995 to Lease Agreements
dated December 14, 1992 between Asche Transfer, Inc. and K&D
Leasing, L&D Leasing, Asche-Nielsen, Daniel Asche, Michele
Asche and Angela Asche, respectively(4)
10.30 Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Assets among Registrant,
AG. Carriers and Richard S. Baugh dated April 20, 1995(7)
10.31 Amendment No. 1 to Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Assets
among Registrant, AG. Carriers and Richard S. Baugh dated
May 16, 1995(7)
10.32 Revolving Loan and Security Agreement between Registrant,
Asche Transfer, Inc., Florasche, Inc. (now AG Carriers,
Inc.) and LaSalle National Bank dated May 15, 1995(8)
10.33 First Amendment to Revolving Loan and Security Agreement
between Registrant, Asche Transfer, Inc., Florasche, Inc.
(now AG Carriers, Inc.) and LaSalle National Bank dated June
22, 1995(9)
10.34 Second Amendment to Revolving Loan and Security Agreement
between Registrant, Asche Transfer, Inc., Florasche, Inc.
(now AG Carriers, Inc.) and LaSalle National Bank dated
December 29, 1995(9)
10.35 Loan and Security Agreement between Aasche Transportation
Services, Inc. Employees' Stock Ownership Trust and LaSalle
National Bank dated June 27, 1995(8)
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 42
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION PAGE
-------------- ----------- ----
<C> <S> <C>
10.36 Form of the Aasche Transportation Services, Inc. 1995
Incentive Stock Option Plan(1)
10.37 Secured Credit Agreement between Polar Express, Inc. and
LaSalle National Bank dated December 29, 1995(9)
10.38 Employment and Stock Option Agreement between Registrant and
Leon M. Monachos dated May 15, 1996
10.39 Aasche Transportation Services, Inc. Stock Option Plan dated
June 1, 1996(10)
10.40 Amended Employment and Stock Option Agreement between
Registrant, Polar Express Corporation and Trey Trumbo dated
July 22, 1996(11)
10.41 Separation Agreement between Registrant, Polar Express
Corporation and Orin S. Neiman dated July 26, 1996(11)
10.42 Employment and Stock Option Agreement between Registrant and
Daniel Wright dated November 4, 1996
21.1 List of the Subsidiaries of Registrant(1)
23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
23.2 Consent of Baird Kurtz & Dobson (Polar Express Corporation)
27.1 Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
(1) Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
S-4 effective November 28, 1995 (File No. 33-99264).
(2) Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
SB-2 effective September 23, 1995 (File No. 33-81942c).
(3) Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
S-8 filed on December 21, 1994 (File No. 33-87826).
(4) Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Report on Form 10-QSB for the
quarter ended March 30, 1995 (File No. 0-24576).
(5) Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Report on Form 10-QSB for the
quarter ended September 30, 1995 (File No. 0-24576).
(6) Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Report on Form 10-QSB for the
quarter ended December 31, 1994 (File No. 0-24576).
(7) Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated May 16, 1995, filed May 31, 1995 (File No. 0-24576).
(8) Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Report on Form 10-QSB for the
quarter ended June 30, 1995 (File No. 0-24576).
(9) Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 (File No. 0-24576).
(10) Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
S-8 filed on June 21, 1996 (File No. 333-06569).
(11) Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
S-8 filed on January 9, 1997 (File No. 333-19475).
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 10.38
The Option provided for herein and the underlying securities issuable upon the
exercise thereof have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the
"1933 Act") or applicable states securities laws, and may not be sold or
transferred in the absence of such registration or an exemption therefrom under
the 1933 Act. Neither the Option nor such underlying securities may be
assigned, hypothecated, pledged, sold or otherwise transferred or encumbered
except as provided in this Agreement.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT AND STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "AGREEMENT") is made and entered into
as of the 15 day of May, 1996, by and between Aasche Transportation Services,
Inc., a Delaware corporation, having its principal offices at 10214 North Mt.
Vernon Road, Shannon, Illinois 61078 ("EMPLOYER"), and Leon M. Monachos,
residing at 107 Oneida, Elmhurst, Illinois 60126 ("EXECUTIVE").
RECITALS
A. The Employer desires that the Executive provide services for the
benefit of the Employer and the Executive desires to accept such
employment with the Employer.
B. The Employer and the Executive acknowledge that the Executive will
be a member of the senior management of the Employer and, as such, will
participate in implementing the Employer's business plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above premises and the
following mutual covenants and conditions, the parties agree as follows:
1. Employment. The Employer shall employ the Executive as Chief
Financial Officer of Employer and the Executive hereby accepts such employment
on the following mutual terms and conditions.
2. Duties. The Executive shall work for the Employer in a full-time
capacity. The Executive shall, during the term of this Agreement, have the
duties, responsibilities, powers, and authority customarily associated with the
position of Chief Financial Officer. The Executive shall report to, and follow
the direction of, the Chairman and Chief Operating Officer. In addition to, or
in lieu of, the foregoing, the Executive shall also perform such other and
unrelated services and duties as may be assigned to him from time to time by
the Board of Directors. The Executive shall diligently, competently, and
faithfully perform all duties, and shall devote his entire business time,
energy, attention, and skill to the performance of duties for the Employer and
will use his best efforts to promote the interests of the Employer; provided
the Executive shall be entitled to devote time to outside boards of directors
of companies (except companies engaged in the business of providing
transportation services), personal investments, and professional activities, to
the extent such activities do not interfere with his duties hereunder.
<PAGE> 2
3. Term of Employment. This Agreement shall be entered into for a
period of three (3) years (the "INITIAL TERM"), commencing May 15, 1996 (the
"EFFECTIVE DATE"); provided, however, that in the event of a "Change of
Control" (as defined below), the Initial Term shall be extended to five (5)
years from the Effective Date. The term of employment shall be renewed for
successive periods of one (1) year (a "RENEWAL TERM") after the expiration of
the Initial Term and any subsequent Renewal Term, unless the Board of Directors
provides the Executive or the Executive provides the Board of Directors, with
written notice to the contrary at least ninety (90) days prior to the end of
the Initial Term or any Renewal Term. For purposes of this Paragraph 3, a
"CHANGE OF CONTROL" shall be deemed to occur on the earliest of (1) the
acquisition by any entity, person, or group of beneficial ownership, as that
term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, of
more than 30% of the outstanding capital stock of the Employer entitled to vote
for the election of directors ("VOTING STOCK"); (2) the commencement by any
entity, person, or group (other than the Employer or a subsidiary of the
Employer) of a tender offer or an exchange offer for more than 30% of
the outstanding Voting Stock of the Employer; (3) the effective time of (i) a
merger or consolidation of the Employer with one or more corporations as a
result of which the holders of the outstanding Voting Stock of the Employer
immediately prior to such merger hold less than 80% of the Voting Stock of the
surviving or resulting corporation, or (ii) a transfer of substantially all of
the property or assets of the Employer other than to an entity of which the
Employer owns at least 80% of the Voting Stock; and (4) the election to the
Board of Directors of the Employer, without the recommendation or approval of
the incumbent Board of Directors of the Employer, of the lesser of (i) four
directors, or (ii) directors constituting a majority of the number of directors
of the Employer then in office.
4. Compensation.
A. Salary. The Employer shall pay the Executive an annual
salary of $100,000 (the "INITIAL SALARY"), payable in substantially
equal installments in accordance with the Employer's payroll policy
from time to time in effect. The salary shall be subject to any
payroll or other deductions as may be required to be made pursuant to
law, government order, or by agreement with, or consent of, the
Executive. The Initial Salary shall be subject to increases, but-not
decreases, following an annual salary review, the first of which shall
take place in or around the first anniversary of the Effective Date,
and all subsequent reviews shall occur on each anniversary date
thereafter. The Initial Salary as adjusted for any increases shall be
referred to as the "BASE SALARY."
B. Bonus. For the 1996 and all subsequent fiscal years, the
Executive shall participate in the Employer's Executive Bonus Plan, to
be established by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
C. Other Benefits. During the term of this Agreement, the
Employer shall:
(1) include the Executive in any life insurance,
disability insurance, medical, dental or health insurance,
pension and retirement plans and other benefit
2
<PAGE> 3
plans or programs (including, if applicable, any excess benefit
or supplemental executive retirement plans) maintained by the
Employer for the benefit of its executives;
(2) provide the Executive with three (3) weeks paid vacation
per annum;
(3) provide the Executive with an automobile expense
reimbursement allowance of $600 per month and any excess mileage
reimbursement as may be permitted under the existing
automobile policy applicable to other executives of the Employer;
and
(4) permit the Executive to attend up to 40 hours of
accounting programs in each year in order to satisfy continuing
education requirements applicable to accounting professionals and
to reimburse the Executive for the reasonable expenses in
attending such programs.
D. Stock Options. On the Effective Date, the Employer shall
grant to the Executive the right and option ("NON-QUALIFIED STOCK
OPTIONS") to purchase 100,000 shares of the Employer's par value
$.0001 Common Stock (the "Shares"). On the Effective Date, the
Employer shall also grant to the Executive the right and option, in
accordance with Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended ("INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS"), to purchase 100,000 Shares. The
Non-Qualified Stock Options and Incentive Stock Options (collectively,
"OPTIONS") shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:
(1) The Non-Qualified Stock Options shall be exercisable upon
the Effective Date. The Incentive Stock Options shall become
exercisable 20,000 on the first anniversary of the Effective Date
hereof and 20,000 on each succeeding anniversary date hereof.
(2) The Options shall expire on, and shall be exercised (if at
all) prior to the first to occur of:
(a) ten (10) years from the Effective Date; or
(b) on the date as of which the Executive's
services are terminated pursuant to Paragraph 6C; or
(c) ninety (90) days, in the case of Incentive
Stock Options, and six (6) months, in the case of
Non-Qualified Stock Options, after the date as of which the
Executive's services are terminated pursuant to Paragraphs 6A,
6B, 6D or 6E.
3
<PAGE> 4
Upon expiration of the Options without their having been duly
exercised. the Options shall be and become null, void, and of no
further effect.
(3) The Executive shall exercise the Options by delivery to
the Employer of a duly executed copy of the Purchase Form attached
hereto as Exhibit A.
(4) Within thirty (30) days after the exercise of the Options.
the Employer shall cause to be issued in the name of and delivered
to the Executive a certificate or certificates for the Shares and
the Executive shall deliver in cash or certified check the amount
of the Option Price. The Employer covenants that (A) all Shares
issued and delivered upon the due exercise of the Options by the
Executive shall, upon such issuance and delivery, be fully paid
and non-assessable and (B) the Employer shall agree at all times
to reserve and hold available a sufficient number of shares of its
authorized but unissued Common Stock to provide for delivery of
the Shares upon the exercise of the Options.
(5) The Executive agrees that at the time of exercise of the
Options, he will, if the Employer so requests and if the Shares
shall not have been registered pursuant to Paragraph 4.D.(9)
hereof, deliver to the Employer a written representation, in form
satisfactory to the Employer and its counsel, to the effect that
he is purchasing the Shares for investment and not with a view to
the offer for sale or the sale in connection with the distribution
thereof and containing such other related representations as the
Employer may require.
(6) The option price of the Options shall be the closing price
per share on the Effective Date as reported in The Wall Street
Journal ("OPTION PRICE"); provided, however, that in case the
Employer should at any time subdivide the outstanding shares of
Common Stock, or shall issue a stock dividend on its outstanding
Common Stock, the Option Price in effect immediately prior to such
subdivision or the issuance of such dividend shall be
proportionately decreased, and in case the Employer shall at any
time combine the outstanding shares of Common Stock; the Option
Price in effect immediately prior to such combination shall be
proportionately increased, effective at the close of business on
the date of such subdivision, dividend, or combination, as the
case may be.
(7) The number of Shares shall be 200,000; provided, however,
that in case the Employer should at any time subdivide the
outstanding shares of Common Stock, or shall issue a stock
dividend on its outstanding Common Stock. the number of Shares
subject to the Options immediately prior to such subdivision or
the issuance of such dividend shall be proportionately increased,
and in case the Employer shall at any time combine the outstanding
shares of Common Stock. the number of Shares subject to the
Options immediately prior to such combination shall be
proportionately decreased, effective at the close of business on
the date of such subdivision, dividend, or combination, as the
case may be.
4
<PAGE> 5
(8) The Options shall not be assigned, pledged, sold, or
otherwise transferred or encumbered by the Executive.
(9) The Employer agrees to undertake to register the Shares
underlying the Options within twelve (12) months from the date
hereof by filing a Registration Statement on Form
S-8. The Employer shall pay all costs and expenses of such
registration.
5. Expenses. The Employer shall reimburse the Executive for all
reasonable and approved expenses, provided the Executive submits paid
receipts or other documentation acceptable to the Employer and as required by
the Internal Revenue Service to qualify as ordinary and necessary business
expenses under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
6. Termination Notwithstanding anything in Paragraph 3 of this
Agreement to the contrary, the Executive's services shall terminate upon
the first to occur of the following events:
A. At the end of the term of this Agreement, including any
Renewal Terms.
B. Upon the Executive's date of death or the date the Executive
is given written notice that he has been determined to be "disabled"
by the Employer. For purposes of this Agreement, the Executive shall
be deemed to be "disabled" if the Executive, as a result of illness or
incapacity, shall be unable to perform substantially his required
duties for a period of six (6) consecutive months or for any aggregate
period of six (6) months in any twelve (12) month period.
C. On the date the Employer provides the Executive with written
notice that he is being terminated for "cause." For purposes of this
Agreement, the Executive shall be deemed terminated for "cause" if the
Employer terminates the Executive after the Executive:
(1) shall have committed any felony including, but not limited
to, a felony involving fraud, theft, misappropriation, dishonesty,
or embezzlement of the Employer's property; or
(2) shall have committed intentional acts that causes material
damage to the property, goodwill or business of the Employer or a
refusal or willful failure to perform his material duties
hereunder.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, "cause" shall not mean the refusal by
the Executive to be reassigned to a place of business which is
beyond a 150-mile radius of Chicago, Illinois in the event of a Change
of Control.
5
<PAGE> 6
D. On the date the Executive terminates his employment for any
reason. provided that the Executive shall give the Employer sixty (60)
days written notice prior to such date of his intention to terminate
this Agreement
E. On the date the Employer terminates the Executive's
employment for any reason, provided that the Employer shall give the
Executive sixty (60) days written notice prior to such date of its
intention to terminate this Agreement.
7. Compensation Upon Termination.
A.If the Executive's services are terminated pursuant to
Paragraph 6A, the Executive shall be entitled to his Base Salary
through the final date of active employment' plus any accrued but
unused vacation pay. Additionally, the Executive shall also be
entitled to any benefits mandated under the Consolidated Omnibus
Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 ("COBRA") or required under the
terms of any death, insurance, or retirement plan, program, or
agreement provided by the Employer and to which the Executive is a
party or in which the Executive is a participant.
B.If the Executive's services are terminated pursuant to
Paragraph 6B, the Executive shall be entitled to his Base Salary
through his final date of active employment, plus any accrued but
unused vacation pay. The payments hereunder shall be paid to the
Executive or his estate, if applicable, under the same terms and at
the same rate of payment that the Executive would have been paid if he
had performed services for the Employer during such period. The
Executive shall also be entitled to any benefits mandated under COBRA
or required under the terms of any death, insurance, or
retirement plan, program, or agreement provided by the Employer and to
which the Executive is a party or in which the Executive is a
participant, including, but not limited to, any short-term or
long-term disability plan or program, if applicable.
C.If the Executive's services are terminated pursuant to
Paragraph 6C or 6D, the Executive shall be entitled to his Base Salary
through the final date of active employment, plus any-accrued but
unused vacation pay. The Executive shall also be entitled to benefits,
if any, mandated under COBRA or required under the terms of any death,
insurance, or retirement plan, program, or agreement provided by the
Employer and to which the Executive is a party or in which the
Executive is a participant.
D.If the Executive's services are terminated pursuant to
Paragraph 6E prior to the expiration of the Initial Term, the
Executive shall be entitled to the Base Salary through the final date
of the Initial Term, plus any accrued but unused vacation pay. If the
Executive's services are terminated pursuant to Paragraph 6E after the
Initial Term and prior to the expiration of any Renewal Term, the
Executive shall be entitled to fifty percent (50%) of the Base Salary
through the final date of the Renewal Term, plus any accrued but
unused vacation pay. The Executive shall also be entitled to any
benefits mandated under COBRA or required under the terms of any
death, insurance, or
6
<PAGE> 7
retirement plan, program, or agreement provided by the Employer and to
which the Executive is a party or in which the Executive is a
participant.
8. Nonsolicitation. The Executive agrees that, during the time of
his employment and for a period of one (1) year after the termination of the
Executive's employment hereunder for any reason whatsoever or for no reason,
whether voluntary or involuntary, the Executive will not. except on behalf of
Employer solicit or accept if offered to him, with or without solicitation. on
his own behalf or on behalf of any other person, the services of any person who
is an employee of the Employer, nor solicit any of the Employer's employees to
terminate employment with the Employer, nor agree to hire any employee of the
Employer into employment with himself or any company, individual or other
entity.
9. Notices. Any and all notices required in connection with this
Agreement shall be deemed adequately given only if in writing and (a)
personally delivered, or sent by first class, registered or certified mail,
postage prepaid, return receipt requested or by recognized overnight courier;
(b) sent by facsimile, provided a hard copy is mailed on that date to the party
for whom such notices are intended; or (c) sent by other means at least as fast
and reliable as first class mail. A written notice shall be deemed to have been
given to the recipient party on the earliest of (a) the date it shall be
delivered to the address required by this Agreement; (b) the date delivery
shall have been refused at the address required by this Agreement; (c) with
respect to notices sent by mail or overnight courier, the date as of which the
Postal Service or overnight courier, as the case may be, shall have indicated
such notice to be undeliverable at the address required by this Agreement; or
(d) with respect to a facsimile, the date on which the facsimile is sent and
receipt of which is confirmed. Any and all notices referred to in this
Agreement, or which either party desires to give to the other, shall be
addressed to his residence in the case of the Executive, or to its principal
office in the case of the Employer.
10. Waiver of Breach. A waiver by the Employer of a breach of any
provision of this Agreement by the Executive shall not operate or be construed
as a waiver or estoppel of any subsequent breach by the Executive. No waiver
shall be valid unless in writing and signed by an authorized officer of the
Employer.
11. Assignment. The Executive acknowledges that the services to be
rendered by him are unique and personal. Accordingly, the Executive may not
assign any of his rights or delegate any of his duties or obligations under
this Agreement. The rights and obligations of the Employer under this Agreement
shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the successors and
assigns of the Employer.
12. Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire and final
agreement and understanding of the parties and contains all of the agreements
made between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This
Agreement supersedes any and all other agreements, either oral or in writing,
between the parties hereto, with respect to the subject matter hereof. No
change or modification of this Agreement shall be valid unless in writing and
signed by the Employer and the Executive. If any provision of this Agreement
shall be found invalid or unenforceable for any reason, in whole or in part,
then such provision shall be deemed modified,
7
<PAGE> 8
restricted, or reformulated to the extent and in the manner necessary to render
the same valid and enforceable, or shall be deemed excised from this
Agreement, as the case may require. and this Agreement shall be construed and
enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, as if such provision had been
originally incorporated herein as so modified, restricted, or reformulated or
as if such provision had not been originally incorporated herein, as the case
may be. The parties further agree to seek a lawful substitute for any provision
found to be unlawful.
13. Headings. The headings in this Agreement are inserted for
convenience only and are not to be considered a construction of the provisions
hereof.
14. Execution of Agreement. This Agreement may be executed in several
counterparts. each of which shall be considered an original, but which when
taken together, shall constitute one agreement.
15. Recitals. The recitals to this Agreement are an integral part
hereof and shall be considered as substantive and not precatory language.
16. Due Authorization. The Employer hereby warrants and represents
that (a) the execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement has been
duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Employer,
(b) the Employer has the requisite power and authority to execute, deliver, and
perform this Agreement, (c) this Agreement is a valid and legally binding
obligation of the Employer, enforceable against the Employer in accordance with
its terms, and (d) any legal or other fees incurred in the preparation of this
Agreement shall be borne by the Employer.
17. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the
State of Illinois, without reference to its conflict of law provisions, and any
court action commenced herein shall have as its venue the County of Cook,
Illinois.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have set their signatures on the 15
day of May 1996.
EMPLOYER: EXECUTIVE:
AASCHE TRANSPORTATION
SERVICES, INC.
By: s/s Larry L. Asche s/s Leon M. Monachos
-------------------------------- -------------------------------
Larry L. Asche, Chairman and Leon M. Monachos
Chief Operating Officer
8
<PAGE> 9
EXHIBIT A
PURCHASE FORM
To: AASCHE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
10214 N. Mt. Vernon Rd.
Shannon. Illinois 61078
The undersigned hereby irrevocably subscribes for __________ shares of
Common Stock of Aasche Transportation Services, Inc. pursuant to and in
accordance with the terms and conditions of that certain Employment and Stock
Option Agreement dated as of __________, 1996 and hereby makes payment of
__________ Dollars ($__________) therefor and requests that a certificate for
such shares be issued in the name of the undersigned and delivered to the
undersigned at the address listed below.
Address
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
Dated: _________________, 19__
9
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 10.42
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "AGREEMENT") is made and entered into as of
the 4th day of November, 1996, by and between Aasche Transportation Services,
Inc., a Delaware corporation, having its principal offices at 10214 North Mt.
Vernon Road, Shannon, Illinois 61078 ("EMPLOYER") and Dan Wright ("EXECUTIVE").
RECITALS
A. The Employer desires that the Executive provide services for the
benefit of the Employer and the Executive desires to accept such employment
with the Employer.
B. The Employer and the Executive acknowledge that the Executive will be
a member of the senior management of the Employer and, as such, will
participate in implementing the Employer's business plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above premises and the following
mutual covenants and conditions, the parties agree as follows:
1. Employment. The Employer shall employ the Executive as Chief
Operating Officer of Employer and the Executive hereby accepts such employment
on the following terms and conditions.
2. Duties. The Executive shall work for the Employer in a full-time
capacity. The Executive shall, during the term of this Agreement, have the
duties, responsibilities, powers, and authority customarily associated with the
position of Chief Operating Officer. The Executive shall report to, and follow
the direction of, the Chairman. In addition to, or in lieu of, the foregoing,
the Executive shall also perform such other and unrelated services and duties
as may be assigned to him from time to time by the Board of Directors. The
Executive shall diligently, competently, and faithfully perform all duties, and
shall devote his entire business time, energy, attention, and skill to the
performance of duties for the Employer and will use his best efforts to promote
the interests of the Employer; provided the Executive shall be entitled to
devote time to outside boards of directors, personal investments, and
professional activities, to the extent such activities do not unduly interfere
with his duties hereunder.
3. Term of Employment. This Agreement shall be entered into for a
period of two (2) years (the "INITIAL TERM") automatically, commencing November
4, 1996 (the "EFFECTIVE DATE"). The term of employment shall be renewed for
successive periods of one (1) year (a "RENEWAL TERM") after the expiration of
the Initial Term and any subsequent Renewal Term, unless the Board of Directors
provides the Executive, or the Executive provides the Board of Directors, with
written notice to the contrary at least ninety (90) days prior to the end of
the Initial Term or any Renewal Term.
<PAGE> 2
4. Compensation.
A. Salary. The Employer shall pay the Executive an annual salary
of $95,000 (the "SALARY"), payable in substantially equal installments in
accordance with the Employer's payroll policy from time to time in effect.
The Executive's Salary shall be subject to any payroll or other deductions
as may be required to be made pursuant to law, government order, or by
agreement with, or consent of, the Executive.
B. Bonus. For 1997 and all subsequent fiscal years, the Executive
shall participate in the Employer's Executive Bonus Plan, to be
established by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
C. Other Benefits. During the term of this Agreement, the Employer
shall:
(1) include the Executive in any life insurance, disability
insurance, medical, dental or health insurance, pension and
retirement plans and other benefit plans or programs (including, if
applicable, any excess benefit or supplemental executive retirement
plans) maintained by the Employer for the benefit of its executives;
(2) provide the Executive with paid vacation in accordance with
the Employer's standard vacation policy per annum; and
(3) provide the Executive with an automobile expense
reimbursement allowance of $600 per month.
(4) permit the Executive to participate in the Employer's Stock
Option Plan and receive grants of options to purchase stock of 15,000
as of the date hereof and 20,000 on each anniversary of the Effective
Date during the Initial Term and any Renewal Term which options shall
be governed by the terms of such plan.
5. Expenses. The Employer shall reimburse the Executive for all
reasonable and approved expenses, provided the Executive submits paid receipts
or other documentation acceptable to the Employer and as required by the
Internal Revenue Service to qualify as ordinary and necessary business expenses
under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
6. Termination. Notwithstanding anything in Paragraph 3 of this
Agreement to the contrary, the Executive's services shall terminate upon the
first to occur of the following events:
A. At the end of the term of this Agreement, including any Renewal
Terms.
B. Upon the Executive's date of death or the date the Executive is
given written notice that he has been determined to be "disabled" by the
Employer. For purposes of this Agreement, the Executive shall be deemed
to be "disabled" if the Executive, as a result of
2
<PAGE> 3
illness or incapacity, shall be unable to perform substantially his
required duties for a period of four (4) consecutive months or for any
aggregate period of six (6) months in any twelve (12) month period.
C. On the date the Employer provides the Executive with written
notice that he is being terminated for "cause." For purposes of this
Agreement, the Executive shall be deemed terminated for "cause" if the
Employer terminates the Executive after the Executive:
(1) shall have committed any felony including, but not limited
to, a felony involving fraud, theft, misappropriation, dishonesty, or
embezzlement of the Employer's property; or
(2) shall have committed intentional acts that causes material
damage to the property, goodwill or business of the Employer.
D. On the date the Executive terminates his employment for any
reason, provided that the Executive shall give the Employer sixty (60)
days written notice prior to such date of his intention to terminate this
Agreement.
E. On the date the Employer terminates the Executive's employment
for any reason, provided that the Employer shall give the Executive sixty
(60) days written notice prior to such date of its intention to terminate
this Agreement.
7. Compensation Upon Termination.
A. If the Executive's services are terminated pursuant to Paragraph
6A, 6B, 6C or 6D, the Executive shall be entitled to his Salary through
the final date of active employment, plus any accrued but unused vacation
pay. Additionally, the Executive shall also be entitled to any benefits
mandated under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985
("COBRA") or required under the terms of any death, insurance, or
retirement plan, program, or agreement provided by the Employer and to
which the Executive is a party or in which the Executive is a participant.
B. If the Executive's services are terminated pursuant to Paragraph
6E, the Executive shall be entitled to his Salary through the final date
of the Initial Term plus any accrued but unused vacation pay. The
Executive shall also be entitled to any benefits mandated under COBRA or
required under the terms of any death, insurance, or retirement plan,
program, or agreement provided by the Employer and to which the Executive
is a party or in which the Executive is a participant.
3
<PAGE> 4
8. Noncompetition
A. Executive agrees that at all times during the Initial Term and
any Renewal Term and for the period after the expiration or termination of
this Agreement during which the Executive is receiving payments pursuant
to Paragraph 7B (the "NON-COMPETITION PERIOD"), Executive will not, except
on behalf of a member of Employer or any direct or indirect parent or
subsidiary of Employer now or hereafter existing (collectively referred to
herein as the "EMPLOYER GROUP"), Participate, directly or indirectly, in
any Restricted Business. For purposes of this Agreement, (A) the term
"PARTICIPATE" means to have any direct or indirect interest, participation
or involvement, whether as an officer, director, Executive, partner, sole
proprietor, agent, representative, independent contractor, consultant,
franchiser, franchisee, creditor, owner or otherwise; provided that
Participate does not mean owning not more than 1% of the outstanding stock
of any class of any Restricted Business the ownership interests of which
are publicly traded, so long as Executive does not have any active
participation in the business or management of such entity; and (B) the
term "RESTRICTED BUSINESS" means any enterprise, venture or proprietorship
engaged in or which proposes to engage in the business of providing
transportation services anywhere in North America to any "Customer" (as
defined herein) or any "Prospective Customer" (as defined herein) of the
Employer Group. As used herein, "CUSTOMER" shall mean any person, firm or
entity that purchased any type of service from the Employer Group within
the twelve (12) month period immediately preceding termination of
Executive's employment. As used herein, "PROSPECTIVE CUSTOMER" shall mean
any person, firm or entity that was contacted or solicited within the
twelve (12) month period immediately preceding termination of Executive's
employment for the purpose of having such person, firm or entity become a
customer of the Employer Group.
B. During the Non-Competition Period, Executive shall not, either
directly or indirectly, on his own behalf or on behalf of anyone other
than a member of the Employer Group solicit or attempt to solicit any
Customer or Prospective Customer of the Employer Group.
C. During the Non-Competition Period and for a period of one (1)
year thereafter, Executive shall not, either directly or indirectly on his
own behalf or on behalf of anyone other than a member of the Employer
Group (i) induce or attempt to induce any employee of any member of the
Employer Group to leave their employ or in any way interfere with the
relationship between any member of the Employer Group and any of its
employees or (ii) take any action that primarily is designed or intended
to have the effect or discouraging any lessor, licensor, licensee,
customer, supplier, or other business relation of any member of the
Employer Group from maintaining the same business relationship as it then
maintains with such member.
9. Notices. Any and all notices required in connection with this
Agreement shall be deemed adequately given only if in writing and (a)
personally delivered, or sent by first class,
4
<PAGE> 5
registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested or by
recognized overnight courier; (b) sent by facsimile, provided a hard copy is
mailed on that date to the party for whom such notices are intended; or (c)
sent by other means at least as fast and reliable as first class mail. A
written notice shall be deemed to have been given to the recipient party on the
earliest of (a) the date it shall be delivered to the address required by this
Agreement; (b) the date delivery shall have been refused at the address
required by this Agreement; (c) with respect to notices sent by mail or
overnight courier, the date as of which the Postal Service or overnight
courier, as the case may be, shall have indicated such notice to be
undeliverable at the address required by this Agreement; or (d) with respect to
a facsimile, the date on which the facsimile is sent and receipt of which is
confirmed. Any and all notices referred to in this Agreement, or which either
party desires to give to the other, shall be addressed to his residence in the
case of the Executive, or to its principal office in the case of the Employer.
10. Waiver of Breach. A waiver by the Employer of a breach of any
provision of this Agreement by the Executive shall not operate or be construed
as a waiver or estoppel of any subsequent breach by the Executive. No waiver
shall be valid unless in writing and signed by an authorized officer of the
Employer.
11. Assignment. The Executive acknowledges that the services to be
rendered by him are unique and personal. Accordingly, the Executive may not
assign any of his rights or delegate any of his duties or obligations under
this Agreement. The rights and obligations of the Employer under this
Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the
successors and assigns of the Employer.
12. Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire and final
agreement and understanding of the parties and contains all of the agreements
made between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.. This
Agreement supersedes any and all other agreements, either oral or in writing,
between the parties hereto, with respect to the subject matter hereof. No
change or modification of this Agreement shall be valid unless in writing and
signed by the Employer and the Executive. If any provision of this Agreement
shall be found invalid or unenforceable for any reason, in whole or in part,
then such provision shall be deemed modified, restricted, or reformulated to
the extent and in the manner necessary to render the same valid and
enforceable, or shall be deemed excised from this Agreement, as the case may
require, and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced to the maximum
extent permitted by law, as if such provision had been originally incorporated
herein as so modified, restricted, or reformulated or as if such provision had
not been originally incorporated herein, as the case may be. The parties
further agree to seek a lawful substitute for any provision found to be
unlawful.
13. Headings. The headings in this Agreement are inserted for
convenience only and are not to be considered a construction of the provisions
hereof.
14. Execution of Agreement. This Agreement may be executed in several
counterparts, each of which shall be considered an original, but which when
taken together, shall constitute one agreement.
5
<PAGE> 6
15. Recitals. The recitals to this Agreement are an integral part hereof
and shall be considered as substantive and not precatory language.
16. Due Authorization. The Employer hereby warrants and represents that
(a) the execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement has been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Employer, (b)
the Employer has the requisite power and authority to execute, deliver, and
perform this Agreement, (c) this Agreement is a valid and legally binding
obligation of the Employer, enforceable against the Employer in accordance with
its terms, and (d) any legal or other fees incurred in the preparation of this
Agreement shall be borne by the Employer.
17. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the
State of Illinois, without reference to its conflict of law provisions, and any
court action commenced herein shall have as its venue the County of Cook,
Illinois.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have set their signatures on the 4th day
of November, 1996.
EMPLOYER: EXECUTIVE:
AASCHE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
By: s/s Larry L. Asche s/s Dan Wright
------------------------ --------------------------
Larry L. Asche, Chairman Dan Wright
Address: Address:
10214 N. Mt. Vernon Road
Shannon, Illinois 61078 --------------------------
Fax: (815) 864-2421 --------------------------
--------------------------
6
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-19475, 333-06569 and 33-87826) of Aasche
Transportation Services, Inc. of our report dated February 21, 1997, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements of Aasche Transportation
Services, Inc., included in the Annual Report to Shareholders (Form 10-K) for
the year ended December 31, 1996.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Ernst & Young LLP
Chicago, Illinois
March 27, 1997
- --------
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We consent to the inclusion of our report dated March 1, 1996, regarding
the consolidated balance sheet of POLAR EXPRESS CORPORATION (A WHOLLY-OWNED
SUBSIDIARY OF AASCHE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.) as of December 29, 1995,
and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in
stockholder's equity and cash flows for the year ended December 29, 1995 and
the period from August 27, 1994 (inception) to December 30, 1994, incorporated
by reference from the Aasche Transportation Services, Inc. Form 10-K into the
Registration Statements on Form S-8 (No. 333-19475, No. 33-06569 and No.
33-87826).
/s/ Baird, Kurtz & Dobson
-------------------------
BAIRD, KURTZ & DOBSON
Fayetteville, Arkansas
March 27, 1997
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE AUDITED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AND STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FORM 10-K.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1996
<CASH> 0
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 6,753
<ALLOWANCES> 71
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 8,715
<PP&E> 43,901
<DEPRECIATION> 14,349
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 49,326
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 20,316
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 0
<OTHER-SE> 10,531
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 49,326
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 77,365
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 77,978
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 3,464
<INCOME-PRETAX> (3,941)
<INCOME-TAX> 1,321
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (2,620)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (2,620)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (0.67)
<EPS-DILUTED> (0.67)
</TABLE>
