UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

X

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 20192020

 

OR

 

__

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number: 0-11757

 

J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Arkansas

71-0335111

(State or other jurisdiction

(I.R.S. Employer

of incorporation or

Identification No.)

organization)

  

 

615 J.B. Hunt Corporate Drive, Lowell, Arkansas  72745

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

479-820-0000

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 

www.jbhunt.com

(Registrant's web site)

 

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

 

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $0.01 par value

JBHT

NASDAQ

 

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

 

Yes   X           No 

 

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

Yes   X           No 

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer   X          Accelerated filer        Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company ☐        Emerging growth company

 

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

 

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

 

Yes          No X  

 

The number of shares of the registrant’s $0.01 par value common stock outstanding on September 30, 20192020 was 106,577,902105,678,955.

 

 


 

 

J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.

 

Form 10-Q

For The Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 20120920

Table of Contents

 

 

  

  

Page

Part I.    Financial Information

  

  

  

  

  

  

Item 1.

Financial Statements

  

  

  

  

  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 20192020 and 20182019

3

  

  

  

  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 20192020 and December 31, 20182019

4

   
 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 and 20185
 

  

  

  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 20192020 and 20182019

6

  

  

  

  

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of September 30, 20192020

7

  

  

  

Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

  1413

  

  

  

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

2223

  

  

  

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

23

  

  

  

  

  

  

Part II.    Other Information

  

  

  

  

  

  

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

23

  

  

  

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

24

  

  

  

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

24

  

  

  

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

24

   

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

24

   

Item 5.

Other Information

24

  

  

  

Item 6.

Exhibits

24

  

  

  

Exhibits

25

  

  

  

Signatures

26

 



 

 

Part I.    Financial Information

ITEM 1.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

  

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

  

September 30,

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

2019

  

2018

 
                 

Operating revenues, excluding fuel surcharge revenues

 $2,102,494  $1,936,653  $5,954,102  $5,523,974 

Fuel surcharge revenues

  261,166   273,107   760,832   773,058 

Total operating revenues

  2,363,660   2,209,760   6,714,934   6,297,032 
                 

Operating expenses:

                

Rents and purchased transportation

  1,196,377   1,125,386   3,282,682   3,163,443 

Salaries, wages and employee benefits

  554,872   495,350   1,606,344   1,410,942 

Depreciation and amortization

  126,803   108,801   370,728   321,807 

Fuel and fuel taxes

  114,764   117,976   344,926   341,398 

Operating supplies and expenses

  87,044   79,225   249,480   226,352 

General and administrative expenses, net of asset dispositions

  49,077   42,449   140,654   112,078 

Insurance and claims

  43,956   45,594   124,963   102,464 

Operating taxes and licenses

  14,266   13,203   40,991   37,025 

Communication and utilities

  8,639   7,088   25,416   23,241 

Total operating expenses

  2,195,798   2,035,072   6,186,184   5,738,750 

Operating income

  167,862   174,688   528,750   558,282 

Net interest expense

  12,357   9,961   40,153   28,969 

Earnings before income taxes

  155,505   164,727   488,597   529,313 

Income taxes

  37,095   33,617   116,953   128,409 

Net earnings

 $118,410  $131,110  $371,644  $400,904 
                 

Weighted average basic shares outstanding

  106,735   109,254   107,610   109,484 
                 

Basic earnings per share

 $1.11  $1.20  $3.45  $3.66 
                 

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding

  107,692   110,235   108,569   110,591 
                 

Diluted earnings per share

 $1.10  $1.19  $3.42  $3.63 
                 

Dividends declared per common share

 $0.26  $0.24  $0.78  $0.72 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


 

 

J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands)

 

  

September 30, 2019

  

December 31, 2018

 
  

(unaudited)

     

ASSETS

        

Current assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

 $75,132  $7,600 

Trade accounts receivable, net

  1,051,027   1,051,698 

Prepaid expenses and other

  257,297   443,683 

Total current assets

  1,383,456   1,502,981 

Property and equipment, at cost

  5,615,289   5,329,243 

Less accumulated depreciation

  1,964,927   1,884,132 

Net property and equipment

  3,650,362   3,445,111 

Goodwill and intangible assets, net

  189,863   105,157 

Other assets, net

  162,656   38,398 

Total assets

 $5,386,337  $5,091,647 
         
         

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

        

Current liabilities:

        

Current portion of long-term debt

 $-  $250,706 

Trade accounts payable

  654,959   709,736 

Claims accruals

  281,758   275,139 

Accrued payroll

  66,692   80,922 

Other accrued expenses

  71,615   35,845 

Total current liabilities

  1,075,024   1,352,348 
         

Long-term debt

  1,293,312   898,398 

Other long-term liabilities

  180,367   96,056 

Deferred income taxes

  644,105   643,461 

Stockholders' equity

  2,193,529   2,101,384 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

 $5,386,337  $5,091,647 
  

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

  

September 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 
                 

Operating revenues, excluding fuel surcharge revenues

 $2,296,053  $2,102,494  $6,327,876  $5,954,102 

Fuel surcharge revenues

  176,470   261,166   571,045   760,832 

Total operating revenues

  2,472,523   2,363,660   6,898,921   6,714,934 
                 

Operating expenses:

                

Rents and purchased transportation

  1,297,333   1,196,377   3,467,782   3,282,682 

Salaries, wages and employee benefits

  594,162   554,872   1,722,548   1,606,344 

Depreciation and amortization

  132,392   126,803   392,786   370,728 

Fuel and fuel taxes

  87,350   114,764   263,932   344,926 

Operating supplies and expenses

  86,103   87,044   250,835   249,480 

General and administrative expenses, net of asset dispositions

  41,894   49,077   131,654   140,654 

Insurance and claims

  35,412   43,956   98,672   124,963 

Operating taxes and licenses

  13,696   14,266   40,575   40,991 

Communication and utilities

  8,678   8,639   24,710   25,416 

Total operating expenses

  2,297,020   2,195,798   6,393,494   6,186,184 

Operating income

  175,503   167,862   505,427   528,750 

Net interest expense

  11,895   12,357   36,749   40,153 

Earnings before income taxes

  163,608   155,505   468,678   488,597 

Income taxes

  38,112   37,095   116,650   116,953 

Net earnings

 $125,496  $118,410  $352,028  $371,644 
                 

Weighted average basic shares outstanding

  105,653   106,735   105,714   107,610 
                 

Basic earnings per share

 $1.19  $1.11  $3.33  $3.45 
                 

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding

  106,798   107,692   106,776   108,569 
                 

Diluted earnings per share

 $1.18  $1.10  $3.30  $3.42 
                 

Dividends declared per common share

 $0.27  $0.26  $0.81  $0.78 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

  

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2019

 
      

Additional

             
  

Common

  

Paid-in

  

Retained

  

Treasury

  

Stockholders’

 
  

Stock

  

Capital

  

Earnings

  

Stock

  

Equity

 
                     

Balances at June 30, 2018

 $1,671  $337,290  $4,021,055  $(2,326,654) $2,033,362 

Comprehensive income:

                    

Net earnings

  -   -   131,110   -   131,110 

Cash dividend declared and paid ($0.24 per share)

  -   -   (26,202)  -   (26,202)

Purchase of treasury shares

  -   -   -   (50,000)  (50,000)

Share-based compensation

  -   11,184   -   -   11,184 

Restricted share issuances, net of stock repurchased for payroll taxes and other

  -   (16,497)  -   (2,379)  (18,876)

Balances at September 30, 2018

 $1,671  $331,977  $4,125,963  $(2,379,033) $2,080,578 
                     

Balances at June 30, 2019

 $1,671  $367,166  $4,385,391  $(2,618,872) $2,135,356 

Comprehensive income:

                    

Net earnings

  -   -   118,410   -   118,410 

Cash dividend declared and paid ($0.26 per share)

  -   -   (27,809)  -   (27,809)

Purchase of treasury shares

  -   -   -   (35,946)  (35,946)

Share-based compensation

  -   13,850   -   -   13,850 

Restricted share issuances, net of stock repurchased for payroll taxes and other

  -   (13,073)  -   2,741   (10,332)

Balances at September 30, 2019

 $1,671  $367,943  $4,475,992  $(2,652,077) $2,193,529 

  

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2019

 
      

Additional

             
  

Common

  

Paid-in

  

Retained

  

Treasury

  

Stockholders’

 
  

Stock

  

Capital

  

Earnings

  

Stock

  

Equity

 
                     

Balances at December 31, 2017

 $1,671  $310,811  $3,803,844  $(2,277,001) $1,839,325 

Comprehensive income:

                    

Net earnings

  -   -   400,904   -   400,904 

Cash dividend declared and paid ($0.72 per share)

  -   -   (78,785)  -   (78,785)

Purchase of treasury shares

  -   -   -   (100,027)  (100,027)

Share-based compensation

  -   37,184   -   -   37,184 

Restricted share issuances, net of stock repurchased for payroll taxes and other

  -   (16,018)  -   (2,005)  (18,023)

Balances at September 30, 2018

 $1,671  $331,977  $4,125,963  $(2,379,033) $2,080,578 
                     

Balances at December 31, 2018

 $1,671  $340,457  $4,188,435  $(2,429,179) $2,101,384 

Comprehensive income:

                    

Net earnings

  -   -   371,644   -   371,644 

Cash dividend declared and paid ($0.78 per share)

  -   -   (84,087)  -   (84,087)

Purchase of treasury shares

  -   -   -   (225,680)  (225,680)

Share-based compensation

  -   42,154   -   -   42,154 

Restricted share issuances, net of stock repurchased for payroll taxes and other

  -   (14,668)  -   2,782   (11,886)

Balances at September 30, 2019

 $1,671  $367,943  $4,475,992  $(2,652,077) $2,193,529 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 


3

J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands)

  

September 30, 2020

  

December 31, 2019

 
  

(unaudited)

     

ASSETS

        

Current assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

 $318,549  $35,000 

Trade accounts receivable, net

  1,121,825   1,011,829 

Prepaid expenses and other

  288,224   434,470 

Total current assets

  1,728,598   1,481,299 

Property and equipment, at cost

  5,842,114   5,640,806 

Less accumulated depreciation

  2,159,710   2,019,940 

Net property and equipment

  3,682,404   3,620,866 

Goodwill and intangible assets, net

  192,648   202,832 

Other assets, net

  175,412   165,857 

Total assets

 $5,779,062  $5,470,854 
         
         

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

        

Current liabilities:

        

Trade accounts payable

 $603,523  $602,601 

Claims accruals

  273,088   279,590 

Accrued payroll

  145,110   68,220 

Other accrued expenses

  73,702   85,355 

Total current liabilities

  1,095,423   1,035,766 
         

Long-term debt

  1,303,353   1,295,740 

Other long-term liabilities

  181,561   173,241 

Deferred income taxes

  711,301   699,078 

Stockholders' equity

  2,487,424   2,267,029 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

 $5,779,062  $5,470,854 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

4

J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

  

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 and 2020

 
      

Additional

             
  

Common

  

Paid-in

  

Retained

  

Treasury

  

Stockholders’

 
  

Stock

  

Capital

  

Earnings

  

Stock

  

Equity

 
                     

Balances at June 30, 2019

 $1,671  $367,166  $4,385,391  $(2,618,872) $2,135,356 

Comprehensive income:

                    

Net earnings

  0   0   118,410   0   118,410 

Cash dividend declared and paid ($0.26 per share)

  0   0   (27,809)  0   (27,809)

Purchase of treasury shares

  0   0   0   (35,946)  (35,946)

Share-based compensation

  0   13,850   0   0   13,850 

Restricted share issuances, net of stock repurchased for payroll taxes and other

  0   (13,073)  0   2,741   (10,332)

Balances at September 30, 2019

 $1,671  $367,943  $4,475,992  $(2,652,077) $2,193,529 
                     

Balances at June 30, 2020

 $1,671  $402,653  $4,762,295  $(2,775,776) $2,390,843 

Comprehensive income:

                    

Net earnings

  0   0   125,496   0   125,496 

Cash dividend declared and paid ($0.27 per share)

  0   0   (28,533)  0   (28,533)

Purchase of treasury shares

  0   0   0   0   0 

Share-based compensation

  0   14,594   0   0   14,594 

Restricted share issuances, net of stock repurchased for payroll taxes and other

  0   (12,910)  0   (2,066)  (14,976)

Balances at September 30, 2020

 $1,671  $404,337  $4,859,258  $(2,777,842) $2,487,424 

 

J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

 
  

2019

  

2018

 
         

Cash flows from operating activities:

        

Net earnings

 $371,644  $400,904 

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

        

Depreciation and amortization

  370,728   321,807 

Noncash lease expense

  28,731   - 

Share-based compensation

  42,154   37,184 

Loss on sale of revenue equipment and other

  9,085   8,441 

Deferred income taxes

  644   (23,442)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

        

Trade accounts receivable

  9,579   (174,871)

Other assets

  16,356   4,647 

Trade accounts payable

  64,578   77,257 

Income taxes payable or receivable

  89,975   72,926 

Claims accruals

  (4,749)  25,043 

Accrued payroll and other accrued expenses

  (61,130)  27,707 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  937,595   777,603 
         

Cash flows from investing activities:

        

Additions to property and equipment

  (722,371)  (676,097)

Net proceeds from sale of equipment

  135,764   91,120 

Business acquisition

  (98,232)  - 

Changes in other assets

  (77)  (1,278)

Net cash used in investing activities

  (684,916)  (586,255)
         

Cash flows from financing activities:

        

Proceeds from issuances of long-term debt

  700,000   - 

Payments on long-term debt

  (250,000)  - 

Proceeds from revolving lines of credit and other

  1,590,506   2,407,462 

Payments on revolving lines of credit and other

  (1,904,000)  (2,409,000)

Purchase of treasury stock

  (225,680)  (100,027)

Stock repurchased for payroll taxes and other

  (11,886)  (18,023)

Dividends paid

  (84,087)  (78,785)

Net cash used in financing activities

  (185,147)  (198,373)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

  67,532   (7,025)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

  7,600   14,612 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 $75,132  $7,587 
         

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

        

Cash paid during the period for:

        

Interest

 $42,111  $31,479 

Income taxes

 $33,738  $81,334 
         

Noncash investing activities

        

Accruals for equipment received

 $26,934  $30,843 
  

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 and 2020

 
      

Additional

             
  

Common

  

Paid-in

  

Retained

  

Treasury

  

Stockholders’

 
  

Stock

  

Capital

  

Earnings

  

Stock

  

Equity

 
                     

Balances at December 31, 2018

 $1,671  $340,457  $4,188,435  $(2,429,179) $2,101,384 

Comprehensive income:

                    

Net earnings

  0   0   371,644   0   371,644 

Cash dividend declared and paid ($0.78 per share)

  0   0   (84,087)  0   (84,087)

Purchase of treasury shares

  0   0   0   (225,680)  (225,680)

Share-based compensation

  0   42,154   0   0   42,154 

Restricted share issuances, net of stock repurchased for payroll taxes and other

  0   (14,668)  0   2,782   (11,886)

Balances at September 30, 2019

 $1,671  $367,943  $4,475,992  $(2,652,077) $2,193,529 
                     

Balances at December 31, 2019

 $1,671  $374,049  $4,592,938  $(2,701,629) $2,267,029 

Comprehensive income:

                    

Net earnings

  0   0   352,028   0   352,028 

Cash dividend declared and paid ($0.81 per share)

  0   0   (85,708)  0   (85,708)

Purchase of treasury shares

  0   0   0   (75,193)  (75,193)

Share-based compensation

  0   48,658   0   0   48,658 

Restricted share issuances, net of stock repurchased for payroll taxes and other

  0   (18,370)  0   (1,020)  (19,390)

Balances at September 30, 2020

 $1,671  $404,337  $4,859,258  $(2,777,842) $2,487,424 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 


5

J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

 
         

Cash flows from operating activities:

        

Net earnings

 $352,028  $371,644 

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

        

Depreciation and amortization

  392,786   370,728 

Noncash lease expense

  34,110   28,731 

Share-based compensation

  48,658   42,154 

Loss on sale of revenue equipment and other

  2,255   9,085 

Deferred income taxes

  12,223   644 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

        

Trade accounts receivable

  (109,996)  9,579 

Other assets

  7,910   16,356 

Trade accounts payable

  86,867   64,578 

Income taxes payable or receivable

  45,411   89,975 

Claims accruals

  (5,440)  (4,749)

Accrued payroll and other accrued expenses

  44,182   (61,130)

Net cash provided by operating activities

  910,994   937,595 
         

Cash flows from investing activities:

        

Additions to property and equipment

  (559,763)  (722,371)

Net proceeds from sale of equipment

  111,042   135,764 

Business acquisition

  0   (98,232)

Changes in other assets

  49   (77)

Net cash used in investing activities

  (448,672)  (684,916)
         

Cash flows from financing activities:

        

Proceeds from issuances of long-term debt

  0   700,000 

Payments on long-term debt

  0   (250,000)

Proceeds from revolving lines of credit and other

  221,618   1,590,506 

Payments on revolving lines of credit and other

  (220,100)  (1,904,000)

Purchase of treasury stock

  (75,193)  (225,680)

Stock repurchased for payroll taxes and other

  (19,390)  (11,886)

Dividends paid

  (85,708)  (84,087)

Net cash used in financing activities

  (178,773)  (185,147)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

  283,549   67,532 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

  35,000   7,600 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 $318,549  $75,132 
         

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

        

Cash paid during the period for:

        

Interest

 $47,095  $42,111 

Income taxes

 $58,497  $33,738 
         

Noncash investing activities

        

Accruals for equipment received

 $36,010  $26,934 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

6

 

J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

  

 

1.

General

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information. We believe such statements include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for the fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows at the dates and for the periods indicated. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) applicable to quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, the accompanying financial statements do not include all disclosures required by GAAP for annual financial statements. While we believe the disclosures presented are adequate to make the information not misleading, these unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.2019. Operating results for the periods presented in this report are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the calendar year ending December 31, 2019,2020, or any other interim period. Our business is somewhat seasonal with slightly higher freight volumes typically experienced during August through early November in our full-load freight transportation business.

Use of Estimates

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has created and may continue to create significant uncertainty in macro-economic conditions, which may cause a global economic recession, business slowdowns or shutdowns, depressed demand for our transportation and logistics businesses, and adversely impact our results of operations. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we faced increasing uncertainties around our estimates on our accounts receivable credit losses and goodwill and intangibles assets.  We expect uncertainties around our key accounting estimates to continue to evolve depending on the duration and degree of impact associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Our estimates may change, as new events occur and additional information is obtained, which are recognized or disclosed in our consolidated financial statements as soon as they become known and may have a material impact on our financial statements.

 

Recent AccountingAccounting Pronouncement Adopted in 2020

 

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASUAccounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, which will replacereplaced the currentexisting incurred loss methodology used for establishing a provision against financial assets, including accounts receivable, with a forward-looking expected loss methodology for accounts receivable, loans and other financial instruments. We will adoptadopted the new standard on January 1, 2020, using the cumulative-effect method. The adoption of the new guidance isdid not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.

Accounting Pronouncement Adopted in 2019

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-02, Leases, which requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for most leases on the balance sheet as well as other qualitative and quantitative disclosures. ASU 2016-02 is to be applied using a modified retrospective method and was effective for us on January 1, 2019. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases, which provides an optional transition method allowing entities to recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of stockholders’ equity in the period of adoption, with no restatement of comparative prior periods required. We adopted the standard using this optional transition method.

The FASB has provided certain practical expedients in applying the standard. Of the allowed practical expedients within the standard applicable to our operations, we elected the package of practical expedients which, among other things, allowed us to carry forward the historical lease classification upon adoption of the standard. We did not elect the hindsight practical expedient when determining the lease term for existing leases. In addition, we did not separate nonlease components from lease components by class of underlying assets where appropriate and we did not apply the recognition requirements of the standard to short-term leases, as allowed by the standard.

Upon adoption of the standard, we recorded offsetting lease assets and lease liabilities resulting in a $102.4 million increase in other assets, a $32.3 million increase in other accrued expenses and a $70.1 million increase in other long-term liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, as of January 1, 2019. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows or debt covenant compliance.

 

LeasesAccounts Receivable and Allowance                                                                                             

 

We recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the effective date of a lease agreement. Right-of-use assets represent our rightOur trade accounts receivable includes accounts receivable reduced by an allowance for uncollectible accounts. Receivables are recorded at amounts billed to use an underlying assetcustomers when loads are delivered or services are performed. The allowance for uncollectible accounts is calculated over the lease termlife of the underlying receivable and lease liabilities represent the obligationis based on historical experience; any known trends or uncertainties related to make lease payments resulting from the lease agreement. We initially record these assetscustomer billing and liabilitiesaccount collectability; current economic conditions; and reasonable and supportable economic forecasts, each applied to segregated risk pools based on the present valuebusiness segment that generated the receivable. The adequacy of lease payments overour allowance is reviewed quarterly. Balances are charged against the lease term calculated usingallowance when it is determined the receivable will not be recovered. The allowance for uncollectible accounts for our incremental borrowing rate applicabletrade accounts receivable was $18.1 million at September 30, 2020 and $13.3 million at December 31, 2019. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the allowance for uncollectible accounts increased by $5.3 million and was reduced $0.5 million by write-offs. There were no material write-offs charged or increases to the leased asset orallowance for uncollectible accounts during the implicit rate within the agreement if it is readily determinable. Lease agreements with lease and nonlease components are combined as a single lease component. Right-of-use assets additionally include net prepaid lease expenses. Options to extend or terminate an agreement are included in the lease term when it becomes reasonably certain the option will be exercised. Leases with an initial term of 12third months or less, short-term leases, arequarter not2020. recorded on the balance sheet. Lease expense for short-term and long-term operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, while variable lease payments are expensed as incurred.

 


7

 

 

2.

Earnings Per Share

 

We compute basic earnings per share by dividing net earnings available to common stockholders by the actual weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if holders of unvested restricted and performance share units converted their holdings into common stock. The dilutive effect of restricted and performance share units was 1.01.1 million shares during both the third quarter 2019three and2018. During the nine months ended September 30, 20192020, and 2018, the dilutive effect of restricted and performance share units wascompared to 1.0 million shares during the threeand 1.1 million shares, respectively.

nine months ended September 30, 2019.

 

 

3.

Share-based Compensation

 

The following table summarizes the components of our share-based compensation program expense (in thousands):

 

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2019

  

2018

  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

Restricted share units:

Restricted share units:

 

Restricted share units:

 

Pretax compensation expense

 $10,309  $7,626  $30,942  $26,061  $11,250  $10,309  $38,358  $30,942 

Tax benefit

  2,660   1,983   7,983   6,776   2,880   2,660   9,820   7,983 

Restricted share unit expense, net of tax

 $7,649  $5,643  $22,959  $19,285  $8,370  $7,649  $28,538  $22,959 

Performance share units:

Performance share units:

 

Performance share units:

 

Pretax compensation expense

 $3,541  $3,557  $11,212  $11,123  $3,344  $3,541  $10,300  $11,212 

Tax benefit

  914   925   2,893   2,892   856   914   2,637   2,893 

Performance share unit expense, net of tax

 $2,627  $2,632  $8,319  $8,231  $2,488  $2,627  $7,663  $8,319 

 

As of September 30, 2019,2020, we had $68.5$72.8 million and $16.5$17.3 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted share units and performance share units, respectively, that is to be recognized over the remaining weighted average period of approximately 3.33.1 years for restricted share units and 2.22.3 years for performance share units. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019,2020, we issued 225,625305,558 shares for vested restricted share units 127,140and 117,118 shares for vested performance share units. Of these totals, 225,455214,206 shares for vested restricted share units and 75,69972,248 shares for vested performance share units were issued during the third quarter 2019.2020.

 

 

4.

Financing Arrangements

 

Outstanding borrowings, net of unamortized discount, unamortized debt issuance cost and fair value swap, under our current financing arrangements consist of the following (in millions):

 

  

September 30, 2019

  

December 31, 2018

 

Senior revolving line of credit

 $-  $307.1 

Senior notes

  1,293.3   842.0 

Less current portion of long-term debt

  -   (250.7)

Total long-term debt

 $1,293.3  $898.4 
  

September 30, 2020

  

December 31, 2019

 

Senior notes

  1,303.4   1,295.7 

Senior Revolving Line of Credit

 

At September 30, 2019,2020, we were authorized to borrow up to $750 million under a senior revolving line of credit, which is supported by a credit agreement with a group of banks and expires in September 2023. This senior credit facility allows us to request an increase in the total commitment by up to $250 million and to request a one-year extension of the maturity date. The applicable interest rate under this agreement is based on either the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Rate or LIBOR, depending upon the specific type of borrowing, plus an applicable margin based on our credit rating and other fees. At September 30, 2019,2020, we had 0no outstanding borrowings under this agreement.

 


8


Senior Notes

 

Our senior notes consist of three separate issuances. The first is $250 million of 3.85% senior notes due March 2024, which was issued in March 2014. Interest payments under this note are due semiannually in March and September of each year, beginning September 2014. year. The second is $350 million of 3.30% senior notes due August 2022, issued in August 2015. Interest payments under this note are due semiannually in February and August of each year, beginning February 2016. year. The third is $700 million of 3.875% senior notes due March 2026, issued in March 2019. Interest payments under this note are due semiannually in March and September of each year, beginning September 2019. year. All three senior notes were issued by J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., a parent-level holding company with no significant assets or operations. The notes are guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by a wholly-owned subsidiary. All other subsidiaries of the parent are minor. We registered these offerings and the sale of the notes under the Securities Act of 1933, pursuant to shelf registration statements filed in February 2014 and January 2019. All notes are unsecured obligations and rank equally with our existing and future senior unsecured debt. We may redeem for cash some or all of the notes based on a redemption price set forth in the note indenture. See Note 5, Derivative Financial Instruments, for terms of an interest rate swap entered into on the $350 million of 3.30% senior notes due August 2022.Our $250 million of 2.40% senior notes matured in March 2019. The entire outstanding balance was paid in full at maturity.

 

Our financing arrangements require us to maintain certain covenants and financial ratios.  We were in compliance with all covenants and financial ratios at September 30, 2019.

2020.

 

 

5.

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

We periodically utilize derivative instruments for hedging and non-trading purposes to manage exposure to changes in interest rates and to maintain an appropriate mix of fixed and variable-rate debt. At inception of a derivative contract, we document relationships between derivative instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various derivative transactions, and assess hedge effectiveness. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge, or if a derivative ceases to be a highly effective hedge, we discontinue hedge accounting prospectively.

 

We entered into a receive fixed-rate and pay variable-rate interest rate swap agreement simultaneously with the issuance of our $350 million of 3.30% senior notes due August 2022, to effectively convert this fixed-rate debt to variable-rate. The notional amount of this interest rate swap agreement equals that of the corresponding fixed-rate debt. The applicable interest rate under this agreement is based on LIBOR plus an established margin, resulting in an interest rate of 3.52%1.64% for our $350 million of 3.30% senior notes at September 30, 2019.2020. The swap expires when the corresponding senior notes are due. The fair value of this swap is recorded in other assets in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2019.2020. See Note 7, Fair Value Measurements, for disclosure of fair value. This derivative meets the required criteria to be designated as a fair value hedge, and as the specific terms and notional amount of this derivative instrument match those of the fixed-rate debt being hedged, this derivative instrument is assumed to perfectly hedge the related debt against changes in fair value due to changes in the benchmark interest rate. Accordingly, any change in the fair value of this interest rate swap recorded in earnings is offset by a corresponding change in the fair value of the related debt.

 

6.

Capital Stock

 

On April 20, 2017, our Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $500 million of our common stock. On January 22, 2020, our Board of Directors authorized an additional purchase of up to $500 million of our common stock. At September 30, 2019,2020, $145520 million of this combined authorization was remaining. We purchased approximately 380,000800,000 shares, or $36 million, of our common stock under our repurchase authorization during the three months ended September 30, 2019 and approximately 2.4 million shares, or $226$75 million, of our common stock under our repurchase authorization during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.2020, none of which occurred in third quarter 2020.On July 18, 2019,22, 2020, our Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.26,$0.27, which was paid August 16, 2019,21, 2020, to stockholders of record on August 2, 2019.7, 2020. On October 14, 2019,22, 2020, our Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.26$0.27 per common share, which will be paid on November 22, 2019,20, 2020, to stockholders of record on November 8, 2019.

6, 2020.

 


9

 

 

7.

Fair Value Measurements

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

 

Our assets and liabilities measured at fair value are based on valuation techniques which consider prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets and liabilities. These valuation methods are based on either quoted market prices (Level 1) or inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2). The following are assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 20192020 (in millions):

 

 

Asset/(Liability)

Balance

   

Asset/(Liability)

Balance

   
 

September 30, 2019

 

December 31, 2018

 

Input Level

 September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Input Level 

Trading investments

 $19.4 $15.7 1 $21.3  $20.4  1 

Interest rate swaps

 $2.9 $(4.8)2

Interest rate swap

 $10.9  $4.8  2 

Senior notes, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs

 $(351.4)$(591.3)2 $(360.0) $(353.1) 2 

 

The fair value of trading investments has been measured using the market approach (Level 1) and reflect quoted market prices. The fair values of the interest rate swapsswap and corresponding senior notes have been measured using the income approach (Level 2), which include relevant interest rate curve inputs. Trading investments and the interest rate swap are classified in other assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Depending on their period end fair value, interest rate swaps are classified in other assets, other long-term liabilities, or other accrued expenses in ourCondensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The senior notes are classified in long-term debt and current portion of long-term debt in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

Financial Instruments

 

The carrying amount and estimated fair value at September 30, 2019,2020, using the income approach (Level 2), based on their net present value, discounted at our current borrowing rate, of our senior revolving line of credit and remaining senior notes not measured at fair value on a recurring basis, were $941.9$943.4 million and $1.02$1.09 billion, respectively.

 

The carrying amounts of all other instruments at September 30, 2019,2020, approximate their fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments.

 

8.

Income Taxes

 

Our effective income tax rate was 23.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to 23.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2019, compared to 20.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2018.2019. Our effective income tax rate was 23.9%24.9% for the first nine months of 2019,2020, compared to 24.3%23.9% in 2018.2019. In determining our quarterly provision for income taxes, we use an estimated annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items. This rate is based on our expected annual income, statutory tax rates, best estimate of nontaxable and nondeductible items of income and expense, and the ultimate outcome of tax audits. Our effective income tax rate for the firstnine months of 2019 included the effect of a favorable settlement of a state income tax audit.

 

At September 30, 2019,2020, we had a total of $52.4$55.2 million in gross unrecognized tax benefits, which are a component of other long-term liabilities on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Of this amount, $43.2$45.4 million represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact our effective tax rate. The total amount of accrued interest and penalties for such unrecognized tax benefits was $5.3$5.5 million at September 30, 2019.

2020.

 


 

9.

Legal Proceedings

We were a defendant in a certain alleged class-action lawsuit in which the plaintiffs were current and former California-based employee drivers who alleged claims for unpaid wages, failure to provide meal and rest periods, and other items. We reached an agreement and recorded a reserve in September 2018 to resolve all pending claims for a class settlement payment of $15 million, subject to Court approval. The United States District Court for the Central District of California entered an order granting final approval of the class settlement in April 2019.

 

In January 2017 we exercised our right to utilize the arbitration process to review the division of revenue collected beginning May 1, 2016, as well as to clarify other issues, under our Joint Service Agreement with BNSF Railway Company (BNSF). BNSF requested the same. In October 2018 we received the arbitrators’ Interim Award. The details of the Interim Award are confidential, but it required the parties to submit additional information requested by the arbitrators to decide certain unresolved matters. For the determined components of the Interim Award, we recorded an $18.3 million pre-tax charge in the third quarter 2018 related to certain charges claimed by BNSF for specific services requested for customers from April 2014 through May 2018.  In December 2018 the arbitrators issued their Clarified Interim Award of October 2018 resulting from some of the parties’ additional submissions to the Panel regarding certain issues related to determining the revenue division between the parties. In January 2019 the Panel issued its Second Interim Award ordering that $89.4 million is due from the Company to BNSF resulting from the adjusted revenue divisions relating to the 2016 period at issue ($52.1 million) and for calendar year 2017 ($37.3 million). The parties made further submissions to the Panel on the revenue divisions for calendar year 2018 and going forward, as well as other confidential issues raised during the arbitration process. We recorded pretax charges for contingent liabilities in the fourth quarter 2018 of $89.4 million claimed by the BNSF for the period May 1, 2016 through December 31, 2017 and $44.6 million for the period January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, for a total of $134 million.

On October 24, 2019 the arbitrators issued a Final Award. The details of the Final Award are confidential; however,and we have recorded pre-taxpretax charges in the third quarter 2019 of $26.8 million related to certain charges claimed by BNSF for the period January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018 andno material adjustments for the period January 1, 2019 through September 30, 2019. In addition, we have recorded a $17.4 million charge for legal fees, cost and interest claimed by BNSF, for a total of $44.2 million. On January 17, 2020, we filed under seal in the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas (the Arkansas Federal Court) a motion to confirm and enforce the Final Award, seeking the Court’s specific enforcement of certain confidential contractual rights the arbitrators decided in our favor. BNSF has moved to confirm the Final Award in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. During the first quarter 2020, we recorded an $8.2 million pretax charge resulting from an adjusted calculation of the revenue divisions owed to BNSF under the Final Award. On July 21, 2020, the Arkansas Federal Court granted our motion in part, entering a judgment confirming the arbitration awards. In a sealed opinion, the Court denied our request for additional enforcement relief but did not foreclose our right to pursue post-confirmation enforcement in court or in arbitration if warranted. We have filed an appeal with the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit seeking review of the Arkansas Federal Court’s denial.

 

10

In June 2019, we recorded pre-taxpretax charges of $20 million for the settlement of a casualty claim within our DCS segment.

 

We are involved in certain other claims and pending litigation arising from the normal conduct of business. Based on present knowledge of the facts and, in certain cases, opinions of outside counsel, we believe the resolution of these claims and pending litigation will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

10.

Leases

As of September 30, 2019, we had various obligations remaining under operating lease arrangements related primarily to the rental of maintenance and support facilities, cross-dock and delivery system facilities, office space, parking yards and equipment. Many of these leases include one or more options, at our discretion, to renew and extend the agreement beyond the current lease expiration date or to terminate the agreement prior to the lease expiration date. These options are included in the calculation of our operating lease liability when it becomes reasonably certain the option will be exercised. Our lease obligations typically do not include options to purchase the leased property, nor do they contain residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. Operating leases with an initial term of more than 12 months are included in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as discounted liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets consisting of the following (in millions):

  

Asset/(Liability)

Balance

 
  

September 30, 2019

 

Right-of-use assets

 $122.8 

Lease liabilities, current

 $(42.2)

Lease liabilities, long-term

 $(79.7)


Right-of-use assets are classified in other assets in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Operating lease liability, current is classified in other accrued expenses, while operating lease liability, long-term is classified in other long-term liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

As of September 30, 2019, the weighted-average remaining lease term for our outstanding operating lease obligations was 4.2 years and the weighted-average discount rate was 3.5%. Future minimum lease payments under these operating leases as of September 30, 2019, are as follows (in millions):

Year one

 $42.8 

Year two

  34.2 

Year three

  24.2 

Year four

  15.2 

Year five

  6.4 

Thereafter

  8.3 

Total lease payments

  131.1 

Less interest

  (9.2)

Present value of lease liabilities

 $121.9 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities were $12.1 million and $32.7 million, respectively, while $11.8 million and $31.8 million, respectively, of operating lease expense was recognized on a straight-line basis for the same periods. During the third quarter 2019, a total of $8.7 million of right-of-use assets were obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities. New right-of-use assets obtained during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $48.2 million, of which, $16.0 million were obtained through the business combination discussed at Note 11, Acquisitions.

11.

Acquisitions

On January 7, 2019, we entered into an asset purchase agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets and assume certain specified liabilities of the affiliated entities of Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery (Cory), subject to customary closing conditions.  The closing of the transaction was effective on February 15, 2019, with a purchase price of $100 million. Total consideration paid in cash under the Cory agreement was $98.2 million and consisted of the agreed upon purchase price adjusted for estimated working capital adjustments. In addition, we incurred approximately $2.9 million in transaction costs which are recorded in general and administrative expenses, net of asset dispositions in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The Cory acquisition was accounted for as a business combination and operates within our Dedicated Contract Services® business segment. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at their estimated fair values, as of the closing date, using cost, market data and valuation techniques that reflect management’s judgment and estimates. As a result of the acquisition, we recorded approximately $45.8 million of finite-lived intangible assets and approximately $48.2 million of goodwill. Goodwill consists of acquiring and retaining the Cory existing network and expected synergies from the combination of operations. The following table outlines the consideration transferred and purchase price allocation at their respective estimated fair values as of February 15, 2019 (in millions):

Consideration

 $98.2 

Accounts receivable

  8.9 

Other current assets

  0.3 

Property and equipment

  0.8 

Right-of-use assets

  16.0 

Intangible

  45.8 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

  (5.8)

Lease liabilities

  (16.0)

Goodwill

 $48.2 


12.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

As discussed in Note 11, Acquisitions, during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we recorded additional goodwill of approximately $48.2 million and additional finite-lived intangible assets of approximately $45.8 million in connection with the Cory acquisition. Total goodwill was $88.3 million and $40.1 million at September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018, respectively. All goodwill is assigned to our Dedicated Contract Services® business segment and 0 impairment losses have been recorded for goodwill as of September 30, 2019. Prior to the Cory acquisition, our intangible assets consisted of those arising from a previous business acquisition and our purchased LDC network access, both within our Dedicated Contract Services® segment. Identifiable intangible assets consist of the following (in millions):

          

Weighted Average

 
  September 30,  December 31,  

Amortization

 
  

2019

  

 2018

  

Period

 

Finite-lived intangibles:

            

Non-competition agreements

 $6.4  $0.2   6.9 

Customer relationships

  111.1   75.3   11.6 

Trade names

  3.8   -   2.0 

LDC Network

  10.5   10.5   10.0 

Total finite-lived intangibles

  131.8   86.0     

Less accumulated amortization

  (30.2)  (20.9)    

Total identifiable intangible assets, net

 $101.6  $65.1     

Our finite-lived intangible assets have 0 assigned residual values.

Intangible asset amortization expense was $3.5 million during the third quarter 2019, compared to $2.2 million during third quarter 2018. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, intangible asset amortization expense was $9.2 million and $6.5 million, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for our finite-lived intangible assets is expected to be approximately $12.4 million for 2019, $12.7 million for 2020, $11.2 million for 2021 and $10.8 million for 2022 and 2023. Actual amounts of amortization expense may differ from estimated amounts due to additional intangible asset acquisitions, impairment or accelerated amortization of intangible assets, and other events.

13.

Business Segments

 

WeIn March 2020, we changed the way we internally evaluate the operating performance of our business units and adopted a new segment reporting structure. As part of this new structure, we separated our Dedicated Contract Services® segment into two reportable segments: Dedicated Contract Services and Final Mile Services®. Accordingly, we reported 4five distinct business segments during the three and nine months ended September 30, 20192020 and 2018.2019. These segments included Intermodal (JBI), Dedicated Contract Services®Services (DCS), Integrated Capacity SolutionsSolutions™ (ICS), Final Mile Services (FMS) and Truckload (JBT). which are based primarily on the services each segment provides. The operationJBI segment includes freight that is transported by rail over at least some portion of eachthe movement and also includes certain repositioning truck freight moved by JBI equipment or third-party carriers, when such highway movement is intended to direct JBI equipment back toward intermodal operations. DCS segment business includes company-owned and customer-owned, DCS-operated revenue equipment and employee drivers assigned to a specific customer, traffic lane, or service. DCS operations usually include formal, written longer-term agreements or contracts that govern services performed and applicable rates. ICS provides non-asset and asset-light transportation solutions to customers through relationships with third-party carriers and integration with company-owned equipment. ICS services include flatbed, refrigerated, and LTL, as well as a variety of these businessesdry-van and intermodal solutions. FMS provides final-mile delivery services to customers through a nationwide network of cross-dock and other delivery system network locations. FMS provides both asset and non-asset big and bulky delivery and installation services, as well as fulfilment and retail-pooling distributions services. JBT business includes full-load, dry-van freight that is describedtransported utilizing company-owned revenue equipment or third-party carriers utilizing company-owned trailing equipment. This freight is typically transported over roads and highways and does not move by rail. All transactions between reporting segments are eliminated in Note 13,Segment Information, of our Annual Report (Form 10-K) forconsolidation. Our customers are geographically dispersed across the year ended December 31, 2018. United States. A summary of certain segment information is presented below (in millions):

 

 

Assets

(Excludes intercompany accounts)

As of

 

Assets

(Excludes intercompany accounts)

 
 

September 30, 2019

  

December 31, 2018

 

September 2020

  

December 31, 2019

 

JBI

 $2,338  $2,221  $2,462  $2,217 

DCS

 1,878  1,595  1,529  1,445 

ICS

 208  212  268  208 

FMS

 433  432 

JBT

 253  307  267  241 

Other (includes corporate)

  709   757   820   928 

Total

 $5,386  $5,092  $5,779  $5,471 

 

   Operating Revenues 
   

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
   

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

JBI

 $1,211  $1,240  $3,426  $3,477 

DCS

  553   547   1,628   1,576 

ICS

  431   337   1,071   972 

FMS

  182   149   475   402 

JBT

  109   94   322   296 

Subtotal

  2,486   2,367   6,922   6,723 

Inter-segment eliminations

  (13)  (3)  (23)  (8)

Total

 $2,473  $2,364  $6,899  $6,715 


11

 
  

Operating Income/(Loss)

 
  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

JBI

 $108.4  $88.7  $317.7  $316.4 

DCS

  80.4   76.4   236.4   202.7 

ICS

  (18.3)  (5.6)  (50.3)  0.8 

FMS

  2.1   1.9   (6.5)  (13.7)

JBT

  2.9   6.6   8.2   22.7 

Other (includes corporate)

  0   (0.1)  (0.1)  (0.1)

Total

 $175.5  $167.9  $505.4  $528.8 

  

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

 
  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

JBI

 $47.4  $45.8  $140.7  $134.9 

DCS

  55.9   54.9   167.8   159.4 

ICS

  0.3   0.9   0.9   2.7 

FMS

  8.2   8.2   24.6   22.6 

JBT

  8.8   8.2   25.6   25.4 

Other (includes corporate)

  11.8   8.8   33.2   25.7 

Total

 $132.4  $126.8  $392.8  $370.7 

12

 

  

Operating Revenues

 
  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

2019

  

2018

 

JBI

 $1,240  $1,218  $3,477  $3,453 

DCS

  696   543   1,978   1,567 

ICS

  337   346   972   989 

JBT

  94   106   296   300 

Subtotal

  2,367   2,213   6,723   6,309 

Inter-segment eliminations

  (3)  (3)  (8)  (12)

Total

 $2,364  $2,210  $6,715  $6,297 

  

Operating Income

 
  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

2019

  

2018

 

JBI

 $88.7  $120.3  $316.4  $368.6 

DCS

  78.3   35.0   189.0   134.0 

ICS

  (5.6)  10.2   0.8   34.0 

JBT

  6.6   9.2   22.7   21.8 

Other (includes corporate)

  (0.1)  -   (0.1)  (0.1)

Total

 $167.9  $174.7  $528.8  $558.3 

  

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

 
  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

2019

  

2018

 

JBI

 $45.8  $43.1  $134.9  $128.1 

DCS

  63.1   50.3   182.0   146.4 

ICS

  0.9   0.4   2.7   1.1 

JBT

  8.2   9.3   25.4   29.5 

Other (includes corporate)

  8.8   5.7   25.7   16.7 

Total

 $126.8  $108.8  $370.7  $321.8 

ITEM 2.     MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

You should refer to the attached interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes and also to our Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2018,2019, as you read the following discussion. We may make statements in this report that reflect our current expectation regarding future results of operations, performance, and achievements. These are “forward-looking” statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are based on our belief or interpretation of information currently available. You should realize there are many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described. Some of the factors and events that are not within our control and could have a significant impact on future operating results are general economic and business conditions,conditions; competition and competitive rate fluctuations, cost and availability of diesel fuel, ability to attract and retain qualified drivers and delivery personnel,fluctuations; excess capacity in the intermodal or trucking industries; a loss of one or more major customers,customers; cost and availability of diesel fuel; interference with or termination of our relationships with certain railroads,railroads; rail service delays,delays; disruptions to U.S. port-of-call activity; ability to attract and retain qualified drivers, delivery personnel, independent contractors, and third-party carriers; retention of key employees; insurance costs and availability,availability; litigation and claims expense,expense; determination that independent contractors are employees, retention of key employees, terrorist attacks or actions, acts of war, adverse weather conditions, disruption or failure of information systems,employees; new or different environmental or other laws and regulations,regulations; volatile financial credit markets or interest rates; terrorist attacks or actions; acts of war; adverse weather conditions; national or international health pandemics; disruption or failure of information systems; operational disruption or adverse effects of business acquisitions,acquisitions; increased costs for new revenue equipmentequipment; increased tariffs assessed on or disruptions in the procurement of imported revenue equipment; decreases in the value of used equipment,equipment; and the ability of revenue equipment manufacturers to perform in accordance with agreements for guaranteed equipment trade-in values. Additionally, our business is somewhat seasonal with slightly higher freight volumes typically experienced during August through early November in our full-load transportation business. You should also refer to Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2018,2019 and Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information on risk factors and other events that are not within our control. Our future financial and operating results may fluctuate as a result of these and other risk factors as described from time to time in our filings with the SEC.

 


GENERAL

 

We are one of the largest surface transportation, delivery, and logistics companies in North America. We operate fourfive distinct, but complementary, business segments and provide a wide range of transportation and delivery services to a diverse group of customers throughout the continental United States, Canada, and Mexico. Our service offerings include transportation of full-truckload containerized freight, which we directly transport utilizing our company-controlled revenue equipment and company drivers or independent contractors. We have arrangements with most of the major North American rail carriers to transport freight in containers or trailers, while we perform the majority of the pickup and delivery services. We also provide customized freight movement, revenue equipment, labor, systems, and delivery services that are tailored to meet individual customers’ requirements and typically involve long-term contracts. These arrangements are generally referred to as dedicated services and may include multiple pickups and drops, local and home deliveries, freight handling, specialized equipment, and freight network design. Our local and home delivery services typically are provided through a network of cross-dock service centers throughout the continental United States. Utilizing a network of thousands of reliable third-party carriers, we also provide comprehensive transportation and logistics services. In addition to dry-van, full-load operations, these unrelated outside carriers also provide flatbed, refrigerated, less-than-truckload (LTL), and other specialized equipment, drivers, and services. Also, we utilize a combination of company-owned and contracted power units to provide traditional over-the-road full truckload delivery services. We account for our business on a calendar year basis, with our full year ending on December 31 and our quarterly reporting periods ending on March 31, June 30, and September 30. The operation of each of our fourfive business segments is described in Note 13, Segment Information,10, Business Segments, in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Our operations continue to be impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic. Due to the nature of our Annual Report (Form 10-K) forbusiness, fewer than 25% of our employees have been able to work remotely; however, we remain committed to the year ended December 31, 2018.safety of our workforce, suppliers, and customers while continuing to meet our customers’ needs. In March 2020, we began our COVID-19 response activities which have been expanded and will continue as necessary until the risks related to COVID-19 dissipate. Our COVID-19 safety response activities at our home office campus and all other field locations throughout North America include requiring remote working when possible, expanded health and safety policies, facility modifications, increased security coverage, and purchase and distribution of personal protective equipment supplies. We are reviewing and analyzing both external and internal COVID-related data on a daily basis in anticipation of the full return to work phase of our COVID-19 response. Thus far throughout the pandemic, we have been pleased with the continued performance of our employees, particularly our drivers, who have been consistently available to serve our customers.

13

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that impact the amounts reported in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Therefore, the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and associated disclosures of contingent liabilities are affected by these estimates. We evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis, utilizing historical experience, consultation with experts, and other methods considered reasonable in the particular circumstances. Nevertheless, actual results may differ significantly from our estimates. Any effects on our business, financial position, or results of operations resulting from revisions to these estimates are recognized in the accounting period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known.

 

Information regarding our Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates can be found in our Annual Report (Form 10-K). The critical accounting policies that we believe require us to make more significant judgments and estimates when we prepare our financial statements include those relating to self-insurance accruals, revenue equipment, revenue recognition and income taxes. We have discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. In addition, Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the financial statements in our Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2018, and Note 1, General, to the financial statements of this report on Form 10-Q, contain summaries2019, contains a summary of our critical accounting policies. There have been no material changes to the methodology we apply for critical accounting estimates as previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Comparison of Three Months Ended September 30, 201920 to Three Months Ended September 30, 20189

 

 

Summary of Operating Segment Results

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

(in millions)

  

Summary of Operating Segment Results

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

(in millions)

 
 

Operating Revenues

  

Operating Income

  

Operating Revenues

  

Operating Income/(Loss)

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2019

  

2018

  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

JBI

 $1,240  $1,218  $88.7  $120.3  $1,211  $1,240  $108.4  $88.7 

DCS

 696  543  78.3  35.0  553  547  80.4  76.4 

ICS

 337  346  (5.6) 10.2  431  337  (18.3) (5.6)

FMS

 182  149  2.1  1.9 

JBT

 94  106  6.6  9.2  109  94  2.9  6.6 
Other (includes corporate)  -   -   (0.1)  -   -   -   -   (0.1)

Subtotal

 2,367  2,213  167.9  174.7  2,486  2,367  175.5  167.9 

Inter-segment eliminations

  (3)  (3)  -   - 
 $2,364  $2,210  $167.9  $174.7 

Inter-Segment eliminations

  (13)  (3)  -   - 

Total

 $2,473  $2,364  $175.5  $167.9 

 

Total consolidated operating revenues were $2.47 billion for the third quarter 2020, compared to $2.36 billion for the third quarter 2019, compared2019. This increase was primarily due to $2.21 billion for the third quarter 2018.a 25% increase in revenue per load in ICS, a 34% increase in stops in FMS, and 9% and 14% increases in load volumes in DCS and JBT, respectively. These increases were partially offset by a 5% decrease in revenue per load in JBI and a 32% decrease in overall fuel surcharge revenue. Current quarter total operating revenue,revenues, excluding fuel surcharges,surcharge revenue, increased 9% versus the comparable quarter in 2018. This increase was primarily due to a 2% increase in revenue per load in JBI, a 13% increase in revenue producing trucks and a 9% increase in asset productivity in DCS, partially offset by a 4% decrease in load volumes in ICS, and a 5% decrease in rates per loaded mile in JBT.2019.

14

 

JBI segment revenue increaseddecreased 2% to $1.24$1.21 billion during the third quarter 2019,2020, compared with $1.22$1.24 billion in 2018.2019. This increasedecrease in segment revenue was primarily a result of a 2% increase5% decrease in revenue per load compared to a year ago, which is the combination of changes in freight mix, customer rates, and fuel surcharge revenue, compared topartially offset by a year ago.2% increase in load volume. Revenue per load excluding fuel surcharges increased 5%surcharge revenue was flat compared to third quarter 2018. Load volumes for the third quarter 2019 were flat when compared to 2018.2019. Load volume in our eastern network decreased 11%, whileincreased 3% and transcontinental loads increased 7%2% over the third quarter 2018.2019. Operating income of our JBI segment decreased 26%increased 22% to $108.4 million in 2020, from $88.7 million in 2019. Third quarter 2019 from $120.3 million in 2018. Benefits from customer rate increases were more than offset by higher rail purchased transportation costs, increased box repositioning costs, lower box turns and higher driver recruiting expenses. Current period operating income was further impacted by a $26.8 million charge to rail purchase transportation expense resulting from the issuance of anthe final award regarding our arbitration with BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) and a $17.4 million charge to insurance and claims expense, for arbitration related legal fees, costcosts and interest claimed by BNSF. Both of these items are further discussed in Part II, Item 1, Legal Proceedings of this report on Form 10-Q. Third quarter 2018 operating income included $27.3 million in charges for arbitration and other legal claims and a customer bankruptcy. Excluding these 20182019 charges, and the 2019 arbitration related charges of $44.2 million, operating income for third quarter 2019,2020, decreased 10%.18% compared to third quarter 2019. Benefits from increased load volume were more than offset by higher rail purchased transportation costs, increased box repositioning costs, and higher dray costs resulting from disruptions in rail capacity and a constricted labor and truck capacity environment. Load volume disruptions related to the recent outbreak of COVID-19 began to emerge in March 2020 and escalated over the following months, followed by a subsequent steady increase in load volumes that continued through the third quarter 2020. Despite this rebound in JBI load volumes, load volume disruptions could return, and current network imbalances may continue throughout the remainder of 2020, as a result of the overall economic effects caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Third quarter 20192020 ended with approximately 96,70097,400 units of trailing capacity and 5,6435,647 power units assigned to the dray fleet.

 

DCS segment revenue increased 28%1% to $696$553 million in 2019,2020, from $543$547 million in 2018.2019. Productivity, defined as revenue per truck per week increased by approximately 9% versus 2018,was flat when compared to 2019, while productivity excluding fuel surchargessurcharge revenue increased by approximately 11%2% from a year ago. The increase in productivity was primarily a result of better integration of assets between customer accounts, customer rate increases, and increased customer supply chain fluidity. In addition, the growth in DCS revenue includes an increase of $53 million in Final Mile Services (FMS) revenue, the majority of which was derived from the first quarter 2019 Cory acquisition. A net additional 1,27763 revenue producing trucks were in the fleet by the end of the current quarter compared to prior year, primarily from private fleet conversions and growth in FMSconversions. During the first half of 2020, DCS experienced a reduction in the rate of newly awarded customer private fleet conversions as a result of the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this trend reversed in third quarter 2020. Despite this recovery, due to the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the current and prior periods.rate of newly awarded customer private fleet conversions may decline during the remainder of 2020 or in 2021. Customer retention rates remain above 98%97%. Operating income of our DCS segment increased 124%5% to $78.3$80.4 million in 2019,2020, from $35.0$76.4 million in 2018. Third quarter 2018 operating income included $8.4 million in charges for legal claims. Excluding these 2018 charges, operating income for third quarter 2019, increased 80%.2019. The increase is primarily due to increased productivity, additional trucks under contractlower driver related turnover costs, reduced start-up expenditures for new customer contracts, and more consistentdecreased travel and predictable contract start-up costs,entertainment expenses, which were partially offset by higher costs from the expanded FMS network, increased driver and account manager wages and recruiting costs, and approximately $1.4 million in additional non-cash amortization expense compared to third quarter 2018.benefits.

 

ICS segment revenue decreased 3%increased 28% to $431 million in the third quarter 2020, from $337 million in the third quarter 2019, from $346 million in the third quarter 2018.2019. Overall volumes decreased 4%increased 2% while revenue per load increased 2%25%, primarily due to a lowerchanges in customer freight mix of contractual LTL volume and a competitivean improved pricing environment for both contractual truckloadand spot business compared to 2018.2019. Contractual business represented approximately 74%58% of total load volume and 62%38% of total revenue in the current period compared to 72%68% and 49%52%, respectively, in third quarter 2018.2019. Approximately $205$291 million of third quarter 20192020 ICS revenue was executed through the Marketplacemarketplace for J.B. Hunt 360°® compared to $151$205 million in third quarter 2018.2019. This increase was driven primarily by a 22% increase in loads on the J.B. Hunt 360° platform, in addition to higher revenue per load. Gross profit margin decreased to 12.7%7.6% in the current quarter versus 15.5%12.7% last year primarily due to decreased contractual marginsa more competitive pricing environment and decreased spot market activityconstricted supply dynamics compared to third quarter 2018.2019. ICS could experience continued volatility in overall load volumes and gross profit margin performance throughout the remainder of 2020 and into 2021 as a result of the economic effects caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. ICS segment incurred an operating loss of $5.6$18.3 million in third quarter 2019,2020, compared to operating incomeloss of $10.2$5.6 million in 2018. Third quarter 20182019. The increase in operating income included $3 million in charges for a customer bankruptcy and insurance and claims costs. Excluding these 2018 charges, operating income for third quarter 2019, decreased $18.9 million,loss is primarily due to lower gross profit margins, higher personnel costs, higher technology development costs and increased digital marketing expenses.margins. ICS’s carrier base increased 20% and employee count increased 5%14% compared to third quarter 2018.2019.

FMS segment revenue increased 22% to $182 million in the third quarter 2020 from $149 million in 2019. Stop count for the third quarter 2020 increased 34% when compared to 2019, primarily due to a December 2019 business acquisition and an increase in new customer contracts throughout 2020. Productivity, defined as revenue per stop, decreased 9% compared to 2019, primarily due to a shift in the mix between asset and asset-light operations resulting from the characteristics of new customer contracts and the 2019 acquisition. While the majority of COVID-19 related operating suspensions previously experienced by FMS at various customer sites have ceased, a large portion of FMS customers are highly susceptible to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and as a result, the operations of FMS may be impacted as those customers’ operations are affected. Operating income of our FMS segment increased 13% to $2.1 million in 2020, from $1.9 million in 2019. The increase is primarily due to increased revenue and lower travel and entertainment expenses, partially offset by higher costs related to service quality performance controls.

 


15

 

JBT segment revenue decreased 11%increased 16% to $94$109 million for the third quarter 2019,2020, from $106$94 million in the third quarter 2018.2019. Revenue excluding fuel surcharges decreased 10%surcharge revenue increased 19%, primarily due to a 5% decrease14% increase in rates per loaded mile, a 2% decrease in length of haulload volumes and a 3% decrease5% increase in revenue per load volumes,excluding fuel surcharge revenue, compared to third quarter 2018. Core2019. Revenue per loaded mile excluding fuel surcharge revenue increased 4% while core customer rates increased 1.5%decreased 1% when compared to the same period in 2018.third quarter 2019. At the end of the current quarter, JBT operated 1,8961,713 tractors and 8,245 trailers compared to 1,9721,896 and 6,826 in 2018.2019. JBT segment operating income decreased 28%55% to $2.9 million in 2020, compared with $6.6 million in 2019. Benefits from increased load volume were more than offset by higher purchased transportation costs as JBT evolves to a more asset-light service offering as well as higher personnel costs and increased technology spending related to our J.B. Hunt 360box program launched in 2019, compared with $9.2 millionwhich continues to expand in 2018. The decrease in operating income was driven primarily byfunctionality and capacity. As a result of the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, JBT could experience reduced load volumes, lower spot market activity,customer rates, or higher empty miles per loadpurchased transportation costs throughout the remainder of 2020 and the reduction in overall load volumes.into 2021.

 

Consolidated Operating Expenses

 

The following table sets forth items in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings as a percentage of operating revenues and the percentage increase or decrease of those items as compared with the prior period.

 

 Three Months Ended September 30,  

Three Months Ended September 30,

 
 

Dollar Amounts as a

Percentage of Total

Operating Revenues

 

Percentage Change

of Dollar Amounts

Between Quarters

  

Dollar Amounts as a

Percentage of Total

Operating Revenues

 

Percentage Change

of Dollar Amounts Between Quarters

 
 2019 2018 2019 vs. 2018  2020 2019 2020 vs. 2019 

Total operating revenues

 100.0

%

 100.0

%

 7.0% 100.0

%

 100.0

%

 4.6%

Operating expenses:

              

Rents and purchased transportation

 50.6  50.9  6.3  52.5  50.6  8.4 

Salaries, wages and employee benefits

 23.5  22.4  12.0  24.0  23.5  7.1 

Depreciation and amortization

 5.3  4.9  16.5  5.4  5.3  4.4 

Fuel and fuel taxes

 4.8  5.3  (2.7) 3.5  4.8  (23.9)

Operating supplies and expenses

 3.7  3.6  9.9  3.5  3.7  (1.1)

General and administrative expenses, net of asset dispositions

 2.1  1.9  15.6  1.6  2.1  (14.6)

Insurance and claims

 1.9  2.1  (3.6) 1.4  1.9  (19.4)

Operating taxes and licenses

 0.6  0.7  8.1  0.6  0.6  (4.0)

Communication and utilities

  0.4   0.3   21.9   0.4   0.4   0.5 

Total operating expenses

  92.9   92.1   7.9   92.9   92.9   4.6 

Operating income

 7.1  7.9  (3.9) 7.1  7.1  4.6 

Net interest expense

  0.5   0.5   24.1   0.5   0.5   (3.7)

Earnings before income taxes

 6.6  7.4  (5.6) 6.6  6.6  5.2 

Income taxes

  1.6   1.5   10.3   1.5   1.6   2.7 

Net earnings

  5.0

%

  5.9

%

  (9.7%)  5.1

%

  5.0

%

  6.0%

 

Total operating expenses increased 7.9%4.6%, while operating revenues increased 7.0%4.6% during the third quarter 2019,2020, from the comparable period 2018.2019. Operating income decreasedincreased to $167.9$175.5 million during the third quarter 20192020 from $174.7$167.9 million in 2018.2019.

 

Rents and purchased transportation costs increased 6.3%8.4% in 2019.2020. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in load volume, which increased services provided by third-party rail and truck carriers within JBI and ICS segments, increased rail and truck third-partycarrier purchased transportation rates within JBI and ICSan increase in the use of third-party truck carriers by JBT and FMS during third quarter 2019. In addition,of 2020. JBI third quarter 2019 rail purchased transportation costs included a $26.8 million charge resulting from the issuance of an award regarding our arbitration with BNSF which is further discussed in Part II, Item 1, Legal Proceedings of this report on Form 10-Q. These increases in rents and purchased transportation costs were partially offset by decreased load volumes in ICS, which decreased services provided by third-party truck carriers in 2019, and the fact that third quarter 2018, included additional rail purchased transportation expense related to arbitration charges.BNSF.


 

Salaries, wages and employee benefits costs increased 12.0%7.1% during the third quarter 2019,2020, compared with 2018.2019. This increase was primarily related to increases in driver pay and office personnel compensation due to a tighter supply of qualified drivers and an increase in the number of employees.employees as well as higher third quarter 2020 cost of employee group medical benefits compared to 2019.

16

 

Depreciation and amortization expense increased 16.5%4.4% in 2019,2020, primarily due to equipment purchases related to new DCS long-term customer contracts.contracts and the addition of specialized trailing equipment and scheduled turnover of tractors within our JBI segment. Fuel costs decreased 2.7%23.9% in 2019,2020, compared with 2018,2019, due primarily to a decrease in the price of fuel, partially offset by an increase in road miles.fuel.

 

Operating supplies and expenses increased 9.9%decreased 1.1%, driven primarily by reduced travel and entertainment expenses, partially offset by higher equipmentoperating supplies and building maintenance expensescosts in response to COVID-19 and increased toll costs.tolls expense. General and administrative expenses increased 15.6%decreased 14.6% for the current quarter from the comparable period in 2018,2019, primarily due to higher FMS network facility costs,decreased professional fees, lower bad debt expenses, and decreased net loss from the sale or disposal of assets, partially offset by increased technology spend on the J.B. Hunt 360° platform and legacy system upgrades and higher net loss from sale or disposal of assets.upgrades. Net lossgain from sale or disposal of assets was $4.0$0.2 million in 2019,2020, compared to a net loss of $2.0$4.0 million in 2018.2019. Insurance and claims expense decreased 3.6%19.4% in 20192020 compared with 2018,2019, primarily due to 2018 including specific reserve charges related to the settlementabsence of lawsuits with current and former drivers, partially offset by 2019 includinga $17.4 million in reserve charges for arbitration related legal fees, cost and interest claimed by BNSF further discussed in Part II, Item 1, Legal Proceedings of this report on Form 10-Q.2019 and lower 2020 incident volume, partially offset by a increase in accident severity in third quarter 2020.

 

Net interest expense increased 24.1%decreased 3.7% in 20192020 due to an increasea decrease in average debt levels and higher effective interest rates on our debt compared to third quarter 2018.2019. Income tax expense increased 10.3%2.7% in 2019,2020, compared with 2018,2019, primarily due to a higher effective income tax rate in third quarter 2019, due to a reduction in discreet tax benefits recognized related to share-based compensation vesting, partially offset by decreased taxable earnings. Our effective income tax rate was 23.3% for the third quarter 2020, compared with 23.9% for the third quarter 2019, compared with 20.4% for the third quarter 2018.2019. Our annual tax rate for 20192020 is expected to be between 24.0% and 24.5%. In determining our quarterly provision for income taxes, we use an estimated annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items. This rate is based on our expected annual income, statutory tax rates, best estimate of nontaxable and nondeductible items of income and expense, and the ultimate outcome of tax audits.

 

Comparison of Nine Months Ended September 30, 201920 to Nine Months Ended September 30, 20189

 

 

Summary of Operating Segment Results

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

(in millions)

  

Summary of Operating Segment Results

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

(in millions)

 
 

Operating Revenues

  

Operating Income

  

Operating Revenues

  

Operating Income/(Loss)

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2019

  

2018

  

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

 

JBI

 $3,477  $3,453  $316.4  $368.6  $3,426  $3,477  $317.7  $316.4 

DCS

 1,978  1,567  189.0  134.0  1,628  1,576  236.4  202.7 

ICS

 972  989  0.8  34.0  1,071  972  (50.3) 0.8 

FMS

 475  402  (6.5) (13.7)

JBT

 296  300  22.7  21.8  322  296  8.2  22.7 

Other (includes corporate)

  -   -   (0.1)  (0.1)  -   -   (0.1)  (0.1)

Subtotal

 6,723  6,309  528.8  558.3  6,922  6,723  505.4  528.8 

Inter-segment eliminations

  (8)  (12)  -   -   (23)  (8)  -   - 

Total

 $6,715  $6,297  $528.8  $558.3  $6,899  $6,715  $505.4  $528.8 

 

Total consolidated operating revenues were $6.72$6.90 billion for the first nine months 2019,2020, a 7%3% increase from $6.30$6.72 billion for the comparable period 2018.2019. Fuel surcharge revenues were $760.8$571 million during the first nine months 2019,2020, compared with $773.1$761 million in 2018.2019. If fuel surcharge revenues were excluded from both periods, the increase of 20192020 revenue from 20182019 was 8%6%.

 

JBI segment revenue increaseddecreased 1%, to $3.48$3.43 billion during the first nine months of 2019,2020, compared with $3.45$3.48 billion in 2018.2019. Load volume during the first nine months of 2019 decreased 5%2020 increased 2%, which was offset by a 6% increase4% decrease in revenue per load, which is the combination of changes in freight mix, customer rate changes, and fuel surcharge revenue, compared to a year ago. Revenue per load excluding fuel surcharge revenue increased 8% fromwas flat compared to the first nine months of 2018.2019. Operating income of the JBI segment decreasedincreased to $316.4$317.7 million in the first nine months of 2019,2020, from $368.6$316.4 million in 2018. Benefits from customer rate increases and freight mix were more than offset by decreased volumes, which includes volume lost to rail rationalization, increased rail purchased transportation costs, higher equipment ownership and maintenance costs, increased technology modernization expenses, lower box turns, higher box repositioning costs and increased driver wages and recruiting costs. Current period operating2019. Operating income for the first nine months of 2019 was further impacted by a $26.8 million charge to rail purchase transportation expense resulting from the issuance of ana final award regarding our arbitration with BNSF and a $17.4 million charge to insurance and claims expense, for arbitration related legal fees, cost and interest claimed by BNSF. Both of these items are further discussedBenefits from increased load volume in Part II, Item 1, Legal Proceedings of this report on Form 10-Q.2020 were more than offset by higher rail purchased transportation costs, COVID-19 related network inefficiencies and higher personnel costs, which included a one-time COVID-19 related bonus paid to employee drivers and other key field personnel, and higher dray costs resulting from disruptions in rail capacity and a constricted labor and truck capacity environment.

 


17

 

DCS segment revenue increased 26%3%, to $1.98$1.63 billion during the first nine months of 2019,2020, from $1.57$1.58 billion in 2018.2019. Productivity, defined as revenue per truck per week, increased 8%decreased 1% from a year ago. Productivity excluding fuel surcharge revenue for the first nine months of 20192020 increased 9%2% from a year ago. The increase in productivity was primarily a result of better integration of assets between customer accounts, customer rate increases, and increased customer supply chain fluidity during 2019 comparedlargely attributed to 2018. In addition, the growth in DCS revenue includes an increase of $128 million in FMS revenue, the majority of which was derived froma mild winter during the first quarter 2019 Cory acquisition.part of the current period. Operating income of our DCS segment increased to $189.0$236.4 million in 2019,2020, from $134.0$202.7 million in 2018.2019. The increase is primarily due to increased fleet productivity, the absence of significant new customer implementation costs, lower driver related turnover costs, and additional trucks under contract,lower travel and entertainment expenses. Operating income was partially offset by higher personnel costs which included a one-time COVID-19 related bonus, higher equipment ownership costs, and higher insurance and claims costs which includes a $20.0 million FMS claim charge in second quarter 2019, higher costs from the expanded FMS network, increased driver wages and recruiting costs, and additional non-cash amortization expense compared to 2018.the first nine months of 2019.

 

ICS revenue decreased 2%increased 10% to $972 million$1.07 billion during the first nine months of 2019,2020, from $989$972 million in 2018.2019. Overall volumes during the first nine months of 2019 remained flat2020 decreased 2% when compared to 2018.2019. Revenue per load decreased 2%increased 13% primarily due to customer freight mix changes, a lower spot pricing market and a competitive pricing environment for contractual truckload business, when compared to 2018.2019. Gross profit margin decreased to 14.1%9.4% in the current year versus 14.9%14.1% last year primarily due to weaker spot market activitya more competitive pricing environment and lower contractual rates on committed businessconstricted supply dynamics compared to the first nine months of 2018.2019. ICS segment had an operating loss of $50.3 million in the first nine months of 2020 compared to operating income decreased toof $0.8 million from $34.0 million in 2018,2019, primarily due to lower gross profit margins, increased technology spending as the marketplace for J.B. Hunt 360° continues to expand in functionality and capacity, and higher personnel costs, higher technology development costs and increased digital marketing expenses.costs. Approximately $614$755 million of ICS revenue for the first nine months of 20192020 was executed through the Marketplacemarketplace for J.B. Hunt 360°. compared to $614 million in 2019.

       FMS revenue increased 18% to $475 million during the first nine months of 2020, from $402 million in 2019, primarily due to two business acquisitions completed in 2019 and an increase in new customer contracts throughout 2020, partially offset by the temporary suspension of operations at various customer sites as a result of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stop count for the first nine months of 2020 increased 25%, while productivity, defined as revenue per stop, decreased 6% compared to 2019. The reduction in productivity was primarily due to a change in the mix of service methods to a more asset-light model resulting from the 2019 business acquisitions and a shift in the mix of services provided during the current period as customers were affected by COVID-19 within our FMS network. FMS segment had an operating loss of $6.5 million in the first nine months of 2020 compared to an operating loss of $13.7 million in 2019. The current period operating loss was primarily due to increased costs to expand the FMS network, lost revenue resulting from the temporary suspension of operations at several customer sites in response to COVID-19, higher bad debt expense, higher personnel costs, which included a one-time COVID-19 related bonus, higher COVID-19 related operating supplies expense and $1 million in additional noncash amortization expense attributable to the 2019 business acquisitions. FMS segment operating loss for the first nine months of 2019 included a $20 million insurance claim settlement charge.

 

JBT segment revenue decreased 1%increased 9% to $296$322 million for the first nine months of 2019,2020, from $300$296 million in 2018.2019. Revenue excluding fuel surchargessurcharge revenue for the first nine months of 2019 was flat2020 increased 12%, primarily due to a 15% increase in load volume, partially offset by a 3% decrease in revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue per load compared to 2018, on a flat load count.2019. Our JBT segment operating income increased 4%decreased to $22.7$8.2 million during the first nine months 2019,2020, from $21.8$22.7 million in 2018.2019. The increasedecrease in operating income was driven primarily by lower equipment ownershiphigher purchased transportation expense, higher insurance and claims costs, and decreased non-driver personnelhigher technology modernization expenses partially offset by higher driver and independent contractor cost per mile, higher driver and independent contractor recruiting costs, lower spot market activity and higher empty miles per load compared to the first nine months of 2018.2019.

18

 

Consolidated Operating Expenses

 

The following table sets forth items in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings as a percentage of operating revenues and the percentage increase or decrease of those items as compared with the prior period.

 

  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
  

Dollar Amounts as a

Percentage of Total

Operating Revenues

  

Percentage Change

of Dollar Amounts

Between Periods

 
   2019   2018  2019 vs. 2018 

Total operating revenues

  100.0

%

  100.0

%

  6.6%

Operating expenses:

            

Rents and purchased transportation

  48.9   50.2   3.8 

Salaries, wages and employee benefits

  23.9   22.4   13.8 

Depreciation and amortization

  5.5   5.1   15.2 

Fuel and fuel taxes

  5.1   5.4   1.0 

Operating supplies and expenses

  3.7   3.6   10.2 

General and administrative expenses, net of asset dispositions

  2.2   1.8   25.5 

Insurance and claims

  1.8   1.6   22.0 

Operating taxes and licenses

  0.6   0.6   10.7 

Communication and utilities

  0.4   0.4   9.4 

Total operating expenses

  92.1   91.1   7.8 

Operating income

  7.9   8.9   (5.3)

Net interest expense

  0.6   0.5   38.6 

Earnings before income taxes

  7.3   8.4   (7.7)

Income taxes

  1.8   2.0   (8.9)

Net earnings

  5.5

%

  6.4

%

  (7.3%)


  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
  

Dollar Amounts as a

Percentage of Total

Operating Revenues

  

Percentage Change

of Dollar Amounts Between Periods

 
  2020  2019  2020 vs. 2019 

Total operating revenues

  100.0

%

  100.0

%

  2.7%

Operating expenses:

            

Rents and purchased transportation

  50.3   48.9   5.6 

Salaries, wages and employee benefits

  25.0   23.9   7.2 

Depreciation and amortization

  5.7   5.5   5.9 

Fuel and fuel taxes

  3.8   5.1   (23.5)

Operating supplies and expenses

  3.6   3.7   0.5 

General and administrative expenses, net of asset dispositions

  1.9   2.2   (6.4)

Insurance and claims

  1.4   1.8   (21.0)

Operating taxes and licenses

  0.6   0.6   (1.0)

Communication and utilities

  0.4   0.4   (2.8)

Total operating expenses

  92.7   92.1   3.4 

Operating income

  7.3   7.9   (4.4)

Net interest expense

  0.5   0.6   (8.5)

Earnings before income taxes

  6.8   7.3   (4.1)

Income taxes

  1.7   1.8   (0.3)

Net earnings

  5.1

%

  5.5

%

  (5.3)%

 

Total operating expenses increased 7.8%3.4%, while operating revenues increased 6.6%2.7%, during the first nine months 2019,2020, from the comparable period of 2018.2019. Operating income decreased to $528.8$505.4 million during the first nine months 2019,2020, from $558.3$528.8 million in 2018.2019.

 

Rents and purchased transportation costs increased 3.8%5.6% in 2019.2020. This increase was primarily the result of increased railload volume and truck third-party rail purchased transportation rates withinin JBI, increased truck purchased transportation rates in ICS, and ICS. In addition,an increase in the use of third-party truck carriers by FMS and JBT during 2020, partially offset by a decrease in ICS load volume and JBI 2019 rail purchased transportation costs includedincluding a $26.8 million charge resulting from the issuance of an award regarding our arbitration with BNSF which is further discussed in Part II, Item 1, Legal Proceedings of this report on Form 10-Q. These increases in rents and purchased transportation costs were partially offset by decreased load volumes in JBI, which decreased services provided by third-party rail carriers.BNSF.

 

Salaries, wages and employee benefits costs increased 13.8%7.2% in 20192020 from 2018.2019. This increase was primarily related to increases in driver pay and office personnel compensation due to a tighter supply of qualified drivers and an increase in the number of employees.employees as well as higher cost of employee group medical benefits compared to 2019. In addition, 2020 included a $12.3 million one-time COVID-19 related bonus paid to employee drivers and other key field personnel and $3.4 million of additional stock compensation expense related to the acceleration of equity award vesting for executive employee retirements.

 

Depreciation and amortization expense increased 15.2%5.9% in 20192020 primarily due to equipment purchases related to new DCS long-term customer contracts.contracts and the addition of specialized trailing equipment and scheduled turnover of tractors within our JBI segment. Fuel costs increased 1.0%decreased 23.5% in 2019,2020, compared with 2018,2019, due primarily to an increase in road miles, partially offset by a decrease in the price of fuel.

 

19

Operating supplies and expenses increased 10.2%0.5% driven primarily by higher equipmentoperating supplies and building maintenance costs in response to COVID-19, increased toll costs, and higher equipment maintenance costs, partially offset by reduced travel and entertainment expenses. General and administrative expenses increased 25.5%decreased 6.4% from the comparable period in 2018,2019, primarily due to decreased professional fees, lower advertising costs, lower driver hiring expenses and, decreased net loss from the sale or disposal of assets, partially offset by increased technology spend on the J.B. Hunt 360° platform and legacy system upgrades, higher FMS network facility costs,bad debt expenses, and increased advertising expenses.charitable contributions. Net loss from sale or disposal of assets was $9.1$2.3 million in 2019,2020, compared to a net loss of $8.4$9.1 million in 2018.2019. Insurance and claims expense increased 22.0%decreased 21.0% in 20192020 compared with 2018,2019, primarily due to 2019 including specificthe absence of a $20 million FMS claim settlement charge and $17.4 million in reserve charges in 2019 for arbitration related legal fees, cost and interest claimed by BNSF, further discussed in Part II, Item 1, Legal Proceedings of this report on Form 10-Q, and the inclusion of a $20.0 million FMS claim charge within DCS, partially offset by 2018 including specific reserve charges for the settlement of lawsuits with current and former drivers.an increase in accident severity in 2020.

 

Net interest expense increased 38.6%decreased 8.5% in 2019,2020, due primarily to an increase in average debt levels and higherlower effective interest rates on our debt. Income tax expense decreased 8.9%0.3% during the first nine months of 2019,2020, compared with 2018.2019 primarily due to decreased taxable earnings in the first nine months of 2020, partially offset by a higher effective income tax rate. The increase in our effective income tax rate was due to the impact of stock compensation accelerations for executive employee retirements in 2020 and the fact that the effective rate for 2019 was reduced by the favorable settlement of a state income tax audit. Our effective income tax rate was 23.9%24.9% for the nine months ended 2019,2020, compared to 24.3%23.9% in 2018.2019. Our annual tax rate for 20192020 is expected to be between 24.0% and 24.5%. In determining our quarterly provision for income taxes, we use an estimated annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items. This rate is based on our expected annual income, statutory tax rates, best estimate of nontaxable and nondeductible items of income and expense, and the ultimate outcome of tax audits.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash Flow

 

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $937.6$911.0 million during the first nine months of 2019,2020, compared with $777.6$937.6 million for the same period 2018.2019. Operating cash flows increaseddecreased due to the timing of general working capital activities and increased operating income, excluding depreciation.decreased earnings. Net cash used in investing activities totaled $448.7 million in 2020, compared with $684.9 million in 2019, compared with $586.3 million in 2018.2019. The increasedecrease resulted from a decrease in equipment purchases, net of proceeds from the purchasesale of equipment, during the current period and from the fact that the Cory which1st Choice Home Delivery acquisition closed during first quarter 2019. Net cash used in financing activities was $178.8 million in 2020, compared with $185.1 million in 2019, compared with $198.4 million in 2018.2019. This decrease resulted primarily from a decrease in treasury stock purchased in 2020 compared to the issuancesame period in 2019. Net cash used in financing activities for the first nine months of our $700 million of 3.875% senior notes due March 2026, which offset2019 included the full retirement of our $250 million of 2.40% senior notes that matured in March 2019, and an increase in treasury stock purchased in 2019.partially offset by our issuance of $700 million of 3.875% senior notes due March 2026.


 

Debt and Liquidity Data

 

 

September 30, 2019

  

December 31, 2018

  

September 30, 2018

  

September 30, 2020

  

December 31, 2019

  

September 30, 2019

 

Working capital ratio

 1.29  1.11  1.11  1.58  1.43  1.29 

Current portion of long-term debt (millions)

 -  $250.7  248.7 

Total debt (millions)

 $1,293.3  $1,149.1  $1,069.5  $1,303.4  $1,295.7  $1,293.3 

Total debt to equity

 0.59  0.55  0.51  0.52  0.57  0.59 

Total debt as a percentage of total capital

 37% 35%  34% 34% 36% 37%

 

Liquidity

 

Our need for capital has typically resulted from the acquisition of containers and chassis, trucks, tractors and trailers required to support our growth and the replacement of older equipment.equipment as well as periodic business acquisitions. We are frequently able to accelerate or postpone a portion of equipment replacements or other capital expenditures depending on market and overall economic conditions. During the first nine months of 2020, we postponed a portion of our equipment purchases in order to increase our available cash in light of the economic disruption and uncertainty resulting from COVID-19. We will continue to monitor economic conditions and contemplate adjustments to planned capital expenditures as needed throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Expenditures are being evaluated based on those that must happen, those that can be deferred to a later period, and those that are capable of being canceled. We have, during the past fewrecent years, obtained capital through cash generated from operations, revolving lines of credit and long-term debt issuances. We have also periodically utilized operating leases to acquire revenue equipment.

20

 

We believe our liquid assets, cash generated from operations, and revolving line of credit will provide sufficient funds for our operating and capital requirements for the foreseeable future. Should COVID-19 related economic conditions warrant, we believe we have sufficient credit resources available to meet our near-term operating and capital needs. At September 30, 2020, we had a cash balance of $319 million and we had no outstanding balance on our revolving line of credit, which authorizes us to borrow up to $750 million as well as request an increase in the total commitment by up to $250 million.

Our financing arrangements require us to maintain certain covenants and financial ratios. At September 30, 2020, we were well above compliance with all covenants and financial ratios, and we fully intend and expect to emerge from the current COVID-19 related economic environment with our investment-grade rating intact.

We are continually evaluating the possible effects of current economic conditions and reasonable and supportable economic forecasts on operational cash flows, including the risks of declines in the overall freight market and our customers' liquidity and ability to pay. We are monitoring working capital on a daily basis and are in frequent communication with our customers, suppliers and service providers. Through September 30, 2020, operational cost reduction activities consisted primarily of canceling non-essential travel and hiring activities and the delay of other discretionary spending, which we will continue to do as necessary. A large portion of our cost structure is variable. Purchased transportation expense represents more than half of our total costs but is heavily tied to load volumes. Our second largest cost item is salaries and wages, the largest portion of which is driver pay, which includes a large variable component. Currently, we have made no adjustments to our costs that we consider more fixed in nature. However, we continue to monitor the environment and are prepared to adjust if necessary.

The following table summarizes our expected obligations and commitments as of September 30, 20192020 (in millions):

 

 

 

 

Total

  

One

Year Or

Less

  

One to

Three

Years

  

 

Three to

Five Years

  

After

Five

Years

  

 

 

Total

  

One

Year Or

Less

  

One to

Three

Years

  

 

Three to

Five Years

  

After

Five

Years

 

Operating leases

 $131.1  $42.8  $58.4  $21.6  $8.3  $139.5  $46.3  $57.7  $19.2  $16.3 

Debt obligations

 1,300.0  -  350.0  250.0  700.0  1,300.0  -  350.0  250.0  700.0 

Interest payments on debt (1)

 253.3  49.1  97.1  68.7  38.4  191.7  42.5  78.8  59.1  11.3 

Commitments to acquire revenue equipment and facilities

  935.9   374.4   561.5   -   -   604.1   222.5   381.6   -   - 

Total

 $2,620.3  $466.3  $1,067.0  $340.3  $746.7  $2,235.3  $311.3  $868.1  $328.3  $727.6 

 

(1)   Interest payments on debt are based on the debt balance and applicable rate at September 30, 2020.     

Interest payments on debt are based on the debt balance and applicable rate at September 30, 2019.

 

Our net capital expenditures were approximately $587$449 million during the first nine months of 2019,2020, compared with $585$587 million for the same period 2018.2019. Our net capital expenditures include net additions to revenue equipment and non-revenue producing assets that are necessary to contribute to and support the future growth of our various business segments. Capital expenditures in 20192020 were primarily for tractors, additional intermodal containers and chassis, and other trailing equipment. We are currently committed to spend approximately $604 million during the years 2020 to 2022. We have paused certain capital expenditures originally planned for 2020 that, considering the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, are now viewed as non-essential in the near-term. Accordingly, we now expect to spend in the range of $650$150 million to $675$175 million for net capital expenditures during the remainder of 2020. Our ultimate capital expenditure levels could also be affected by manufacturer production slowdowns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. We will also continue to evaluate opportunities for the full calendar year of 2019. On February 15, 2019, we completedbusiness acquisitions within our acquisition of substantially all of the assetsmarkets following our established evaluation process which considers liquidity and assumption of certain specified liabilities of the affiliated entities of Cory; see Note 11, Acquisitions, in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. We used our existing revolving credit facility to finance this transaction and to provide any necessary liquidity for current and future operations. This acquisition did not have a material impact on our interest expense.funding requirements. The table above excludes $57.7$60.7 million of potential liabilities for uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties, which are recorded on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. However, we are unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate timing of any settlements.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We had no off-balance sheet arrangements, other than our net purchase commitments of $935.9$604 million, as of September 30, 2019.2020.

 


21

 

Risk Factors

 

You should refer to Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2018,2019, and Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report (Form 10-Q) under the caption “Risk Factors” for specific details on the following factors and events that are not within our control and could affect our financial results.

 

 

Our business is subject to general economic and business factors, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. Economic trends and tightening of credit in financial markets could adversely affect our ability, and the ability of our suppliers, to obtain financing for operations and capital expenditures.

Our business is significantly impacted by the effects of national or international health pandemics on customer operations, third-party suppliers and service providers, and on general economic conditions.

 

We depend on third parties in the operation of our business.

 

Rapid changes in fuel costs could impact our periodic financial results.

 

Insurance and claims expenses could significantly reduce our earnings.

 

We derive a significant portion of our revenue from a few major customers, the loss of one or more of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

We operate in a regulated industry, and increased direct and indirect costs of compliance with, or liability for violation of, existing or future regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Difficulty in attracting and retaining drivers, delivery personnel, and third-party carriers could affect our profitability and ability to grow.

 A determination that independent contractors are employees could expose us to various liabilities and additional costs.
   
 

We may be subject to litigation claims that could result in significant expenditures.

 

We rely significantly on our information technology systems, a disruption, failure or security breach of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

We operate in a competitive and highly fragmented industry. Numerous factors could impair our ability to maintain our current profitability and to compete with other carriers and private fleets.

 

Extreme or unusual weather conditions can disrupt our operations, impact freight volumes, and increase our costs, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business results.

 

Our operations are subject to various environmental laws and regulations, including legislative and regulatory responses to climate change. Compliance with environmental requirements could result in significant expenditures and the violation of whichthese regulations could result in substantial fines or penalties.

 

Acquisitions or business combinations may disrupt or have a material adverse effect on our operations or earnings.

 

22

ITEM 3.

ITEM 3.   Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures AbouT Market Risk

 

Our outstanding debt at September 30, 20192020 includes our senior revolving line of credit and senior notes issuances. Our senior notes have fixed interest rates ranging from 3.30% to 3.85%. Our senior revolving line of credit has variable interest rates, which are based on the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Rate, or LIBOR, depending upon the specific type of borrowing, plus any applicable margins. We currently have an interest rate swap agreement which effectively converts our $350 million of 3.30% fixed rate senior notes due August 2022 to a variable rate, to allow us to maintain a desired mix of variable and fixed rate debt. The applicable interest rate under this agreement is based on LIBOR plus an established margin. Risk can be quantified by measuring the financial impact of a near-term adverse increase in short-term interest rates. Our earnings would be affected by changes in these short-term variable interest rates. At our current level of borrowing, a one percentage point increase in our applicable rate would reduce annual pretax earnings by $3.5 million.

 


Although we conduct business in foreign countries, international operations are not material to our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. Additionally, foreign currency transaction gains and losses were not material to our results of operations for the three or nine months ended September 30, 2019.2020. Accordingly, we are not currently subject to material foreign currency exchange rate risks from the effects that exchange rate movements of foreign currencies would have on our future costs or on future cash flows we would receive from our foreign investment. As of September 30, 2019,2020, we had no foreign currency forward exchange contracts or other derivative financial instruments to hedge the effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

 

The price and availability of diesel fuel are subject to fluctuations due to changes in the level of global oil production, seasonality, weather, and other market factors. Historically, we have been able to recover a majority of fuel price increases from our customers in the form of fuel surcharges. We cannot predict the extent to which high fuel price levels may occur in the future or the extent to which fuel surcharges could be collected to offset such increases. As of September 30, 2019,2020, we had no derivative financial instruments to reduce our exposure to fuel price fluctuations.

ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

We maintain controls and procedures designed to ensure that the information we are required to disclose in the reports we file with the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC rules, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2019.2020.

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the third quarter of 20192020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Part II.     Other Information

 

ITEM 1.   TEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

In January 2017 we exercised our right to utilize the arbitration process to review the division of revenue collected beginning May 1, 2016, as well as to clarify other issues, under our Joint Service Agreement with BNSF Railway Company (BNSF).BNSF. BNSF requested the same. In October 2018 we received the arbitrators’ Interim Award. The details of the Interim Award are confidential, but it required the parties to submit additional information requested by the arbitrators to decide certain unresolved matters. For the determined components of the Interim Award, we recorded an $18.3 million pre-tax charge in the third quarter 2018 related to certain charges claimed by BNSF for specific services requested for customers from April 2014 through May 2018.  In December 2018 the arbitrators issued their Clarified Interim Award of October 2018 resulting from some of the parties’ additional submissions to the Panel regarding certain issues related to determining the revenue division between the parties. In January 2019 the Panel issued its Second Interim Award ordering that $89.4 million is due from the Company to BNSF resulting from the adjusted revenue divisions relating to the 2016 period at issue ($52.1 million) and for calendar year 2017 ($37.3 million). The parties made further submissions to the Panel on the revenue divisions for calendar year 2018 and going forward, as well as other confidential issues raised during the arbitration process. We recorded pretax charges for contingent liabilities in the fourth quarter 2018 of $89.4 million claimed by the BNSF for the period May 1, 2016 through December 31, 2017 and $44.6 million for the period January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, for a total of $134 million.

On October 24, 2019 the arbitrators issued a Final Award. The detailsOn January 17, 2020, we filed under seal in the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas (the Arkansas Federal Court) a motion to confirm and enforce the Final Award, are confidential; however, we have recorded pre-tax chargesseeking the Court’s specific enforcement of certain confidential contractual rights the arbitrators decided in our favor. BNSF has moved to confirm the Final Award in the third quarter 2019 of $26.8 million related to certain charges claimed by BNSFUnited States District Court for the period January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018 and no material adjustmentsDistrict of Columbia. On July 21, 2020, the Arkansas Federal Court granted our motion in part entering a Judgment confirming the arbitration awards. In a sealed opinion, the Court denied our request for additional enforcement relief but did not foreclose our right to pursue post-confirmation enforcement in court or in arbitration if warranted. We have filed an appeal with the United States Court of Appeals for the period January 1, 2019 through September 30, 2019. In addition, we have recorded a $17.4 million charge for legal fees, cost and interest claimed by BNSF, for a totalEighth Circuit seeking review of $44.2 million.the Arkansas Federal Court’s denial.

 


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We are involved in certain other claims and pending litigation arising from the normal conduct of business. Based on present knowledge of the facts and, in certain cases, opinions of outside counsel, we believe the resolution of these claims and pending litigation will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

ITEM 1A.TEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

 

Information regardingExcept as noted below, there have been no material changes to our risk factors appears in Part I, Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this report on Form 10-Q andas previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

ITEM 2.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Purchases of Equity Securities2019.

 

The following table summarizes purchasesOur business is significantly impacted by the effects of national or international health pandemics on general economic conditions and the operations of our common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2019:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Common

Shares Purchased

  

 

 

 

Average Price

Paid Per

Common Share

Purchased

  

Total Number of Shares

Purchased as

Part of a

Publicly

Announced Plan

 (1) 

  

Maximum

Dollar Amount

of Shares That

May Yet Be

Purchased

Under the Plan

(in millions)

 

July 1 through July 31, 2019

  -  $-   -  $181 

August 1 through August 31, 2019

  379,828   94.64   379,828   145 

September 1 through September 30, 2019

  -   -   -   145 

Total

  379,828  $94.64   379,828  $145 

(1)     On April 20, 2017 our Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $500 million of our common stock.customersand third-party suppliers and service providers.

 

Our operations can be heavily impacted by the effects of a widespread outbreak of contagious disease, principally the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. This virus has spread throughout multiple countries, including the United States, and in March 2020, the World Health Organization designated COVID-19 as a pandemic. The effects of COVID-19 have and may continue to disrupt or restrict the freight shipping activities of some of our customers, on which our business is dependent. In addition, adverse economic conditions caused by COVID-19 may also require us to increase our reserve for bad debt losses. Furthermore, the continuation of COVID-19 related social and economic disruptions may lead to other events which could negatively impact our operations including service limitations of our third-party purchased transportation providers, reduced availability of drivers and other key employees, disruptions in the procurement of revenue equipment, restrictions at U.S. ports of call, excess capacity or rate reductions within the intermodal or trucking industries, inability of suppliers to continue activities, or volatile financial credit markets. The extent to which the COVID-19 outbreak will impact general economic and business conditions is highly uncertain and unpredictable; however, any of these factors could have a significant adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

ITEM 2.   UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Not applicable.

ITEM 3.

ITEM 3.   DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

Not applicable.

ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

ITEM 5.

ITEM 5.   OTHER INFORMATION

 

Not applicable.

ITEM 6.

ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS

 

Index to Exhibits

 


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Exhibit

Number

Exhibits
  

3.1

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. dated May 19, 1988 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Reportquarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2005, filed April 29, 2005)

  

3.2

Amended and Restated Bylaws of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. dated April 23, 2015 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Reportcurrent report on Form 8-K, filed April 27, 2015)

  

31.1

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification

  

31.2

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification

  

32.1

Section 1350 Certification

  

32.2

Section 1350 Certification

  

101.INS

Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document

  

101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

  

101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

  

101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

  

101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

  

101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

  

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the lnlineInline XBRL Document and includedinclude in Exhibit 101)

 


25

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Lowell, Arkansas, on the 1st29th day of November 2019.October 2020.

 

 

 

J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.

 

 (Registrant) 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

BY:

/s/ John N. Roberts, III

 

 

 

John N. Roberts, III

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

    
 
BY:/s/ David G. MeeJohn Kuhlow 
  David G. MeeJohn Kuhlow 
  ExecutiveSenior Vice President Finance, andController, 
  AdministrationChief Accounting Officer, and Interim
Chief Financial Officer 
  (Principal Financial Officer) 
BY:/s/ John K. Kuhlow
John K. Kuhlow
Senior Vice President-Finance, Controller,
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

26