Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

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

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 20182019

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

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

For the transition period from  to  

Commission file number 000-19969

ARCBEST CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

71-0673405

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

8401 McClure Drive

Fort Smith, Arkansas72916

(479) (479) 785-6000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including

area code, of the registrant’s principal executive offices)

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock $0.01 Par Value

ARCB

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 such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YesNo

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files). Yes No

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

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company

Smaller reporting company

Emerging growth company

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

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

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

Class

Outstanding at August 3, 20181, 2019

Common Stock, $0.01 par value

25,684,11825,520,304 shares


Table of Contents

ARCBEST CORPORATION

INDEX

INDEX

Page

Page

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Financial Statements

Consolidated Balance Sheets — June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 20172018

3

3

Consolidated Statements of Operations — For the Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018

4

4

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income — For the Three Monthsand Six Months Ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018

5

5

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity — For the Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 and 2018

6

6

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — For the Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018

7

7

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

8

Item 2.

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

31

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

57

50

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

57

50

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

58

51

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

58

51

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

58

51

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

58

51

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

58

51

Item 5.

Other Information

58

51

Item 6.

Exhibits

59

52

SIGNATURES

60

53


Table of Contents

PART I.

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ARCBEST CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETSSHEETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30

 

December 31

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands, except share data)

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

159,307

 

$

120,772

 

Short-term investments

 

 

68,013

 

 

56,401

 

Accounts receivable, less allowances (2018 – $8,057; 2017 – $7,657)

 

 

309,112

 

 

279,074

 

Other accounts receivable, less allowances (2018 – $952; 2017 – $921)

 

 

19,548

 

 

19,491

 

Prepaid expenses

 

 

19,912

 

 

22,183

 

Prepaid and refundable income taxes

 

 

4,665

 

 

12,296

 

Other

 

 

9,509

 

 

12,132

 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

590,066

 

 

522,349

 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land and structures

 

 

338,902

 

 

344,224

 

Revenue equipment

 

 

818,674

 

 

793,523

 

Service, office, and other equipment

 

 

190,109

 

 

179,950

 

Software

 

 

131,139

 

 

129,589

 

Leasehold improvements

 

 

9,131

 

 

8,888

 

 

 

 

1,487,955

 

 

1,456,174

 

Less allowances for depreciation and amortization

 

 

896,738

 

 

865,010

 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net

 

 

591,217

 

 

591,164

 

GOODWILL

 

 

108,320

 

 

108,320

 

INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net

 

 

71,206

 

 

73,469

 

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

 

 

6,226

 

 

5,965

 

OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS

 

 

65,261

 

 

64,374

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

1,432,296

 

$

1,365,641

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

176,034

 

$

129,099

 

Income taxes payable

 

 

511

 

 

324

 

Accrued expenses

 

 

221,880

 

 

211,237

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

 

51,562

 

 

61,930

 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

449,987

 

 

402,590

 

LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion

 

 

198,070

 

 

206,989

 

PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT LIABILITIES

 

 

36,169

 

 

39,827

 

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

 

 

38,456

 

 

15,616

 

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

 

 

41,099

 

 

49,157

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 70,000,000 shares; issued 2018: 28,541,578 shares; 2017: 28,495,628 shares

 

 

285

 

 

285

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

322,895

 

 

319,436

 

Retained earnings

 

 

449,442

 

 

438,379

 

Treasury stock, at cost, 2018: 2,857,460 shares; 2017: 2,851,578 shares

 

 

(86,265)

 

 

(86,064)

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

(17,842)

 

 

(20,574)

 

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

668,515

 

 

651,462

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$

1,432,296

 

$

1,365,641

 

June 30

December 31

    

2019

    

2018

 

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share data)

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents

$

181,731

$

190,186

Short-term investments

 

117,657

 

106,806

Accounts receivable, less allowances (2019 – $6,238; 2018 – $7,380)

 

296,090

 

297,051

Other accounts receivable, less allowances (2019 – $463; 2018 – $806)

 

17,207

 

19,146

Prepaid expenses

 

28,546

 

25,304

Prepaid and refundable income taxes

 

5,237

 

1,726

Other

 

4,982

 

9,007

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

 

651,450

 

649,226

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Land and structures

 

339,255

 

339,640

Revenue equipment

 

888,588

 

858,251

Service, office, and other equipment

 

218,131

 

199,230

Software

 

143,181

 

138,517

Leasehold improvements

 

10,058

 

9,365

 

1,599,213

 

1,545,003

Less allowances for depreciation and amortization

 

947,264

 

913,815

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net

 

651,949

 

631,188

GOODWILL

 

108,320

 

108,320

INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net

 

66,700

 

68,949

OPERATING RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS

68,810

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

 

6,296

 

7,468

OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS

 

80,402

 

74,080

TOTAL ASSETS

$

1,633,927

$

1,539,231

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accounts payable

$

166,829

$

143,785

Income taxes payable

 

1,942

 

1,688

Accrued expenses

 

228,994

 

243,111

Current portion of long-term debt

 

47,205

 

54,075

Current portion of operating lease liabilities

18,273

Current portion of pension and postretirement liabilities

8,231

8,659

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

471,474

 

451,318

LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion

 

235,001

 

237,600

OPERATING LEASE LIABILITIES, less current portion

54,040

PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT LIABILITIES, less current portion

 

31,874

 

31,504

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

 

37,268

 

44,686

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

 

61,111

 

56,441

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 70,000,000 shares; issued 2019: 28,786,473 shares, 2018: 28,684,779 shares

 

288

 

287

Additional paid-in capital

 

329,388

 

325,712

Retained earnings

 

526,551

 

501,389

Treasury stock, at cost, 2019: 3,266,169 shares; 2018: 3,097,634 shares

 

(100,639)

 

(95,468)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(12,429)

 

(14,238)

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

743,159

 

717,682

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$

1,633,927

$

1,539,231

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

3


Table of Contents

ARCBEST CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONSOPERATIONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended 

 

Six Months Ended 

 

 

 

June 30

 

June 30

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

REVENUES

 

$

793,350

 

$

720,368

 

$

1,493,351

 

$

1,371,456

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

 

 

790,194

 

 

694,601

 

 

1,477,470

 

 

1,355,589

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME

 

 

3,156

 

 

25,767

 

 

15,881

 

 

15,867

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER INCOME (COSTS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and dividend income

 

 

714

 

 

285

 

 

1,240

 

 

559

 

Interest and other related financing costs

 

 

(2,013)

 

 

(1,389)

 

 

(4,072)

 

 

(2,704)

 

Other, net

 

 

(1,123)

 

 

(528)

 

 

(3,324)

 

 

(2,234)

 

 

 

 

(2,422)

 

 

(1,632)

 

 

(6,156)

 

 

(4,379)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

 

734

 

 

24,135

 

 

9,725

 

 

11,488

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME TAX PROVISION (BENEFIT)

 

 

(499)

 

 

8,358

 

 

(1,462)

 

 

3,118

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME

 

$

1,233

 

$

15,777

 

$

11,187

 

$

8,370

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.05

 

$

0.61

 

$

0.43

 

$

0.32

 

Diluted

 

$

0.05

 

$

0.60

 

$

0.42

 

$

0.32

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

25,670,325

 

 

25,767,791

 

 

25,656,674

 

 

25,726,363

 

Diluted

 

 

26,699,549

 

 

26,291,641

 

 

26,653,282

 

 

26,378,436

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE

 

$

0.08

 

$

0.08

 

$

0.16

 

$

0.16

 

Three Months Ended 

Six Months Ended 

June 30

June 30

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

REVENUES

$

771,490

$

793,350

$

1,483,329

$

1,493,351

OPERATING EXPENSES

 

736,290

790,194

 

1,439,538

1,477,470

OPERATING INCOME

 

35,200

 

3,156

 

43,791

 

15,881

OTHER INCOME (COSTS)

Interest and dividend income

 

1,616

 

714

 

3,094

 

1,240

Interest and other related financing costs

 

(2,811)

 

(2,013)

 

(5,693)

 

(4,072)

Other, net

 

(445)

 

(1,123)

 

(1,036)

 

(3,324)

 

(1,640)

 

(2,422)

 

(3,635)

 

(6,156)

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

33,560

 

734

 

40,156

 

9,725

INCOME TAX PROVISION (BENEFIT)

 

9,184

 

(499)

 

10,892

 

(1,462)

NET INCOME

$

24,376

$

1,233

$

29,264

$

11,187

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

Basic

$

0.95

$

0.05

$

1.14

$

0.43

Diluted

$

0.92

$

0.05

$

1.10

$

0.42

AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING

Basic

 

25,554,286

 

25,670,325

 

25,562,306

 

25,656,674

Diluted

 

26,431,592

 

26,699,549

 

26,483,011

 

26,653,282

CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE

$

0.08

$

0.08

$

0.16

$

0.16

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

4


Table of Contents

ARCBEST CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOMEINCOME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended 

 

Six Months Ended 

 

 

 

June 30

 

June 30

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

NET INCOME

 

$

1,233

 

$

15,777

 

$

11,187

 

$

8,370

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension and other postretirement benefit plans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net actuarial gain (loss), net of tax of: (2018 – Three-month period $450, Six-month period $1,349; 2017 – Three-month period $64, Six-month period $999)

 

 

1,300

 

 

(98)

 

 

3,890

 

 

(1,569)

 

Pension settlement expense, net of tax of: (2018 – Three-month period $111, Six-month period $279; 2017 – Three-month period $290, Six-month period $1,051)

 

 

320

 

 

454

 

 

806

 

 

1,650

 

Amortization of unrecognized net periodic benefit costs, net of tax of: (2018 – Three-month period $171, Six-month period $390; 2017 – Three-month period $352, Six-month period $753)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net actuarial loss

 

 

511

 

 

581

 

 

1,160

 

 

1,241

 

Prior service credit

 

 

(18)

 

 

(29)

 

 

(35)

 

 

(58)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate swap and foreign currency translation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in unrealized income on interest rate swap, net of tax of: (2018 – Three-month period $7, Six-month period $275; 2017 – Three-month period $52, Six-month period $140)

 

 

343

 

 

81

 

 

779

 

 

216

 

Change in foreign currency translation, net of tax of: (2018 – Three-month period $78, Six month-period $103; 2017 – Three-month period $134, Six-month period $58)

 

 

(220)

 

 

(208)

 

 

(292)

 

 

(89)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, net of tax

 

 

2,236

 

 

781

 

 

6,308

 

 

1,391

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

$

3,469

 

$

16,558

 

$

17,495

 

$

9,761

 

Three Months Ended 

Six Months Ended 

June 30

June 30

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

NET INCOME

$

24,376

$

1,233

$

29,264

$

11,187

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, net of tax

Pension and other postretirement benefit plans:

Net actuarial loss, net of tax of: (2019 – Three-month period $20, Six-month period $210; 2018 – Three-month period $450, Six-month period $1,349)

 

(58)

 

1,300

 

603

 

3,890

Pension settlement expense, net of tax of: (2019 – Three-month period $72, Six-month period $421; 2018 – Three-month period $111, Six-month period $279)

 

206

 

320

 

1,213

 

806

Amortization of unrecognized net periodic benefit costs, net of tax of: (2019 – Three-month period $77, Six-month period $177; 2018 – Three-month period $171, Six-month period $390)

Net actuarial loss

 

229

 

511

 

524

 

1,160

Prior service credit

 

(6)

 

(18)

 

(12)

 

(35)

Interest rate swap and foreign currency translation:

Change in unrealized income (loss) on interest rate swap, net of tax of: (2019 – Three-month period $187, Six-month period $305; 2018 – Three-month period $7, Six-month period $275)

(528)

343

(860)

779

Change in foreign currency translation, net of tax of: (2019 – Three-month period $41, Six-month period $120; 2018 – Three-month period $78, Six-month period $103)

 

116

 

(220)

 

341

 

(292)

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, net of tax

 

(41)

 

2,236

 

1,809

 

6,308

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

$

24,335

$

3,469

$

31,073

$

17,495

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

5


Table of Contents

ARCBEST CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITYEQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

    

Paid-In

 

Retained

 

Treasury Stock

    

Comprehensive

 

Total

 

 

    

Shares

    

Amount

    

Capital

    

Earnings

    

Shares

    

Amount

    

Loss

    

Equity

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Balance at December 31, 2017

 

28,496

 

$

285

 

$

319,436

 

$

438,379

 

2,852

 

$

(86,064)

 

$

(20,574)

 

$

651,462

 

Adjustments to beginning retained earnings for adoption of accounting standards:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,992

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,576)

 

 

416

 

Balance at January 1, 2018

 

28,496

 

 

285

 

 

319,436

 

 

442,371

 

2,852

 

 

(86,064)

 

 

(24,150)

 

 

651,878

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,187

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,187

 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,308

 

 

6,308

 

Issuance of common stock under share-based compensation plans

 

46

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

Tax effect of share-based compensation plans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(85)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(85)

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,544

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,544

 

Purchase of treasury stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 5

 

 

(201)

 

 

 

 

 

(201)

 

Dividends declared on common stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,116)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,116)

 

Balance at June 30, 2018

 

28,542

 

$

285

 

$

322,895

 

$

449,442

 

2,857

 

$

(86,265)

 

$

(17,842)

 

$

668,515

 

Three Months Ended and Six Months Ended June 30, 2019

Accumulated

Additional

Other

Common Stock

    

Paid-In

Retained

Treasury Stock

    

Comprehensive

Total

    

Shares

    

Amount

    

Capital

    

Earnings

    

Shares

    

Amount

    

Loss

    

Equity

 

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

Balance at December 31, 2018

 

28,685

$

287

$

325,712

$

501,389

 

3,098

$

(95,468)

$

(14,238)

$

717,682

Net income

 

4,888

 

4,888

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

 

1,850

 

1,850

Tax effect of share-based compensation plans

 

(8)

 

(8)

Share-based compensation expense

 

2,058

 

2,058

Purchase of treasury stock

74

(2,663)

(2,663)

Dividends declared on common stock

 

(2,052)

 

(2,052)

Balance at March 31, 2019

 

28,685

$

287

$

327,762

$

504,225

 

3,172

$

(98,131)

$

(12,388)

$

721,755

Net income

 

24,376

 

24,376

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

 

(41)

 

(41)

Issuance of common stock under share-based compensation plans

 

101

 

1

 

(1)

 

Tax effect of share-based compensation plans

 

(1,174)

 

(1,174)

Share-based compensation expense

 

2,801

 

2,801

Purchase of treasury stock

94

(2,508)

(2,508)

Dividends declared on common stock

 

(2,050)

 

(2,050)

Balance at June 30, 2019

 

28,786

$

288

$

329,388

$

526,551

 

3,266

$

(100,639)

$

(12,429)

$

743,159

Three Months Ended and Six Months Ended June 30, 2018

Accumulated

Additional

Other

Common Stock

    

Paid-In

Retained

Treasury Stock

    

Comprehensive

Total

    

Shares

    

Amount

    

Capital

    

Earnings

    

Shares

    

Amount

    

Loss

    

Equity

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

Balance at December 31, 2017

 

28,496

$

285

$

319,436

$

438,379

 

2,852

$

(86,064)

$

(20,574)

$

651,462

Adjustments to beginning retained earnings for adoption of accounting standards

3,992

(3,576)

416

Balance at January 1, 2018

28,496

285

319,436

442,371

2,852

(86,064)

(24,150)

651,878

Net income

 

9,954

 

9,954

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

4,072

4,072

Issuance of common stock under share-based compensation plans

3

 

Tax effect of share-based compensation plans

(41)

(41)

Share-based compensation expense

1,870

1,870

Purchase of treasury stock

5

(201)

(201)

Dividends declared on common stock

 

(2,058)

(2,058)

Balance at March 31, 2018

 

28,499

$

285

$

321,265

$

450,267

 

2,857

$

(86,265)

$

(20,078)

$

665,474

Net income

 

1,233

 

1,233

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

2,236

2,236

Issuance of common stock under share-based compensation plans

43

 

Tax effect of share-based compensation plans

(44)

(44)

Share-based compensation expense

1,674

1,674

Dividends declared on common stock

 

(2,058)

(2,058)

Balance at June 30, 2018

 

28,542

$

285

$

322,895

$

449,442

 

2,857

$

(86,265)

$

(17,842)

$

668,515

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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ARCBEST CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWSFLOWS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended 

 

 

 

June 30

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

11,187

 

$

8,370

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

51,409

 

 

48,332

 

Amortization of intangibles

 

 

2,264

 

 

2,271

 

Pension settlement expense

 

 

1,085

 

 

2,701

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

3,544

 

 

3,599

 

Provision for losses on accounts receivable

 

 

1,069

 

 

1,053

 

Deferred income tax benefit

 

 

(10,818)

 

 

2,687

 

Gain on sale of property and equipment

 

 

(166)

 

 

(412)

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables

 

 

(31,281)

 

 

(21,091)

 

Prepaid expenses

 

 

2,393

 

 

(2,549)

 

Other assets

 

 

2,018

 

 

(3,100)

 

Income taxes

 

 

8,024

 

 

458

 

Multiemployer pension fund withdrawal liability

 

 

37,922

 

 

 —

 

Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities

 

 

40,914

 

 

9,007

 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

119,564

 

 

51,326

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net of financings

 

 

(24,763)

 

 

(27,123)

 

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

 

 

2,074

 

 

2,751

 

Purchases of short-term investments

 

 

(26,006)

 

 

(6,223)

 

Proceeds from sale of short-term investments

 

 

14,647

 

 

9,065

 

Capitalization of internally developed software

 

 

(5,997)

 

 

(4,323)

 

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

(40,045)

 

 

(25,853)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings under accounts receivable securitization program

 

 

 —

 

 

10,000

 

Payments on long-term debt

 

 

(33,694)

 

 

(34,948)

 

Net change in book overdrafts

 

 

(2,888)

 

 

(2,478)

 

Deferred financing costs

 

 

 —

 

 

(275)

 

Payment of common stock dividends

 

 

(4,116)

 

 

(4,144)

 

Purchases of treasury stock

 

 

(201)

 

 

(3,611)

 

Payments for tax withheld on share-based compensation

 

 

(85)

 

 

(2,690)

 

NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

(40,984)

 

 

(38,146)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH

 

 

38,535

 

 

(12,673)

 

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

 

 

120,772

 

 

115,242

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH AT END OF PERIOD

 

$

159,307

 

$

102,569

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment financed

 

$

14,407

 

$

38,593

 

Accruals for equipment received

 

$

8,649

 

$

3,179

 

Six Months Ended 

June 30

    

2019

    

2018

 

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net income

$

29,264

$

11,187

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

Depreciation and amortization

 

51,722

 

51,409

Amortization of intangibles

 

2,249

 

2,264

Pension settlement expense

 

1,634

 

1,085

Share-based compensation expense

 

4,859

 

3,544

Provision for losses on accounts receivable

 

621

 

1,069

Change in deferred income taxes

 

5,124

 

(10,818)

Gain on sale of property and equipment

 

(1,469)

 

(166)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Receivables

 

1,781

 

(31,281)

Prepaid expenses

 

(3,323)

 

2,393

Other assets

 

(2,798)

 

2,018

Income taxes

 

(3,042)

 

8,024

Operating right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, net

159

Multiemployer pension fund withdrawal liability

(289)

37,922

Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities

 

(6,021)

 

40,914

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

80,471

 

119,564

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net of financings

 

(41,909)

 

(24,763)

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

 

3,798

 

2,074

Purchases of short-term investments

 

(43,327)

 

(26,006)

Proceeds from sale of short-term investments

 

33,332

 

14,647

Capitalization of internally developed software

 

(5,535)

 

(5,997)

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

(53,641)

 

(40,045)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Payments on long-term debt

 

(29,984)

 

(33,694)

Proceeds from notes payable

9,552

Net change in book overdrafts

 

(4,398)

 

(2,888)

Payment of common stock dividends

 

(4,102)

 

(4,116)

Purchases of treasury stock

(5,171)

(201)

Payments for tax withheld on share-based compensation

 

(1,182)

 

(85)

NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

(35,285)

 

(40,984)

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

(8,455)

 

38,535

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

190,186

 

120,772

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS CASH AT END OF PERIOD

$

181,731

$

159,307

NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Equipment financed

$

10,964

$

14,407

Accruals for equipment received

$

19,402

$

8,649

Lease liabilities arising from obtaining right-of-use assets

$

23,049

$

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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ARCBEST CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

NOTE A – ORGANIZATIONORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION

ArcBest CorporationTM (the “Company”) is the parent holding company of businesses providing integrated logistics solutions. The Company’s operations are conducted through its three reportable operating segments: Asset-Based, which consists of ABF Freight System, Inc. and certain other subsidiaries (“ABF Freight”);subsidiaries; ArcBest®, the Company’s asset-light logistics operation; and FleetNet.FleetNet®. References to the Company in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are primarily to the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

The Asset-Based segment represented approximately 69%71% of the Company’s total revenues before other revenues and intercompany eliminations for the six months ended June 30, 2018.2019. As of June 2018,2019, approximately 82% of the Asset-Based segment’s employees were covered under a collective bargaining agreement, the ABF National Master Freight Agreement (the “ABF“2018 ABF NMFA”), with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (the “IBT”), which was extended through July 31, 2018 to allow for the ratification process of the new agreement to take place. On May 10, 2018, a new collective bargaining agreement, the ABF National Master Freight Agreement (the “2018 ABF NMFA”), was ratified by a majority of ABF’s IBT member employees who chose to vote. A majority of the supplements to the 2018 ABF NMFA also passed. Following ratification of the remaining supplements, the 2018 ABF NMFA was implemented on July 29, 2018, effective retroactive to April 1, 2018, and will remain in effect through June 30, 2023.

The major economic provisions of the 2018 ABF NMFA include restoration of one week of vacation which begins accruing on anniversary dates on or after April 1, 2018, with the new vacation eligibility schedule being the same as the applicable 2008 to 2013 supplemental agreements; wage rate increases in each year of the contract, beginning July 1, 2018; ratification bonuses for qualifying employees; profit-sharing bonuses upon the Asset-Based segment’s achievement of certain annual operating ratios for any full calendar year under the contract; and changes to purchased transportation provisions with certain protections for road drivers as specified in the contract. The 2018 ABF NMFA and the related supplemental agreements provide for contributions to multiemployer pension plans frozen at the current rates for each fund, continuation of existing health coverage, and annual contribution rate increases to multiemployer health and welfare plans maintained for the benefit of ABF's employees who are members of the IBT. Under the 2018 ABF NMFA, the contractual wage and benefits costs, including the ratification bonuses and vacation restoration, are estimated to increase approximately 2.0% on a compounded annual basis through the end of the agreement.

Financial Statement Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) pertaining to interim financial information. Accordingly, these interim financial statements do not include all information or footnote disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements and, therefore, should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s 20172018 Annual Report on Form 10-K and other current filings with the SEC. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which are of a normal and recurring nature) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.

As previously disclosed in our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company modified the presentation of segment expenses allocated from shared services during the third quarter of 2017. Previously, expenses allocated from company-wide functions were categorized in individual segment expense line items by type of expense. Allocated expenses are now presented on a single shared services line within the Company’s operating segment disclosures. Reclassifications have been made to the prior period operating segment expenses to conform to the current year presentation. There was no impact on each segment’s total expenses as a result of the reclassifications.

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The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual amounts may differ from those estimates.

Accounting Policies

The Company’s accounting policies are described in Note B to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of the Company’s 20172018 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following policies have been updated during the six months ended June 30, 20182019 for the adoption of accounting standard updates disclosed within this Note.

Goodwill: Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price in a business combination over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but rather is evaluated for impairment annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. The Company’s measurement of goodwill impairment involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. Fair value is derived using a combination of valuation methods, including earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) and revenue multiples (market approach) and the present value of discounted cash flows (income approach). For annual and interim impairment tests, the Company is required to record an impairment charge, if any, by the amount a reporting unit’s fair value is exceeded by the carrying value of the reporting unit, limited to the carrying value of goodwill included in the reporting unit. The Company’s annual impairment testing is performed as of October 1.

Revenue Recognition: Revenues are recognized when or as control of the promised services is transferred to the customer, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those services.

Asset-Based Segment

Asset-Based segment revenues primarily consist of less-than-truckload freight delivery. Performance obligations are satisfied upon final delivery of the freight to the specified destination. Revenue is recognized based on the relative transit time in each reporting period with expenses recognized as incurred. A bill-by-bill analysis is used to establish estimates of revenue in transit for recognition in the appropriate period. Because the bill-by-bill methodology utilizes the approximate location of the shipment in the delivery process to determine the revenue to recognize, management believes it to be a reliable method.

Certain contracts may provide for volume-based or other discounts which are accounted for as variable consideration.Interest Rate SwapDerivative Instruments: The Company estimates these amounts based on the expected discounts earned by customersaccounts for its derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities and revenue is recognized based on the estimates. Revenue adjustments may also occur due to rating or other billing adjustments. The Company estimates revenue adjustments based on historical information and revenue is recognized accordinglycarries them at the time of shipment. Management believes that actual amounts will not vary significantly from estimates of variable consideration.

Revenue, purchased transportation expense, and third-party service expenses are reported on a gross basis for certain shipments and services where the Company utilizes a third-party carrier for pickup, linehaul, delivery of freight, or performance of services but remains primarily responsible for fulfilling delivery to the customer and maintains discretion in setting the price for the services.

ArcBest Segment

ArcBest segment revenues consist primarily of asset-light logistics services using third-party vendors to provide transportation services. ArcBest segment revenue is generally recognized based on the relative transit time in each reporting period using estimated standard delivery times for freight in transit at the end of the reporting period. Purchased transportation expense is recognized as incurred consistent with the recognition of revenue.

Revenue and purchased transportation expense are reported on a gross basis for shipments and services where the Company uses a third-party carrier for pickup and delivery but remains primarily responsible to the customer for delivery and has discretion in setting the price for the service.

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FleetNet Segment

FleetNet segment revenues consist of service fee revenue, roadside repair revenue and routine maintenance services. Service fee revenue for the FleetNet segment is recognized upon response to the service event. Repair revenue for the FleetNet segment is recognized upon completion of the service by third-party vendors.

Revenue and expense from repair and maintenance services performed by third-party vendors are reported on a gross basis as FleetNet controls the services prior to transfer to the customer and remains primarily responsible to the customer for completion of the services.

Other Recognition and Disclosure

The Company records deferred revenue when cash payments are received or due in advance of performance under the contract. Deferred revenues totaled $3.6 million and $0.6 million at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, and are recorded in accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheet.

Payment terms with customers may vary depending on the service provided, location or specific agreement with the customer. The term between invoicing and when payment is due is not significant. For certain services, payment is required before the services are provided to the customer.

The Company expenses sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period is one year or less.

fair value. The Company has elected to apply the practical expedient to not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original length of one year or less or contracts for which revenue is recognized at the amount to which the Company has the right to invoice for services performed.

Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, (“ASC Topic 606”) provides a single comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers and contains principles to apply to determine the measurement of revenue and the timing of when it is recognized. On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC Topic 606 using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completedinterest rate swap agreements designated as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under ASC Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company’s historic method of accounting under ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, (“ASC Topic 605”).cash flow hedges. The Company’s major service lines for presentation of disaggregated revenues from contracts with customers are consistent with the Company’s reportable operating segments as presented in Note J.

The primary impact of adopting ASC Topic 606 was to recognize ArcBest segment revenue over time instead of at final deliveryeffective portion of the shipment. As a result, revenue will generally be recorded earlier under ASC Topic 606 compared to ASC Topic 605. Asset-Based and FleetNet segment revenues were not impacted.

The Company recorded a net increase to opening retained earnings of $0.4 milliongain or loss on the interest rate swap instruments is reported as of January 1, 2018 due to the cumulative impact of adopting ASC Topic 606. The impact to revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 was an increase of $1.1 million and $0.8 million, respectively, and the impact to purchased transportation expense was an increase of $0.8 million and $0.5 million, respectively,unrealized gain or loss as a result of applying ASC Topic 606.

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted an amendment to ASC Topic 715, Compensation – Retirement Benefits, (“ASC Topic 715”) which requires changes to the financial statement presentation of certain components of net periodic benefit cost related to pension and other postretirement benefits accounted for under ASC Topic 715. The amendment requires the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost to continue to be included in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the related employees, but requires the other components of net periodic benefit cost, including pension settlement expense, to be presented separately from the service cost component and outside of the subtotal of income from operations. The provisions of the amendment are required to be applied retrospectively and were effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018.

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The Company has not incurred service cost under its nonunion defined benefit pension plan or its supplemental benefit plan (the “SBP”) since the accrual of benefits under the plans were frozen on July 1, 2013 and December 31, 2009, respectively; however, the Company incurs service cost under its postretirement health benefit plan which will continue to be reported within operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. The other components of net periodic benefit cost (including pension settlement charges) of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan, the SBP, and the postretirement health benefit plan are reported within the other line item of other income (costs) beginning in first quarter 2018. As a result of retrospectively applying the provisions of the amendment, $1.0 million and $3.4 million was reclassified from operating expenses to other income (costs) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively. There was no change to consolidated net income (loss) or earnings (loss) per share as a result of the change in presentation under the new standard.

In February 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued an amendment to ASC Topic 220, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, (“ASC Topic 220”) which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings foror loss, net of tax, in stockholders’ equity and the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform Act”). The Company early adopted this amendment for first quarter 2018 and adjusted the tax effect of items within accumulated other comprehensive income to reflect the appropriate tax rate under the Tax Reform Actchange in the period of adoption. As a result of applyingunrealized gain or loss on the provisions of the amendment, the Company elected to reclassify $3.6 million of stranded income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018.

Amounts recognizedinterest rate swaps is reported in other comprehensive income or loss, related tonet of tax, in the Company’s nonunion defined benefit pension plan, supplemental benefit plan, and postretirement health benefit plan are subsequently expensed as componentsconsolidated statements of net periodic benefit cost by amortizing unrecognized net actuarial losses over the average remaining active service period of the plan participants and amortizing unrecognized prior service credits over the remaining years of service until full eligibility of the active participants at the time of the plan amendment which created the prior service credit. A corridor approach is not used for determining the amounts of net actuarial losses to be amortized. Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income or loss related to the change inincome. The unrealized gain or loss on the Company’s interest rate swap agreements areis reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss into income (loss) in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. To receive hedge accounting treatment, cash flow hedges must be highly effective in offsetting changes to expected future cash flows on hedged transactions.

EffectiveLeases: The Company leases, under finance and operating lease arrangements, certain facilities used primarily in the Asset-Based segment service center operations, certain revenue equipment used in the ArcBest segment operations, and certain other office equipment. The Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 842, Leases, (“ASC Topic 842”) effective January 1, 2018,2019. In accordance with ASC Topic 842, right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for operating leases are recorded on the balance sheet and the related lease expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over

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the lease term in operating expenses. Included in lease expense are any variable lease payments incurred in the period that were not included in the initial lease liability. For financial reporting purposes, right-of-use assets held under finance leases are amortized over their estimated useful lives on the same basis as owned assets, and leasehold improvements associated with assets utilized under finance or operating leases are amortized by the straight-line method over the shorter of the remaining lease term or the asset’s useful life. Amortization of assets under finance leases is included in depreciation expense. Obligations under the finance lease arrangements are included in long-term debt.

The short-term lease exemption was elected under ASC Topic 842 for all classes of assets to include real property, revenue equipment, and service, office, and other equipment. The Company adopted the policy election as a lessee for all classes of assets to account for each lease component and its related non-lease component(s) as a single lease component. In determining the discount rate, the Company early adopteduses the rate implicit in the lease if that rate is readily determinable when entering into a lease as a lessee. If the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate, determined by the price of a fully collateralized loan with similar terms based on current market rates.

For contracts entered into on or after the effective date, an amendmentassessment is made as to whether the contract is, or contains, a lease at the inception of a contract. The assessment is based on: (1) whether the contract involves the use of a distinct identified asset; (2) whether the Company obtains the right to substantially all the economic benefit from the use of the asset throughout the period; and (3) whether the Company has the right to direct the use of the asset. For all operating leases that meet the scope of ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill842, a right-of-use asset and Other, Simplifyinga lease liability are recognized. The right-of-use asset is measured as the Test of Goodwill Impairment, which removes Step 2initial amount of the goodwill impairment test. For annual and interim impairment tests,lease liability, plus any initial direct costs incurred, less any prepayments prior to commencement or lease incentives received. The lease liability is initially measured at the Company is required to record an impairment charge, if any, by the amount a reporting unit’s fair value is exceeded by the carryingpresent value of the reporting unit, limited tolease payments, discounted using the carrying value of goodwillinterest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the Company’s secured incremental borrowing rate for the same term as the underlying lease. Lease payments included in the reporting unit. The adoptionmeasurement of the amendment didlease liability are comprised of the following: (1) the fixed noncancelable lease payments, (2) payments for optional renewal periods where it is reasonably certain the renewal period will be exercised, and (3) payments for early termination options unless it is reasonably certain the lease will not havebe terminated early. Variable lease payments based on an impactindex or rate are initially measured using the index or rate in effect at lease commencement and included in the measurement of the initial lease liability. Additional payments based on the consolidated financial statements forchange in an index or rate are recorded as a period expense when incurred. Lease modifications result in remeasurement of the six months ended June 30, 2018.lease liability.

Adopted Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

ASC Topic 842, Leases, (“ASC Topic 842”) which is effective forwas adopted by the Company beginningeffective January 1, 2019, requires lessees to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for operating leases with terms greater than 12 months.months on the balance sheet. The standard also requires additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures designed to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. In July 2018, the FASB issued an amendment to ASC Topic 842 which provides an optional transition method that will give companies the option to use the effective date as the date of initial application upon transition. The Company plans to elect thiselected the modified retrospective method of applying the transition methodprovisions at the beginning of the period of adoption and, as a result, willhas not adjustadjusted comparative period financial information or makeand has not included the new required lease disclosures for periods before the effective date. Prior period amounts continue to be reported under the Company’s historical accounting in accordance with the previous lease guidance included in ASC Topic 840.

The Company has established an implementation team which is in the process of implementing the new accounting standard, including accumulating necessary information, assessing the current lease portfolio, and implementing software to meet the new reporting requirements. The Company is also evaluating current processes and controls and identifying necessary changes to support the adoption of the new standard. The Company anticipates it will excludeexcluded short-term leases from accounting under ASC Topic 842 and plans to electhas elected the package of practical expedients uponas permitted under the transition guidance, which allowed the Company to not reassess: (1) whether contracts are, or contain, leases; (2) lease classification; and (3) capitalization of initial direct costs. For contracts entered into on or after the effective date, an assessment is made as to whether the contract is, or contains, a lease at the inception of a contract. Consistent with the package of practical expedients elected, leases entered into prior to January 1, 2019, are accounted for under ASC Topic 840 and were not reassessed. For all classes of assets, the policy election was made to account for each lease component and its related non-lease component(s) as a single lease component. The election to not recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases that will retainhave a term of 12 months or less did not have a material effect on the right-of-use assets and lease classification and other accounting conclusions madeliabilities.

The majority of the Company’s lease portfolio consists of real property operating leases related to facilities used in the assessmentAsset-Based segment service center operations. The lease portfolio also includes operating leases related to certain revenue equipment used in the ArcBest segment operations as well as a small number of existingoffice equipment finance leases. Management has recorded the right-of-use assets and associated lease contracts. Management expectsliabilities for operating leases on the consolidated

9

Table of Contents

balance sheet as of June 30, 2019 in accordance with ASC Topic 842. Finance leases are not material to the consolidated financial statements.

The most significant impact of adopting ASC Topic 842 was the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for operating leases of $58.7 million as of January 1, 2019. The accounting for finance leases (formerly referred to as capital leases prior to the adoption of ASC Topic 842) remained substantially unchanged. The expense recognition for operating leases and finance leases under ASC Topic 842 is substantially consistent with ASC Topic 840 and the impact of the new standard to haveis non-cash in nature. As a materialresult, there is no significant impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets related to the addition of the right-of-use asset and associated lease liabilities; however, the impact on the consolidated statementsresults of operations is

11


expected to be minimal, if any. As the impact of this standard is non-cashor cash flows presented in nature, no impact is expected on the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows.financial statements.

ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, which was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2019, was amended to change the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results to simplify hedge accounting treatment and better align an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships. ASC Topic 815, as amended, also allows for the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a U.S. benchmark interest rate. The amendment did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) issued Final Rule 33-10618, FAST Act Modernization and Simplification of Regulation S-K, (“Final Rule 33-10618”) in March 2019 to modernize and simplify certain disclosure requirements in Regulation S-K and the related rules and forms. Effective April 2, 2019, the final rule allows registrants to redact confidential information from most exhibits filed with the SEC without filing a confidential treatment request. Effective May 2, 2019, the final rule requires registrants to include the trading symbol for each class of registered securities on the cover page of certain SEC forms. The eXtensible Business Reporting Language (“XBRL”) reporting requirements of the final rule for tagging data on the cover page of certain SEC filings and the use of hyperlinks for information that is incorporated by reference and available on EDGAR became effective for the Company with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Final Rule 33-10618 includes certain provisions to simplify certain annual disclosure requirements within the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”), Risk Factors, and Properties sections of Form 10-K. These provisions, which the Company will adopt for its 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, are not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statement disclosures.

ASC Subtopic 350-40, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software: Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement, (“ASC Subtopic 350-40”) was amended by the FASB in August 2018 and is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2020. The amendments to ASC Subtopic 350-40 clarify the accounting treatment for implementation costs incurred by the customer in a cloud computing software arrangement. The amendments allow implementation costs of cloud computing arrangements to be capitalized using the same method prescribed by ASC Subtopic 350-40, Internal-Use Software. The amendments to ASC Subtopic 350-40 will be adopted on a prospective basis and are not expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, was amended to modify the disclosure requirements of fair value measurements, primarily impacting the disclosures for Level 3 fair value measurements. The amendment is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 20192020 and is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statement disclosures.

ASC Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, (“ASC Topic 326”), was amended to improve the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments, including trade accounts receivable. The amendment is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2020 and is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Management believes there is no other new accounting guidance issued but not yet effective that is relevant to the Company’s current financial statements.

10

Table of Contents

NOTE B – FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Financial Instruments

The following table presents the components of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments:

    

June 30

    

December 31

 

2019

2018

(in thousands)

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash deposits(1)

$

145,629

$

124,938

Variable rate demand notes(1)(2)

 

14,536

 

19,786

Money market funds(3)

 

21,566

 

42,470

U.S. Treasury securities(4)

2,992

Total cash and cash equivalents

$

181,731

$

190,186

Short-term investments

Certificates of deposit(1)

$

81,685

$

82,949

U.S. Treasury securities(4)

35,972

23,857

Total short-term investments

$

117,657

$

106,806

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

June 30

    

December 31

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash deposits(1)

 

$

106,924

 

$

86,510

 

Variable rate demand notes(1)(2)

 

 

15,041

 

 

19,744

 

Money market funds(3)

 

 

37,342

 

 

14,518

 

Total cash and cash equivalents

 

$

159,307

 

$

120,772

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Certificates of deposit(1)

 

$

68,013

 

$

56,401

 


(1)

(1)

Recorded at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value.

(2)

(2)

Amounts may be redeemed on a daily basis with the original issuer.

(3)

(3)

Recorded at fair value as determined by quoted market prices (see amounts presented in the table of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value within this Note).

(4)Recorded at amortized cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value. U.S. Treasury securities with a maturity date within 90 days of the purchase date are classified as cash equivalents. U.S. Treasury securities included in short-term investments are held-to-maturity investments with maturity dates of less than one year.

The Company’s long-term financial instruments are presented in the table of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value within this Note.

Concentrations of Credit Risk of Financial Instruments

The Company is potentially subject to concentrations of credit risk related to its cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments. The Company reduces credit risk by maintaining its cash deposits primarily in FDIC-insured accounts and placing its short-term investments primarily in FDIC-insured certificates of deposit. However, certain cash deposits and certificates of deposit may exceed federally insured limits. At June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, cash, and cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaling $92.6$68.9 million and $61.1$94.7 million, respectively, were notneither FDIC insured.insured nor direct obligations of the U.S. government.

12


Fair Value Disclosure of Financial Instruments

Fair value disclosures are made in accordance with the following hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs of market data and market assumptions used to measure fair value are observable or unobservable:

·

Level 1 — Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.

·

Level 2 — Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

·

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs (Company’s market assumptions) that are significant to the valuation model.

11

Fair value and carrying value disclosures of financial instruments are presented in the following table:

June 30

December 31

    

2019

    

2018

  

(in thousands)

Carrying

    

Fair

    

Carrying

    

Fair

Value

 

Value

 

Value

 

Value

Credit Facility(1)

$

70,000

$

70,000

$

70,000

$

70,000

Accounts receivable securitization borrowings(2)

40,000

40,000

40,000

40,000

Notes payable(3)

 

172,054

 

175,456

 

181,409

 

181,560

$

282,054

$

285,456

$

291,409

$

291,560

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30

 

December 31

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

  

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

Carrying

    

 

Fair

    

 

Carrying

    

 

Fair

 

 

 

 

Value

 

 

Value

 

 

Value

 

 

Value

 

Credit Facility(1)

 

$

70,000

 

$

70,000

 

$

70,000

 

$

70,000

 

Accounts receivable securitization borrowings(2)

 

 

45,000

 

 

45,000

 

 

45,000

 

 

45,000

 

Notes payable(3)

 

 

134,258

 

 

132,522

 

 

153,441

 

 

152,131

 

 

 

$

249,258

 

$

247,522

 

$

268,441

 

$

267,131

 


(1)

(1)

The revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) carries a variable interest rate based on LIBOR, plus a margin, that is considered to be priced at market for debt instruments having similar terms and collateral requirements (Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy).

(2)

(2)

Borrowings under the Company’s accounts receivable securitization program carry a variable interest rate based on LIBOR, plus a margin. The borrowings are considered to be priced at market for debt instruments having similar terms and collateral requirements (Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy).

(3)

(3)

Fair value of the notes payable was determined using a present value income approach based on quoted interest rates from lending institutions with which the Company would enter into similar transactions (Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy).

1312


Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following table presents the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

June 30, 2019

Fair Value Measurements Using

Quoted Prices

    

Significant

    

Significant

    

In Active

Observable

Unobservable

Markets

Inputs

Inputs

Total

    

(Level 1)

    

(Level 2)

    

(Level 3)

 

(in thousands)

Assets:

Money market funds(1)

$

21,566

$

21,566

$

$

Equity, bond, and money market mutual funds held in trust related to the Voluntary Savings Plan(2)

 

3,004

 

3,004

 

 

Interest rate swaps(3)

52

52

$

24,622

$

24,570

$

52

$

Liabilities:

 

Interest rate swaps(3)

$

548

$

$

548

$

December 31, 2018

Fair Value Measurements Using

Quoted Prices

    

Significant

    

Significant

    

In Active

Observable

Unobservable

Markets

Inputs

Inputs

Total

    

(Level 1)

    

(Level 2)

    

(Level 3)

(in thousands)

Assets:

Money market funds(1)

$

42,470

$

42,470

$

$

Equity, bond, and money market mutual funds held in trust related to the Voluntary Savings Plan(2)

 

2,342

 

2,342

 

 

Interest rate swaps(3)

801

801

$

45,613

$

44,812

$

801

$

Liabilities:

 

Contingent consideration(4)

$

4,472

$

$

$

4,472

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quoted Prices

    

Significant

    

Significant

 

 

    

 

 

 

In Active

 

Observable

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

 

 

 

Markets

 

Inputs

 

Inputs

 

 

 

Total

    

(Level 1)

    

(Level 2)

    

(Level 3)

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money market funds(1)

 

$

37,342

 

$

37,342

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

Equity, bond, and money market mutual funds held in trust related to the Voluntary Savings Plan(2)

 

 

2,453

 

 

2,453

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Interest rate swaps(3)

 

 

1,535

 

 

 —

 

 

1,535

 

 

 —

 

 

 

$

41,330

 

$

39,795

 

$

1,535

 

$

 —

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contingent consideration(4)

 

$

4,092

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

4,092

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quoted Prices

    

Significant

    

Significant

 

 

    

 

 

 

In Active

 

Observable

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

 

 

 

Markets

 

Inputs

 

Inputs

 

 

 

Total

    

(Level 1)

    

(Level 2)

    

(Level 3)

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money market funds(1)

 

$

14,518

 

$

14,518

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

Equity, bond, and money market mutual funds held in trust related to the Voluntary Savings Plan(2)

 

 

2,359

 

 

2,359

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Interest rate swaps(3)

 

 

481

 

 

 —

 

 

481

 

 

 —

 

 

 

$

17,358

 

$

16,877

 

$

481

 

$

 —

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contingent consideration(4)

 

$

6,970

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

6,970

 


(1)

(1)

Included in cash and cash equivalents.

(2)

(2)

Nonqualified deferred compensation plan investments consist of U.S. and international equity mutual funds, government and corporate bond mutual funds, and money market funds which are held in a trust with a third-party brokerage firm. Included in other long-term assets, with a corresponding liability reported within other long-term liabilities.

(3)

(3)

Included in other long-term assets.assets or other long-term liabilities. The fair values of the interest rate swaps were determined by discounting future cash flows and receipts based on expected interest rates observed in market interest rate curves (Level 2 inputs) adjusted for estimated credit valuation considerations reflecting nonperformance risk of the Company and the counterparty, which are considered to be in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company assessed Level 3 inputs as insignificant to the valuation at June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 20172018 and considers the interest rate swap valuations in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

(4)

(4)

Included in accrued expenses as of June 30, 2018 and included in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities based on when expected payouts become due as ofexpenses. At December 31, 2017. The estimated2018, the fair value of the contingent consideration for an earn-out agreement related to the September 2016 acquisition of LDS represents the final accrued payment and was determined by assessing Level 3 inputs with a discounted cash flow approach using various probability-weighted scenarios. The Level 3 assessments utilize a Monte Carlo simulation with inputs including scenarios of estimated revenues and gross margins to be achievedbased on calculations performed for the applicable performance periods, probability weightings assigned toearn-out period which ended August 31, 2018. In January 2019, final payment of the performance scenarios, and the discount rate applied, whichcontingent consideration was 12.0% and 12.5% as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Subsequent changes to the fair value as a result of recurring assessments will be recognized in operating income.

14


The following table provides the changes in fair value of the liabilities measured at fair value using inputs categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contingent Consideration

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at December 31, 2017

 

$

6,970

 

Payments(1)

 

 

(3,528)

 

Change in fair value included in operating expenses

 

 

650

 

Balances at June 30, 2018

 

$

4,092

 


(1)

Payments released from an escrow account reported in other current assets in the consolidated balance sheet.

sheets.

13

NOTE C – GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill by reportable operating segment consisted of $107.7 million and $0.6 million reported in the ArcBest and FleetNet segments, respectively, for both June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017.2018.

Intangible assets consisted of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2018

 

December 31, 2017

 

 

Weighted-Average

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

Net

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

Net

 

    

Amortization Period

    

Cost

    

Amortization

    

Value

    

 

Cost

    

Amortization

    

Value

 

 

(in years)

 

(in thousands)

 

(in thousands)

 

���

June 30, 2019

December 31, 2018

 

Weighted-Average

Accumulated

Net

Accumulated

Net

 

    

Amortization Period

    

Cost

    

Amortization

    

Value

    

Cost

    

Amortization

    

Value

 

(in years)

(in thousands)

(in thousands)

 

Finite-lived intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer relationships

 

14

 

$

60,431

 

$

21,938

 

$

38,493

 

$

60,431

 

$

19,745

 

$

40,686

 

 

14

$

60,431

$

26,318

$

34,113

$

60,431

$

24,130

$

36,301

Driver network

 

 3

 

 

3,200

 

 

3,200

 

 

 —

 

 

3,200

 

 

3,200

 

 

 —

 

Other

 

 9

 

 

1,032

 

 

619

 

 

413

 

 

1,032

 

 

549

 

 

483

 

9

1,032

745

287

1,032

684

348

 

13

 

 

64,663

 

 

25,757

 

 

38,906

 

 

64,663

 

 

23,494

 

 

41,169

 

 

14

 

61,463

 

27,063

 

34,400

61,463

 

24,814

 

36,649

Indefinite-lived intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade name

 

N/A

 

 

32,300

 

 

N/A

 

 

32,300

 

 

32,300

 

 

N/A

 

 

32,300

 

 

N/A

 

32,300

 

N/A

 

32,300

32,300

 

N/A

 

32,300

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total intangible assets

 

N/A

 

$

96,963

 

$

25,757

 

$

71,206

 

$

96,963

 

$

23,494

 

$

73,469

 

 

N/A

$

93,763

$

27,063

$

66,700

$

93,763

$

24,814

$

68,949

The future amortization for intangible assets and acquired softwarethrough business acquisitions as of June 30, 2018 were2019 was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

    

 

    

Intangible

    

Acquired

 

 

 

Total

 

Assets

 

Software(1)

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

2018

 

$

3,318

 

$

2,257

 

$

1,061

 

2019

 

 

5,463

 

 

4,482

 

 

981

 

2020

 

 

4,471

 

 

4,454

 

 

17

 

2021

 

 

4,418

 

 

4,412

 

 

 6

 

2022

 

 

4,385

 

 

4,385

 

 

 —

 

Thereafter

 

 

18,916

 

 

18,916

 

 

 —

 

Total amortization

 

$

40,971

 

$

38,906

 

$

2,065

 


(1)

Acquired software is reported in property, plant and equipment.

    

    

Amortization of

    

Intangible Assets

(in thousands)

Remainder of 2019

$

2,233

2020

 

4,454

2021

 

4,412

2022

 

4,385

2023

4,287

Thereafter

14,629

Total amortization

$

34,400

15


NOTE D – INCOME TAXES

On December 22, 2017, H.R. 1/Public Law 115-97 which includes tax legislation titled Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform Act”) was signed into law. Effective January 1, 2018, the Tax Reform Act reduced the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. As a result of the Tax Reform Act, the Company recorded a provisional reduction of net deferred income tax liabilities of approximately $24.5 million at December 31, 2017, pursuant to the provisions of ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, which requires the impact of tax law changes to be recognized in the period in which the legislation is enacted. An additional provisional reduction of net deferred income tax liabilities of less than $0.1 million and $2.6 million was recognized in the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively. The additional reductions relaterespectively, related to the reversal of temporary differences through the Company’s fiscal tax year end of February 28, 2018. State tax rates vary among states and average approximately 6.0% to 6.5%, although some state rates are higher and a small number of states do not impose an income tax. The effective tax rate was 27.4% and 27.1% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, and the effective tax benefit rate was 68.0% and 15.0% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to an effective tax rate of 34.6% and 27.1% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively.

In addition to the provisional effect on net deferred tax liabilities, the Company recorded a provisional reduction in current income tax expense of approximately $1.3 million and $0.1 million at December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018, respectively, as a result of the Tax Reform Act, to reflect the Company’s use of a fiscal year rather than a calendar year for U.S. income tax filing. Due to the fact that the Company’s current fiscal tax year includesincluded the effective date of the rate change under the Tax Reform Act, taxes arewere required to be calculated by applying a blended rate to the taxable income for the current taxable year endingended February 28, 2018. The blended rate is calculated based on the ratio of days in the fiscal year prior to and after the effective date of the rate change. In computing total tax expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, a 32.74% blended federal statutory rate was applied to the two months ended February 28, 2018, and a projected combined tax rate of 26.5% (based on the21.0% federal statutory rate was

14

applied to the months of March 2018 through June 2018. A federal statutory rate of 21.0% was applied to the three and six months ended June 30, 2019.

The accounting for the income tax effects of the Tax Reform Act was completed as of December 31, 2018, and all amounts recorded were considered final.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, the difference between the Company’s effective tax rate and the federal statutory rate primarily resulted from state income taxes, nondeductible expenses, changes in the cash surrender value of life insurance, and tax expense from the vesting of stock awards. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the difference between the Company’s effective tax rate and the federal statutory rate primarily resultsresulted from the $2.6 million provisional reduction of net deferred income tax liabilities, as previously discussed, and the $1.2 million alternative fuel tax credit related to the year ended December 31, 2017 which was recognized in first quarter 2018 due to the February 2018 passage of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 which retroactively reinstated the alternative fuel tax credit that had previously expired on December 31, 2016. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, theThe difference between the Company’s effective tax rate and the federal statutory rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 also resulted from state income taxes, nondeductible expenses, changes in tax valuation allowances, deferred tax benefit related to future state rate changes, the tax benefit from the vesting of stock awards, and changes in the cash surrender value of life insurance.

As of June 30, 2018,2019, the Company’s deferred tax liabilities, which will reverse in future years, exceeded the deferred tax assets. The Company evaluated the total deferred tax assets at June 30, 20182019 and concluded that, other than for certain deferred tax assets related to state net operating loss and contribution carryforwards, the assets did not exceed the amount for which realization is more likely than not. In making this determination, the Company considered the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, future taxable income, and tax planning strategies. Valuation allowances for deferred tax assets totaled $0.7 million and $0.8$0.1 million at June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017, respectively.2018.

The Company established a reservehad reserves for uncertain tax positions of less than $0.1$1.0 million at December 31, 2016, and maintained the reserve at June 30, 2018,2019 and December 31, 2018.

In first quarter of 2019, the Company recorded a deferred tax asset of approximately $19.0 million related to operating lease liabilities and recorded a deferred tax liability of approximately $19.0 million related to operating lease right-of-use assets due to uncertaintythe adoption of how the IRS will interpret regulations related to research and development credits claimed on the Company’s 2015 federal return. The Company established a reserve for an uncertain tax position of $0.9 million at March 31, 2018, and maintained the reserve at June 30, 2018, due to credits taken on amended federal returns.ASC Topic 842.

The Company paid federal, state, and foreign income taxes of $2.5 million and $0.4$8.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 20182019, and 2017, respectively. Duringpaid $2.5 million of foreign and state income taxes during the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, the2018. The Company received refunds of $1.1 million andless than $0.1 million respectively,of state income taxes and refunds of $1.1 million of federal and state income taxes that were paid in prior years.years during the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

NOTE E – LEASES

The Company leases, under finance and operating lease arrangements, certain facilities used primarily in the Asset-Based segment service center operations, certain revenue equipment used in the ArcBest segment operations, and certain other office equipment. Operating leases have remaining terms of less than 10 years, some of which include one or more options to renew, with renewal option terms up to five years, and some of which include options to terminate the leases within the next three years. The right-of-use assets and lease liabilities as of June 30, 2019 do not assume the option to early terminate any of the Company’s leases, and all renewal options that have been exercised or are reasonably certain to be exercised as of June 30, 2019 are included in the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities. Variable lease cost for operating leases consists of subsequent changes in CPI index, rent payments that are based on usage, and other lease related payments subject to change and not considered fixed payments. All fixed lease and non-lease component payments are combined in determining the right-of-use asset and lease liability.

The Company has a small number of finance leases recorded in property, plant and equipment and long-term debt related to structures and office equipment that are immaterial to the consolidated financial statements.

15

The components of operating lease expense were as follows:

Three Months Ended 

Six Months Ended 

June 30, 2019

June 30, 2019

(in thousands)

Operating lease expense

$

5,642

$

10,981

Variable lease expense

774

1,613

Sublease income

(69)

(136)

Total operating lease expense

$

6,347

$

12,458

Rental expense for operating leases, excluding expenses related to leases with initial terms of less than one year, totaled approximately $5.0million and $9.5 million, net of sublease income, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively.

The operating cash flows from operating lease activity were as follows:

Six Months Ended 

June 30, 2019

(in thousands)

Noncash change in operating right-of-use assets

$

9,784

Change in operating lease liabilities

(9,625)

Operating right-use-of-assets and lease liabilities, net

$

159

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities

$

(10,815)

Supplemental balance sheet information related to operating lease liabilities was as follows:

    

June 30, 2019

(in thousands, except lease term and discount rate)

Land and

Equipment

Operating leases

Total

Structures

and Others

Operating right-of-use assets (long-term)

$

68,810

$

67,029

$

1,781

Operating lease liabilities (current)

$

18,273

$

17,250

$

1,023

Operating lease liabilities (long-term)

 

54,040

53,293

747

Total operating lease liabilities

$

72,313

$

70,543

$

1,770

Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years)

5.4

Weighted-average discount rate

3.93%

Maturities of operating lease liabilities at June 30, 2019 were as follows:

Equipment

Land and

and

    

Total

    

Structures

    

Other

  

 

Remainder of 2019

$

10,668

$

10,126

$

542

2020

 

19,152

 

18,142

 

1,010

2021

 

14,716

 

14,442

 

274

2022

 

10,372

 

10,372

 

2023

 

7,550

 

7,550

 

Thereafter

 

18,109

 

18,109

 

Total lease payments

80,567

78,741

1,826

Less imputed interest

(8,254)

(8,198)

(56)

Total

$

72,313

$

70,543

$

1,770

16


The future minimum rental commitments, net of minimum rentals to be received under noncancelable subleases, as of December 31, 2018 for all noncancelable operating leases were as follows:

Equipment

Land and

and

    

Total

    

Structures

    

Other

 

2019

$

19,130

$

18,067

$

1,063

2020

 

14,620

 

13,676

 

944

2021

 

10,972

 

10,716

 

256

2022

 

7,125

 

7,125

 

2023

 

4,477

 

4,477

 

Thereafter

 

5,850

 

5,850

 

Total

$

62,174

$

59,911

$

2,263

NOTE EF – LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

Long-Term Debt Obligations

Long-term debt consisted of borrowings outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit facility and accounts receivable securitization program, both of which are further described in Financing Arrangements within this Note, and notes payable and capitalfinance lease obligations related to the financing of revenue equipment (tractors and trailers used primarily in Asset-Based segment operations), real estate, and certain other equipment as follows:

June 30

December 31

 

2019

    

2018

 

(in thousands)

Credit Facility (interest rate of 3.7%(1) at June 30, 2019)

$

70,000

$

70,000

Accounts receivable securitization borrowings (interest rate of 3.3% at June 30, 2019)

 

40,000

 

40,000

Notes payable (weighted-average interest rate of 3.5% at June 30, 2019)

 

172,054

 

181,409

Finance lease obligations (weighted-average interest rate of 5.5% at June 30, 2019)

 

152

 

266

 

282,206

 

291,675

Less current portion

 

47,205

 

54,075

Long-term debt, less current portion

$

235,001

$

237,600

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30

 

December 31

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Credit Facility (interest rate of 3.6%(1) at June 30, 2018)

 

$

70,000

 

$

70,000

 

Accounts receivable securitization borrowings (interest rate of 2.9% at June 30, 2018)

 

 

45,000

 

 

45,000

 

Notes payable (weighted-average interest rate of 2.9% at June 30, 2018)

 

 

134,258

 

 

153,441

 

Capital lease obligations (weighted-average interest rate of 5.6% at June 30, 2018)

 

 

374

 

 

478

 

 

 

 

249,632

 

 

268,919

 

Less current portion

 

 

51,562

 

 

61,930

 

Long-term debt, less current portion

 

$

198,070

 

$

206,989

 


(1)

(1)

The interest rate swap mitigates interest rate risk by effectively converting $50.0 million of borrowings under the Credit Facility from variable-rate interest to fixed-rate interest with a per annum rate of 3.35%3.10% based on the margin of the Credit Facility as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

17

Scheduled maturities of long-term debt obligations as of June 30, 20182019 were as follows:

Accounts

Receivable

Credit

Securitization

Notes

Finance Lease

    

Total

    

Facility(1)

    

Program(1)

    

Payable

    

Obligations(2)

 

(in thousands) 

Due in one year or less

 

$

55,808

 

$

2,230

 

$

1,132

 

$

52,306

$

140

Due after one year through two years

 

50,379

 

1,942

 

968

 

47,462

 

7

Due after two years through three years

 

85,385

 

1,965

 

40,243

 

43,172

 

5

Due after three years through four years

 

98,514

 

70,033

 

 

28,481

 

Due after four years through five years

 

13,035

 

 

 

13,035

 

Due after five years

152

152

Total payments

 

303,273

 

76,170

 

42,343

 

184,608

 

152

Less amounts representing interest

 

21,067

 

6,170

 

2,343

 

12,554

 

Long-term debt

 

$

282,206

 

$

70,000

 

$

40,000

 

$

172,054

$

152

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receivable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit

 

Securitization

 

Notes

 

Capital Lease

 

 

    

Total

    

Facility(1)

    

Program(1)

    

Payable

    

Obligations(2)

 

 

 

(in thousands) 

 

Due in one year or less

 

$

59,036

 

$

2,771

 

$

1,507

 

$

54,521

 

$

237

 

Due after one year through two years

 

 

80,391

 

 

3,069

 

 

46,271

 

 

30,908

 

 

143

 

Due after two years through three years

 

 

29,575

 

 

3,097

 

 

 —

 

 

26,471

 

 

 7

 

Due after three years through four years

 

 

25,258

 

 

3,076

 

 

 

 

22,177

 

 

 5

 

Due after four years through five years

 

 

77,443

 

 

70,050

 

 

 

 

7,393

 

 

 —

 

Due after five years

 

 

225

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

225

 

 

 —

 

Total payments

 

 

271,928

 

 

82,063

 

 

47,778

 

 

141,695

 

 

392

 

Less amounts representing interest

 

 

22,296

 

 

12,063

 

 

2,778

 

 

7,437

 

 

18

 

Long-term debt

 

$

249,632

 

$

70,000

 

$

45,000

 

$

134,258

 

$

374

 


(1)

(1)

The future interest payments included in the scheduled maturities due are calculated using variable interest rates based on the LIBOR swap curve, plus the anticipated applicable margin.

(2)

(2)

Minimum payments of capitalfinance lease obligations include maximum amounts due under rental adjustment clauses contained in the capitalfinance lease agreements.

17


Assets securing notes payable or held under capitalfinance leases were included in property, plant and equipment as follows:

June 30

December 31

    

2019

    

2018

 

(in thousands)

 

Revenue equipment

 

$

245,703

 

$

264,396

Land and structures (service centers)

1,794

1,794

Software

1,508

1,484

Service, office, and other equipment

15,492

5,941

Total assets securing notes payable or held under finance leases

 

264,497

 

273,615

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(1)

 

78,113

 

79,961

Net assets securing notes payable or held under finance leases 

$

186,384

$

193,654

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30

 

December 31

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Revenue equipment

 

$

257,827

 

$

269,950

 

Land and structures (service centers)

 

 

1,794

 

 

1,794

 

Software

 

 

486

 

 

486

 

Service, office, and other equipment

 

 

101

 

 

100

 

Total assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases

 

 

260,208

 

 

272,330

 

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(1)

 

 

92,558

 

 

87,691

 

Net assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases 

 

$

167,650

 

$

184,639

 


(1)

(1)

Amortization of assets under held capitalfinance leases and depreciation of assets securing notes payable are included in depreciation expense.

Financing Arrangements

Credit Facility

The Company has a revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) under its second amendedSecond Amended and restated credit agreementRestated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with an initial maximum credit amount of $200.0 million, including a swing line facility in an aggregate amount of up to $20.0 million and a letter of credit sub-facility providing for the issuance of letters of credit up to an aggregate amount of $20.0 million. The Company may request additional revolving commitments or incremental term loans thereunder up to an aggregate additional amount of $100.0 million, subject to certain additional conditions as provided in the Credit Agreement. As of June 30, 2018,2019, the Company had available borrowing capacity of $130.0 million under the Credit Facility.

Principal payments under the Credit Facility are due upon maturity of the facility on July 7, 2022; however, borrowings may be repaid, at the Company’s discretion, in whole or in part at any time, without penalty, subject to required notice periods and compliance with minimum prepayment amounts. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement can either be, at the Company’s election: (i) at an alternate base rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus a spread; or (ii) at a Eurodollar rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus a spread. The applicable spread is dependent upon the Company’s adjusted leverage ratioAdjusted Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement). The Credit Agreement contains conditions, representations and

18

warranties, events of default, and indemnification provisions that are customary for financings of this type, including, but not limited to, a minimum interest coverage ratio, a maximum adjusted leverage ratio, and limitations on incurrence of debt, investments, liens on assets, certain sale and leaseback transactions, transactions with affiliates, mergers, consolidations, purchases and sales of assets, and certain restricted payments. The Company was in compliance with the covenants under the Credit Agreement at June 30, 2018.2019.

Interest Rate Swaps

The Company has a five-year interest rate swap agreement with a $50.0 million notional amount maturing on January 2, 2020. The Company receives floating-rate interest amounts based on one-month LIBOR in exchange for fixed-rate interest payments of 1.85% over the life of the agreement. The interest rate swap mitigates interest rate risk by effectively converting $50.0 million of borrowings under the Credit Facility from variable-rate interest to fixed-rate interest with a per annum rate of 3.35%3.10% based on the margin of the Credit Facility as of June 30, 2018.2019. The fair value of the interest rate swap of $0.5$0.1 million and $0.1$0.3 million was recorded in other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, respectively.

18


In June 2017, the Company entered into a forward-starting interest rate swap agreement with a $50.0 million notional amount which will start on January 2, 2020 upon maturity of the current interest rate swap agreement, and mature on June 30, 2022. The Company will receive floating-rate interest amounts based on one-month LIBOR in exchange for fixed-rate interest payments of 1.99% over the life of the agreement. The interest rate swap mitigates interest rate risk by effectively converting $50.0 million of borrowings under the Credit Facility from variable-rate interest to fixed-rate interest with a per annum rate of 3.49%3.24% based on the margin of the Credit Facility as of June 30, 2018.2019. The fair value of the interest rate swap of $1.0$0.5 million was recorded in other long-term liabilities and $0.4$0.5 million was recorded in other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, respectively.

The unrealized gain or loss on the interest rate swap instruments was reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, in stockholders’ equity at June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, and the change in the unrealized income (loss) on the interest rate swaps for the three months and six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 was reported in other comprehensive loss, net of tax, in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The interest rate swaps are subject to certain customary provisions that could allow the counterparty to request immediate paymentsettlement of the fair value liability or asset upon violation of any or all of the provisions. The Company was in compliance with all provisions of the interest rate swap agreements at June 30, 2018.2019.

Accounts Receivable Securitization Program

The Company’s accounts receivable securitization program, which matures on AprilOctober 1, 2020,2021, allows for cash proceeds of $125.0 million to be provided under the facilityprogram and has an accordion feature allowing the Company to request additional borrowings up to $25.0 million, subject to certain conditions. Under this program, certain subsidiaries of the Company continuously sell a designated pool of trade accounts receivables to a wholly owned subsidiary which, in turn, may borrow funds on a revolving basis. This wholly owned consolidated subsidiary is a separate bankruptcy-remote entity, and its assets would be available only to satisfy the claims related to the lender’s interest in the trade accounts receivables. Borrowings under the accounts receivable securitization program bear interest based upon LIBOR, plus a margin, and an annual facility fee. The securitization agreement contains representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, and events of default that are customary for financings of this type, including a maximum adjusted leverage ratio covenant. As of June 30, 2018, $45.02019, $40.0 million was borrowed under the program. The Company was in compliance with the covenants under the accounts receivable securitization program at June 30, 2018.2019.

The accounts receivable securitization program includes a provision under which the Company may request and the letter of credit issuer may issue standby letters of credit, primarily in support of workers’ compensation and third-party casualty claims liabilities in various states in which the Company is self-insured. The outstanding standby letters of credit reduce the availability of borrowings under the program. As of June 30, 2018,2019, standby letters of credit of $17.7$14.9 million have been issued under the program, which reduced the available borrowing capacity to $62.3$70.1 million.

In August 2018, the Company amended and extended its accounts receivable securitization program to modify certain covenants and conditions and extend the maturity date19

Letter of Credit Agreements and Surety Bond Programs

As of June 30, 2018,2019, the Company had letters of credit outstanding of $18.3$15.5 million (including $17.7$14.9 million issued under the accounts receivable securitization program). The Company has programs in place with multiple surety companies for the issuance of surety bonds in support of its self-insurance program. As of June 30, 2018,2019, surety bonds outstanding related to the self-insurance program totaled $53.1$48.6 million.

Notes Payable and Capital Leases

The Company has financed the purchase of certain revenue equipment, other equipment, and software through promissory note arrangements, including $14.3 million and $14.4$20.5 million for revenue equipment and softwareother equipment during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively.2019.

TheSubsequent to June 30, 2019, the Company financed the purchase of an additional $19.9$17.2 million of revenue equipment through promissory note arrangements as of August 1, 2018.2019.

19


NOTE FG – PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension, Supplemental Benefit, and Postretirement Health Benefit Plans

The following is a summary of the components of net periodic benefit cost:

Three Months Ended June 30

Nonunion Defined

Supplemental

Postretirement

Benefit Pension Plan

Benefit Plan

Health Benefit Plan

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

(in thousands)

Service cost

$

$

$

$

$

80

$

91

Interest cost

 

168

 

1,108

 

10

 

27

 

303

 

210

Expected return on plan assets

 

1

 

(378)

 

 

 

 

Amortization of prior service credit

 

 

 

 

 

(8)

 

(24)

Pension settlement expense

 

278

 

431

 

 

 

 

Amortization of net actuarial loss(1)

 

61

 

592

 

23

 

20

 

224

 

76

Net periodic benefit cost

$

508

$

1,753

$

33

$

47

$

599

$

353

Six Months Ended June 30

Nonunion Defined

Supplemental

Postretirement

Benefit Pension Plan

Benefit Plan

Health Benefit Plan

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

(in thousands)

Service cost

$

$

$

$

$

160

$

183

Interest cost

 

486

 

2,123

 

20

 

54

 

606

 

419

Expected return on plan assets

 

(89)

 

(779)

 

 

 

 

Amortization of prior service credit

 

 

 

 

 

(17)

 

(47)

Pension settlement expense

 

1,634

 

1,085

 

 

 

 

Amortization of net actuarial loss(1)

 

210

 

1,370

 

47

 

40

 

449

 

152

Net periodic benefit cost

$

2,241

$

3,799

$

67

$

94

$

1,198

$

707

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30

 

 

 

Nonunion Defined

 

Supplemental

 

Postretirement

 

 

 

Benefit Pension Plan

 

Benefit Plan

 

Health Benefit Plan

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2018

    

2017

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Service cost

 

$

 

$

 —

 

$

 

$

 

$

91

 

$

122

 

Interest cost

 

 

1,108

 

 

1,149

 

 

27

 

 

25

 

 

210

 

 

265

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

 

(378)

 

 

(2,054)

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of prior service credit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

(24)

 

 

(48)

 

Pension settlement expense

 

 

431

 

 

744

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of net actuarial loss(1)

 

 

592

 

 

757

 

 

20

 

 

21

 

 

76

 

 

174

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

1,753

 

$

596

 

$

47

 

$

46

 

$

353

 

$

513

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30

 

 

 

Nonunion Defined

 

Supplemental

 

Postretirement

 

 

 

Benefit Pension Plan

 

Benefit Plan

 

Health Benefit Plan

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2018

    

2017

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Service cost

 

$

 

$

 —

 

$

 

$

 

$

183

 

$

244

 

Interest cost

 

 

2,123

 

 

2,389

 

 

54

 

 

51

 

 

419

 

 

530

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

 

(779)

 

 

(4,221)

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of prior service credit

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

(47)

 

 

(95)

 

Pension settlement expense

 

 

1,085

 

 

2,701

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of net actuarial loss(1)

 

 

1,370

 

 

1,643

 

 

40

 

 

41

 

 

152

 

 

347

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

3,799

 

$

2,512

 

$

94

 

$

92

 

$

707

 

$

1,026

 


(1)

(1)

The Company amortizes actuarial losses over the average remaining active service period of the plan participants and does not use a corridor approach.

20

Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension Plan

The Company’s nonunion defined benefit pension plan covers substantially all noncontractual employees hired before January 1, 2006. In June 2013, the Company amended the nonunion defined benefit pension plan to freeze the participants’ final average compensation and years of credited service as of July 1, 2013. The plan amendment did not impact the vested benefits of retirees or former employees whose benefits have not yet been paid from the plan. Effective July 1, 2013, participants of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan who were active employees of the Company became eligible for the discretionary defined contribution feature of the Company’s nonunion 401(k) and defined contribution plan in which all eligible noncontractual employees hired subsequent to December 31, 2005 also participate.

In November 2017, an amendment was executed to terminate the nonunion defined benefit pension plan with a termination date of December 31, 2017. TheIn September 2018, the plan has filed forreceived a favorable determination letter from the IRS regarding the qualification of the plan termination. Following receipt of a favorable determination letter, benefitBenefit election forms will bewere provided to plan participants during the fourth quarter of 2018 and they will have an election window in which they can chooseparticipants could elect any form of payment allowed by the plan for immediate commencement of payment or defer payment until a later date. Until a favorable determination letter is received and theThe plan began distributing immediate lump sum benefit election forms are distributed to participants, the methodologies for establishing plan assumptions will continue to be consistent with those used prior to the amendment to terminate the plan. Pension settlement chargespayments related to the plan termination including settlementsin fourth quarter 2018 and continued making these distributions during 2019. The plan received an extension from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (the “PBGC”) to allow additional time for lump sumthe plan to administer the settlement of the remaining obligation for deferred benefits through the purchase of a nonparticipating annuity contract from an insurance company. The Company will make a cash contribution to the plan for the amount, if any, required to fund benefit distributions and the cost to purchase an annuity contract to settle the pension obligation related to benefits for which participants elect to defer payment until a later date, may occurpurchases in 2018. However, the timingexcess of recognizing these settlements in the consolidated financial statements is highly dependent on when and if the plan receives the favorable determination letter from the IRS.assets.

20


The Company recognized pension settlement expense as a component of net periodic benefit cost of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 of $0.3 million (pre-tax), or $0.2 million (after-tax), and $1.6 million (pre-tax), or $1.2 million (after-tax), respectively, related to $3.0 million and $17.9 million of lump-sum benefit distributions from the plan for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, pension settlement expense of $0.4 million (pre-tax), or $0.3 million (after-tax), and $1.1 million (pre-tax), or $0.8 million (after-tax), respectively, was recognized related to $3.7 million and $8.5 million of lump-sum benefit distributions from the plan for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, pension settlement expense of $0.7 million (pre-tax), or $0.5 million (after-tax), and $2.7 million (pre-tax), or $1.7 million (after-tax) was recognized related to $4.9 million and $9.7 million of lump-sum distributions from the plan for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively, which included2018, respectively. Pension settlement charges related to the plan termination, including those related to an annuity contract purchase are expected to occur in 2019.

In August 2019, the nonunion defined benefit pension plan received a $7.6 millionpreliminary bid for a nonparticipating annuity contract purchased from an insurance company during the first quarter 2017 to settle the pension obligation related to the vested benefits of approximately 50 planthe remaining participants and beneficiarieswho were receiving monthly benefit payments atfrom the time ofplan or who did not elect to receive a lump sum benefit upon plan termination. Based on the contract purchase. Upon recognition ofmost recently available actuarial information, including the preliminary bid received in August, nonunion pension settlement expense for the second half of 2019 is estimated to be approximately $2.0 million, or $1.5 million after-tax, and the Company could expect to make a corresponding reduction in the unrecognized net actuarial loss ofcash contribution to the plan is recorded. Theof approximately $7.0 million, which would be deductible for income tax purposes, to fund an annuity contract purchase and the remaining pre-tax unrecognized net actuarial loss will continuebenefit distributions expected to be amortized overmade from the average remaining future yearsplan in excess of serviceplan assets. However, there can be no assurances in regards to the required cash funding or pension settlement charges, as the actual amounts are dependent on various factors and will be determined using updated actuarial data. Liquidation of the active plan participants. The Company will incur additional quarterlyassets and settlement expense related to lump-sum distributions fromof plan obligations for the nonunion defined benefit pension plan duringis expected to be completed in 2019.

The Company’s short-term rate of return assumption, net of estimated expenses expected to be paid from plan assets, utilized in determining nonunion defined benefit pension expense was lowered from 1.4% for first quarter 2019 to 0.0% for the remaindersecond and third quarters of 2018.2019, as estimated expenses expected to be paid from plan assets are expected to offset investment returns on plan assets which were held in money market mutual funds as of June 30, 2019.

21

The following table discloses the changes in benefit obligations and plan assets of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan for the six months ended June 30, 2018:2019:

Nonunion Defined

Benefit Pension Plan

(in thousands)

Change in benefit obligations

Benefit obligations at December 31, 2018

$

33,373

Interest cost

 

486

Actuarial gain(1)

 

(661)

Benefits paid

 

(18,125)

Benefit obligations at June 30, 2019

 

15,073

Change in plan assets

Fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2018

 

26,646

Actual return on plan assets

 

241

Benefits paid

 

(18,125)

Fair value of plan assets at June 30, 2019

 

8,762

Funded status at period end(2)

$

(6,311)

Accumulated benefit obligation

$

15,073

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nonunion Defined

 

 

 

Benefit Pension Plan

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Change in benefit obligations

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligations at December 31, 2017

 

$

137,417

 

Interest cost

 

 

2,123

 

Actuarial gain(1)

 

 

(4,924)

 

Benefits paid

 

 

(8,578)

 

Benefit obligations at June 30, 2018

 

 

126,038

 

Change in plan assets

 

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2017

 

 

124,831

 

Actual return on plan assets

 

 

1,093

 

Benefits paid

 

 

(8,578)

 

Fair value of plan assets at June 30, 2018

 

 

117,346

 

Funded status at period end(2)

 

$

(8,692)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated benefit obligation

 

$

126,038

 


(1)

(1)

PrimarilyThe plan recognized an actuarial gain on lump-sum distributions related to the impact of an increasebenefit elections for plan termination which had been included in the discount rate atactuarial estimate for the June 30, 2018 remeasurement upon settlement compared to the discount rate atannuity contract purchase as of the December 31, 20172018 measurement date.

(2)

(2)

Noncurrent liability recognizedRecognized within current portion of pension and postretirement liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2018.

2019.

Based upon currently available actuarial information, and except for the impact of funding for plan termination, the Company does not expect to have cash outlays for required minimum contributions to its nonunion defined benefit pension plan in 2018. The plan’s preliminary adjusted funding target attainment percentage (“AFTAP”) is 112.97% as of the January 1, 2018 valuation date. The AFTAP is determined by measurements prescribed by the Internal Revenue Code, which differ from the funding measurements for financial statement reporting purposes.

Multiemployer Plans

ABF Freight System, Inc. and certain other subsidiaries reported in the Company’s Asset-Based operating segment (“ABF Freight”) contribute to multiemployer pension and health and welfare plans, which have been established pursuant to the Taft-Hartley Act, to provide benefits for its contractual employees. ABF Freight’s contributions generally are based on the time worked by its contractual employees, in accordance with the 2018 ABF NMFA and other related supplemental agreements. ABF Freight recognizes as expense the contractually required contributions for each period and recognizes as a liability any contributions due and unpaid.

21


The 25 multiemployer pension plans to which ABF Freight contributes vary greatly in size and in funded status. Contribution obligations to these plans are generally specified in the 2018 ABF NMFA, which will remain in effect through June 30, 2023. The funding obligations to the pension plans are intended to satisfy the requirements imposed by the Pension Protection Act of 2006, which was permanently extended by the Multiemployer Pension Reform Act (the “Reform Act”) included in the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015. Provisions of the Reform Act include, among others, providing qualifying plans the ability to self-correct funding issues, subject to various requirements and restrictions, including applying to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for the reduction of certain accrued benefits. Through the term of its current collective bargaining agreement, ABF Freight’s contribution obligations generally will be satisfied by making the specified contributions when due. However, the Company cannot determine with any certainty the contributions that will be required under future collective bargaining agreements for ABF Freight’s contractual employees. If ABF Freight was to completely withdraw from certain multiemployer pension plans, under current law, ABF Freight would have material liabilities for its share of the unfunded vested liabilities of each such plan.

22

Approximately one half of ABF Freight’s total contributions to multiemployer pension plans are made to the Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Plan (the “Central States Pension Plan”). As set forth in the 2018 Annual Funding Notice for the Central States Pension Plan, the funded percentage of the plan was 27.2% as of January 1, 2018. ABF Freight received an Actuarial Certificationa Notice of PlanCritical and Declining Status for the Central States Pension Plan dated March 30, 2018,29, 2019, in which the plan’s actuary certified that, as of January 1, 2018,2019, the plan is in critical and declining status, as defined by the Reform Act. Critical and declining status is applicable to critical status plans that are projected to become insolvent anytime within the next 14 plan years, or if the plan is projected to become insolvent within the next 19 plan years and either the plan’s ratio of inactive participants to active participants exceeds two to one or the plan’s funded percentage is less than 80%.

On July 9,As more fully described in Note I to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of the Company’s 2018 ABF Freight reached a tentative agreement with the Teamster bargaining representatives for the Northern and Southern New England Supplemental AgreementsAnnual Report on terms for new supplemental agreements for 2018-2023 (the “New England Supplemental Agreements”). The New England Supplemental Agreements were ratified by the local unions in the region covered by the supplements on July 25, 2018. In accordance with the New England Supplemental Agreements,Form 10-K, ABF Freight’s multiemployer pension plan obligation with the New England Teamsters and Trucking Industry Pension Fund (the “New England Pension Fund”) was restructured under a transition agreement effective on August 1, 2018. The New England Pension Fund is2018, which resulted in a multiemployer pension plan in critical and declining status to which ABF Freight made approximately 3% of its total multiemployer pension contributions in 2017. The New England Pension Fund was previously restructured to utilize a “two pool approach,” which effectively subdivides the plan assets and liabilities between two groups of beneficiaries. In accordance with ABF Freight’s transition agreement with the New England Pension Fund, ABF Freight agreed to withdraw from the original pool to which it has historically been a participant (“Existing Employer Pool”) and transition to the direct attribution liability pool (“New Employer Pool”), which does not have an associated unfunded liability. The terms of the transition are pursuant to the Second Chance Policy on Retroactive Withdrawal Liability, as recently adopted by the New England Pension Fund.

ABF Freight’s transition agreement with the New England Pension Fund triggered arelated withdrawal liability settlementfor which satisfies ABF Freight’s existing potential withdrawal liability obligations to the Existing Employer Pool and minimizes the potential for future increases in withdrawal liability under the New Employer Pool. ABF Freight will transition to the New Employer Pool at a lower pension contribution rate than its current contribution rate under the Existing Employer Pool, and the new contribution rate will be frozen for a period of 10 years.

ABF Freight recognized a one-time charge of $37.9 million (pre-tax) to recordas of June 30, 2018. In accordance with the transition agreement, ABF Freight made an initial lump sum cash payment of $15.1 million in third quarter 2018 and the remainder of the withdrawal liability, inwhich had an initial aggregate present value of $22.8 million, will be settled with monthly payments to the New England Pension Fund over a period of 23 years. In accordance with current tax law, these payments are deductible for income taxes when paid.

As of June 2018 when30, 2019, the transition agreement was determined to be probable. Theoutstanding withdrawal liability totaled $22.3 million, of which $0.6 million and $21.7 million was recorded in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities, respectively. The fair value of the obligation was $24.4 million at June 30, 2019, which is equal to the present value of the future withdrawal liability payments, discounted at a 4.5%3.6% interest rate. The discount rate was determined using the 20-year U.S. Treasury rate plus a spread which is the rate that would be available to ABF Freight for long-term financing of a similar maturity (Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy). The withdrawal liability will be settled through the initial lump sum cash payment of $15.1 million, which is recorded in accounts payable and is expected to be made in third quarter 2018, plus monthly payments to the New England Pension Fund over a period of 23 years with an aggregate present value of $22.8 million, which is recorded in other long-term liabilities. In accordance with current tax law, these payments are deductible for income taxes when paid.

The multiemployer plan administrators have provided to the Company no other significant changes in information related to multiemployer plans from the information disclosed in the Company’s 20172018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

22


NOTE GH – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows:

    

June 30

    

December 31

    

2019

    

2018

 

(in thousands)

Pre-tax amounts:

Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs

$

(8,685)

$

(11,821)

Interest rate swap

(364)

801

Foreign currency translation

 

(2,355)

 

(2,816)

Total

$

(11,404)

$

(13,836)

After-tax amounts:

Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs(1)

$

(10,421)

$

(12,749)

Interest rate swap

(269)

591

Foreign currency translation

 

(1,739)

 

(2,080)

Total

$

(12,429)

$

(14,238)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

June 30

    

December 31

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Pre-tax amounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs

 

$

(17,929)

 

$

(25,768)

 

Interest rate swap

 

 

1,535

 

 

481

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

(2,289)

 

 

(1,894)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

(18,683)

 

$

(27,181)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After-tax amounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs

 

$

(17,285)

 

$

(19,715)

 

Interest rate swap

 

 

1,134

 

 

292

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

(1,691)

 

 

(1,151)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

(17,842)

 

$

(20,574)

 

(1)Includes $4.0 million related to a previous valuation allowance on deferred tax assets for nonunion defined benefit pension liabilities which will be reversed to retained earnings upon extinguishment of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan expected to occur in 2019. The reclassification of stranded income tax effects related to this item is not permitted by ASC Topic 220 which the Company adopted as of January 1, 2018.

23

The following is a summary of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component for the six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017:2018:

Unrecognized

Interest

    

Foreign

Net Periodic

Rate

Currency

    

Total

    

Benefit Costs

    

Swap

    

Translation

(in thousands)

Balances at December 31, 2018

$

(14,238)

$

(12,749)

$

591

$

(2,080)

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

84

603

(860)

341

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

1,725

1,725

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)

1,809

2,328

(860)

341

Balances at June 30, 2019

$

(12,429)

$

(10,421)

$

(269)

$

(1,739)

Balances at December 31, 2017

$

(20,574)

$

(19,715)

$

292

$

(1,151)

Adjustment to beginning balance of accumulated other comprehensive loss for adoption of accounting standard(1)

(3,576)

(3,391)

63

(248)

Balances at January 1, 2018

(24,150)

(23,106)

355

(1,399)

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

 

4,377

 

3,890

779

 

(292)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

1,931

 

1,931

 

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)

 

6,308

 

5,821

779

 

(292)

Balances at June 30, 2018

$

(17,842)

$

(17,285)

$

1,134

$

(1,691)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrecognized

 

 

Interest

    

Foreign

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Periodic

 

 

Rate

 

Currency

 

 

    

Total

    

Benefit Costs

    

 

Swap

    

Translation

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Balances at December 31, 2017

 

$

(20,574)

 

$

(19,715)

 

$

292

 

$

(1,151)

 

Adjustment to beginning balance of accumulated other comprehensive loss for adoption of accounting standard(1)

 

 

(3,576)

 

 

(3,391)

 

 

63

 

 

(248)

 

Balances at January 1, 2018

 

 

(24,150)

 

 

(23,106)

 

 

355

 

 

(1,399)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

 

 

4,377

 

 

3,890

 

 

779

 

 

(292)

 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

1,931

 

 

1,931

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

6,308

 

 

5,821

 

 

779

 

 

(292)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at June 30, 2018

 

$

(17,842)

 

$

(17,285)

 

$

1,134

 

$

(1,691)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at December 31, 2016

 

$

(23,417)

 

$

(21,886)

 

$

(329)

 

$

(1,202)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

 

 

(1,442)

 

 

(1,569)

 

 

216

 

 

(89)

 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

2,833

 

 

2,833

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Net current-period other comprehensive income

 

 

1,391

 

 

1,264

 

 

216

 

 

(89)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at June 30, 2017

 

$

(22,026)

 

$

(20,622)

 

$

(113)

 

$

(1,291)

 


(1)

(1)

The Company elected to reclassify the stranded income tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018 as a result of adopting an amendment to ASC Topic 220 (see Note A).

23


The following is a summary of the significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component:

Unrecognized Net Periodic

Benefit Costs(1)(2)

 

Six Months Ended June 30

    

2019

    

2018

 

(in thousands)

 

Amortization of net actuarial loss

$

(706)

$

(1,562)

Amortization of prior service credit

17

 

47

Pension settlement expense

(1,634)

 

(1,085)

Total, pre-tax

(2,323)

 

(2,600)

Tax benefit

598

 

669

Total, net of tax

$

(1,725)

$

(1,931)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrecognized Net Periodic

 

 

 

Benefit Costs(1)(2)

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Amortization of net actuarial loss

 

$

(1,562)

 

$

(2,031)

 

Amortization of prior service credit

 

 

47

 

 

95

 

Pension settlement expense

 

 

(1,085)

 

 

(2,701)

 

Total, pre-tax

 

 

(2,600)

 

 

(4,637)

 

Tax benefit

 

 

669

 

 

1,804

 

Total, net of tax

 

$

(1,931)

 

$

(2,833)

 


(1)

(1)

Amounts in parentheses indicate increases in expense or loss.

(2)

(2)

These components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note F)G).

24

Dividends on Common Stock

The following table is a summary of dividends declared during the applicable quarter:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

    

Per Share

    

Amount

    

Per Share

    

Amount

    

 

(in thousands, except per share data)

2019

2018

    

Per Share

    

Amount

    

Per Share

    

Amount

    

(in thousands, except per share data)

First quarter

 

$

0.08

 

$

2,058

 

$

0.08

 

$

2,066

 

$

0.08

$

2,052

$

0.08

$

2,058

Second quarter

 

$

0.08

 

$

2,058

 

$

0.08

 

$

2,078

 

$

0.08

$

2,050

$

0.08

$

2,058

On July 27, 2018,25, 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.08 per share to stockholders of record as of August 10, 2018.9, 2019.

Treasury Stock

The Company has a program to repurchase its common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The program has no expiration date but may be terminated at any time at the Board of Directors’ discretion. Repurchases may be made using the Company’s cash reserves or other available sources. As of December 31, 2017,2018, the Company had $31.7$22.3 million remaining under the program for repurchases of its common stock. During the six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, the Company purchased 5,882168,535 shares for an aggregate cost of $0.2$5.2 million, leaving $31.5$17.1 million available for repurchase of common stock under the program.

NOTE HI – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

Stock Awards

As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017,2018, the Company had outstanding restricted stock units (“RSUs”) granted under the 2005 Ownership Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”). On April 30, 2019, the Company’s stockholders approved the ArcBest Ownership Incentive Plan (the “Ownership Incentive Plan”) to amend and restate the 2005 Plan. The 2005Ownership Incentive Plan as amended, provides for the granting of 3.14.0 million shares, which may be awarded as incentive and nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, RSUs, or restricted stock units (“RSUs”).performance award units. The Company had outstanding RSUs granted under the Ownership Incentive Plan as of June 30, 2019.

24


Restricted Stock Units

A summary of the Company’s restricted stock unit award program is presented below:

Weighted-Average

    

Grant Date

Units

Fair Value

Outstanding – January 1, 2019

1,436,983

$

25.81

Granted

386,520

$

27.75

Vested

(142,594)

$

39.87

Forfeited(1)

(18,456)

$

26.56

Outstanding – June 30, 2019

1,662,453

$

25.05

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-Average

 

 

    

 

 

Grant Date

 

 

 

Units

 

Fair Value

 

Outstanding – January 1, 2018

 

1,459,260

 

$

22.98

 

Granted

 

2,400

 

$

33.85

 

Vested

 

(48,039)

 

$

22.76

 

Forfeited(1)

 

(5,611)

 

$

24.27

 

Outstanding – June 30, 2018

 

1,408,010

 

$

23.00

 


(1)

1)

Forfeitures are recognized as they occur.

25

NOTE IJ – EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended 

 

Six Months Ended 

 

 

June 30

 

June 30

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Three Months Ended 

Six Months Ended 

June 30

June 30

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Basic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

1,233

 

$

15,777

 

$

11,187

 

$

8,370

 

$

24,376

$

1,233

$

29,264

$

11,187

Effect of unvested restricted stock awards

 

 

(4)

 

 

(65)

 

 

(31)

 

 

(50)

 

 

(11)

 

(4)

 

(26)

 

(31)

Adjusted net income

 

$

1,229

 

$

15,712

 

$

11,156

 

$

8,320

 

$

24,365

$

1,229

$

29,238

$

11,156

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average shares

 

 

25,670,325

 

 

25,767,791

 

 

25,656,674

 

 

25,726,363

 

 

25,554,286

 

25,670,325

 

25,562,306

 

25,656,674

Earnings per common share

 

$

0.05

 

$

0.61

 

$

0.43

 

$

0.32

 

$

0.95

$

0.05

$

1.14

$

0.43

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

1,233

 

$

15,777

 

$

11,187

 

$

8,370

 

$

24,376

$

1,233

$

29,264

$

11,187

Effect of unvested restricted stock awards

 

 

(4)

 

 

(64)

 

 

(30)

 

 

(50)

 

 

(11)

 

(4)

 

(25)

 

(30)

Adjusted net income

 

$

1,229

 

$

15,713

 

$

11,157

 

$

8,320

 

$

24,365

$

1,229

$

29,239

$

11,157

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average shares

 

 

25,670,325

 

 

25,767,791

 

 

25,656,674

 

 

25,726,363

 

 

25,554,286

 

25,670,325

 

25,562,306

 

25,656,674

Effect of dilutive securities

 

 

1,029,224

 

 

523,850

 

 

996,608

 

 

652,073

 

 

877,306

 

1,029,224

 

920,705

 

996,608

Adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions

 

 

26,699,549

 

 

 26,291,641

 

 

26,653,282

 

 

26,378,436

 

 

26,431,592

 

26,699,549

 

26,483,011

 

26,653,282

Earnings per common share

 

$

0.05

 

$

0.60

 

$

0.42

 

$

0.32

 

$

0.92

$

0.05

$

1.10

$

0.42

Under the two-class method of calculating earnings per share, dividends paid and a portion of undistributed net income, but not losses, are allocated to unvested RSUs that receive dividends, which are considered participating securities. Beginning with 2015 grants, the RSU agreements were modified to remove dividend rights; therefore, the RSUs granted subsequent to 2015 are not participating securities. For each of the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 20172019 and 2018, outstanding stock awards of 0.2 million and 0.1 million, respectively, were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because their inclusion would have the effect of increasing the earnings per share.

25


NOTE JK – OPERATING SEGMENT DATA

The Company uses the “management approach” to determine its reportable operating segments, as well as to determine the basis of reporting the operating segment information. The management approach focuses on financial information that the Company’s management uses to make operating decisions. Management uses revenues, operating expense categories, operating ratios, operating income, and key operating statistics to evaluate performance and allocate resources to the Company’s operations.

As disclosed in the Company’s 2017 10-K, the Company modified the presentation of segment expenses allocated from shared services, during the third quarter of 2017. Previously, expenses related to company-wide functions were allocated to segment expense line items by type of expense. Allocated expenses are now presented on a single shared services line within the Company’s operating segment disclosures. Reclassifications have been made to the prior period operating segment expenses to conform to the current year presentation. There was no impact on each segment’s total expenses as a result of the reclassifications.

Shared services represent costs incurred to support all segments, including sales, pricing, customer service, marketing, capacity sourcing functions, human resources, financial services, information technology, legal, and other company-wide services. Certain overhead costs are not attributable to any segment and remain unallocated in “Other and eliminations.” Included in unallocated costs are expenses related to investor relations, legal, the ArcBest Board of Directors, and certain executive compensation.technology investments. Shared services costs attributable to the operating segments are predominantly allocated based upon estimated and planned resource utilization-related metrics such as estimated shipment levels, number of pricing proposals, or number of personnel supported. The bases for such charges are modified and adjusted by management when necessary or appropriate to reflect fairly and equitably the actual incidence of cost incurred by the operating segments. Management believes the methods used to allocate expenses are reasonable.

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company retrospectively adopted an amendment to ASC Topic 715 which requires changes to the financial statement presentation26

The Company’s reportable operating segments are impacted by seasonal fluctuations which affect tonnage, shipment or service event levels, and demand for services, as described below; therefore, operating results for the interim periods presented may not necessarily be indicative of the results for the fiscal year.

The Company’s reportable operating segments are as follows:

·

The Asset-Based whichsegment includes the results of operations of ABF Freight System, Inc. and certain other subsidiaries (“ABF Freight”).subsidiaries. The segment operations include national, inter-regional, and regional transportation of general commodities through standard, expedited, and guaranteed LTL services. In addition, the segment operations include freight transportation related to certain consumer household goods self-move services.

Freight shipments and operating costs of the Asset-Based segment can be adversely affected by inclement weather conditions. The second and third calendar quarters of each year usually have the highest tonnage levels while the first quarter generally has the lowest, although other factors, including the state of the U.S. and global economies, may influence quarterly freight tonnage levels.

26


·

The ArcBest segment includes the results of operations of the Company’s service offerings in ground expedite, truckload, truckload-dedicated, intermodal, household goods moving, managed transportation, warehousing and truckload-dedicated businesses as well as its premium logistics services;distribution, and international freight transportation withfor air, ocean, and ground service offerings; household goods moving services to consumer, commercial, and government customers; warehousing management and distribution services; and managed transportation solutions. Under the Company’s enhanced marketing approach to offer customers a single source of end-to-end logistics, the service offerings of the ArcBest segment continue to become more integrated. As such, management’s operating decisions have become more focused on the segment’s combined operations, rather than on individual service offerings within the segment’s operations.

ground.

ArcBest segment operations are influenced by seasonal fluctuations that impact customers’ supply chains. The second and third calendar quarters of each year usually have the highest shipment levels while the first quarter generally has the lowest, although other factors, including the state of the U.S. and global economies and available capacity in the market, may impact quarterly business levels. Shipments of the ArcBest segment may decline during winter months because of post-holiday slowdowns, but expedite shipments can be subject to short-term increases depending on the impact of weather disruptions to customers’ supply chains. Plant shutdowns during summer months may affect shipments for automotive and manufacturing customers of the ArcBest segment, but severe weather events can result in higher demand for expedite services. Moving services of the ArcBest segment are impacted by seasonal fluctuations, generally resulting in higher business levels in the second and third quarters as the demand for household goods moving services is typically stronger in the summer months.

·

FleetNet includes the results of operations of FleetNet America, Inc. and certain other subsidiaries that provide roadside assistance and maintenance management services for commercial vehicles through a network of third-party service providers. FleetNet also provides services to the Asset-Based and ArcBest segments.

Approximately 19% and 16% of FleetNet’s revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, are for services provided to the Asset-Based and ArcBest segments compared to approximately 3% for the same periods of 2018.

Emergency roadside service events of the FleetNet segment are favorably impacted by extreme weather conditions that affect commercial vehicle operations, and the segment’s results of operations will be influenced by seasonal variations in service event volume.

The Company’s other business activities and operating segments that are not reportable include ArcBest Corporation and certain other subsidiaries. Certain costs incurred by the parent holding company and the Company’s shared services subsidiary are allocated to the reporting segments. The Company eliminates intercompany transactions in consolidation. However, the information used by the Company’s management with respect to its reportable segments is before intersegment eliminations of revenues and expenses.

Further classifications of operations or revenues by geographic location are impracticable and, therefore, are not provided. The Company’s foreign operations are not significant.

27


The following tables reflect reportable operating segment information:

Three Months Ended 

Six Months Ended 

 

June 30

June 30

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

(in thousands)

 

REVENUES

Asset-Based

$

559,648

$

559,239

 

$

1,065,727

 

$

1,041,354

ArcBest

 

181,173

 

199,987

 

354,377

 

381,920

FleetNet

 

51,722

 

46,792

 

104,981

 

94,551

Other and eliminations

 

(21,053)

 

(12,668)

 

(41,756)

 

(24,474)

Total consolidated revenues

 

$

771,490

 

$

793,350

 

$

1,483,329

 

$

1,493,351

OPERATING EXPENSES

Asset-Based

Salaries, wages, and benefits

$

297,016

$

286,750

 

$

577,292

 

$

556,529

Fuel, supplies, and expenses

 

66,853

 

65,040

 

131,580

 

127,233

Operating taxes and licenses

 

12,214

 

11,910

 

24,612

 

23,666

Insurance

 

7,598

 

7,979

 

15,589

 

14,607

Communications and utilities

 

4,529

 

4,135

 

9,149

 

8,656

Depreciation and amortization

 

21,743

 

21,362

 

42,723

 

42,292

Rents and purchased transportation

 

57,687

 

63,253

 

107,599

 

109,386

Shared services

56,013

56,825

106,725

102,432

Multiemployer pension fund withdrawal liability charge(1)

37,922

37,922

Gain on sale of property and equipment

 

(1,587)

 

(266)

 

(1,621)

 

(399)

Other

 

1,404

 

948

 

2,286

 

2,247

Total Asset-Based

 

523,470

 

555,858

1,015,934

1,024,571

ArcBest

Purchased transportation

 

147,552

 

162,920

 

287,657

 

311,292

Supplies and expenses

 

2,858

 

3,538

 

5,632

 

6,768

Depreciation and amortization

 

3,055

 

3,597

 

6,206

 

7,005

Shared services

23,141

23,536

46,172

45,404

Other

2,445

 

2,546

4,858

4,427

Restructuring costs(2)

 

143

152

Total ArcBest

 

179,051

 

196,280

 

350,525

 

375,048

 

 

FleetNet

 

50,696

 

45,763

 

102,467

 

92,001

Other and eliminations

 

(16,927)

 

(7,707)

 

 

(29,388)

 

(14,150)

Total consolidated operating expenses

$

736,290

$

790,194

$

1,439,538

$

1,477,470

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended 

 

Six Months Ended 

 

 

 

June 30

 

June 30

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset-Based

 

$

559,239

 

$

514,537

 

$

1,041,354

 

$

978,893

 

ArcBest

 

 

199,987

 

 

175,929

 

 

381,920

 

 

328,805

 

FleetNet

 

 

46,792

 

 

36,501

 

 

94,551

 

 

76,739

 

Other and eliminations

 

 

(12,668)

 

 

(6,599)

 

 

(24,474)

 

 

(12,981)

 

Total consolidated revenues

 

$

793,350

 

$

720,368

 

$

1,493,351

 

$

1,371,456

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING EXPENSES(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset-Based

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries, wages, and benefits

 

$

286,750

 

$

286,904

 

$

556,529

 

$

566,284

 

Fuel, supplies, and expenses

 

 

65,040

 

 

58,541

 

 

127,233

 

 

116,931

 

Operating taxes and licenses

 

 

11,910

 

 

12,191

 

 

23,666

 

 

24,014

 

Insurance

 

 

7,979

 

 

7,602

 

 

14,607

 

 

14,720

 

Communications and utilities

 

 

4,135

 

 

4,168

 

 

8,656

 

 

8,685

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

21,362

 

 

20,716

 

 

42,292

 

 

41,234

 

Rents and purchased transportation

 

 

63,253

 

 

53,189

 

 

109,386

 

 

99,615

 

Shared services(2)

 

 

56,825

 

 

46,600

 

 

102,432

 

 

90,104

 

Multiemployer pension fund withdrawal liability charge(3)

 

 

37,922

 

 

 —

 

 

37,922

 

 

 —

 

(Gain) loss on sale of property and equipment

 

 

(266)

 

 

25

 

 

(399)

 

 

(592)

 

Other

 

 

948

 

 

1,673

 

 

2,247

 

 

3,178

 

Restructuring costs(4)

 

 

 —

 

 

33

 

 

 —

 

 

173

 

Total Asset-Based

 

 

555,858

 

 

491,642

 

 

1,024,571

 

 

964,346

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ArcBest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchased transportation

 

 

162,920

 

 

139,432

 

 

311,292

 

 

261,419

 

Supplies and expenses

 

 

3,538

 

 

3,742

 

 

6,768

 

 

7,412

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

3,597

 

 

3,230

 

 

7,005

 

 

6,496

 

Shared services(2)

 

 

23,536

 

 

20,658

 

 

45,404

 

 

40,244

 

Other

 

 

2,546

 

 

2,873

 

 

4,427

 

 

5,338

 

Restructuring costs(4)

 

 

143

 

 

65

 

 

152

 

 

875

 

Total ArcBest

 

 

196,280

 

 

170,000

 

 

375,048

 

 

321,784

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FleetNet

 

 

45,763

 

 

35,754

 

 

92,001

 

 

74,971

 

Other and eliminations

 

 

(7,707)

 

 

(2,795)

 

 

(14,150)

 

 

(5,512)

 

Total consolidated operating expenses

 

$

790,194

 

$

694,601

 

$

1,477,470

 

$

1,355,589

 


(1)

(1)

As previously discussed in this Note, the Company retrospectively adopted an amendment to ASC Topic 715, effective January 1, 2018, which requires the components of net periodic benefit cost other than service cost to be presented within other income (costs) in the consolidated financial statements and, therefore, these costs are no longer classified within operating expenses within this table.

(2)

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year’s operating segment data to conform to the current year presentation, reflecting the modified presentation of segment expenses allocated from shared services as previously discussed in this Note.

(3)

ABF Freight recorded a one-time charge in Junesecond quarter 2018 for the multiemployer pension plan withdrawal liability resulting from the transition agreement it entered into with the New England Teamsters and Trucking Industry Pension Fund (see Note F).

(2)

(4)

Restructuring costs relate to the realignment of the Company’s corporate structure (seeas further described in Note K).

N to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of the Company’s 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

28


Three Months Ended 

Six Months Ended 

 

June 30

June 30

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

(in thousands)

 

OPERATING INCOME

Asset-Based

$

36,178

$

3,381

$

49,793

$

16,783

ArcBest

 

2,122

 

3,707

 

3,852

 

6,872

FleetNet

 

1,026

 

1,029

 

2,514

 

2,550

Other and eliminations

 

(4,126)

 

(4,961)

 

(12,368)

 

(10,324)

Total consolidated operating income

$

35,200

$

3,156

$

43,791

$

15,881

OTHER INCOME (COSTS)

Interest and dividend income

$

1,616

$

714

$

3,094

$

1,240

Interest and other related financing costs

 

(2,811)

 

(2,013)

 

(5,693)

 

(4,072)

Other, net(1)

 

(445)

 

(1,123)

 

(1,036)

 

(3,324)

Total other income (costs)

 

(1,640)

 

(2,422)

 

(3,635)

 

(6,156)

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

$

33,560

$

734

$

40,156

$

9,725

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended 

 

Six Months Ended 

 

 

 

June 30

 

June 30

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

OPERATING INCOME(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset-Based

 

$

3,381

 

$

22,895

 

$

16,783

 

$

14,547

 

ArcBest

 

 

3,707

 

 

5,929

 

 

6,872

 

 

7,021

 

FleetNet

 

 

1,029

 

 

747

 

 

2,550

 

 

1,768

 

Other and eliminations

 

 

(4,961)

 

 

(3,804)

 

 

(10,324)

 

 

(7,469)

 

Total consolidated operating income

 

$

3,156

 

$

25,767

 

$

15,881

 

$

15,867

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER INCOME (COSTS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and dividend income

 

$

714

 

$

285

 

$

1,240

 

$

559

 

Interest and other related financing costs

 

 

(2,013)

 

 

(1,389)

 

 

(4,072)

 

 

(2,704)

 

Other, net(1)(2)

 

 

(1,123)

 

 

(528)

 

 

(3,324)

 

 

(2,234)

 

Total other income (costs)

 

 

(2,422)

 

 

(1,632)

 

 

(6,156)

 

 

(4,379)

 

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

$

734

 

$

24,135

 

$

9,725

 

$

11,488

 


(1)

(1)

As previously discussed in this Note, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017,Includes the components of net periodic benefit cost other than service cost are presented within other income (costs) rather than within operating income (loss) in accordance with an amendmentrelated to ASC Topic 715, which the Company adopted retrospectively effective January 1, 2018.

(2)

IncludesCompany’s nonunion pension, SBP, and postretirement plans (see Note G) and proceeds and changes in cash surrender value of life insurance policies.

The following table presents operating expenses by category on a consolidated basis:

    

Three Months Ended 

Six Months Ended 

 

June 30

June 30

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

 

(in thousands)

OPERATING EXPENSES

Salaries, wages, and benefits

$

361,116

$

355,913

$

704,784

$

684,670

Rents, purchased transportation, and other costs of services

 

236,053

 

253,540

 

457,078

 

477,296

Fuel, supplies, and expenses

 

80,700

 

84,884

 

160,036

 

163,530

Depreciation and amortization(1)

 

27,434

 

27,187

 

53,971

 

53,673

Other

 

30,987

 

30,408

 

63,669

 

59,663

Multiemployer pension fund withdrawal liability charge(2)

37,922

37,922

Restructuring costs(3)

 

 

340

 

 

716

$

736,290

$

790,194

$

1,439,538

$

1,477,470

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Three Months Ended 

 

Six Months Ended 

 

 

 

June 30

 

June 30

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries, wages, and benefits

 

$

355,913

 

$

349,200

 

$

684,670

 

$

681,790

 

Rents, purchased transportation, and other costs of services

 

 

253,540

 

 

216,237

 

 

477,296

 

 

416,108

 

Fuel, supplies, and expenses

 

 

84,884

 

 

68,451

 

 

163,530

 

 

141,113

 

Depreciation and amortization(1)

 

 

27,187

 

 

25,209

 

 

53,673

 

 

50,603

 

Other

 

 

30,408

 

 

35,141

 

 

59,663

 

 

63,981

 

Multiemployer pension fund withdrawal liability charge(2)

 

 

37,922

 

 

 —

 

 

37,922

 

 

 —

 

Restructuring costs(3)

 

 

340

 

 

363

 

 

716

 

 

1,994

 

 

 

$

790,194

 

$

694,601

 

$

1,477,470

 

$

1,355,589

 


(1)

(1)

Includes amortization of intangible assets.

(2)

(2)

ABF Freight recorded a one-time charge in Junesecond quarter 2018 for the multiemployer pension plan withdrawal liability resulting from the transition agreement it entered into with the New England Teamsters and Trucking Industry Pension Fund (see Note F).

Fund.

(3)

(3)

Restructuring costs relate to the realignment of the Company’s corporate structure (seeas further described in Note K).

N to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of the Company’s 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

NOTE K – RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

On November 3, 2016, the Company announced its plan to implement an enhanced market approach to better serve its customers. The enhanced market approach unified the Company’s sales, pricing, customer service, marketing, and capacity sourcing functions effective January 1, 2017, and allows the Company to operate as one logistics provider under the ArcBest brand. As a result of the restructuring, the Company recorded $0.3 million and $0.7 million of restructuring charges in operating expenses during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, and recorded $0.4 million and $2.0 million, primarily for employee-related costs, during the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively.

The Company estimates it will incur restructuring charges of approximately $1.0 million during 2018 primarily for consulting fees related to continued integration of systems and processes to further implement its enhanced market approach.

29


NOTE L – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS, AND OTHER EVENTS

The Company is involved in various legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company maintains liability insurance against certain risks arising out of the normal course of its business, subject to certain self-insured retention limits. The Company routinely establishes and reviews the adequacy of reserves for estimated legal, environmental, and self-insurance exposures. While management believes that amounts accrued in the consolidated financial statements are adequate, estimates of these liabilities may change as circumstances develop. Considering amounts recorded, routine legal matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

29

Environmental Matters

The Company’s subsidiaries store fuel for use in tractors and trucks in 6261 underground tanks located in 18 states. Maintenance of such tanks is regulated at the federal and, in most cases, state levels. The Company believes it is in substantial compliance with all such regulations. The Company’s underground storage tanks are required to have leak detection systems. The Company is not aware of any leaks from such tanks that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

The Company has received notices from the Environmental Protection Agency and others that it has been identified as a potentially responsible party under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act, or other federal or state environmental statutes, at several hazardous waste sites. After investigating the Company’s involvement in waste disposal or waste generation at such sites, the Company has either agreed to de minimis settlements or determined that its obligations, other than those specifically accrued with respect to such sites, would involve immaterial monetary liability, although there can be no assurances in this regard.

At June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, the Company’s reserve, which was reported in accrued expenses, for estimated environmental cleanup costs of properties currently or previously operated by the Company totaled $0.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively.million. Amounts accrued reflect management’s best estimate of the future undiscounted exposure related to identified properties based on current environmental regulations, management’s experience with similar environmental matters, and testing performed at certain sites.

30


ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSIONDISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONAND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

General

ArcBest Corporation®TM (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our”) provides a comprehensive suite of freight transportation services and integrated logistics solutions. Our operations are conducted through our three reportable operating segments: Asset-Based, which consists of ABF Freight System, Inc. and certain other subsidiaries (“ABF Freight”); ArcBest®, our asset-light logistics operation; and FleetNet.FleetNet®. The ArcBest and the FleetNet reportable segments combined represent our Asset-Light operations. References to the Company, including “we,” “us,” and “our,” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are primarily to the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

As previously disclosed in our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K, we modified the presentation of segment expenses allocated from shared services during the third quarter of 2017. Shared services represent costs incurred to support all segments, including sales, pricing, customer service, marketing, capacity sourcing functions, human resources, financial services, information technology, legal, and other company-wide services. Certain overhead costs are not attributable to any segment and remain unallocated in “Other and eliminations.” Previously, expenses related to company-wide functions were allocated to segment expense line items by type of expense. Allocated expenses are now presented on a single shared services line within our operating segment disclosures. Reclassifications have been made to the prior period operating segment expenses to conform to the current year presentation. There was no impact on each segment’s total expenses as a result of the reclassifications. See additional descriptions of our segments and the reclassifications made to certain prior year operating segment data in Note J to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company retrospectively adopted an amendment to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 715, Compensation – Retirement Benefits,(“ASC Topic 715”), which requires changes to the financial statement presentation of certain components of net periodic benefit cost related to pension and other postretirement benefits accounted for under ASC Topic 715. As a result of adopting this amendment, the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost continues to be included in operating expenses in our consolidated financial statements, but the other components of net periodic benefit cost, including pension settlement expense, are presented in other income (costs) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. There was no change to consolidated net income (loss) or earnings (loss) per share as a result of the change in presentation under the new standard. The adoption of this accounting policy is further discussed in Note A to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q and the detail of our net periodic benefit costs are presented in Note F to the consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) describes the principal factors affecting our results of operations, liquidity and capital resources, and critical accounting policies. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying quarterly unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.2018. Our 20172018 Annual Report on Form 10-K includes additional information about significant accounting policies, practices, and the transactions that underlie our financial results, as well as a detailed discussion of the most significant risks and uncertainties to which our financial and operating results are subject.

31


Labor Contract Agreement

As of June 2018, approximately 82% of our Asset-Based segment’s employees were covered under the ABF National Master Freight Agreement (the “ABF NMFA”), the collective bargaining agreement with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (the “IBT”) which was extended through July 31, 2018 to allow for the ratification process of the new agreement to take place. On May 10, 2018, a new collective bargaining agreement, the ABF National Master Freight Agreement (the “2018 ABF NMFA”), was ratified by a majority of ABF’s IBT member employees who chose to vote. A majority of the supplements to the 2018 ABF NMFA also passed. Following ratification of the remaining supplements,the 2018 ABF NMFA was implemented on July 29, 2018, effective retroactive to April 1, 2018, and will remain in effect through June 30, 2023.

Results of Operations

Consolidated Results

Three Months Ended 

Six Months Ended 

 

June 30

June 30

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

REVENUES

Asset-Based

$

559,648

$

559,239

$

1,065,727

$

1,041,354

ArcBest

 

181,173

 

199,987

 

354,377

 

381,920

FleetNet

 

51,722

 

46,792

 

104,981

 

94,551

Total Asset-Light

232,895

246,779

459,358

476,471

Other and eliminations

 

(21,053)

 

(12,668)

 

(41,756)

 

(24,474)

Total consolidated revenues

$

771,490

$

793,350

$

1,483,329

$

1,493,351

OPERATING INCOME

Asset-Based(1)

$

36,178

$

3,381

$

49,793

16,783

ArcBest

 

2,122

 

3,707

 

3,852

6,872

FleetNet

 

1,026

 

1,029

 

2,514

2,550

Total Asset-Light

3,148

4,736

6,366

9,422

Other and eliminations

 

(4,126)

 

(4,961)

 

(12,368)

(10,324)

Total consolidated operating income

$

35,200

$

3,156

$

43,791

15,881

NET INCOME

$

24,376

$

1,233

$

29,264

11,187

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

$

0.92

$

0.05

$

1.10

0.42

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended 

 

Six Months Ended 

 

 

 

June 30

 

June 30

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset-Based

 

$

559,239

 

$

514,537

 

$

1,041,354

 

$

978,893

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ArcBest

 

 

199,987

 

 

175,929

 

 

381,920

 

 

328,805

 

FleetNet

 

 

46,792

 

 

36,501

 

 

94,551

 

 

76,739

 

Total Asset-Light

 

 

246,779

 

 

212,430

 

 

476,471

 

 

405,544

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other and eliminations

 

 

(12,668)

 

 

(6,599)

 

 

(24,474)

 

 

(12,981)

 

Total consolidated revenues

 

$

793,350

 

$

720,368

 

$

1,493,351

 

$

1,371,456

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset-Based(2)

 

$

3,381

 

$

22,895

 

$

16,783

 

$

14,547

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ArcBest

 

 

3,707

 

 

5,929

 

 

6,872

 

 

7,021

 

FleetNet

 

 

1,029

 

 

747

 

 

2,550

 

 

1,768

 

Total Asset-Light

 

 

4,736

 

 

6,676

 

 

9,422

 

 

8,789

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other and eliminations

 

 

(4,961)

 

 

(3,804)

 

 

(10,324)

 

 

(7,469)

 

Total consolidated operating income

 

$

3,156

 

$

25,767

 

$

15,881

 

$

15,867

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME

 

$

1,233

 

$

15,777

 

$

11,187

 

$

8,370

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

$

0.05

 

$

0.60

 

$

0.42

 

$

0.32

 


(1)

(1)

As previously discussed in the General section of MD&A, we retrospectively adopted an amendment to ASC Topic 715, effective January 1, 2018, which requires the components of net periodic benefit cost other than service cost to be presented within other income (costs) in the consolidated financial statements. Therefore, these costs are no longer classified within operating income for all periods presented.

(2)

As disclosed in this Consolidated Results section, ABF Freight recorded a one-time $37.9 million pre-tax charge in Junesecond quarter 2018 for the multiemployer pension plan withdrawal liability resulting from the transition agreement it entered into with the New England Pension Fund.

31

Our consolidated revenues, which totaled $793.4$771.5 million and $1,493.4$1,483.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, respectively, increased 10.1%decreased 2.8% and 8.9%0.7% compared to the same prior-year periods. The increasesdecreases in consolidated revenues reflect a 5.6% and 3.6% decrease in revenues of our Asset-Light operations (representing the combined operations of our ArcBest and FleetNet segments), partially offset by a 0.1% and 2.3% increase in our Asset-Based revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 reflect an 8.7% and 6.4% increase in our Asset-Based revenues,2019, respectively, and a 16.2% and 17.5% increase in revenues of our Asset-Light operations, respectively, which representcompared to the combined operations of our ArcBest and FleetNet segments.same prior-year periods. Our Asset-Based revenue growth reflectswas impacted by a 9.4%4.1% and 9.2%5.9% improvement in yield, as measured by billed revenue per hundredweight, including fuel surcharges, for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018, respectively, partially offset by a 0.9% and 2.2% decline in total tonnage per day for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018,2019, respectively, versus the same periods of 2017.

32


The increases in billed revenue per hundredweight for the 2018 periods reflect pricing initiatives. Our Asset-Light revenue growth was3.4% and 3.3%, respectively, primarily due to an increasedeclines in revenueshipment levels and weight per shipment for the ArcBest segment associated with higher market prices resulting from continued tightnessshipment. The decline in available truckload capacity. FleetNet revenues also increasedof our Asset-Light operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, primarily due to higher service event volume2019, compared to the same periods of 2017.2018, is primarily due to decreases in revenue per shipment of 9.8% and 8.3%, respectively, and declines in shipments per day of 1.6% and 1.3%, respectively, for the ArcBest segment, associated with lower market prices and more available capacity in the truckload market compared to the prior-year periods, partially offset by revenue improvement for the FleetNet segment on higher service event volume. On a combined basis, the Asset-Light operating segments generated approximately 31%29% and 30% of our total revenues before other revenues and intercompany eliminations for both the three-three and six-month periodssix months ended June 30, 2018.2019, respectively.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, consolidated operating income totaled $3.2$35.2 million and $15.9$43.8 million, compared to $25.8$3.2 million and $15.9 million, respectively, for the same periods of 2017.2018. Our operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 were impacted by a one-time charge of $37.9 million (pre-tax), or $28.2 million (after-tax) and $1.05 per diluted share for the three-month period and $1.06 per diluted share for the six-month period,ended June 30, 2018, recorded by ABF Freight in Junesecond quarter 2018 for a multiemployer pension plan withdrawal liability resulting from the transition agreement it entered into with the New England Teamsters and Trucking Industry Pension Fund (the “New England Pension Fund”), as further discussed within the Asset-Based Segment Overview section of Results of Operations. Excluding the impact of this one-time charge, our consolidated operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, compared to the same prior-year periods, improveddeclined primarily due to the higherlower revenues previously described combined with the matters further described within the discussions of segment results, including business mix changes and cost management. The year-over-year comparisonsexpense impacts. Restructuring charges related to the realignment of consolidated operating results were also impacted by higher expenses for long-term incentive plans, primarily due to shareholder returns relative to peers, which increased $5.7our organizational structure of $0.3 million and $4.7$0.7 million were reported on a consolidated basis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, with no comparable costs recognized during the same periods of 2019.

The loss reported in the “Other and defined contribution plans,eliminations” line, which increased $3.5totaled $4.1 million and $5.0$12.4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, respectively, compared to the same prior-year periods. The increases in these fringe costs were partially offset by lower nonunion healthcare costs and lower restructuring charges. Nonunion healthcare costs decreased $0.6 million and $3.9 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same prior-year periods, primarily due to a decrease in the average cost per health claim. Restructuring charges related to the realignment of our organizational structure totaled $0.3 million and $0.7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $0.4 million and $2.0 million, respectively, for the same periods of 2017.

The loss reported in the “Other and eliminations” line of consolidated operating income which totaled $5.0 million and $10.3 million for the threesame periods of 2018, includes expenses related to investments to develop and design various ArcBest technology and innovations as well as expenses related to shared services for the delivery of comprehensive transportation and logistics services to ArcBest’s customers. The $0.9 million decrease in the loss in “Other and eliminations” in second quarter 2019, compared to second quarter 2018, was primarily due to lower expenses for certain incentive plans, partially offset by investments in technology. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively,2019, the $2.1 million increase in the loss reported in “Other and eliminations,” compared to $3.8 million and $7.5 million, respectively, for the same periodsperiod of 2017, includes $0.2 million and $0.6 million of the previously mentioned restructuring charges related to our enhanced market approach for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to restructuring charges of $0.3 million and $0.9 million for the same respective periods of 2017. The “Other and eliminations” line also includes expenses relatedwas primarily due to investments in technology partially offset by lower expenses for improving the delivery of services to ArcBest’s customers, investments in comprehensive transportation and logistics services across multiple operating segments, and other investments in ArcBest technology and innovations.certain incentive plans. As a result of theseour ongoing investments in technology, including the design and development of digital business platforms, and the seasonal impact of shared service allocations of other corporate costs, we expect the loss reported in “Other and eliminations” for third quarter 20182019 to approximate $5.0 million and to be approximately $20.0$25.0 million for full year 2018.    2019.

In addition to the above items, consolidated net income and earnings per share were impacted by nonunion defined benefit pension expense, including settlement charges, and income from changes in the cash surrender value of variable life insurance policies, both of which are reported below the operating income line in the consolidated statements of operations. A portion of our variable life insurance policies have investments, through separate accounts, in equity and fixed income securities and, therefore, are subject to market volatility. Changes in the cash surrender value of life insurance policies contributed $0.03$0.02 and $0.04$0.08 to diluted earnings per share for each of the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018, and contributed $0.02 and $0.04 per diluted share for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2017, respectively.2019, respectively, and contributed $0.03 and $0.04 per diluted per share, for the same respective prior-year periods.

32

Consolidated after-tax pension expense, including settlement charges, recognized for the nonunion defined benefit pension plan totaled $0.4 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, and $1.7 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, compared to $1.3 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, and $2.8 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $0.4 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, and $1.5 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively. These expenses include net periodic benefit costs (as detailed in Note F to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q), including pensionPension settlement charges duerelated to lump-sum benefit distributions andthe plan termination, including those related to an annuity contract purchase, made by the planare expected to occur in first quarter 2017.2019. In OctoberNovember 2017, our Board of Directors adopted a resolution authorizing the execution of an amendment was executed to terminate theour nonunion defined benefit pension plan and such amendment was executed in November 2017 with a termination date of December 31, 2017. The plan has filed for a determination letter from the

33


Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) regarding qualification of the plan termination. Following receipt of a favorable determination letter,began distributing immediate lump sum benefit election forms will be provided to plan participants, and they will have an election window in which they can choose any form of payment allowed by the plan for immediate commencement of payment or defer payment until a later date. Based on currently available information provided by the plan’s actuary, we estimate cash funding of approximately $10.0 million and noncash pension settlement charges of approximately $20.0 million in 2018 to terminate the plan, although there can be no assurances in this regard. The final pension settlement charges and the actual amount we will be required to contributepayments related to the plan termination in fourth quarter 2018 and continued making these distributions during 2019. The plan received an extension from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (the “PBGC”) to fund benefit distributions in excessallow additional time for the plan to administer the settlement of plan assets cannot be determined at this time, as the actual amounts are dependent on various factors, including final benefit calculations,remaining obligation for deferred benefits through the benefit elections made by plan participants, interest rates, the valuepurchase of plan assets, and the cost to purchase ana nonparticipating annuity contract to settle the pension obligation related to benefits for which participants elect to defer payment until a later date. Although the timing of recognizing pension settlement charges related to plan termination and making contributions required to fund the plan upon termination are highly dependent on when and if we receive the favorable determination letter from the IRS, the settlements and contributions to the plan may occur in 2018.

We expect to continue to recognize pension settlement expense related toan insurance company. In August 2019, the nonunion defined benefit pension plan the amount of which will fluctuate basedreceived a preliminary bid for a nonparticipating annuity contract from an insurance company. Based on the amount of lump-sum benefit distributions paid to participants, actual returns on plan assets, and changesmost recently available actuarial information, including the preliminary bid received in the discount rate used to remeasure the projected benefit obligation of the plan upon settlement. TotalAugust, nonunion pension settlement expense including settlement,for the second half of 2019 is estimated to be approximately $2.0 million, or $1.5 million after-tax, and we estimate making a cash contribution to the plan of approximately $7.0 million, which would be deductible for income tax purposes, to fund an annuity contract purchase and the third quarterremaining benefit distributions expected to be made from the plan in excess of 2018; however,plan assets. However, there can be no assurances in regards to the required cash funding or pension settlement charges, couldas the actual amounts are dependent on various factors and will be higher if eligible plan participants elect to receive a lump sum distribution of their pension benefit ahead of the plan termination.determined using updated actuarial data.

For the six months ended June 30, 2018, consolidated net income and earnings per share were impacted by a provisional tax benefitbenefits of $2.7 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, as a result of recognizing a reasonable estimate of the tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform Act, which was signed into law on December 22, 2017 and reduced the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. (The impact of the Tax Reform Act is discussed further in the Income Taxes section of MD&A and in Note D to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q.Act”). Consolidated net income and earnings per share for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were also impacted by a tax credit of $1.2 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, for the February 2018 retroactive reinstatement of the alternative fuel tax credit related to the year ended December 31, 2017. The tax benefits and credits, including the impact of the Tax Reform Act, as well as other changes in the effective tax rates which impacted consolidated net income and earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, are further described within the Income Taxes section of MD&A.

Consolidated Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”)

We report our financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). However, management believes that certain non-GAAP performance measures and ratios, such as Adjusted EBITDA, utilized for internal analysis provide analysts, investors, and others the same information that we use internally for purposes of assessing our core operating performance and provides meaningful comparisons between current and prior period results, as well as important information regarding performance trends. Accordingly, using these measures improves comparability in analyzing our performance because it removes the impact of items from operating results that, in management's opinion, do not reflect our core operating performance. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA as a key measure of performance and for business planning. The measure is particularly meaningful for analysis of our operating performance, because it excludes amortization of acquired intangibles and software of our Asset-Light businesses, which are significant expenses resulting from strategic decisions rather than core daily operations. Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA is a primary component of the financial covenants contained in our Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (see Financing Arrangements within the Liquidity and Capital Resources sectionNote F to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of MD&A)this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q). Other companies may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently; therefore, our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, our reported results. Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as a better measurement than operating income, operating cash flow, net income, or earnings per share, as determined under GAAP.

3433


Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA

Three Months Ended 

Six Months Ended 

 

June 30

June 30

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

(in thousands)

 

Net income

$

24,376

$

1,233

$

29,264

$

11,187

Interest and other related financing costs

 

2,811

 

2,013

 

5,693

 

4,072

Income tax provision (benefit)(1)

 

9,184

 

(499)

 

10,892

 

(1,462)

Depreciation and amortization

 

27,434

 

27,187

 

53,971

 

53,673

Amortization of share-based compensation

 

2,801

 

1,674

 

4,859

 

3,544

Amortization of net actuarial losses of benefit plans and pension settlement expense

 

586

 

1,119

 

2,340

 

2,647

Multiemployer pension fund withdrawal liability charge(2)

37,922

37,922

Restructuring charges(3)

 

 

340

 

 

716

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended 

 

Six Months Ended 

 

 

 

June 30

 

June 30

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

2018

    

2017

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Net income

 

$

1,233

 

$

15,777

 

$

11,187

 

$

8,370

 

Interest and other related financing costs

 

 

2,013

 

 

1,389

 

 

4,072

 

 

2,704

 

Income tax provision (benefit)(1)

 

 

(499)

 

 

8,358

 

 

(1,462)

 

 

3,118

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

27,187

 

 

25,209

 

 

53,673

 

 

50,603

 

Amortization of share-based compensation

 

 

1,674

 

 

1,868

 

 

3,544

 

 

3,599

 

Amortization of net actuarial losses of benefit plans and pension settlement expense

 

 

1,119

 

 

1,695

 

 

2,647

 

 

4,732

 

Multiemployer pension fund withdrawal liability charge(2)

 

 

37,922

 

 

 —

 

 

37,922

 

 

 —

 

Restructuring charges(3)

 

 

340

 

 

363

 

 

716

 

 

1,994

 

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

70,989

 

$

54,659

 

$

112,299

 

$

75,120

 

$

67,192

$

70,989

$

107,019

$

112,299


(1)

Includes a tax benefit of $2.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 as a result of recognizing a reasonable estimate of the tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. See
(1)Includes provisional tax benefits of $2.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 as a result of recognizing a reasonable estimate of the tax effects of the Tax Reform Act, as further discussed in the Income Taxes section of MD&A and Note D to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for discussion of the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

(2)

One-time charge recorded in June 2018 for the multiemployer pension plan withdrawal liability resulting from the transition agreement ABF Freight entered into with the New England Teamsters and Trucking Industry Pension Fund. The transition agreement is further discussed within the Asset-Based Segment Overview section of Results of Operations and Note F to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

(3)

Restructuring charges relate to the realignment of the Company’s organizational structure.

Asset-Based Operations

Asset-Based Segment Overview

The Asset-Based segment consists of ABF Freight System, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of ArcBest Corporation, and certain other subsidiaries (“ABF Freight”). Our Asset-Based operations are affected by general economic conditions, as well as a number of other competitive factors that are more fully described in Item 1 (Business) and in Item 1A (Risk Factors) of Part I of our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10‑K.

The key indicators necessary to understand the operating results of our Asset-Based segment include:

·

overall customer demand for Asset-Based transportation services, including the impact of economic factors;

·

volume of transportation services provided, primarily measured by average daily shipment weight (“tonnage”), which influences operating leverage as the level of tonnage and number of shipments vary;

·

prices obtained for services, primarily measured by yield (“revenue per hundredweight”), including fuel surcharges; and

·

ability to manage cost structure, primarily in the area of salaries, wages, and benefits (“labor”), with the total cost structure measured by the percent of operating expenses to revenue levels (“operating ratio”).

As previously disclosed within the General section of MD&A, we have reclassified certain prior period segment operating expenses in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to conform to the current year presentation of segment expenses allocated from shared services and the presentation of components of net periodic benefit cost in other income (costs) in our consolidated financial statements. See Note J to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q for description of the Asset-Based segment and additional segment information, including revenues and operating income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, as well as explanation of the expense category reclassifications for shared services.

35


As previously disclosed in the General section of MD&A,as of June 2018, approximately 82% of the Asset-Based segment’s employees were covered under a collective bargaining agreement, the ABF National Master Freight Agreement (the “ABF NMFA”), with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (the “IBT”), which was extended through July 31, 2018 to allow for the ratification process of the new agreement to take place. On May 10, 2018, a new collective bargaining agreement, the ABF National Master Freight Agreement (the “2018 ABF NMFA”), was ratified by a majority of ABF’s IBT member employees who chose to vote. A majority of the supplements to the 2018 ABF NMFA also passed. Following ratification of the remaining supplements, the 2018 ABF NMFA was implemented on July 29, 2018 and became effective retroactive to April 1, 2018 and will remain in effect through June 30, 2023.

Under the 2018 ABF NMFA, the contractual wage and benefits costs, including the ratification bonuses and vacation restoration, are estimated to increase approximately 2.0% on a compounded annual basis through the end of the agreement.

The major economic provisions of the 2018 ABF NMFA include:

·

restoration of one week of vacation which begins accruing on anniversary dates on or after April 1, 2018, with the new vacation eligibility schedule being the same as the applicable 2008 to 2013 supplemental agreements;

10-Q.

·

wage increases in each year of the contract, beginning July 1, 2018;

·

ratification bonuses for qualifying employees;

·

contributions to multiemployer pension plans at current rates for each fund;

·

continuation of existing health coverage and annual multiemployer health and welfare contribution rate increases in accordance with the contract;

·

changes to purchased transportation provisions with certain protections for road drivers as specified in the contract; and

·

profit-sharing bonuses upon the Asset-Based segment’s achievement of annual operating ratios of 96.0% or below for a full calendar year under the contract period.

On July 9, 2018, ABF Freight reached a tentative agreement with the Teamster bargaining representatives for the Northern and Southern New England Supplemental Agreements on terms for new supplemental agreements for 2018-2023 (the “New England Supplemental Agreements”). The New England Supplemental Agreements were ratified by the local unions in the region covered by the supplements on July 25, 2018. In accordance with the New England Supplemental Agreements, ABF Freight’s multiemployer pension plan obligation with the New England Pension Fund was restructured under a transition agreement effective on August 1, 2018. The transition agreement resulted in ABF Freight’s withdrawal as a participating employer in the New England Pension Fund and triggered settlement of the related withdrawal liability. ABF Freight simultaneously re-entered the New England Pension Fund as a new participating employer free from any pre-existing withdrawal liability and at a lower future contribution rate.

ABF Freight recognized a one-time charge of $37.9 million (pre-tax) to record the withdrawal liability in June 2018 when the transition agreement was determined to be probable. The withdrawal liability will be settled through the initial lump sum cash payment of $15.1 million, which is expected to be made in third quarter 2018, plus monthly payments to the New England Pension Fund over a period of 23 years with an aggregate present value of $22.8 million. In accordance with current tax law, these payments are deductible for income taxes when paid. This transition agreement allows ABF Freight to satisfy its withdrawal liability obligations to the existing employer pool of the New England Pension Fund to which it had historically been a participant; minimize the potential for future increases in withdrawal liability and contribution rates; and reduce operating costs and improve cash flow in future periods. ABF Freight will transition to the new employer pool of the New England Pension Fund at a lower pension contribution rate, which will be frozen for a period of 10 years, compared to its pension contribution rate under the existing employer pool. The transition agreement with the New England Pension Fund has no impact or bearing on any of the other multiemployer pension plans to which ABF Freight contributes.

Tonnage

The level of tonnage managed by the Asset-Based segment is directly affected by industrial production and manufacturing, distribution, residential and commercial construction, consumer spending, primarily in the North American economy, and capacity in the trucking industry. Operating results are affected by economic cycles, customers’ business cycles, and changes in customers’ business practices. The Asset-Based segment actively competes for freight business based primarily on price, service, and availability of flexible shipping options to customers. The Asset-Based segment seeks to offer value

36


through identifying specific customer needs, then providing operational flexibility and seamless access to its services and those of our Asset-Light operations in order to respond with customized solutions.

Pricing

The industry pricing environment, another key factor to our Asset-Based results, influences the ability to obtain appropriate margins and price increases on customer accounts. Generally, freight is rated by a class system, which is established by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. Light, bulky freight typically has a higher class and is priced at a higher revenue per hundredweight than dense, heavy freight. Changes in the rated class and packaging of the freight, along with changes in other freight profile factors such as average shipment size, average length of haul, freight density, and customer and geographic mix, can affect the average billed revenue per hundredweight measure.

Approximately 30% of Asset-Based business is subject to base LTL tariffs, which are affected by general rate increases, combined with individually negotiated discounts. Rates on the other 70% of Asset-Based business, including business priced in the spot market, are subject to individual pricing arrangements that are negotiated at various times throughout the year. The majority of the business that is subject to individual pricing arrangements is associated with larger customer accounts with annually negotiated pricing arrangements, and the remaining business is priced on an individual shipment basis considering each shipment’s unique profile, value provided to the customer, and current market conditions. Since pricing is established individually by account, the Asset-Based segment focuses on individual account profitability rather than a single measure of billed revenue per hundredweight when considering customer account or market evaluations. This is due to the difficulty of quantifying, with sufficient accuracy, the impact of changes in freight profile characteristics, which is necessary in estimating true price changes.

Effective August 1, 2017, we began applying space-based pricing on shipments subject to LTL tariffs to better reflect freight shipping trends that have evolved over the last several years. These trends include the overall growth and ongoing profile shift of bulkier shipments across the entire supply chain, the acceleration in e-commerce, and the unique requirements of many shipping and logistics solutions. An increasing percentage of freight is taking up more space in trailers without a corresponding increase in weight.

Space-based pricing involves the use of freight dimensions (length, width, and height) to determine applicable cubic minimum charges (“CMC”) that supplement weight-based metrics when appropriate. Traditional LTL pricing is generally weight-based, while our linehaul costs are generally space-based (i.e., costs are impacted by the volume of space required for each shipment). Management believes space-based pricing better aligns our pricing mechanisms with the metrics which affect our resources and, therefore, our costs to provide logistics services. We seek to provide logistics solutions to our customers’ business and the unique shipment characteristics of their various products and commodities, and we believe that we are particularly experienced in handling complicated freight. The CMC is an additional pricing mechanism to better capture the value we provide in transporting these shipments. Management believes the implementation of space-based pricing has been well-accepted by customers with shipments to which CMC charges have been applied; however, overall customer acceptance of the CMC is difficult to ascertain. Management cannot predict, with reasonable certainty, the effect of changes in business levels and the impact on the total revenue per hundredweight measure due to the implementation of the CMC mechanism.

Fuel

The transportation industry is dependent upon the availability of adequate fuel supplies. The Asset-Based segment assesses a fuel surcharge based on the index of national on-highway average diesel fuel prices published weekly by the U.S. Department of Energy. To better align fuel surcharges to fuel- and energy-related expenses and provide more stability to account profitability as fuel prices change, we may, from time to time, revise our standard fuel surcharge program which impacts approximately 35% of Asset-Based shipments and primarily affects noncontractual customers. While fuel surcharge revenue generally more than offsets the increase in direct diesel fuel costs when applied, the total impact of energy prices on other nonfuel-related expenses is difficult to ascertain. Management cannot predict, with reasonable certainty, future fuel price fluctuations, the impact of energy prices on other cost elements, recoverability of fuel costs through fuel surcharges, and the effect of fuel surcharges on the overall rate structure or the total price that the segment will receive from its customers. While the fuel surcharge is one of several components in the overall rate structure, the actual rate paid by customers is governed by market forces and the overall value of services provided to the customer.

37


During periods of changing diesel fuel prices, the fuel surcharge and associated direct diesel fuel costs also vary by different degrees. Depending upon the rates of these changes and the impact on costs in other fuel- and energy-related areas, operating margins could be impacted. Fuel prices have fluctuated significantly in recent years. Whether fuel prices fluctuate or remain constant, operating results may be adversely affected if competitive pressures limit our ability to recover fuel surcharges. Throughout the second quarter of 2018, the fuel surcharge mechanism generally continued to have market acceptance among customers; however, certain nonstandard pricing arrangements have limited the amount of fuel surcharge recovered. The negative impact on operating margins of capped fuel surcharge revenue during periods of increasing fuel costs is more evident when fuel prices remain above the maximum levels recovered through the fuel surcharge mechanism on certain accounts. In periods of declining fuel prices, fuel surcharge percentages also decrease, which negatively impacts the total billed revenue per hundredweight measure and, consequently, revenues, and the revenue decline may be disproportionate to our fuel costs.

The year-over-year Asset-Based revenue comparison for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 was impacted by higher fuel surcharge revenue due to an increase in the nominal fuel surcharge rate, while total fuel costs were also higher. The segment’s operating results will continue to be impacted by further changes in fuel prices and the related fuel surcharges.

Labor Costs

Our Asset-Based labor costs, including retirement and healthcare benefits for contractual employees that are provided by a number of multiemployer plans, are impacted by contractual obligations under the 2018 ABF NMFA and other related supplemental agreements. Salaries, wages, and benefits expense of the Asset-Based segment amounted to 51.3% and 53.5% of revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to 55.8% and 57.9% for the same periods of 2017, respectively. Changes in salaries, wages, and benefits expense as a percentage of revenue are discussed in the following Asset-Based Segment Results section.

ABF Freight operates in a highly competitive industry which consists predominantly of nonunion motor carriers. Nonunion competitors have a lower fringe benefit cost structure and less stringent labor work rules, and certain carriers also have lower wage rates for their freight-handling and driving personnel. Wage and benefit concessions granted to certain union competitors also allow for a lower cost structure. ABF Freight has continued to address with the IBT the effect of the segment’s wage and benefit cost structure on its operating results.

The combined effect of cost reductions under the previous ABF NMFA, lowered cost increases throughout the previous contract period, and increased flexibility in labor work rules were important factors in bringing ABF Freight’s labor cost structure closer in line with that of its competitors; however, ABF Freight continues to pay some of the highest benefit contribution rates in the industry. These rates include contributions to multiemployer plans, a portion of which are used to fund benefits for individuals who were never employed by ABF Freight. Information provided by a large multiemployer pension plan to which ABF Freight contributes indicates that approximately 50% of the plan’s benefit payments are made to retirees of companies that are no longer contributing employers to that plan. In consideration of the impact of high multiemployer pension contribution rates, certain funds did not increase ABF Freight’s pension contribution rate for the annual contribution period which began August 1, 2017. Rate freezes for the annual contribution period which began August 1, 2017 impacted multiemployer pension plans to which ABF Freight made approximately 70% of its total multiemployer pension contributions for the year ended December 31, 2017. Including the effect of these rate freezes, the average health, welfare, and pension benefit contribution rate increased approximately 2.8% and 2.0% effective primarily on August 1, 2016 and 2017, respectively. Effective July 1, 2017, the ABF NMFA contractual wage rate increased 2.5%.

As previously outlined, the 2018 ABF NMFA provides for ABF Freight’s contributions to multiemployer pension plans to remain at the rates that were paid under the prior ABF NMFA, while wage rates and health and welfare contribution rates for most plans will increase annually in accordance with the terms of the 2018 ABF NMFA. Under the 2018 ABF NMFA, the contractual wage rate increased approximately 1.2% effective July 1, 2018, and the average health, welfare, and pension contribution rate is estimated to increase approximately 2.2% effective August 1, 2018.

38


Asset-Based Segment Results

The following table sets forth a summary of operating expenses and operating income as a percentage of revenue for the Asset-Based segment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended 

 

Six Months Ended 

 

 

 

June 30

 

June 30

 

 

    

2018

  

2017

 

2018

 

2017

 

Asset-Based Operating Expenses (Operating Ratio)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries, wages, and benefits

 

51.3

%  

55.8

%  

53.5

%  

57.9

%  

Fuel, supplies, and expenses

 

11.6

 

11.4

 

12.2

 

11.9

 

Operating taxes and licenses

 

2.1

 

2.4

 

2.3

 

2.5

 

Insurance

 

1.4

 

1.5

 

1.4

 

1.5

 

Communications and utilities

 

0.7

 

0.8

 

0.8

 

0.9

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

3.8

 

4.0

 

4.1

 

4.2

 

Rents and purchased transportation

 

11.3

 

10.3

 

10.5

 

10.2

 

Shared services

 

10.2

 

9.1

 

9.8

 

9.2

 

Multiemployer pension fund withdrawal liability charge(1)

 

6.8

 

 —

 

3.6

 

 —

 

(Gain) loss on sale of property and equipment

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(0.1)

 

Other

 

0.2

 

0.3

 

0.2

 

0.3

 

 

 

99.4

%  

95.6

%  

98.4

%  

98.5

%  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset-Based Operating Income

 

0.6

%  

4.4

%  

1.6

%  

1.5

%  


(1)

As previously disclosed in the Asset-Based Segment Overview of Results of Operations,
(2)ABF Freight recorded a one-time $37.9 million pre-tax charge in June 2018 for the multiemployer pension plan withdrawal liability resulting from the transition agreement it entered into with the New England Pension Fund.

The following table provides a comparison of key operating statistics for the Asset-Based segment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended 

 

 

Six Months Ended 

 

 

 

 

June 30

 

 

June 30

 

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

    

% Change

    

 

2018

    

2017

    

% Change

 

 

Workdays

 

 

64.0

 

 

63.5

 

 

 

  

 

127.5

 

 

127.5

 

 

 

 

Billed revenue(1) per hundredweight, including fuel surcharges

 

$

33.73

 

$

30.84

 

9.4

%

 

$

32.96

 

$

30.17

 

9.2

%

 

Pounds

 

 

1,679,165,530

 

 

1,680,550,364

 

(0.1)

%

 

 

3,198,278,511

 

 

3,270,900,607

 

(2.2)

%

 

Pounds per day

 

 

26,236,961

 

 

26,465,360

 

(0.9)

%

 

 

25,084,537

 

 

25,654,122

 

(2.2)

%

 

Shipments per day

 

 

20,272

 

 

21,583

 

(6.1)

%

 

 

19,456

 

 

21,078

 

(7.7)

%

 

Shipments per DSY(2) hour

 

 

0.446

 

 

0.444

 

0.5

%

 

 

0.442

 

 

0.446

 

(0.9)

%

 

Pounds per DSY(2) hour

 

 

577.27

 

 

544.39

 

6.0

%

 

 

570.45

 

 

543.14

 

5.0

%

 

Pounds per shipment

 

 

1,294

 

 

1,226

 

5.5

%

 

 

1,289

 

 

1,217

 

5.9

%

 

Pounds per mile(3)

 

 

19.91

 

 

19.96

 

(0.3)

%

 

 

19.99

 

 

19.90

 

0.5

%

 


(1)

Revenue for undelivered freight is deferred for financial statement purposes in accordance with the revenue recognition policy. Billed revenue used for calculating revenue per hundredweight measurements has not been adjusted for the portion of revenue deferred for financial statement purposes.

(2)

Dock, street, and yard (“DSY”) measures are further discussed in Asset-Based Operating Expenses within this section of Asset-Based Segment Results. The Asset-Based segment uses shipments per DSY hour to measure labor efficiency in its local operations, although total pounds per DSY hour is also a relevant measure when the average shipment size is changing.

(3)

Total pounds per mile is used to measure labor efficiency of linehaul operations, although this metric is influenced by other factors including freight density, loading efficiency, average length of haul, and the degree to which purchased transportation (including rail service) is used.

39


Asset-Based Revenues

Asset-Based segment revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 totaled $559.2 million and $1,041.4 million, respectively, compared to $514.5 million and $978.9 million, respectively, for the same periods of 2017. Billed revenue (as described in footnote (1) to the key operating statistics table above) increased 8.4% and 6.8% on a per-day basis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same prior-year periods. The increases in billed revenue reflect a 9.4% and 9.2% increase in total billed revenue per hundredweight, including fuel surcharges, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, partially offset by a 0.9% and 2.2% decrease in tonnage per day, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2017. The number of workdays was higher by one-half of a day in the second quarter 2018 versus the prior year quarter.

The increase in total billed revenue per hundredweight reflects yield improvement initiatives, including a general rate increase, contract renewals, and CMC pricing which was introduced in the third quarter of 2017, and higher fuel surcharge revenues associated with increased fuel prices during the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same periods of 2017. The Asset-Based segment implemented nominal general rate increases on its LTL base rate tariffs of 5.9% and 4.9% effective April 16, 2018 and May 22, 2017, respectively, although the rate changes vary by lane and shipment characteristics. Prices on accounts subject to deferred pricing agreements and annually negotiated contracts which were renewed during the period increased approximately 4.5% and 4.6% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2017. For second quarter 2018, the Asset-Based segment’s average nominal fuel surcharge rate increased approximately 360 basis points from the second quarter 2017 level and increased approximately 310 basis points year-to-date for 2018 compared to the same period of 2017. Excluding changes in fuel surcharges, average pricing on the Asset-Based segment’s LTL business for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 had high-single-digit percentage increases when compared to the same prior-year periods. There can be no assurances that the current pricing trend will continue. The competitive environment could limit the Asset-Based segment from securing adequate increases in base LTL freight rates and could limit the amount of fuel surcharge revenue recovered.

The declines in tonnage per day for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, of 0.9% and 2.2%, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2017, primarily reflect the effect of yield improvement initiatives, including the space-based pricing program, that led to lower total shipment counts but an increase in average weight per shipment. Total shipments per day decreased 6.1% and 7.7% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2017, while average weight per shipment increased 5.5% and 5.9%. Constrained capacity in the truckload market during the current-year periods added to growth in our Asset-Based volume-quoted truckload-rated shipments, which generally weigh more per shipment, further contributing to the increase in average weight per shipment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018.

Asset-Based Revenues — July 2018

Asset-Based billed revenues for the month of July 2018 increased approximately 12% above July 2017 on a per-day basis, reflecting an increase in total billed revenue per hundredweight of approximately 11% and an increase in average daily total tonnage of approximately 1%. The higher revenue per hundredweight measure benefited from the effect of yield improvement initiatives and higher fuel surcharges. Tonnage levels for July 2018, compared to the same prior-year period, reflect reductions in LTL tonnage related to our ongoing yield management initiatives and changes in account mix, partially offset by year-over-year growth in our Asset-Based truckload-rated business reflecting an increase in our U-Pack household goods moving business. Total shipments per day decreased approximately 5% in July 2018, compared to July 2017. Total weight per shipment increased approximately 7% in July 2018 and total revenue per shipment increased approximately 18% in July 2018, versus the same prior-year period.

Asset-Based Operating Income

The Asset-Based segment generated operating income of $3.4 million and $16.8 million, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, including the $37.9 million one-time charge recognized in second quarter 2018 for the multiemployer pension fundplan withdrawal liability previously discussedresulting from the transition agreement with the New England Pension Fund.

(3)Restructuring charges relate to the realignment of the Company’s organizational structure.

Asset-Based Operations

Asset-Based Segment Overview

The Asset-Based segment consists of ABF Freight System, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of ArcBest Corporation, and certain other subsidiaries (“ABF Freight”). Our Asset-Based operations are affected by general economic conditions, as well as a number of other competitive factors that are more fully described in Item 1 (Business) and in Item 1A (Risk Factors) of Part I of our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The key indicators necessary to understand the operating results of our Asset-Based segment, which are more fully described in the Asset-Based Segment Overview within the Asset-Based Operations section of Results of Operations in Item 7 (MD&A) of Part II of our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, include:

overall customer demand for Asset-Based transportation services, including the impact of economic factors;
volume of transportation services provided, primarily measured by average daily shipment weight (“tonnage”), which influences operating leverage as the level of tonnage and number of shipments vary;
prices obtained for services, primarily measured by yield (“revenue per hundredweight”), including fuel surcharges; and
ability to manage cost structure, primarily in the Asset-Based Segment Overview, compared to $22.9 million and $14.5 million, respectively, for the same periods of 2017. The Asset-Based segment operating ratio increased by 3.8 percentage points for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and decreased by 0.1 percentage points for the six months ended June 30, 2018, from the same prior-year periods. The one-time multiemployer pension charge negatively impacted the operating ratios by 6.8 and 3.6 percentage points for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively. Excluding the one-time charge, Asset-Based operating results improved 3.0 percentage points in second

40


quarter 2018 and 3.7 percentage points for the first half of 2018, versus the comparable 2017 periods, reflecting yield initiatives and efficiencies in managing operating resources to business levels and freight profile characteristics. The segment’s operating ratio was also impacted by changes in operating expenses as discussed in the following paragraphs.

Asset-Based Operating Expenses

Labor costs, which are reported in operating expenses as salaries, wages, and benefits, amounted to 51.3% and 53.5% of Asset-Based segment revenues for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to 55.8% and 57.9%, respectively, for the same periods of 2017. As previously discussed in the Asset-Based Segment Overview, contractual wage and benefit rates increased versus the prior-year periods. However, salaries, wages, and benefits costs decreased $9.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same prior-year period, primarily due to adjustments made to better align our cost structure to business levels as shipment levels were 7.7% lower on a per day basis year-to-date for 2018. The decreases in labor costs were also impacted by lower nonunion healthcare costs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same periods of 2017, primarily due to a decrease in the average cost per claim and, for the six-month period, a decrease in the number of health claims filed. The decreases in salaries, wages, and benefits costs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same periods of 2017, were partially offset by higher expenses for incentive plans, a portion of which are driven by shareholder returns relative to peers, and higher accruals for defined contribution plans. As previously discussed, the 2018 ABF NMFA is retroactive to April 1, 2018.The additional week of vacation under the new labor agreement will be accrued as it is earned for anniversary dates that begin on or after April 1, 2018. The one-time, lump sum ratification bonus will be paid within thirty days of the July 25, 2018 ratification of the remaining supplements to the collective bargaining agreement and amortized over the duration of the contract beginning April 1, 2018. Expenses in second quarter and the first half of 2018 versus the comparable 2017 periods include additional costs associated with the 2018 ABF NMFA, including $0.6 million related to restoration of one week of vacation and $0.4 million related to the ratification bonus.

Although the Asset-Based segment manages costs with shipment levels, portionsarea of salaries, wages, and benefits are fixed in nature and(“labor”), with the adjustments which would otherwise be necessary to align the labortotal cost structure throughoutmeasured by the systempercent of operating expenses to corresponding tonnagerevenue levels are limited as the segment strives to maintain customer service. Management believes that this service emphasis provides(“operating ratio”).

34

As of June 2019, approximately 82% of our Asset-Based segment’s employees were covered under the ABF National Master Freight Agreement (the “2018 ABF NMFA”), the collective bargaining agreement with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (the “IBT”), which will remain in effect through June 30, 2023.Under the 2018 ABF NMFA, the contractual wage and benefits costs, including the ratification bonuses and vacation restoration, are estimated to increase approximately 2.0% on a compounded annual basis through the end of the agreement, although the phase-in of an additional week of vacation results in a higher annual percentage increase in the earlier months of the agreement through the fourth quarter of 2019. The contractual wage rate under the 2018 ABF NMFA increased 1.4% effective July 1, 2019, and the average health, welfare, and pension benefit contribution rate is expected to increase approximately 2.2% effective primarily on August 1, 2019. Profit-sharing bonuses based on the Asset-Based segment’s annual operating ratios for any full calendar year under the contract would represent an additional increase in costs under the 2018 ABF NMFA.

As more fully described in the Asset-Based Operations section of Results of Operations within MD&A in Item 7 of the Company’s 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, ABF Freight’s multiemployer pension plan obligation with the New England Teamsters and Trucking Industry Pension Fund (the “New England Pension Fund”) was restructured under a transition agreement effective on August 1, 2018. The transition agreement resulted in ABF Freight’s withdrawal as a participating employer in the New England Pension Fund and triggered settlement of the related withdrawal liability. ABF Freight simultaneously re-entered the New England Pension Fund as a new participating employer free from any preexisting withdrawal liability and at a lower future contribution rate. ABF Freight recognized a one-time charge of $37.9 million (pre-tax) to record the withdrawal liability as of June 30, 2018, when the transition agreement was determined to be probable. In accordance with the transition agreement, ABF Freight made an initial lump sum cash payment of $15.1 million in third quarter 2018 and the remainder of the withdrawal liability, which had an initial aggregate present value of $22.8 million, will be settled with monthly payments to the New England Pension Fund over a period of 23 years. In accordance with current tax law, these payments are deductible for income taxes when paid.

Asset-Based Segment Results

The following table sets forth a summary of operating expenses and operating income as a percentage of revenue for the Asset-Based segment:

Three Months Ended 

 

Six Months Ended 

 

June 30

June 30

    

2019

  

2018

2019

2018

Asset-Based Operating Expenses (Operating Ratio)

Salaries, wages, and benefits

 

53.1

%  

51.3

%  

54.2

%  

53.5

%  

Fuel, supplies, and expenses

 

11.9

11.6

12.3

12.2

Operating taxes and licenses

 

2.2

2.1

2.3

2.3

Insurance

 

1.4

1.4

1.5

1.4

Communications and utilities

 

0.8

0.7

0.9

0.8

Depreciation and amortization

 

3.9

3.8

4.0

4.1

Rents and purchased transportation

 

10.3

11.3

10.1

10.5

Shared services

 

10.0

10.2

10.0

9.8

Multiemployer pension fund withdrawal liability charge(1)

6.8

3.6

Gain on sale of property and equipment

 

(0.3)

(0.2)

Other

 

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

 

93.5

%  

99.4

%  

95.3

%  

98.4

%  

Asset-Based Operating Income

 

6.5

%  

0.6

%  

4.7

%  

1.6

%  

(1)ABF Freight recorded a one-time $37.9 million pre-tax charge in second quarter 2018 for the opportunity to generate improved yieldsmultiemployer pension plan withdrawal liability resulting from the transition agreement with the New England Pension Fund.

35

The following table provides a comparison of key operating statistics for the Asset-Based segment:

Three Months Ended 

Six Months Ended 

 

June 30

June 30

    

2019

    

2018

    

% Change

    

2019

    

2018

    

% Change

 

Workdays

 

63.5

 

64.0

  

126.5

 

127.5

Billed revenue(1) per hundredweight, including fuel surcharges

$

35.11

$

33.73

 

4.1

%

$

34.90

$

32.96

 

5.9

%

Pounds

 

1,608,974,193

 

1,679,165,530

 

(4.2)

%

 

3,069,793,182

 

3,198,278,511

 

(4.0)

%

Pounds per day

 

25,338,176

 

26,236,961

 

(3.4)

%

 

24,267,140

 

25,084,537

 

(3.3)

%

Shipments per day

 

20,036

 

20,272

 

(1.2)

%

 

19,629

 

19,456

 

0.9

%

Shipments per DSY(2) hour

 

0.438

 

0.446

 

(1.8)

%

 

0.436

 

0.442

 

(1.4)

%

Pounds per DSY(2) hour

 

553.58

 

577.27

 

(4.1)

%

 

538.70

 

570.45

 

(5.6)

%

Pounds per shipment

 

1,265

 

1,294

 

(2.2)

%

 

1,236

 

1,289

 

(4.1)

%

Pounds per mile(3)

 

19.57

 

19.91

 

(1.7)

%

 

19.46

 

19.99

 

(2.7)

%

Average length of haul (miles)

1,040

1,048

(0.8)

%

1,032

1,042

(1.0)

%

(1)Revenue for undelivered freight is deferred for financial statement purposes in accordance with the revenue recognition policy. Billed revenue used for calculating revenue per hundredweight measurements has not been adjusted for the portion of revenue deferred for financial statement purposes.
(2)Dock, street, and business levels. Shipmentsyard (“DSY”) measures are further discussed in Asset-Based Operating Expenses within this section of Asset-Based Segment Results. The Asset-Based segment uses shipments per DSY hour improved 0.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same prior-year period, partially impacted by increased usage of purchased transportation agents. Shipments per DSY declined 0.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same prior-year period, reflecting the challenges of efficiently managingmeasure labor efficiency in its local delivery efforts while servicing lower shipment levels.  The increases in pounds per shipment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, which reflect the yield initiatives and growth in truckload-rated shipments previously discussed, led to the improvement inoperations, although total pounds per DSY hour comparedis also a relevant measure when the average shipment size is changing.
(3)Total pounds per mile is used to measure labor efficiency of linehaul operations, although this metric is influenced by other factors including freight density, loading efficiency, average length of haul, and the same periods of 2017.

Fuel, supplies, and expenses as a percentage of revenue increased 0.2 and 0.3 percentage points for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compareddegree to the same prior-year periods, primarily due to an increase in the Asset-Based segment’s average fuel price per gallon (excluding taxes) of approximately 37% and 30% in the 2018 periods, compared to the same periods in 2017. The increase in fuel, supplies, and expenses was partially offset by fewer miles driven during the 2018 periods versus the same periods of 2017.

Rents andwhich purchased transportation as a percentage of revenue increased 1.0 and 0.3 percentage points for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2017, primarily due to both higher utilization and higher costs of purchased linehaul and local transportation agents to maintain customer service. Rail miles increased approximately 27% and 18% for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same prior-year periods. The Asset-Based segment remains focused on improving utilization of owned assets, as well as aligning purchased transportation costs with lower shipment levels which were experienced during the first half of 2018.

Shared services as a percentage of revenue increased 1.1 and 0.6 percentage points for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same prior-year periods, due to increases in employee benefit costs, including higher expenses for long-term incentive plans primarily due to shareholder returns relative to peers; higher advertising costs; and investments to improve the customer experience.

41


Asset-Light Operations

Asset-Light Overview

The ArcBest and FleetNet reportable segments, combined, represent our Asset-Light operations. Our Asset-Light operations are a key component of our strategy to offer customers a single source of end-to-end logistics solutions, designed to satisfy the complex supply chain and unique shipping requirements customers encounter. We have unified our sales, pricing, customer service, marketing, and capacity sourcing functions to better serve our customers through delivery of integrated logistics solutions.

Our Asset-Light operations are affected by general economic conditions, as well as a number of other competitive factors that are more fully described in Item 1 (Business) and in Item 1A (Risk Factors) of Part I of our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10‑K.(including rail service) is used.

Asset-Based Revenues

Asset-Based segment revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 totaled $559.6 million and $1,065.7 million, respectively, compared to $559.2 million and $1,041.4 million, respectively, for the same periods of 2018. Billed revenue (as described in footnote (1) to the key operating statistics table) increased 0.5% and 2.4% on a per-day basis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, compared to the same prior-year periods. The increases in total billed revenue reflect a 4.1% and 5.9% increase in total billed revenue per hundredweight, including fuel surcharges, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, partially offset by a 3.4% and 3.3% decrease in tonnage per day, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2018. The number of workdays was fewer by one half of a day in second quarter 2019 and by one day in the six months ended June 30, 2019, versus the same periods in 2018.

The increase in total billed revenue per hundredweight during the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019, compared to the same periods of 2018, reflects yield improvement initiatives, including general rate increases, contract renewals, and further implementation of space-based pricing, partially offset by the impact of a higher proportion of truckload-rated spot business. We have continued to implement our space-based pricing program, which we introduced in third quarter 2017, by applying cubic minimum charges (“CMC”) on shipments subject to LTL tariffs to better reflect freight shipping trends that have evolved in recent years, as more fully described in the Asset-Based Segment Overview within the Asset-Based Operations section of Results of Operations in Item 7 (MD&A) of Part II of our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Asset-Based segment implemented nominal general rate increases on its LTL base rate tariffs of 5.9% effective February 4, 2019 and April 16, 2018, although the rate changes vary by lane and shipment characteristics. Approximately one third of our Asset-Based business is subject to base LTL tariffs, which are affected by general rate increases, combined with individually negotiated discounts. Rates on the other two thirds of our Asset-Based business, including business priced in the spot market, are subject to individual pricing arrangements that are negotiated at various times throughout the year. Prices on accounts subject to deferred pricing agreements and annually negotiated contracts which were renewed during the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 increased approximately 3.1% and 3.6%, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2018. Excluding changes in fuel surcharges, average pricing on the Asset-Based segment’s LTL-rated business during the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 had high-single-digit percentage increases, compared to the same periods of 2018. Throughout the first six months of 2019, the fuel surcharge mechanism generally continued to have market acceptance among customers; however, certain nonstandard pricing

36

arrangements have limited the amount of fuel surcharge recovered. Our standard fuel surcharge program impacts approximately 35% of Asset-Based shipments and primarily affects noncontractual customers. There can be no assurances that the current pricing trend will continue. The competitive environment could limit the Asset-Based segment from securing adequate increases in base LTL freight rates and could limit the amount of fuel surcharge revenue recovered.

The 3.4% decrease in tonnage per day for the three months ended June 30, 2019, compared to the same period of 2018, reflects a mid-single digit percentage decrease in LTL-rated tonnage, partially offset by low-single digit percentage growth in truckload-rated freight. Total shipments per day decreased 1.2% and average weight per shipment declined 2.2% for the three-month period ended June 30, 2019, compared to the same period of 2018. The 3.3% decrease in tonnage per day for the six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to the same period of 2018, reflects lower LTL-rated and truckload-rated tonnage levels. Shipments per day increased 0.9% while average weight per shipment declined 4.1% for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019, compared to the same period of 2018. The lower weight per shipment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to the same periods of 2018, reflects the effect of softer economic conditions on shipment size combined with increased capacity in the truckload market which offered more available capacity for customers to utilize truckload carriers for some of their large-sized shipments. In a reversal of the trend our Asset-Based segment has experienced in recent quarters, LTL-rated shipment levels declined in second quarter 2019, while truckload-rated shipment levels increased due to adding more volume-quoted spot shipments to improve the efficiency of our linehaul network.

Asset-Based Revenues — July 2019

Asset-Based billed revenues for the month of July 2019 decreased approximately 1.5% compared to July 2018 on a per-day basis. Total tonnage decreased approximately 2.0% per day, reflecting a higher mix of truckload-rated business. In July 2019, truckload-rated tonnage increased by a double-digit percentage, while LTL-rated tonnage decreased by a high-single-digit percentage, compared to the same prior-year period. Total shipments per day decreased approximately 3% in July 2019, compared to July 2018. Total weight per shipment increased approximately 1.0% in July 2019, with the weight per shipment on LTL-rated shipments down approximately 5%, versus the same prior-year period, reflecting changes in account mix. Total billed revenue per hundredweight for July 2019 increased approximately 0.5% compared to the July 2018 measure. High-single-digit percentage increases in revenue per hundredweight, excluding fuel surcharge, for the Asset-Based segment’s LTL-rated business were offset by lower yield on truckload-rated spot shipments moving in the Asset-Based network due to more available truckload market capacity in 2019.

Asset-Based Operating Income

The Asset-Based segment generated operating income of $36.2 million and $49.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, compared to $3.4 million and $16.8 million, respectively, for the same periods of 2018. The Asset-Based segment operating ratio improved by 5.9 and 3.1 percentage points for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, over the same prior-year periods. The 2018 periods include the $37.9 million one-time charge recognized in second quarter 2018 for the multiemployer plan withdrawal liability resulting from the transition agreement ABF Freight entered into with the New England Pension fund, as previously discussed in the Asset-Based Segment Overview. Excluding the one-time charge, the Asset-Based operating ratio increased by 0.9 and 0.5 percentage points for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, versus the comparable 2018 periods, as revenue growth from continued strength in account pricing was more than offset by higher operating costs, including investments in technology to create a best-in-class customer experience. Costs related to these technology investments increased Asset-Based operating expenses by approximately $1.0 million and approximately $2.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively. We continue to make investments in technology, equipment, facilities, and other areas to address our customers’ evolving needs, and we anticipate the cost of these investments to total approximately $8.0 million for the Asset-Based segment in 2019. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2019, operating income was negatively impacted by approximately $2.0 million due to weather events in first quarter 2019 that reduced business levels and unfavorably impacted labor. The segment’s operating ratio was also impacted by changes in operating expenses as discussed in the following paragraphs.

37

Asset-Based Operating Expenses

Labor costs, which are reported in operating expenses as salaries, wages, and benefits, amounted to 53.1% and 54.2% of Asset-Based segment revenues for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019, compared to 51.3% and 53.5% for the same periods of 2018, primarily reflecting year-over-year increases in contractual wage and benefit contribution rates under the 2018 ABF NMFA. The contractual wage rate under the 2018 ABF NMFA increased 1.2% effective July 1, 2018, and the average health, welfare, and pension benefit contribution rate increased approximately 1.3% effective primarily on August 1, 2018. Expenses related to the restoration of one week of vacation under the 2018 ABF NMFA also increased salaries, wages, and benefits costs by $2.2 million and $4.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2018. The additional week of vacation under the new labor agreement is accrued as it is earned for anniversary dates that begin on or after April 1, 2018. Salaries, wages, and benefits costs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to the same period of 2018, were also impacted by an increase in workers’ compensation expense of $1.8 million and $1.5 million, respectively, primarily due to an increase in severity of claims experience. The segment’s higher labor costs were partially offset by lower expenses for certain nonunion performance-based incentive plans, including long-term incentive plans impacted by shareholder returns relative to peers.

Although the Asset-Based segment manages costs with shipment levels, portions of salaries, wages, and benefits are fixed in nature and the adjustments which would otherwise be necessary to align the labor cost structure throughout the system to corresponding tonnage levels are limited as the segment strives to maintain customer service. In the midst of a tight labor market, the Asset-Based segment retained freight handling personnel and drivers in the first half of 2019 to maintain customer service levels, despite lower tonnage levels compared to the same prior-year period. These resources allowed for lower utilization of local delivery agents and linehaul purchased transportation as further described in the following paragraph. Although certain productivity measures were negatively impacted by these strategic decisions, management believes the service emphasis provides opportunity to generate improved yields and business levels. Dock and street productivity metrics for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 also reflect the negative impact of first quarter severe winter weather events previously described, compared to the same period of 2018. As a result, shipments per DSY hour declined 1.8% and 1.4% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to the same prior-year periods. Productivity was negatively impacted by shipment profile metrics that increased handling costs for LTL shipments. The lower weight per shipment was a contributing profile factor of the 4.1% and 5.6% decline in pounds per DSY hour for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2018. Pounds per mile declined 1.7% and 2.7% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2018, reflecting freight profile effects, including lower weight per shipment and shorter length of haul on available freight, while also maintaining service delivery schedules.

Rents and purchased transportation as a percentage of revenue decreased 1.0 and 0.4 percentage points for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to the same periods of 2018, primarily due to lower utilization of local delivery agents and linehaul purchased transportation as the Asset-Based segment focused on optimizing utilization of owned assets and retained additional labor resources to maintain customer service. The decrease in purchased transportation costs for second quarter 2019 were also impacted by lower rail utilization, as rail miles decreased approximately 6% compared to second quarter 2018. Rail miles were relatively consistent for the six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to the same period of 2018.

Shared services as a percentage of revenue decreased 0.2 percentage points for the three months ended June 30, 2019, compared to the same prior-year period, primarily due to lower expenses for certain nonunion performance-based incentive plans, including long-term incentive plans impacted by shareholder returns relative to peers. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, shared services increased 0.2 percentage points primarily due to higher costs related to enhancing the customer experience and initiatives for more streamlined delivery of customer relationship services which reflect investments in digital advertising, technologies, and personnel, partially offset by lower expenses related to certain nonunion performance-based incentive plans.

Gain on sale of property and equipment improved the Asset-Based segment’s operating ratio by 0.3 and 0.2 percentage points for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to the same periods of 2018, due to a $1.7 million gain recognized in second quarter 2019 on the sale of certain real estate previously used by our service center operations.

38

Asset-Light Operations

Asset-Light Overview

The ArcBest and FleetNet reportable segments, combined, represent our Asset-Light operations. Our Asset-Light operations are a key component of our strategy to offer customers a single source of end-to-end logistics solutions, designed to satisfy the complex supply chain and unique shipping requirements customers encounter. We have unified our sales, pricing, customer service, marketing, and capacity sourcing functions to better serve our customers through delivery of integrated logistics solutions.

Our Asset-Light operations are affected by general economic conditions, as well as a number of other competitive factors that are more fully described in Item 1 (Business) and in Item 1A (Risk Factors) of Part I of our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The key indicators necessary to understand our Asset-Light operating results include:

·

customer demand for logistics and premium transportation services combined with economic factors which influence the number of shipments or service events used to measure changes in business levels;

customer demand for logistics and premium transportation services combined with economic factors which influence the number of shipments or service events used to measure changes in business levels;

·

prices obtained for services, primarily measured by revenue per shipment or event;

prices obtained for services, primarily measured by revenue per shipment or event;

·

availability of market capacity and cost of purchased transportation to fulfill customer shipments;

availability of market capacity and cost of purchased transportation to fulfill customer shipments; and
management of operating costs.

Asset-Light Results

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, the combined revenues of our Asset-Light operations totaled $232.9 million and $459.4 million, respectively, compared to $246.8 million and $476.5 million, respectively, for the same periods of 2018. The combined revenues of our Asset-Light operating segments generated approximately 29% and 30% of our total revenues before other revenues and intercompany eliminations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, compared to 31% for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2018.

ArcBest Segment

The following table sets forth a summary of operating expenses and operating income as a percentage of revenue for the ArcBest segment:

Three Months Ended 

 

Six Months Ended 

June 30

June 30

    

2019

  

2018

2019

  

2018

ArcBest Segment Operating Expenses (Operating Ratio)

Purchased transportation

 

81.4

%  

81.5

%  

81.2

%  

81.5

%  

Supplies and expenses

 

1.6

1.7

1.6

1.8

Depreciation and amortization

 

1.7

1.8

1.7

1.8

Shared services

 

12.8

11.7

13.0

11.9

Other

 

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.2

Restructuring costs

 

0.1

 

98.8

%  

98.1

%  

98.9

%  

98.2

%  

ArcBest Segment Operating Income

 

1.2

%  

1.9

%  

1.1

%  

1.8

%  

A comparison of key operating statistics for the ArcBest segment presented in the following table reflects the segment’s combined operations, excluding statistical data related to managed transportation solutions transactions. Growth in managed transportation solutions has increased the number of shipments for these services to approximately one-third of the ArcBest segment’s total shipments, while the business represents less than 10% of segment revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019. Due to the nature of our managed transportation solutions which typically involve a larger number of shipments at a significantly lower revenue per shipment level than the segment’s other service offerings, inclusion of the managed transportation solutions data would result in key operating statistics which are not representative of the operating results of the segment as a whole. As such, the key operating statistics management uses to evaluate performance of the ArcBest segment exclude managed transportation solutions transactions.

·

net revenue for the ArcBest segment, which is defined as revenues less purchased transportation costs; and

39

·

management of operating costs.

Year Over Year % Change

Three Months Ended 

Six Months Ended 

June 30, 2019

June 30, 2019

Revenue / Shipment

(9.8%)

(8.3%)

Shipments / Day

(1.6%)

(1.3%)

ArcBest segment revenues totaled $181.2 million and $354.4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, compared to $200.0 million and $381.9 million, respectively, for the same periods of 2018. The 9.4% and 7.2% decrease in revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, compared to the same prior-year periods, primarily reflects decreases in revenue per shipment associated with lower market prices and fewer shipments on a per-day basis resulting from increased available truckload market capacity in the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to the tighter capacity experienced in the same periods of 2018. More truckload market capacity in 2019 was the primary driver of reduced market pricing for expedite and truckload brokerage services compared to the strong market for these services in 2018. The revenue declines for our expedite and truckload brokerage services were partially offset by higher demand for managed transportation solutions and the impact of increased tariffs on the segment’s international services for three and six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to the same periods of 2018.

Operating income decreased $1.6 million and $3.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2018, primarily reflecting the declines in revenue. Purchased transportation costs decreased 0.1 and 0.3 percentage points as a percentage of revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2018, primarily due to reduced purchased transportation rates attributable to more available truckload capacity and beneficial growth in our owner-operator fleet. Although the ArcBest segment manages costs with shipment levels, portions of operating costs are fixed in nature and the adjustments which would otherwise be necessary to align the cost structure to corresponding revenue and shipment levels are limited as the segment strives to maintain customer service. Shared services expenses increased 1.1 percentage points as a percentage of revenue in the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, compared to the same prior-year periods, primarily due to strategic development of our owner-operator fleet and contract carrier capacity in addition to the effect of intersegment cost allocations that are based on shipment or activity levels which declined less than the reduction in revenue per shipment. Elevated costs associated with long-term investment in our owner-operator fleet and contract carrier capacity will continue for the remainder of the year and we expect these investments to increase ArcBest segment expenses by approximately $0.5 million in both the third and fourth quarters of 2019, compared to the same periods of 2018.  

ArcBest Segment Revenues – July 2019

Revenues of our ArcBest segment (ArcBest Asset-Light operations, excluding FleetNet) decreased approximately 4.5% on a per-day basis in July 2019, compared to July 2018, and purchased transportation expense was approximately flat between the periods. Available truckload capacity during 2019, compared to the tight capacity environment in 2018, led to lower revenue per shipment and reduced demand for expedite services in July 2019 versus July 2018. Managed transportation solutions continued to have a positive impact on the ArcBest segment’s business in July 2019.

FleetNet Segment

FleetNet’s revenues totaled $51.7 million and $105.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to $46.8 million and $94.6 million, respectively, for the same periods of 2018. The 10.5% and 11.0% increase in revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2018, was driven by higher service event volume, primarily due to an increase in preventative maintenance service events provided to our Asset-Based segment.

FleetNet’s operating income totaled $1.0 million for each of the three-month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, and totaled $2.5 million and $2.6 million for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. FleetNet’s operating income margins for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to the same periods of 2018, were impacted by lower revenue per event on maintenance services combined with increased operating costs to service the event growth.

40

Asset-Light Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”)

We report our financial results in accordance with GAAP. However, management believes that certain non-GAAP performance measures and ratios, such as Adjusted EBITDA, utilized for internal analysis provide analysts, investors, and others the same information that we use internally for purposes of assessing our core operating performance and provides meaningful comparisons between current and prior period results, as well as important information regarding performance trends. The use of certain non-GAAP measures improves comparability in analyzing our performance because it removes the impact of items from operating results that, in management's opinion, do not reflect our core operating performance. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA as a key measure of performance and for business planning. The measure is particularly meaningful for analysisof our Asset-Light businesses, because it excludes amortization of acquired intangibles and software, which are significant expenses resulting from strategic decisions rather than core daily operations. Management also believes Adjusted EBITDA to be relevant and useful information, as EBITDA is a standard measure commonly reported and widely used by analysts, investors, and others to measure financial performance of asset-light businesses and the ability to service debt obligations. Other companies may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently; therefore, our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, our reported results. Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as a better measurement than operating income, operating cash flow, net income, or earnings per share, as determined under GAAP.

Asset-Light Adjusted EBITDA

Three Months Ended 

Six Months Ended 

June 30

June 30

    

2019

2018

2019

2018

(in thousands)

ArcBest Segment

Operating Income(1)

$

2,122

$

3,707

$

3,852

$

6,872

Depreciation and amortization(2)

3,055

3,597

6,206

7,005

Restructuring charges(3)

143

152

Adjusted EBITDA

$

5,177

$

7,447

$

10,058

$

14,029

FleetNet Segment

Operating Income(1)

$

1,026

$

1,029

$

2,514

$

2,550

Depreciation and amortization

333

264

650

543

Adjusted EBITDA

$

1,359

$

1,293

$

3,164

$

3,093

Total Asset-Light

Operating Income(1)

$

3,148

$

4,736

$

6,366

$

9,422

Depreciation and amortization

3,388

3,861

6,856

7,548

Restructuring charges(3)

143

152

Adjusted EBITDA

$

6,536

$

8,740

$

13,222

$

17,122

As previously disclosed within
(1)The calculation of Adjusted EBITDA as presented in this table begins with operating income, as other income (costs), income taxes, and net income are reported at the Generalconsolidated level and not included in the operating segment financial information evaluated by management to make operating decisions. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA is reconciled to consolidated net income in the Consolidated Results section of MD&A, we have reclassified certain prior period segment operating expenses in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to conform to the current year presentationResults of segment expenses allocated from shared services and the presentation of components of net periodic benefit cost in other income (costs) in our consolidated financial statements. See Note J to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q for descriptions ofOperations.
(2)For the ArcBest segment, includes amortization of acquired intangibles of $1.1 million and FleetNet segments and additional segment information, including revenues and operating income$2.2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, compared to $1.2 million and $2.3 million, respectively, for the same prior-year periods.
(3)Restructuring costs relate to the realignment of our corporate structure.

Environmental and Legal Matters

We are subject to federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations relating to, among other things: emissions control, transportation or handling of hazardous materials, underground and aboveground storage tanks, stormwater pollution prevention, contingency planning for spills of petroleum products, and disposal of waste oil. We may transport or arrange for the transportation of hazardous materials and explosives, and we operate in industrial areas where truck service centers and other industrial activities are located and where groundwater or other forms of environmental contamination could occur. See Note L to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly

41

Report on Form 10-Q for further discussion of the environmental matters to which we are subject and the reserves we currently have recorded in our consolidated financial statements for amounts related to such matters.

We are involved in various legal actions, the majority of which arise in the ordinary course of business. We maintain liability insurance against certain risks arising out of the normal course of our business, subject to certain self-insured retention limits. We routinely establish and review the adequacy of reserves for estimated legal, environmental, and self-insurance exposures. While management believes that amounts accrued in the consolidated financial statements are adequate, estimates of these liabilities may change as circumstances develop. Considering amounts recorded, routine legal matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Information Technology and Cybersecurity

We depend on the proper functioning, availability, and security of our information systems, including communications, data processing, financial, and operating systems, as well as proprietary software programs, that are integral to the efficient operation of our business. Cybersecurity attacks and other cyber incidents that impact the availability, reliability, speed, accuracy, or other proper functioning of these systems or that result in proprietary information or sensitive or confidential data being compromised could have a significant impact on our operations. Any new or enhanced technology that we may develop and implement may also be subject to cybersecurity attacks and may be more prone to related incidents. We also utilize certain software applications provided by third parties and provide underlying data which is utilized by third parties who provide certain outsourced administrative functions, either of which may increase the risk of a cybersecurity incident. Although we strive to carefully select our third-party vendors, we do not control their actions and any problems caused by these third parties, including cyber attacks and security breaches at a vendor, could adversely affect our ability to provide service to our customers and otherwise conduct our business. Our information systems are protected through physical and software safeguards as well as backup systems considered appropriate by management. However, it is not practicable to protect against the possibility of power loss, telecommunications failures, cybersecurity attacks, and other cyber events in every potential circumstance that may arise. To mitigate the potential for such occurrences at our corporate headquarters, we have implemented various systems, including redundant telecommunication facilities; replication of critical data to an offsite location; a fire suppression system to protect our on-site data center; and electrical power protection and generation facilities. We also have a catastrophic disaster recovery plan and alternate processing capability available for our critical data processes in the event of a catastrophe that renders our corporate headquarters unusable.

Our business interruption and cyber insurance would offset losses up to certain coverage limits in the event of a catastrophe or certain cyber incidents; however, losses arising from a catastrophe or significant cyber incident would likely exceed our insurance coverage and could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, a significant disruption in our information technology systems or a significant cyber incident, including denial of service, system failure, security breach, intentional or inadvertent acts by employees or vendors with access to our systems or data, disruption by malware, or other damage, could interrupt or delay our operations, damage our reputation, cause a loss of customers, cause errors or delays in financial reporting, expose us to a risk of loss or litigation, and/or cause us to incur significant time and expense to remedy such an event. We have experienced incidents involving attempted denial of service attacks, malware attacks, and other events intended to disrupt information systems, wrongfully obtain valuable information, or cause other types of malicious events that could have resulted in harm to our business. To date, the systems employed have been effective in identifying these types of events at a point when the impact on our business could be minimized. We must continuously monitor and develop our information technology networks and infrastructure to prevent, detect, address, and mitigate the risk of unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses, and other events that could have a security impact. We have made and continue to make significant financial investments in technologies and processes to mitigate these risks. We also provide employee awareness training around phishing, malware, and other cyber risks. Management is not aware of any cybersecurity incident that has had a material effect on our operations, although there can be no assurances that a cyber incident that could have a material impact to our operations could not occur.

42

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, cash generated by operations, and borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility or accounts receivable securitization program.

Cash Flow and Short-Term Investments

Components of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were as follows:

June 30

December 31

 

2019

    

2018

 

(in thousands)

 

Cash and cash equivalents(1)

$

181,731

$

190,186

Short-term investments(2)

 

117,657

 

106,806

Total(3)

$

299,388

$

296,992

(1)Cash equivalents consist of money market funds, variable rate demand notes, and, at December 31, 2018, U.S. Treasury securities.
(2)Short-term investments consist of certificates of deposit and 2017, as well as explanationU.S. Treasury securities.
(3)Cash, variable rate demand notes, and certificates of deposit are recorded at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value. Money market funds are recorded at fair value based on quoted prices.U.S. Treasury securities are recorded at cost plus amortized premium or discount and accrued interest. At June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaling $68.9 million and $94.7 million, respectively, were neither FDIC insured nor direct obligations of the expense category reclassifications for shared services.

Asset-Light Results

U.S. government.

Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments increased $2.4 million from December 31, 2018 to June 30, 2019. During the six-month period ended June 30, 2019, cash provided by operations was used to repay $20.4 million of long-term debt, net of proceeds; fund $38.1 million of capital expenditures (and an additional $11.0 million of certain Asset-Based revenue equipment was financed with notes payable), net of proceeds from asset sales; fund $5.5 million of internally developed software; purchase $5.2 million of treasury stock; and pay dividends of $4.1 million on common stock.

Cash provided by operating activities during the six months ended June 30, 2019 was $80.5 million, compared to cash provided by operating activities of $119.6 million in the same prior-year period. Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2018, was reduced by a $37.9 million (pre-tax), or $28.2 million (after-tax), one-time charge recognized in second quarter 2018 for the multiemployer plan withdrawal liability resulting from the transition agreement ABF Freight entered into with the New England Pension fund (previously discussed within the Asset-Based Segment Overview section of MD&A Results of Operations). Excluding the effect of establishing the multiemployer pension withdrawal liability, net income declined $10.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the prior-year period. The $39.1 million decrease in cash provided by operating activities is primarily related to growth in working capital (which resulted in cash outflow), the lower income level and $5.3 million of adjustments to net income for noncash operating expenses and changes in income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to the same period of 2018.

Changes in working capital, which contributed to $24.2 million of the decrease in operating cash flow, were primarily due to decreases in accrued expenses, accounts payable, and other liabilities, partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable, for the six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to increases in accounts payable, partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable, for the same period of 2018. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, accrued expenses, accounts payable, and other liabilities decreased primarily due to operating lease payments made during the six months ended June 30, 2019 and higher payouts in first quarter 2019 combined with lower accruals during the six months ended June 30, 2019 for certain nonunion performance-based incentive plans, partially offset by higher accruals related to purchased transportation and labor costs in our segment operations. The increase in accounts payable for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was primarily due to an increase in the accrual for equipment received and increases in accruals related to purchased transportation and other expenses in our segment operations related to higher business levels in June 2018 compared to December 31, 2017. Accounts receivable decreased as of June 30, 2019, compared to December 31,

43

2018, due to improved collection levels, and increased as of June 30, 2018, compared to December 31, 2017, primarily due to higher business levels in June 2018 versus December 2017.

Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments increased $50.1 million from December 31, 2017 to June 30, 2018. During the six-month period ended June 30, 2018, cash provided by operations of $119.6 million was used to repay $33.7 million of notes payable; fund $22.7 million of capital expenditures (and an additional $14.4 million of certain Asset-Based revenue equipment was financed with notes payable), net of proceeds from asset sales; and pay dividends of $4.1 million on common stock.

Financing Arrangements

Our financing arrangements are discussed in Note F to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Contractual Obligations

We have purchase obligations, consisting of authorizations to purchase and binding agreements with vendors, relating to revenue equipment used in our Asset-Based operations, other equipment, facility improvements, software, certain service contracts, and other items for which amounts were not accrued in the consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2019. These purchase obligations totaled $122.2 million as of June 30, 2019, with $109.0 million estimated to be paid within the next year, $10.9 million estimated to be paid in the following two-year period, and $2.3 million to be paid within five years, provided that vendors complete their commitments to us. Purchase obligations for revenue equipment and other equipment are included in our 2019 capital expenditure plan. We also have contractual obligations for operating leases, primarily related to our Asset-Based service centers, as of June 30, 2019 which are disclosed in Note E to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Our contractual obligations related to our notes payable, which provide financing for revenue equipment and software purchases, totaled $184.6 million, including interest, as of June 30, 2019, a decrease of $10.4 million from December 31, 2018. The scheduled maturities of our long-term debt obligations as of June 30, 2019 are disclosed in Note F to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. There have been no other material changes in the contractual obligations disclosed in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K during the six months ended June 30, 2019.

For 2019, our total capital expenditures, including amounts financed, are estimated to range from $170.0 million to $180.0 million, net of asset sales. These 2019 estimated net capital expenditures include revenue equipment purchases of $90.0 million, primarily for our Asset-Based operations. The remainder of 2019 expected capital expenditures includes real estate projects, costs of other facility and handling equipment for our Asset-Based operations, including forklifts, and technology investments across the enterprise. We have the flexibility to adjust certain planned 2019 capital expenditures as business levels dictate. Depreciation and amortization expense, excluding amortization of intangibles, is estimated to be in a range of $110.0 million to $115.0 million in 2019.

As previously disclosed within the Consolidated Results section of Results of Operations, our nonunion defined benefit pension plan was terminated with an effective date of December 31, 2017 and the liquidation of plan assets and settlement of plan obligations is expected to be completed in 2019. In August 2019, the plan received a preliminary bid for a nonparticipating annuity contract from an insurance company. Based on the most recently available actuarial information, including the preliminary bid, we estimate making a cash contribution to the plan to fund an annuity contract purchase and the remaining benefit distributions expected to be made from the plan in excess of plan assets of approximately $7.0 million, which would be deductible for income tax purposes, although there can be no assurances in this regard as the actual contribution amount is dependent on various factors and will be determined using updated actuarial data.

ABF Freight System, Inc. and certain other subsidiaries reported in our Asset-Based operating segment contribute to multiemployer health, welfare, and pension plans based generally on the time worked by their contractual employees, as specified in the collective bargaining agreement and other supporting supplemental agreements (see Note G to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q).

44

Other Liquidity Information

Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaled $299.4 million at June 30, 2019. General economic conditions, along with competitive market factors and the related impact on our business, primarily the tonnage and pricing levels that the Asset-Based segment receives for its services, could affect our ability to generate cash from operations and maintain cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments on hand as operating costs increase. Our revolving credit facility (“Credit Facility”) under our Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“Credit Agreement”) and our accounts receivable securitization program provide available sources of liquidity with flexible borrowing and payment options. We had available borrowing capacity under our Credit Facility and our accounts receivable securitization program of $130.0 million and $70.1 million, respectively, at June 30, 2019. We believe these agreements provide borrowing capacity options necessary for growth of our businesses. We believe existing cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, cash generated by operations, and amounts available under our Credit Agreement or accounts receivable securitization program will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs, including financing potential acquisitions and the repayment of amounts due under our financing arrangements, for the foreseeable future. Notes payable, finance leases, and other secured financing may also be used to fund capital expenditures, provided that such arrangements are available and the terms are acceptable to us.

During 2019, we are continuing to take actions to enhance shareholder value with our quarterly dividend payments and treasury stock purchases. On July 25, 2019, our Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.08 per share to stockholders of record as of August 9, 2019. We expect to continue to pay quarterly dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future, although there can be no assurances in this regard since future dividends will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and are dependent upon our future earnings, capital requirements, and financial condition; contractual restrictions applying to the payment of dividends under our Credit Agreement; and other factors.

We have a program in place to repurchase our common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The program has no expiration date but may be terminated at any time at the Board of Directors’ discretion. Repurchases may be made using cash reserves or other available sources. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, we purchased 168,535 shares of our common stock for an aggregate cost of $5.2 million, leaving $17.1 million available for repurchase under the current buyback program.

Our Credit Facility, accounts receivable securitization program, and interest rate swap agreements utilize interest rates based on LIBOR. LIBOR is the basic rate of interest used in lending between banks on the London interbank market and is widely used as a reference for setting the interest rates on loans globally.In July 2017, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”), which regulates LIBOR, announced that it intends to phase out LIBOR by the end of 2021. The Alternative Reference Rates Committee (the “ARRC”), a steering committee comprised of private-sector entities including large U.S. financial institutions, was jointly convened by the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to help ensure a successful transition from LIBOR to an alternative reference rate in the United States. The ARRC selected the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (the “SOFR”) as its preferred replacement for LIBOR, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York began publishing SOFR rates in April 2018. The SOFR is calculated by the Federal Reserve Board based on the interest rates banks charge one another in the overnight market, typically called repurchase agreements, and is intended to be a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities.

In October 2018, the FASB amended ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, to permit the SOFR Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a U.S. benchmark interest rate. This amendment was effective for us on January 1, 2019 and it did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements. We are currently reviewing contract language provided by our lenders which would allow for the use of an alternative to LIBOR in calculating the interest rate under our borrowing arrangements. Any such changes to the terms of our borrowing arrangements are anticipated to be effective in 2022 upon our agreement with the lenders as to the replacement reference rate. We anticipate amending such agreements, as appropriate, in the near future. It is our understanding that replacement of LIBOR with an alternative reference in determining the interest rate under our borrowing arrangements will not have a significant impact on our cost of borrowing; however, there can be no assurances in this regard, as the new rates resulting from the replacement of LIBOR in our borrowing arrangements may not be as favorable to us as those in effect prior to any LIBOR phase-out.

45

Financial Instruments

We have not historically entered into financial instruments for trading purposes, nor have we historically engaged in a program for fuel price hedging. No such instruments were outstanding as of June 30, 2019. We have interest rate swap agreements in place which are discussed in Note F to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Balance Sheet Changes

Operating Right-of-Use Assets

The $68.8 million increase in operating right-of-use assets from December 31, 2018 to June 30, 2019 is due to adoption of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 842, Leases, (“ASC Topic 842”) effective January 1, 2019, and represents the recognition of right-of-use assets from operating lease agreements in our consolidated balance sheet.

Accounts Payable

The $23.0 million increase in accounts payable from December 31, 2018 to June 30, 2019, is primarily due to a $16.6 million increase in the accrual for equipment received.  

Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses decreased $14.1 million from December 31, 2018 to June 30, 2019, primarily due to payment during the first quarter 2019 of amounts accrued at December 31, 2018 for certain incentive accruals related to our improved operating performance and the current portion of long-term incentive plans, a portion of which are driven by shareholder returns relative to peers, and contributions to defined contribution plans. The impact of these payments on the decrease in accrued expenses was partially offset by accruals for the incentive plans during 2019, as well as an increase in vacation accruals for union employees related, in part, to the restoration of a week of vacation under the 2018 ABF NMFA, and an increase in the workers’ compensation expense accrual due to higher severity of claims experienced during 2019.

Current Portion of Operating Lease Liabilities and Operating Lease Liabilities

The $18.3 million and $54.0 million increases in current and long-term operating lease liabilities, respectively, from December 31, 2018 to June 30, 2019, are due to the January 1, 2019 adoption of ASC Topic 842 and represent the recognition of liabilities from operating lease agreements in our consolidated balance sheet.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

At June 30, 2019, our off-balance sheet arrangements for purchase obligations totaled $122.2 million, as previously discussed in the Contractual Obligations section of Liquidity and Capital Resources.

We have no investments, loans, or any other known contractual arrangements with unconsolidated special-purpose entities, variable interest entities, or financial partnerships and have no outstanding loans with executive officers or directors.

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate was 27.4% and 27.1% of pre-tax income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019. Our effective tax benefit rate was 68.0% and 15.0% of pre-tax income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018. As a result of the Tax Reform Act and our use of a fiscal year rather than a calendar year for U.S. income tax filing, taxes for the tax year ended February 28, 2018 were required to be calculated by applying a blended rate to taxable income. In computing total tax expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, a 32.74% blended rate was applied to the two months ended February 28, 2018, and a 21.0% federal statutory rate was applied to the months of March 2018 through June 30, 2018. A federal statutory rate of 21.0% was applied to the three and six months ended June 30, 2019.  The average state tax rate, net of the associated federal deduction, is approximately 5%. However, various factors may cause the full-year 2019 tax rate to vary significantly from the statutory rate. Our full year 2019 tax rate is expected to be approximately 26% to 27%, while the effective rate in any quarter may be impacted by items discrete to that period.

46

At December 31, 2017, as a result of the Tax Reform Act, we remeasured deferred federal tax assets and liabilities based on the rate at which they were expected to reverse in the future. Existing deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017 that were reasonably estimated to reverse in the tax year ending February 28, 2018 were remeasured at a rate of 32.74%. Existing deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017 that were reasonably estimated to reverse after the tax year ending February 28, 2018 were remeasured at a rate of 21.0%. In the first six months of 2018, a provisional reduction of net deferred income tax liabilities was recognized related to the reversal of temporary differences through our tax year end of February 28, 2018. As a result, we recognized a provisional deferred tax benefit of $2.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, which impacted the effective tax benefit rate as noted in the following table. As of December 31, 2018, the accounting for the income tax effects of the Tax Reform Act was complete and all amounts recorded were considered final.

Reconciliation between the effective income tax rate, as computed on income before income taxes, and the statutory federal income tax rate is presented in the following table:

Three Months Ended 

 

Six Months Ended 

 

June 30

June 30

    

2019

    

  

2018

 

  

2019

    

  

2018

 

(in thousands)

Income tax provision at the statutory federal rate(1)

$

7,048

21.0

%

$

154

21.0

%

$

8,433

21.0

%

$

2,042

21.0

%

Federal income tax effects of:

 

 

Impact of the Tax Reform Act on deferred tax

 

%

 

(50)

(6.8)

%

 

%

 

(2,641)

(27.2)

%

Impact of the Tax Reform Act on current tax

 

%

 

(9)

(1.2)

%

 

%

 

(69)

(0.7)

%

Alternative fuel credit(2)

 

%

 

%

 

%

 

(1,203)

(12.4)

%

Nondeductible expenses and other

 

355

1.1

%

 

392

53.5

%

 

836

2.1

%

 

911

9.6

%

Decrease in valuation allowances

 

%

 

(377)

(51.4)

%

 

%

 

(284)

(2.9)

%

Tax expense (benefit) from vested RSUs

 

410

1.2

%

 

(282)

(38.5)

%

 

408

1.0

%

 

(301)

(3.3)

%

Life insurance proceeds and changes in cash surrender value

(114)

(0.3)

%

(172)

(23.5)

%

(453)

(1.1)

%

(196)

(2.0)

%

Federal income tax provision (benefit)

$

7,699

23.0

%

$

(344)

(46.9)

%

$

9,224

23.0

%

$

(1,741)

(17.9)

%

State income tax provision (benefit)

 

1,485

4.4

%

 

(155)

(21.1)

%

 

1,668

4.1

%

 

279

2.9

%

Total provision (benefit) for income taxes

$

9,184

27.4

%

$

(499)

(68.0)

%

$

10,892

27.1

%

$

(1,462)

(15.0)

%

(1)For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, the combined revenues of our Asset-Light operations totaled $246.8 million and $476.5 million, respectively, compared to $212.4 million and $405.5 million, respectively, for the same periods of 2017. The combined revenues of our Asset-Light operating segments generated approximately 31% of our total revenues before other revenues and intercompany eliminations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to 29% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017.

ArcBest Segment

The following table sets forth a summary of operating expenses and operating income as a percentage of revenue for the ArcBest segment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended 

 

Six Months Ended 

 

 

 

June 30

 

June 30

 

 

    

2018

  

2017

 

2018

  

2017

 

ArcBest Segment Operating Expenses (Operating Ratio)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchased transportation

 

81.5

%  

79.3

%  

81.5

%  

79.5

%  

Supplies and expenses

 

1.7

 

2.1

 

1.8

 

2.3

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1.8

 

1.8

 

1.8

 

2.0

 

Shared services

 

11.7

 

11.7

 

11.9

 

12.2

 

Other

 

1.3

 

1.7

 

1.2

 

1.6

 

Restructuring costs

 

0.1

 

 —

 

 —

 

0.3

 

 

 

98.1

%  

96.6

%  

98.2

%  

97.9

%  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ArcBest Segment Operating Income

 

1.9

%  

3.4

%  

1.8

%  

2.1

%  

42


Under our enhanced marketing approach to offer customers a single source of end-to-end logistics, the service offeringseffect of the ArcBest segment continue to become more integrated. Management’s operating decisions have become more focused on the ArcBest segment’s combined operations, rather than individual service offerings within the segment’s operations. As such, the comparison of key operating statistics for the ArcBest segment presentedchange in the following table was revised beginning in first quarter 2018U.S. corporate tax rate to reflect the segment’s combined operations, including the expedite, truckload, and truckload-dedicated operations for which statistics were previously separately reported, as well as other service offerings of the segment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Over Year % Change

 

 

Three Months Ended 

 

Six Months Ended 

 

 

June 30, 2018

 

June 30, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue / Shipment

 

16.2%

 

 

19.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shipments / Day

 

(6.0%)

 

 

(5.8%)

 

The ArcBest segment revenues totaled $200.0 million and $381.9 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $175.9 million and $328.8 million, respectively, for the same periods of 2017. The 13.7% and 16.2% increase in revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same prior-year periods, primarily reflects increases in revenue per shipment associated with higher market prices resulting from continued tightness in available truckload capacity, partially offset by lower shipments per day. ArcBest segment net revenue, which is a non-GAAP measure of revenues less costs of purchased transportation (see Reconciliations of Asset-Light Non-GAAP Measures within this Asset-Light Results section), increased 1.6% and 4.8%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2017. However, tight market capacity compressed the segment’s net revenue margin, which was 18.5% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, versus 20.7% and 20.5% for the same prior-year periods, respectively, with the year-over-year declines reflecting the increased cost of purchased transportation outpacing improvements in customer rates. Purchased transportation costs as a percentage of revenue increased 2.2 and 2.0 percentage points for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2017, as capacity in the spot market tightened versus the prior year. The year-over-year net revenue comparison for the ArcBest segment was also impacted by $0.8 million and $1.2 million of net revenue included in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2017, respectively, from our military moving business which was sold in December 2017.

Operating income decreased $2.2 million and $0.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2017, primarily reflecting the impact of net revenue margin compression. The sale of the military moving business and the associated net revenue reduction also contributed to the operating income decline versus the prior-year periods. Expenses (excluding purchased transportation costs) increased in both 2018 periods reflecting investments in technology and personnel associated with managed transportation solutions and maintaining customer service and higher purchase accounting expense related to an earn-out agreement for the transaction completed in third quarter 2016 to enhance the segment’s dedicated truckload service offerings. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the decrease in operating income was partially offset by a $0.7 million decrease in restructuring charges related to our corporate realignment under our enhanced marketing approach, versus the same period of 2017. (See Note J and Note K to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for discussion of our corporate restructuring.)

FleetNet Segment

FleetNet’s revenues totaled $46.8 million and $94.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $36.5 million and $76.7 million, respectively, for the same periods of 2017. The 28.2% and 23.2% increase in revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2017, was due primarily to increased service event volume.

FleetNet’s operating income improved to $1.0 million and $2.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, from $0.7 million and $1.8 million, respectively, in the same prior-year periods. The year-over-year operating income improvements reflect the revenue growth combined with improved labor efficiencies.

43


Asset-Light Revenues – July 2018

Revenues of our Asset-Light operations, on a combined basis (ArcBest Asset-Light and FleetNet combined), increased approximately 9% on a per-day basis in July 2018 above the same prior-year period, primarily due to increases in ArcBest segment revenue per shipment. However, we continue to experience increased compression on net revenue in our ArcBest segment associated with rising purchased transportation costs and the challenges of adequately passing these costs on to our customers.

Reconciliations of Asset-Light Non-GAAP Measures

We report our financial results21% in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). However, management believes that certain non-GAAP performance measures and ratios utilized for internal analysis provide analysts, investors, and others the same information that we use internally for purposes of assessing our core operating performance and provides meaningful comparisons between current and prior period results, as well as important information regarding performance trends. The use of certain non-GAAP measures improves comparabilityTax Reform Act is reflected in analyzing our performance because it removes the impact of items from operating results that, in management's opinion, do not reflect our core operating performance. Other companies may calculate non-GAAP measures differently; therefore, our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA, Net Revenue, and Net Revenue Margin may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, our reported results. These financial measures should not be construed as better measurements than operating income, operating cash flow, net income, or earnings per share, as determined under GAAP.

Net Revenue and Net Revenue Margin

Management uses net revenue, defined as revenues less purchased transportation costs, as a key performance measure of our ArcBest segment which primarily sources transportation services from third-party providers. Non-GAAP net revenue margin for the ArcBest segment is calculated as net revenue divided by revenues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended 

 

Six Months Ended 

 

 

 

June 30

 

June 30

 

 

    

2018

    

2017

 

% Change

    

2018

    

2017

 

% Change

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Revenue

 

$

199,987

 

$

175,929

 

13.7%

 

$

381,920

 

$

328,805

 

16.2%

 

Purchased transportation

 

 

162,920

 

 

139,432

 

16.8%

 

 

311,292

 

 

261,419

 

19.1%

 

Non-GAAP Net Revenue

 

$

 37,067

 

$

36,497

 

1.6%

 

$

70,628

 

$

67,386

 

4.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP Net Revenue Margin

 

 

18.5%

 

 

20.7%

 

 

 

 

18.5%

 

 

20.5%

 

 

 

44


Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”)

Management uses Adjusted EBITDA as a key measure of performance and for business planning. The measure is particularly meaningful for analysisof our Asset-Light businesses, because it excludes amortization of acquired intangibles and software, which are significant expenses resulting from strategic decisions rather than core daily operations. Management also believes Adjusted EBITDA to be relevant and useful information, as EBITDA is a standard measure commonly reported and widely used by analysts, investors, and others to measure financial performance of asset-light businesses and the ability to service debt obligations.

Asset-Light Adjusted EBITDA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30

 

 

2018

    

2017

 

 

Operating

    

Depreciation and

    

Restructuring

    

Adjusted

 

Operating

    

Depreciation and

    

Restructuring

    

Adjusted

 

 

Income(1)(2)

 

Amortization(3)

 

Charges(4)

 

EBITDA

 

Income(1)(2)

 

Amortization(3)

 

Charges(4)

 

EBITDA

 

 

(in thousands)

 

ArcBest

$

3,707

 

$

3,597

 

$

143

 

$

7,447

 

$

5,929

 

$

3,230

 

$

65

 

$

9,224

 

FleetNet

 

1,029

 

 

264

 

 

 —

 

 

1,293

 

 

747

 

 

272

 

 

 —

 

 

1,019

 

Asset-Light Adjusted EBITDA

$

4,736

 

$

3,861

 

$

143

 

$

8,740

 

$

6,676

 

$

3,502

 

$

65

 

$

10,243

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30

 

 

2018

    

2017

 

 

Operating

    

Depreciation and

    

Restructuring

    

Adjusted

 

Operating

    

Depreciation and

    

Restructuring

    

Adjusted

 

 

Income(1)(2)

 

Amortization(3)

 

Charges(4)

 

EBITDA

 

Income(1)(2)

 

Amortization(3)

 

Charges(4)

 

EBITDA

 

 

(in thousands)

 

ArcBest

$

6,872

 

$

7,005

 

$

152

 

$

14,029

 

$

7,021

 

$

6,496

 

$

875

 

$

14,392

 

FleetNet

 

2,550

 

 

543

 

 

 —

 

 

3,093

 

 

1,768

 

 

552

 

 

 —

 

 

2,320

 

Asset-Light Adjusted EBITDA

$

9,422

 

$

7,548

 

$

152

 

$

17,122

 

$

8,789

 

$

7,048

 

$

875

 

$

16,712

 


(1)

The calculation of Adjusted EBITDA as presented in this table begins with operating income, as other income (costs), income taxes, and net income are reported at the consolidated level and not included in the operating segment financial information evaluated by management to make operating decisions. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA is reconciled to consolidated net income in the Consolidated Results section of Results of Operations.

(2)

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year’s operating segment data to conform to the current year presentation, reflecting the presentation of segment expenses allocated from shared services and the presentation ofseparate components of net periodic benefit cost in other income (costs).

(3)

For the ArcBest segment, depreciation and amortization includes amortization of acquired intangibles of $1.2 million and $2.3 million for three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $1.1 million and 2.3 million for the same respective prior-year periods, and amortization of acquired software of $0.6 million and $1.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $0.8 million and $1.7 million for the same respective prior-year periods.

(4)

Restructuring costs relate to the realignment of our corporate structure.

Seasonality

Our operations are impacted by seasonal fluctuations which affect tonnage, shipment levels, and demand for our services and, consequently, revenues and operating results. Freight shipments and operating costs of our Asset-Based and ArcBest segments can be adversely affected by inclement weather conditions. The second and third calendar quarters of each year usually have the highest tonnage levels, while the first quarter generally has the lowest, although other factors, including the state of the U.S. and global economies, may influence quarterly freight tonnage levels.

Shipments of the ArcBest segment may decline during winter months because of post-holiday slowdowns, but expedite shipments can be subject to short-term increases depending on the impact of weather disruptions to customers’ supply chains. Plant shutdowns during summer months may affect shipments for automotive and manufacturing customers of the ArcBest segment, but severe weather events can result in higher demand for expedite services. Moving services of the ArcBest segment are impacted by seasonal fluctuations, generally resulting in higher business levels in the second and third quarters as the demand for moving services is typically stronger in the summer months.

45


Emergency roadside service events of the FleetNet segment are favorably impacted by extreme weather conditions that affect commercial vehicle operations, and the segment’s results of operations will be influenced by seasonal variations in service event volume.

Effects of Inflation

Generally, inflationary increases in labor and fuel costs as they relate to our Asset-Based operations have historically been mostly offset through price increases and fuel surcharges. In periods of increasing fuel prices, the effect of higher associated fuel surcharges on the overall price to the customer influences our ability to obtain increases in base freight rates. In addition, certain nonstandard arrangements with some of our customers have limited the amount of fuel surcharge recovered. The timing and extent of base price increases on our Asset-Based revenues may not correspond with contractual increases in wage rates and other inflationary increases in cost elements and, as a result, could adversely impact our operating results.

In addition, partly as a result of inflationary pressures, our revenue equipment (tractors and trailers) have been and will very likely continue to be replaced at higher per unit costs, which could result in higher depreciation charges on a per-unit basis; however, in recent periods, improved mileage and lower maintenance costs on newer equipment have partially offset increases in depreciation expense. We consider these costs in setting our pricing policies, although the overall freight rate structure is governed by market forces based on value provided to the customer. The Asset-Based segment’s ability to fully offset inflationary and contractual cost increases can be challenging during periods of recessionary and uncertain economic conditions.

Generally, inflationary increases in labor and operating costs regarding our Asset-Light operations have historically been offset through price increases. The pricing environment, however, generally becomes more competitive during economic downturns, which may, as it has in the past, affect the ability to obtain price increases from customers.

In addition to general effects of inflation, the motor carrier freight transportation industry faces rising costs related to compliance with government regulations on safety, equipment design and maintenance, driver utilization, emissions, and fuel economy.

Environmental and Legal Matters

We are subject to federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations relating to, among other things: emissions control, transportation or handling of hazardous materials, underground and aboveground storage tanks, stormwater pollution prevention, contingency planning for spills of petroleum products, and disposal of waste oil. We may transport or arrange for the transportation of hazardous materials and explosives, and we operate in industrial areas where truck service centers and other industrial activities are located and where groundwater or other forms of environmental contamination could occur. See Note L to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further discussion of the environmental matters to which we are subject and the reserves we currently have recorded in our consolidated financial statements for amounts related to such matters.

We are involved in various legal actions, the majority of which arise in the ordinary course of business. We maintain liability insurance against certain risks arising out of the normal course of our business, subject to certain self-insured retention limits. We routinely establish and review the adequacy of reserves for estimated legal, environmental, and self-insurance exposures. While management believes that amounts accrued in the consolidated financial statements are adequate, estimates of these liabilities may change as circumstances develop. Considering amounts recorded, routine legal matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

46


Information Technology and Cybersecurity

We depend on the proper functioning and availability of our information systems, including communications, data processing, financial, and operating systems and proprietary software programs, that are integral to the efficient operation of our business. Cybersecurity attacks and other cyber incidents that impact the availability, reliability, speed, accuracy, or other proper functioning of these systems or that result in confidential data being compromised could have a significant impact on our operations. We utilize certain software applications provided by third parties, or provide underlying data which is utilized by third parties who provide certain outsourced administrative functions, either of which may increase the risk of a cybersecurity incident. Although we strive to carefully select our third-party vendors, we do not control their actions and any problems caused by these third parties, including cyber attacks and security breaches at a vendor, could adversely affect our ability to provide service to our customers and otherwise conduct our business. Our information systems are protected through physical and software safeguards as well as backup systems considered appropriate by management. However, it is not practicable to protect against the possibility of power loss, telecommunications failures, cybersecurity attacks, and other cyber events in every potential circumstance that may arise. To mitigate the potential for such occurrences at our corporate headquarters, we have implemented various systems, including redundant telecommunication facilities; replication of critical data to an offsite location; a fire suppression system to protect our on-site data center; and electrical power protection and generation facilities. We also have a catastrophic disaster recovery plan and alternate processing capability available for our critical data processes in the event of a catastrophe that renders our corporate headquarters unusable.

Our business interruption and cyber insurance would offset losses up to certain coverage limits in the event of a catastrophe or certain cyber incidents; however, losses arising from a catastrophe or significant cyber incident would likely exceed our insurance coverage and could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, a significant cyber incident, including denial of service, system failure, security breach, intentional or inadvertent acts by employees, disruption by malware, or other damage, could interrupt or delay our operations, damage our reputation, cause a loss of customers, cause errors or delays in financial reporting, expose us to a risk of loss or litigation, and/or cause us to incur significant time and expense to remedy such event. We have experienced incidents involving attempted denial of service attacks, malware attacks, and other events intended to disrupt information systems, wrongfully obtain valuable information, or cause other types of malicious events that could have resulted in harm to our business. To date, the systems employed have been effective in identifying these types of events at a point when the impact on our business could be minimized. We must continuously monitor and develop our information technology networks and infrastructure to prevent, detect, address, and mitigate the risk of unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses, and other events that could have a security impact. We have made and continue to make significant financial investments in technologies and processes to mitigate these risks. We also provide employee awareness training around phishing, malware, and other cyber risks. Management is not aware of any cybersecurity incident that has had a material effect on our operations, although there can be no assurances that a cyber incident that could have a material impact to our operations could not occur.

47


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash,  cash equivalents, and short-term investments, cash generated by operations, and borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility or accounts receivable securitization program.

Cash Flow and Short-Term Investments

Components of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30

 

December 31

 

 

2018

    

2017

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Cash and cash equivalents(1)

$

159,307

 

$

120,772

 

Short-term investments, primarily FDIC-insured certificates of deposit

 

68,013

 

 

56,401

 

Total(2)

$

227,320

 

$

177,173

 


(1)

Cash equivalents consist of money market funds and variable rate demand notes.

reconciliation.

(2)

Cash, variable rate demand notes, and certificates of deposit are recorded at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value. Money market funds are recorded at fair value based on quoted prices. At  June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 cash and cash equivalents totaling $92.6 million and $61.1 million, respectively, were not FDIC insured.

Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments increased $50.1 million from December 31, 2017 to June 30, 2018. During the
(2)The six-month period ended June 30, 2018 cash provided by operations of $119.6 million was used to repay $33.7 million of notes payable; fund $22.7 million of capital expenditures (and an additional $14.4 million of certain Asset-Based revenue equipment was financed with notes payable), net of proceeds from asset sales; and pay dividends of $4.1 million on common stock. Cash provided by operating activities during the six months ended June 30, 2018 increased $68.2 million compared to the same prior-year period, primarily due to improved operating results and changes in working capital.

Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, including amounts restricted, decreased $14.4 million from December 31, 2016 to June 30, 2017. During the six-month period ended June 30, 2017, cash provided by operations of $51.3 million, $10.0 million of borrowings under the accounts receivable securitization program, and cash on hand was used to repay $34.9 million of notes payable; fund $24.4 million of capital expenditures (and an additional $38.6 million of certain Asset-Based revenue equipment were financed with notes payable), net of proceeds from asset sales; pay dividends of $4.1 million on common stock; and purchase $3.6 million of treasury stock. Cash provided by operating activities during the six months ended June 30, 2017 was $2.4 million below the same prior-year period, primarily due to changes in taxes and working capital, partially offset by improved operating results.

Financing Arrangements

Our financing arrangements are discussed further in Note E to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Credit Facility

We have a revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) under our second amended and restated credit agreement. Our Credit Facility has an initial maximum credit amount of $200.0 million, including a swing line facility in an aggregate amount of up to $20.0 million and a letter of credit sub-facility providing for the issuance of letters of credit up to an aggregate amount of $20.0 million. We may request additional revolving commitments or incremental term loans thereunder up to an aggregate additional amount of $100.0 million, subject to certain additional conditions as provided in the Credit Agreement. Principal payments under the Credit Facility are due upon maturity of the facility on July 7, 2022; however, borrowings may be repaid at our discretion in whole or in part at any time, without penalty, subject to required notice periods and compliance with minimum prepayment amounts. The Credit Agreement includes certain conditions, including limitations on incurrence of debt. As of June 30, 2018, we had available borrowing capacity of $130.0 million under our Credit Facility.

48


Interest Rate Swaps

We have a five-year interest rate swap agreement with a $50.0 million notional amount maturing on January 2, 2020. Under the interest rate swap agreement, we receive floating-rate interest amounts based on one-month LIBOR in exchange for fixed-rate interest payments of 1.85% over the life of the agreement. The interest rate swap mitigates interest rate risk by effectively converting $50.0 million of borrowings under our Credit Facility from variable-rate interest to fixed-rate interest with a per annum rate of 3.35% based on the margin of the Credit Facility as of June 30, 2018. The fair value of the interest rate swap asset of $0.5 million and $0.1 million was recorded in other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

In June 2017, we entered into a second forward-starting interest rate swap agreement with a $50.0 million notional amount which will start on January 2, 2020 upon maturity of the current interest rate swap agreement, and mature on June 30, 2022. Under the swap agreement we will receive floating-rate interest amounts based on one-month LIBOR in exchange for fixed-rate interest payments of 1.99% over the life of the agreement. The interest rate swap mitigates interest rate risk by effectively converting $50.0 million of borrowings under the Credit Facility from variable-rate interest to fixed-rate interest with a per annum rate of 3.49% based on the margin of the Credit Facility as of June 30, 2018. The fair value of the interest rate swap asset of $1.0 million and $0.4 million was recorded in other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

Accounts Receivable Securitization Program

Our accounts receivable securitization program, which matures on April 1, 2020, allows for cash proceeds of $125.0 million to be provided under the facility and has an accordion feature allowing us to request additional borrowings up to $25.0 million, subject to certain conditions. Under this program, certain of our subsidiaries continuously sell a designated pool of trade accounts receivables to a wholly owned subsidiary which, in turn, may borrow funds on a revolving basis. As of June 30, 2018, we have $45.0 million borrowed under the program. It is possible that a financial ratio calculated under our accounts receivable securitization program could trigger an amortization event in the near term; however, we have the ability to amend the triggering events to avoid a breach of the financial covenant.

The accounts receivable securitization program includes a provision under which we may request, and the letter of credit issuer may issue, standby letters of credit, primarily in support of workers’ compensation and third-party casualty claims liabilities in various states in which we are self-insured. The outstanding standby letters of credit reduce the availability of borrowings under the program. As of June 30, 2018, we had available borrowing capacity of $62.3 million under the accounts receivable securitization program.

In August 2018, we amended and extended our accounts receivable securitization program to modify certain covenants and conditions and extend the maturity date of the program to October 1, 2021.

Letter of Credit Agreements and Surety Bond Programs

As of June 30, 2018, we had letters of credit outstanding of $18.3 million (including $17.7 million issued under the accounts receivable securitization program). We have programs in place with multiple surety companies for the issuance of surety bonds in support of our self-insurance program. As of June 30, 2018, surety bonds outstanding related to our self-insurance program totaled $53.1 million.

Notes Payable and Capital Leases

We have financed the purchase of certain revenue equipment, other equipment, and software through promissory note arrangements, including $14.3 million and $14.4 million for revenue equipment and software during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively.

We financed the purchase of an additional $19.9 million of revenue equipment through promissory note arrangements as of August 1, 2018. We intend to utilize promissory note arrangements and will consider utilizing capital lease agreements to finance future purchases of certain revenue equipment, provided such financing is available and the terms are acceptable to us.

49


Contractual Obligations

We have purchase obligations, consisting of authorizations to purchase and binding agreements with vendors, relating to revenue equipment used in our Asset-Based operations, other equipment, software, certain service contracts, and other items for which amounts were not accrued in the consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2018. These purchase obligations totaled $96.3 million as of June 30, 2018, with $92.9 million estimated to be paid within the next year, $3.2 million estimated to be paid in the following two-year period, and $0.2 million to be paid within five years, provided that vendors complete their commitments to us. Purchase obligations for revenue equipment, and other equipment are included in our 2018 capital expenditure plan. We also have contractual obligations for operating leases, primarily related to our Asset-Based service centers, which totaled $78.4 million, net of noncancelable subleases, as of June 30, 2018, with $18.6 million estimated to be paid within the next year, $30.6 million estimated to be paid in the following two-year period, $14.1 million to be paid within five years, and $15.1 million to be paid thereafter.

Our contractual obligations related to our notes payable, which provide financing for revenue equipment and software purchases, totaled $141.7 million, including interest, as of June 30, 2018, a decrease of $19.5 million from December 31, 2017. The scheduled maturities of our long-term debt obligations as of June 30, 2018 are disclosed in Note E to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. There have been no other material changes in the contractual obligations disclosed in our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10‑K during the six months ended June 30, 2018. 

For 2018, our total net capital expenditures, including amounts financed, are estimated to range from $155.0 million to $165.0 million, net of asset sales. These 2018 estimated net capital expenditures include revenue equipment purchases of $100.0 million, primarily for our Asset-Based operations. The remainder of 2018 expected capital expenditures includes costs of other facility and handling equipment for our Asset-Based operations and technology investments across the enterprise. We have the flexibility to adjust certain planned 2018 capital expenditures as business levels dictate. Depreciation and amortization expense is estimated to be in a range of $100.0 million to $105.0 million in 2018.

Based upon currently available actuarial information, and except for the impact of funding for plan termination, we do not expect to have cash outlays for required minimum contributions to our nonunion defined benefit pension plan in 2018 (see Note F to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q).

As previously disclosed within the Consolidated Results section of Results of Operations, an amendment was executed in November 2017 to terminate the nonunion defined benefit pension plan with an effective date of December 31, 2017. We may be required to fund the plan prior to the final distribution of benefits to plan participants, the amount of which will be determined by the plan’s actuary. Based on currently available information provided by the plan’s actuary, we estimate cash funding of approximately $10.0 million and noncash pension settlement charges of approximately $20.0 million in 2018, although there can be no assurances in this regard. The final pension settlement charges and the actual amount we will be required to contribute to the plan to fund benefit distributions in excess of plan assets cannot be determined at this time, as the actual amounts are dependent on various factors, including final benefit calculations, the benefit elections made by plan participants, interest rates, the value of plan assets, and the cost to purchase an annuity contract to settle the pension obligation related to benefits for which participants elect to defer payment until a later date. Although the timing of recognizing pension settlement charges related to plan termination and making contributions required to fund the plan upon termination are highly dependent on when and if we receive the favorable determination letter from the IRS, the settlements and contributions to the plan may occur in 2018.

ABF Freight System, Inc. and certain other subsidiaries reported in our Asset-Based operating segment contribute to multiemployer health, welfare, and pension plans based generally on the time worked by their contractual employees, as specified in the collective bargaining agreement and other supporting supplemental agreements (see Note F to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q).

50


As previously discussed within the Asset-Based Segment Overview section of Results of Operations, on July 9, 2018, ABF Freight System reached a tentative agreement with the Teamster bargaining representatives for the New England Supplemental Agreements on terms for new supplemental agreements for 2018-2023. The New England Supplemental Agreements were ratified by the local unions in the region covered by the supplements on July 25, 2018. In accordance with the New England Supplemental Agreements, ABF Freight’s multiemployer pension plan obligation with the New England Pension Fund was restructured under a transition agreement effective on August 1, 2018. The transition agreement resulted in ABF Freight’s withdrawal as a participating employer in the New England Pension Fund and triggered settlement of the related withdrawal liability. ABF Freight simultaneously re-entered the New England Pension Fund as a new participating employer free from any pre-existing withdrawal liability and at a lower future contribution rate.

The withdrawal liability will be settled through an initial lump sum cash payment of $15.1 million, which is expected to be made in third quarter 2018, plus monthly payments to the New England Pension Fund over a period of 23 years with an aggregate present value of $22.8 million. In accordance with current tax law, these payments are deductible for income taxes when paid.

Other Liquidity Information

Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investment totaled $227.3 million at June 30, 2018. General economic conditions, along with competitive market factors and the related impact on our business, primarily the tonnage and pricing levels that the Asset-Based segment receives for its services, could affect our ability to generate cash from operations and maintain cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments on hand as operating costs increase. Our Credit Facility and accounts receivable securitization program provide available sources of liquidity with flexible borrowing and payment options. We believe these agreements will continue to provide borrowing capacity options necessary for growth of our businesses. We believe existing cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, cash generated by operations, and amounts available under our Credit Agreement or accounts receivable securitization program will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs, including financing potential acquisitions and the repayment of amounts due under our financing arrangements, for the foreseeable future. Notes payable, capital leases, and other secured financing may also be used to fund capital expenditures, provided that such arrangements are available and the terms are acceptable to us.

On July 27, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.08 per share to stockholders of record as of August 10, 2018. We expect to continue to pay quarterly dividends on our common  stock in the foreseeable future, although there can be no assurances in this regard since future dividends will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and are dependent upon our future earnings, capital requirements, and financial condition; contractual restrictions applying to the payment of dividends under our Credit Agreement; and other factors.

We have a program in place to repurchase our common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The program has no expiration date but may be terminated at any time at the Board of Directors’ discretion. Repurchases may be made using cash reserves or other available sources. During the six months ended June 30, 2018, we purchased 5,882 shares of our common stock leaving $31.5 million available for repurchase under the current buyback program.

As previously disclosed in the General section of MD&A,as of June 2018, approximately 82% of the Asset-Based segment’s employees were covered under the ABF NMFA, the collective bargaining agreement with the IBT which was extended through July 31, 2018 to allow for the ratification process of the new agreement to take place. On May 10, 2018, a new collective bargaining agreement, the 2018 ABF NMFA, was ratified by a majority of ABF’s IBT member employees who chose to vote. A majority of the supplements to the 2018 ABF NMFA also passed. Following ratification of the remaining supplements, the 2018 ABF NMFA was implemented on July 29, 2018, effective retroactive to April 1, 2018, and will remain in effect through June 30, 2023. 

Financial Instruments

We have not historically entered into financial instruments for trading purposes, nor have we historically engaged in a program for fuel price hedging. No such instruments were outstanding as of June 30, 2018. We have interest rate swap agreements in place which are discussed in the Financing Arrangements section of Liquidity and Capital Resources.

51


Balance Sheet Changes

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable increased $30.0 million from December 31, 2017 to June 30, 2018, reflecting higher business levels in June 2018 compared to December 2017.

Accounts Payable

Accounts payable increased $46.9 million from December 31, 2017 to June 30, 2018, primarily due to increased business levels in June 2018 compared to December 2017. In June 2018, we also accrued $15.1 million for the initial amount of the New England Pension Fund withdrawal liability, which is expected to be paid in third quarter 2018.

Other Liabilities

Other liabilities increased $22.8 million from December 31, 2017 to June 30, 2018, due to recognition of the long-term portion of the New England Pension Fund withdrawal liability of $22.8 million.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

At June 30, 2018, our off-balance sheet arrangements of $174.7 million included purchase obligations, as previously discussed in the Contractual Obligations section of Liquidity and Capital Resources, and future minimum rental commitments, net of noncancelable subleases, under operating lease agreements primarily for our Asset-Based service centers.

We have no investments, loans, or any other known contractual arrangements with unconsolidated special-purpose entities, variable interest entities, or financial partnerships and have no outstanding loans with executive officers or directors.

Income Taxes

Our effective tax benefit rate was 68.0% and 15.0% for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively.  Our effective tax rate was 34.6% and 27.1% for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively. As a result of the Tax Reform Act and our use of a fiscal year rather than a calendar year for U.S. income tax filing, taxes are required to be calculated by applying a blended rate to the taxable income for the tax year ended February 28, 2018. In computing total tax expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, a 32.74% blended rate was applied to the two months ended February 28, 2018, and a projected combined tax rate of 26.5% (based on the federal statutory rate of 21% plus applicable state tax rates) was applied to the months of March 2018 through June 2018. The average state tax rate, net of the associated federal deduction, is approximately 5%. However, various factors may cause the full-year 2018 tax rate to vary significantly from the statutory rate.

At December 31, 2017, we remeasured deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rate at which they are expected to reverse in the future. Existing deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017 that were reasonably estimated to reverse in the tax year ending February 28, 2018 were remeasured at a rate of 32.74%. Existing deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017 that were reasonably estimated to reverse after the tax year ending February 28, 2018 were remeasured at a rate of 21.0%. In the first six months of 2018, a provisional reduction of net deferred income tax liabilities was recognized related to the reversal of temporary differences through our tax year end of February 28, 2018. As a result, we recognized a provisional deferred tax benefit in continuing operations of less than $0.1 million and $2.6 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, which impacted the effective tax benefit rate as noted in the following table. The three-month period ended March 31, 2018 was also impacted by the February 2018 passage of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 which retroactively reinstated the alternative fuel tax credit that had previously expired on December 31, 2016. The credit was reinstated through December 31, 2017 and the $1.2 million credit related to 2017 was recognized in the first quarter of 2018 resulted in a 12.4% tax benefit for the six months ended June 30, 2018. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, the difference in the effective rate and the statutory federal rate, then in effect, primarily resulted from state income taxes, nondeductible expenses, changes in tax valuation allowances, the tax benefit from the vesting of stock awards, and changes in the cash surrender value of life insurance. 

At June 30, 2019, we had $54.8 million of net deferred tax liabilities after valuation allowances. We evaluated the need for a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets at June 30, 2019 by considering the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, future taxable income, and available tax planning strategies. Valuation allowances for deferred tax assets totaled $0.1 million at June 30, 2019 and at December 31, 2018. As of June 30, 2019, deferred tax liabilities which will reverse in future years exceeded deferred tax assets.

In first quarter of 2019, we recorded a deferred tax asset of approximately $19.0 million related to our operating lease liabilities and recorded a deferred tax liability of approximately $19.0 million related to our operating lease right-of-use assets due to the adoption of ASC Topic 842.  

Financial reporting income may differ significantly from taxable income because of items such as revenue recognition, accelerated depreciation for tax purposes, pension accounting rules, and a significant number of liabilities such as vacation pay, workers’ compensation, and other liabilities, which, for tax purposes, are generally deductible only when paid. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, financial reporting income exceeded income determined under income tax law. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, income determined under income tax law exceeded financial reporting income.

52


Reconciliation between the effective income tax rate, as computed on income (loss) before income taxes, and the statutory federal income tax rate is presented in the following table:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended 

 

 

Six Months Ended 

 

 

 

 

June 30

 

 

June 30

 

 

 

    

2018

    

  

2017

 

  

2018

    

  

2017

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax provision (benefit) at the statutory federal rate(1)

 

$

154

 

21.0

%

 

$

8,448

 

35.0

%

 

$

2,042

 

21.0

%

 

$

4,021

 

35.0

%

 

Federal income tax effects of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impact of the Tax Reform Act on deferred tax

 

 

(50)

 

(6.8)

%

 

 

 —

 

 —

%

 

 

(2,641)

 

(27.2)

%

 

 

 —

 

 —

%

 

Impact of the Tax Reform Act on current tax

 

 

(9)

 

(1.2)

%

 

 

 —

 

 —

%

 

 

(69)

 

(0.7)

%

 

 

 —

 

 —

%

 

Alternative fuel credit

 

 

 —

 

 —

%

 

 

 —

 

 —

%

 

 

(1,203)

 

(12.4)

%

 

 

 —

 

 —

%

 

Nondeductible expenses and other

 

 

565

 

77.1

%

 

 

592

 

2.4

%

 

 

1,097

 

11.5

%

 

 

730

 

6.3

%

 

Increase (decrease) in valuation allowances

 

 

(377)

 

(51.4)

%

 

 

(135)

 

(0.6)

%

 

 

(284)

 

(2.9)

%

 

 

(243)

 

(2.1)

%

 

Tax benefit from vested RSUs

 

 

(282)

 

(38.5)

%

 

 

(1,170)

 

(4.8)

%

 

 

(301)

 

(3.3)

%

 

 

(1,245)

 

(10.8)

%

 

Life insurance proceeds and changes in cash surrender value

 

 

(172)

 

(23.5)

%

 

 

(143)

 

(0.6)

%

 

 

(196)

 

(2.0)

%

 

 

(346)

 

(3.0)

%

 

Future state tax rate changes

 

 

(130)

 

(17.7)

%

 

 

 —

 

 —

%

 

 

(130)

 

(1.3)

%

 

 

 —

 

 —

%

 

Federal employment and R&D tax credits

 

 

(43)

 

(5.9)

%

 

 

(58)

 

(0.2)

%

 

 

(56)

 

(0.6)

%

 

 

(133)

 

(1.2)

%

 

Federal income tax benefit

 

$

(498)

 

(67.9)

%

 

$

(914)

 

(3.8)

%

 

$

(3,783)

 

(38.9)

%

 

$

(1,237)

 

(10.8)

%

 

State income tax provision (benefit)

 

 

(155)

 

(21.1)

%

 

 

824

 

3.4

%

 

 

279

 

2.9

%

 

 

334

 

2.9

%

 

Total benefit for income taxes

 

$

(499)

 

(68.0)

%

 

$

8,358

 

34.6

%

 

$

(1,462)

 

(15.0)

%

 

$

3,118

 

27.1

%

 


(1)

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, the effect of the change in the U.S. corporate tax rate to 21% in accordance with the Tax Reform Act is reflected in separate components of the reconciliation. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, amounts in this reconciliation reflect the 35% statutory U.S. income tax rate in effect prior to the enactment of the Tax Reform Act.

At June 30, 2018, we had $34.9 million of net deferred tax liabilities after valuation allowances. We evaluated the need for a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets at June 30, 2018 by considering the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, future taxable income, and available tax planning strategies. Valuation allowances for deferred tax assets totaled $0.7 million and $0.8 million at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. As of June 30, 2018, deferred tax liabilities which will reverse in future years exceeded deferred tax assets.

Financial reporting income differs significantly from taxable income because of such items as revenue recognition, accelerated depreciation for tax purposes, pension accounting rules, and a significant number of liabilities such as vacation pay, workers’ compensation, and other liabilities, which, for tax purposes, are generally deductible only when paid. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, taxable income determined under income tax law exceeded financial reporting pre-tax income. For the six months ended June 30, 2017, the financial reporting income exceeded the income determined under income tax law.

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, we made state and foreign tax payments of $2.5 million, and received refunds of $1.1 million of federal and state income taxes that were paid in prior years. Management does not expect the cash outlays for income taxes will materially exceed reported income tax expense for the foreseeable future.

Critical Accounting Policies

The accounting policies that are “critical,” or the most important, to understand our financial condition and results of operations and that require management to make the most difficult judgments are described in our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following policies have been updated during the six months ended June 30, 2018 for the adoption of accounting standard updates disclosed within this section of MD&A.

53


Goodwill

Effective January 1, 2018, we early adopted an amendment to ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, Simplifying the Test of Goodwill Impairment, which removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, and we updated our critical accounting policy related to goodwill accordingly. The adoption of the amendment did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

Goodwill is recorded as the excess of an acquired entity’s purchase price over the value of the amounts assigned to identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is not amortized, but rather is evaluated for impairment annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. Our measurement of goodwill impairment involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. Fair value is derived using a combination of valuation methods, including earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) and revenue multiples (market approach) and the present value of discounted cash flows (income approach). For annual and interim impairment tests, we are required to record an impairment charge, if any, by the amount a reporting unit’s fair value is exceeded by the carrying value of the reporting unit, limited to the carrying value of goodwill included in the reporting unit. Our annual impairment testing is performed as of October 1.

Revenue Recognition

On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, (“ASC Topic 606”) which provides a single comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers and contains principles to apply to determine the measurement of revenue and the timing of when it is recognized. We adopted ASC Topic 606 using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under ASC Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company’s historic method of accounting under ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition.  

Revenues are recognized when or as control of the promised services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those services. Our performance obligations are primarily satisfied upon final delivery of the freight to the specified destination. Revenue is recognized based on the relative transit time in each reporting period with expenses recognized as incurred using a bill-by-bill or standard delivery times to establish estimates of revenue in transit for recognition in the appropriate period. This methodology utilizes the approximate location of the shipment in the delivery process to determine the revenue to recognize, and management believes it to be a reliable method.

Certain contracts may provide for volume-based or other discounts which are accounted for as variable consideration. We estimate these amounts based on the expected discounts earned by customers and revenue is recognized based on the estimates. Revenue adjustments may also occur due to rating or other billing adjustments. We estimate revenue adjustments based on historical information and revenue is recognized accordingly at the time of shipment. We believe that actual amounts will not vary significantly from estimates of variable consideration.

Revenue, purchased transportation expense, and third-party service expenses are reported on a gross basis for certain shipments and services where we utilize a third-party carrier for pickup, linehaul, delivery of freight, or performance of services but remains primarily responsible for fulfilling delivery to the customer and maintains discretion in setting the price for the services. Purchased transportation expense is recognized as incurred.

For our FleetNet segment, service fee revenue is recognized upon response to the service event and repair revenue is recognized upon completion of the service by third-party vendors. Revenue and expense from repair and maintenance services performed by third-party vendors are reported on a gross basis as FleetNet controls the services prior to transfer to the customer and remains primarily responsible to the customer for completion of the services.

We record deferred revenue when cash payments are received or due in advance of performance under the contract. Deferred revenues totaled $3.6 million and $0.6 million at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, and are recorded in accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheet.

54


Payment terms with customers may vary depending on the service provided, location or specific agreement with the customer. The time between invoicing and when payment is due is not significant. For certain services, we require payment before the services are delivered to the customer.

We expense sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period is one year or less.

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

New accounting rules and disclosure requirements can significantly impact our reported results and the comparability of financial statements. Accounting pronouncements which have been issued but are not yet effective for our financial statements are disclosed in Note A to our consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

ASC Topic 842, Leases, (“ASC Topic 842”) which is effective for us beginning January 1, 2019, requires lessees to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for operating leases with terms greater than 12 months. The standard also requires additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures designed to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. In July 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an amendment to ASC Topic 842 which provides an optional transition method that will give companies the option to use the effective date as the date of initial application upon transition. We plan to elect this transition method and, as a result, we will not adjust our comparative period financial information or make the new required lease disclosures for periods before the effective date. We have established an implementation team which is in the process of implementing the new accounting standard, including accumulating necessary information, assessing the current lease portfolio, and implementing software to meet the new reporting requirements. We are also evaluating current processes and controls and identifying necessary changes to support the adoption of the new standard. We anticipate we will exclude short-term leases from accounting under ASC Topic 842 and plan to elect the package of practical expedients upon transition that will retain lease classification and other accounting conclusions made in the assessment of existing lease contracts. Management expects the new standard to have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheets related to the addition of the right-of-use asset and associated lease liabilities; however, the impact on our consolidated statements of operations is expected to be minimal, if any. As the impact of this standard is non-cash in nature, no impact is expected on our consolidated statements of cash flows.

Management believes that there is no other new accounting guidance issued but not yet effective that will impact our critical accounting policies.

55


Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements and information in this report may constitute “forward-looking statements.” Terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “foresee,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “scheduled,” “should,” “would,” and similar expressions and the negatives of such terms are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management’s beliefs, assumptions, and expectations based on currently available information, are not guarantees of future performance, and involve certain risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control). Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, we cannot provide assurance that our expectations will prove to be correct. Actual outcomes and results could materially differ from what is expressed, implied, or forecasted in these statements due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to: a failure of our information systems, including disruptions or failures of services essential to our operations or upon which our information technology platforms rely, data breach, and/or cybersecurity incidents; relationships with employees, including unions, and our ability to attract and retain employees; unfavorable terms of, or the inability to reach agreement on, future collective bargaining agreements or a workforce stoppage by our employees covered under ABF Freight’s collective bargaining agreement; the loss or reduction of business from large customers; the cost, timing, and performance of growth initiatives; competitive initiatives and pricing pressures; general economic conditions and related shifts in market demand that impact the performance and needs of industries we serve and/or limit our customers’ access to adequate financial resources; greater than expected

47

During the six months ended June 30, 2019, we made federal, state, and foreign tax payments of $8.9 million, and received refunds of less than $0.1 million of state income taxes that were paid in prior years. Management does not expect the cash outlays for income taxes will materially exceed reported income tax expense for the foreseeable future.

Critical Accounting Policies

The accounting policies that are “critical,” or the most important, to understand our financial condition and results of operations and that require management to make the most difficult judgments are described in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material changes in the Company’s critical accounting policies during the six months ended June 30, 2019.

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

New accounting rules and disclosure requirements can significantly impact our reported results and the comparability of financial statements. Accounting pronouncements which have been issued but are not yet effective for our financial statements are disclosed in Note A to our consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Management believes that there is no new accounting guidance issued but not yet effective that will impact our critical accounting policies.

48

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements and information in this report may constitute “forward-looking statements.” Terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “foresee,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “scheduled,” “should,” “would,” and similar expressions and the negatives of such terms are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management’s beliefs, assumptions, and expectations based on currently available information, are not guarantees of future performance, and involve certain risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control). Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, we cannot provide assurance that our expectations will prove to be correct. Actual outcomes and results could materially differ from what is expressed, implied, or forecasted in these statements due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to: a failure of our information systems, including disruptions or failures of services essential to our operations or upon which our information technology platforms rely, data breach, and/or cybersecurity incidents; untimely or ineffective development and implementation of new or enhanced technology; the loss or reduction of business from large customers; competitive initiatives and pricing pressures; relationships with employees, including unions, and our ability to attract and retain employees; unfavorable terms of, or the inability to reach agreement on, future collective bargaining agreements or a workforce stoppage by our employees covered under ABF Freight’s collective bargaining agreement; the cost, timing, and performance of growth initiatives; general economic conditions and related shifts in market demand that impact the performance and needs of industries we serve and/or limit our customers’ access to adequate financial resources; availability and cost of reliable third-party services; governmental regulations; environmental laws and regulations, including emissions-control regulations; union and nonunion employee wages and benefits, including changes in required contributions to multiemployer plans; our ability to secure independent owner operators and/or operational or regulatory issues related to our use of their services; litigation or claims asserted against us; maintaining our intellectual property rights, brand, and corporate reputation; the loss of key employees or the inability to execute succession planning strategies; default on covenants of financing arrangements and the availability and terms of future financing arrangements; timing and amount of capital expenditures; self-insurance claims and insurance premium costs; the cost, integration, and performance of any recent or future acquisitions; availability of fuel, the effect of volatility in fuel prices and the associated changes in fuel surcharges on securing increases in base freight rates, and the inability to collect fuel surcharges; increased prices for and decreased availability of new revenue equipment, decreases in value of used revenue equipment, and higher costs of equipment-related operating expenses such as maintenance and fuel and related taxes; potential impairment of goodwill and intangible assets; greater than anticipated funding requirements for our nonunion defined benefit pension plan; availability and cost of reliable third-party services; our ability to secure independent owner operators and/or operational or regulatory issues related to our use of their services; governmental regulations; environmental laws and regulations, including emissions-control regulations; the cost, integration, and performance of any recent or future acquisitions; not achieving some or all of the expected financial and operating benefits of our corporate restructuring or incurring additional costs or operational inefficiencies as a result of the restructuring; union and nonunion employee wages and benefits, including changes in required contributions to multiemployer plans; litigation or claims asserted against us; the loss of key employees or the inability to execute succession planning strategies; default on covenants of financing arrangements and the availability and terms of future financing arrangements; timing and amount of capital expenditures; self-insurance claims and insurance premium costs; availability of fuel, the effect of volatility in fuel prices and the associated changes in fuel surcharges on securing increases in base freight rates, and the inability to collect fuel surcharges; increased prices for and decreased availability of new revenue equipment, decreases in value of used revenue equipment, and higher costs of equipment-related operating expenses such as maintenance and fuel and related taxes; potential impairment of goodwill and intangible assets; maintaining our intellectual property rights, brand, and corporate reputation; seasonal fluctuations and adverse weather conditions; regulatory, economic, and other risks arising from our international business; antiterrorism and safety measures; and other financial, operational, and legal risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in ArcBest’s public filings with the SEC.

For additional information regarding known material factors that could cause our actual results to differ from our projected results, refer to Item 1A (Risk Factors) of Part I of our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made and, other than as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

49

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ARCBEST CORPORATION

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Since December 31, 2018, there have been no other significant changes in the Company’s market risks as reported in the Company’s 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was performed with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2019.

There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

50

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

ARCBEST CORPORATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

For information related to the Company’s legal proceedings, see Note L, Legal Proceedings, Environmental Matters, and Other Events under Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The Company’s risk factors are fully described in the Company’s 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K. No material changes to the Company’s risk factors have occurred since the Company filed its 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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

(a)Recent sales of unregistered securities.

None.

(b)Use of proceeds from registered securities.

None.

(c)Purchases of equity securities by the issuer and affiliated purchasers.

Total Number of

Maximum

 

Shares Purchased

Approximate Dollar

 

Total Number

Average

as Part of Publicly

Value of Shares that

 

of Shares

Price Paid

Announced

May Yet Be Purchased

 

    

Purchased

    

Per Share(1)

    

Program

    

Under the Program(2)

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

4/1/2019-4/30/2019

 

 

$

 

 

$

19,644

5/1/2019-5/31/2019

 

49,500

 

27.00

 

49,500

 

$

18,308

6/1/2019-6/30/2019

 

44,650

 

26.24

 

44,650

 

$

17,136

Total

 

94,150

 

$

26.64

 

94,150

(1)Represents the weighted-average price paid per common share including commission.
(2)In January 2003, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a $25.0 million common stock repurchase program. The Board of Directors authorized an additional $50.0 million to the current program in July 2005. In October 2015, the Board of Directors extended the share repurchase program, making a total of $50.0 million available for purchases.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

51

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

The following exhibits are filed or furnished with this report or are incorporated by reference to previously filed material:

Exhibit

No.

3.1

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”(the “SEC”) on February 28, 2019, File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).

For additional information regarding known material factors that could cause our actual results

3.2

Certificate of Amendment to differ from our projected results, referthe Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A in our 2017 Annualthe Company’s Current Report on Form 10-K.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance8-K, filed with the SEC on forward-looking statements, which speak onlyApril 24, 2009, File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).

3.3

Fifth Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company dated as of the date made and, other thanOctober 31, 2016 (previously filed as required by law, we undertake no obligationExhibit 3.1 to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.


FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ARCBEST CORPORATION

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

As of June 30, 2018, there have been no significant changes in the Company’s market risks reported as of December 31, 2017 in the Company’s 2017 AnnualCurrent Report on Form 10-K.8-K, filed with the SEC on November 4, 2016, File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).

3.4

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

AsCertificate of Ownership and Merger, effective May 1, 2014, as filed on April 29, 2014 with the Secretary of State of the endState of Delaware (previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the period covered by this report, an evaluation was performedCompany’s Current Report on Form 8K, filed with the participation ofSEC on April 30, 2014, File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).

10.1#

ArcBest Corporation Ownership Incentive Plan (previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s management, includingCurrent Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 6, 2019, File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).

31.1*

Certification of Principal Executive Officer andPursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2*

Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the effectivenessSarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32**

Certifications Pursuant to Section 906 of the design and operationSarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS*

XBRL Instance Document – the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2018.

There were no changesinstance document does not appear in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred duringInteractive Data Files because its XBRL tags are embedded within the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.Inline XBRL document.

57


PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

ARCBEST CORPORATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

For information related to the Company’s legal proceedings, see Note L, Legal Proceedings, Environmental Matters, and Other Events under Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The Company’s risk factors are fully described in the Company’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K. No material changes to the Company’s risk factors have occurred since the Company filed its 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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

(a)Recent sales of unregistered securities.

None.

(b)Use of proceeds from registered securities.

None.

(c)Purchases of equity securities by the issuer and affiliated purchasers.

The Company has a program to repurchase its common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The program has no expiration date but may be terminated at any time at the Board of Directors’ discretion. Repurchases may be made either from the Company’s cash reserves or from other available sources. As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had $31.5 million and $31.7 million, respectively, remaining under the program for repurchases of its common stock. The Company did not make share repurchases during the three months ended June 30, 2018.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

58


ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

The following exhibits are filed or furnished with this report or are incorporated by reference to previously filed material:

Exhibit

No.

3.1

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act of 1933 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 17, 1992, File No. 33-46483, and incorporated herein by reference).

3.2

Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on April 24, 2009, File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).

3.3

Fifth Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company dated as of October 31, 2016 (previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on November 4, 2016, File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).

3.4

Certificate of Ownership and Merger, effective May 1, 2014, as filed on April 29, 2014 with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8‑K, filed with the SEC on April 30, 2014, File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).

10.1

Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Receivables Loan Agreement, dated as of August 3, 2018, by and among ArcBest Funding LLC, as Borrower, ArcBest Corporation, as Servicer, PNC Bank, National Association and Regions Bank, as Lenders, and PNC Bank, National Association, as LC Issuer and Agent for the Lenders and their assigns and the LC Issuer and its assigns(previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on August 6, 2018, File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).

31.1*

Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2*

Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32**

Certifications Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS*

XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH*

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL*

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF*

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB*

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document

101.PRE*

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 Labels Linkbase Document

101.PRE*

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

104*

The Cover Page Interactive Data File – the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.

#

Designates a compensation plan or arrangement for directors or executive officers.


*     Filed herewith.

**   Furnished herewith.

**   Furnished herewith.

52

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

59


SIGNATURESARCBEST CORPORATION

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.(Registrant)

ARCBEST CORPORATION

(Registrant)

Date: August 8, 2018

/s/ Judy R. McReynolds

Judy R. McReynolds

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

and Principal Executive Officer

Date: August 8, 2018

/s/ David R. Cobb

David R. Cobb

Date: August 8, 2019

/s/ Judy R. McReynolds

Judy R. McReynolds

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

and Principal Executive Officer

Date: August 8, 2019

/s/ David R. Cobb

David R. Cobb

Vice President — Chief Financial Officer

and Principal Financial Officer

and Principal Financial Officer

53

60