Transportation invoice volume declined 4% as a historically robust second quarter in 2018 created a challenging comparison in 2019. Additionally, a softening carrier market contributed to a 1% decline in transportation dollar volume.
Facility-related (electricity, gas, waste and telecom expense management) dollar volume was up a stout 15% due to significantly increased “spend” by several major clients plus contributions from new customers. Facility expense transactions volume decreased 4% as the mix of customers, particularly in telecom expense management, changed from a relatively high transaction/low dollar to a relatively low transaction/high dollar average customer. Actual customer counts increased for the quarter.
Consolidated operating expenses were $2.5 million (9%) higher as Cass continued to invest in the technology and staff required to win and support new business.
“It is our firm belief that the investments we have made and continue to make will enable Cass to seize upon growth opportunities we see emerging in the months and years ahead,” statedEric H. Brunngraber, Cass chairman and chief executive officer.
2019 Diluted Earnings per Share Up 3% atSix-Month Mark
For thesix-month period ended June 30, 2019, Cass earned $1.08 per diluted share, an increase of 3% from the $1.05 per diluted share it earned in the same period in 2018. Net income was $15.8 million, compared to $15.6 million in 2018. Revenues rose 7%, from $72.3 million in 2018 to $77.8 million in 2019.
Consolidated operating expenses were up 9%, or $4.8 million, due to increased business and the strategic investments previously cited.