SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, DC 20549-1004 ----------------------------------------------------- FORM 10-Q (Mark One) (X) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2002 OR ( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission File Number 0-20793 Smithway Motor Xpress Corp. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Nevada 42-1433844 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. employer identification number) incorporation or organization) 2031 Quail Avenue Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 (515) 576-7418 (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive office) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to the filing requirements for at least the past 90 days. YES X NO_____ Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date (August 2, 2002). Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value: 3,846,821 shares Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value: 1,000,000 shares Exhibit Index is on Page 19. Page 1 PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION PAGE NUMBER Item 1. Financial Statements....................................................................... 3-9 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2001 and June 30, 2002 (unaudited)........................................................ 3-4 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2001 and 2002 (unaudited).......................................... 5 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2001 and 2002 (unaudited)................................................ 6-7 Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)........................... 8-9 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations........................................................................ 10-17 Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks................................ 17 PART II OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings........................................................................... 18 Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds................................................... 18 Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities............................................................. 18 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders......................................... 18 Item 5. Other Information........................................................................... 18 Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K............................................................ 19-20 Page 2 PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION SMITHWAY MOTOR XPRESS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Dollars in thousands) December 31, June 30, 2001 2002 ---------------- ------------------ (unaudited) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents....................................................$ 722 $ 1,109 Receivables: Trade..................................................................... 13,649 16,829 Other..................................................................... 1,020 733 Recoverable income taxes.................................................. 1,820 770 Inventories.................................................................. 1,561 1,596 Deposits, primarily with insurers............................................ 539 508 Prepaid expenses............................................................. 926 1,419 Deferred income taxes........................................................ 1,726 2,011 ---------------- ------------------ Total current assets................................................... 21,963 24,975 ---------------- ------------------ Property and equipment: Land......................................................................... 1,548 1,548 Buildings and improvements................................................... 8,175 8,209 Tractors..................................................................... 79,472 74,766 Trailers..................................................................... 44,784 43,289 Other equipment.............................................................. 7,318 8,004 ---------------- ------------------ 141,297 135,816 Less accumulated depreciation................................................ 62,252 64,432 ---------------- ------------------ Net property and equipment............................................. 79,045 71,384 ---------------- ------------------ Goodwill........................................................................ 5,016 5,016 Other assets.................................................................... 412 366 ---------------- ------------------ $ 106,436 $ 101,741 ================ ================== See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. Page 3 SMITHWAY MOTOR XPRESS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Dollars in thousands) December 31, June 30, 2001 2002 ---------------- ------------------ (unaudited) LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt.........................................$ 12,052 $ 12,107 Accounts payable............................................................. 4,589 5,967 Accrued compensation......................................................... 2,258 3,088 Accrued loss reserves........................................................ 2,327 2,842 Other accrued expenses....................................................... 792 602 ---------------- ------------------ Total current liabilities.............................................. 22,018 24,606 Long-term debt, less current maturities......................................... 37,105 31,277 Deferred income taxes........................................................... 14,862 13,304 Line of credit.................................................................. 585 3,880 ---------------- ------------------ Total liabilities...................................................... 74,570 73,067 ---------------- ------------------ Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock.............................................................. - - Common stock: Class A................................................................... 40 40 Class B................................................................... 10 10 Additional paid-in capital................................................... 11,394 11,393 Retained earnings............................................................ 20,842 17,645 Reacquired shares, at cost................................................... (420) (414) ---------------- ------------------ Total stockholders' equity............................................. 31,866 28,674 ---------------- ------------------ $ 106,436 $ 101,741 ================ ================== See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. Page 4 SMITHWAY MOTOR XPRESS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data) (Unaudited) Three months ended Six months ended June 30, June 30, 2001 2002 2001 2002 --------------- ------------ ------------ -------------- Operating revenue: Freight.............................................$ 51,590 $ 45,041 $ 98,820 $ 86,100 Other............................................... 164 198 313 359 --------------- ------------ ------------ -------------- Operating revenue............................... 51,754 45,239 99,133 86,459 --------------- ------------ ------------ -------------- Operating expenses: Purchased transportation............................ 18,765 16,551 36,344 31,842 Compensation and employee benefits.................. 14,339 13,740 27,699 27,144 Fuel, supplies, and maintenance..................... 9,068 7,023 17,683 13,507 Insurance and claims................................ 1,048 1,639 2,032 3,452 Taxes and licenses.................................. 1,018 920 1,904 1,756 General and administrative.......................... 2,052 1,928 4,041 3,737 Communications and utilities........................ 563 432 1,124 939 Depreciation and amortization....................... 4,563 4,269 9,095 8,045 --------------- ------------ ------------ -------------- Total operating expenses........................ 51,416 46,502 99,922 90,422 --------------- ------------ ------------ -------------- Earnings (loss) from operations............ 338 (1,263) (789) (3,963) Financial (expense) income Interest expense.................................... (821) (524) (1,681) (1,085) Interest income..................................... 14 10 26 17 --------------- ------------ ------------ -------------- Loss before income taxes................... (469) (1,777) (2,444) (5,031) Income tax benefit...................................... (85) (616) (772) (1,833) --------------- ------------ ------------ -------------- Net loss...................................$ (384) $ (1,161) $ (1,672) $ (3,198) =============== ============ ============ ============== Basic and diluted loss per common share.................$ (0.08) $ (0.24) $ (0.34) $ (0.66) =============== ============ ============ ============== Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding.......................................... 4,845,238 4,846,021 4,860,287 4,845,277 =============== ============ ============ ============== See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. Page 5 SMITHWAY MOTOR XPRESS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands) Six Months Ended June 30, ------------------------------ 2001 2002 -------------- --------------- Cash flows from operating activities: Net loss...........................................................................$ (1,672) $ (3,198) -------------- --------------- Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization.................................................... 9,095 8,045 Deferred income taxes............................................................ (755) (1,843) Stock bonuses.................................................................... 9 - Changes in: Receivables.................................................................... (3,683) (1,843) Inventories.................................................................... (32) (35) Deposits, primarily with insurers.............................................. - 31 Prepaid expenses............................................................... 73 (493) Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities................................. 2,168 2,533 -------------- --------------- Total adjustments............................................................. 6,875 6,395 -------------- --------------- Net cash provided by operating activities..................................... 5,203 3,197 -------------- --------------- Cash flows from investing activities: Payments for acquisitions.......................................................... (2,885) - Purchase of property and equipment................................................. (1,240) (837) Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment................................... 910 2,735 Other ............................................................................. 31 46 -------------- --------------- Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities........................... (3,184) 1,944 -------------- --------------- Cash flows from financing activities: Borrowings on line of credit....................................................... - 77,979 Payments on line of credit......................................................... - (74,684) Proceeds from long-term debt....................................................... 12,900 - Principal payments on long-term debt............................................... (14,617) (8,055) Other.............................................................................. (165) 6 -------------- --------------- Net cash used in financing activities......................................... (1,882) (4,754) -------------- --------------- Net increase in cash and cash equivalents..................................... 137 387 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period..................................... 349 722 -------------- --------------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period...........................................$ 486 $ 1,109 ============== =============== See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. Page 6 SMITHWAY MOTOR XPRESS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS, continued (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands) Six Months Ended June 30, ------------------------------ 2001 2002 -------------- --------------- Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash paid (received) during the period for: Interest......................................................................$ 1,693 $ 1,114 Income tax.................................................................... (20) (1,041) ============== =============== Supplemental schedules of noncash investing and financing activities: Notes payable issued for tractors and trailers................................$ 2,455 $ 2,282 Issuance of stock bonuses..................................................... 9 - ============== =============== Cash payments for acquisitions: Revenue equipment.............................................................$ 2,088 $ - Goodwill...................................................................... 457 - Other assets (net)............................................................ 340 - -------------- --------------- $ 2,885 $ - ============== =============== See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. Page 7 SMITHWAY MOTOR XPRESS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) Note 1. Basis of Presentation The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Smithway Motor Xpress Corp., a Nevada holding company, and its four wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared, without audit, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, pursuant to the published rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments which are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented, such adjustments being of a normal recurring nature. Certain information and footnote disclosures have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The December 31, 2001 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet was derived from the audited balance sheet of the Company for the year then ended. It is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001. Results of operations in interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for a full year. Note 2. Effect of New Accounting Standards Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, became effective for the Company on January 1, 2002. Under SFAS 142, which establishes new accounting and reporting requirements for goodwill and other intangible assets, all goodwill amortization ceased effective January 1, 2002. At adoption, the Company tested for impairment of its goodwill by comparing the fair value of the company to its carrying value. Fair value was based upon an independent appraisal and indicated that the Company's goodwill was not impaired. On an ongoing basis (absent any impairment indicators), the Company expects to perform the impairment tests annually during the fourth quarter. The following table reflects the consolidated results adjusted as though the adoption of SFAS 142 occurred as of the beginning of the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2001: Three months ended Six months ended June 30, June 30, (Dollars in thousands) 2001 2002 2001 2002 ---------------------------------------------------------- Net loss: As reported................................................$ (384) $ (1,161) $ (1,672) $ (3,198) Goodwill amortization, net of tax.......................... 125 - 228 - ---------------------------------------------------------- Adjusted net loss..........................................$ (259) $ (1,161) $ (1,444) $ (3,198) ========================================================== Basic and diluted net loss per share: As reported................................................$ (0.08) $ (0.24) $ (0.34) $ (0.66) Goodwill amortization...................................... 0.03 - 0.04 - ---------------------------------------------------------- Adjusted basic and diluted net loss per share..............$ (0.05) $ (0.24) $ (0.30) $ (0.66) ========================================================== On January 1, 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. This statement establishes a single accounting model for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 144, there was no material impact on the Company's results of operations or financial condition. Page 8 SMITHWAY MOTOR XPRESS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, continued (Unaudited) Note 3. Net earnings per common share Basic earnings per share have been computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average outstanding Class A and Class B common shares during each of the quarters. Diluted earnings per share have been calculated by also including in the computation the effect of employee stock options, nonvested stock, and similar equity instruments granted to employees as potential common shares. Because the Company suffered a net loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2001 and 2002, the effects of potential common shares were not included in the calculation as their effects would be anti-dilutive. Stock options outstanding at June 30, 2001 and 2002 totaled 383,000 and 600,525, respectively. Page 9 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Introduction Except for the historical information contained herein, the discussion in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements that involve risk, assumptions, and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Words such as "believe," "may," "could," "expects," "likely," variations of these words, and similar expressions, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. The Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for all forward-looking statements. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed herein. Without limitation, factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include economic recessions or downturns in customers' business cycles, excessive increases in capacity within truckload markets, decreased demand for transportation services offered by the Company, increases or rapid fluctuation in inflation, interest rates, fuel prices and fuel hedging, the availability and costs of attracting and retaining qualified drivers and owner-operators, increasing insurance premiums and deductible amounts related to accident, cargo, workers' compensation, health and other claims, seasonal factors such as harsh weather conditions that increase operating costs, the prices of new equipment and resale value of used equipment, regulatory requirements that increase costs and decrease efficiency, including new emissions standards, and the ability to negotiate, consummate, and integrate acquisitions. Readers should review and consider the various disclosures made by the Company in its press releases, stockholder reports, and public filings, as well as the factors explained in greater detail in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K. The Company's fiscal year ends on December 31 of each year. Thus, this report discusses the second quarter and first six months of the Company's 2001 and 2002 fiscal years. For the three months ended June 30, 2002, operating revenue decreased 12.6% to $45.2 million from $51.8 million during the same quarter in 2001. Net loss was $1.2 million, or ($0.24) per diluted share, compared with net loss of $384,000, or ($0.08) per diluted share, during the 2001 quarter. For the six months ended June 30, 2002, operating revenue decreased 12.8% to $86.5 million from $99.1 million during the same period in 2001. Net loss was $3.2 million, or ($0.66) per diluted share, compared with net loss of $1.7 million, or ($0.34) per diluted share, during the 2001 period. The Company operates a tractor-trailer fleet comprised of both Company-owned vehicles and vehicles obtained under leases from independent contractors and third-party finance companies. Fluctuations among expense categories may occur as a result of changes in the relative percentage of the fleet obtained through equipment that is owned versus equipment that is leased from independent contractors or financing sources. Costs associated with revenue equipment acquired under operating leases or through agreements with independent contractors are expensed as "purchased transportation." For these categories of equipment the Company does not incur costs such as interest and depreciation as it might with owned equipment. In addition, independent contractor tractors, driver compensation, fuel, communications, and certain other expenses are borne by the independent contractors and are not incurred by the Company. Obtaining equipment from independent contractors and under operating leases reduces capital expenditures and on-balance sheet leverage and effectively shifts expenses from interest to "above the line" operating expenses. The fleet profile of acquired companies and the Company's relative recruiting and retention success with Company-employed drivers and independent contractors will cause fluctuations from time-to-time in the percentage of the Company's fleet that is owned versus obtained from independent contractors and under operating leases. Page 10 Results of Operations The following table sets forth the percentage relationship of certain items to operating revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2001 and 2002: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2001 2002 2001 2002 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Operating revenue..................................... 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Operating expenses Purchased transportation............................ 36.3 36.6 36.7 36.8 Compensation and employee benefits.................. 27.7 30.4 27.9 31.4 Fuel, supplies, and maintenance..................... 17.5 15.5 17.8 15.6 Insurance and claims................................ 2.0 3.6 2.0 4.0 Taxes and licenses.................................. 2.0 2.0 1.9 2.0 General and administrative.......................... 4.0 4.3 4.1 4.3 Communications and utilities........................ 1.1 1.0 1.1 1.1 Depreciation and amortization....................... 8.8 9.4 9.2 9.3 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Total operating expenses.......................... 99.3 102.8 100.8 104.6 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Earnings (loss) from operations....................... 0.7 (2.8) (0.8) (4.6) Interest expense (net)................................ (1.6) (1.2) (1.7) (1.3) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Loss before income taxes.............................. (0.9) (3.9) (2.5) (5.8) Income tax benefit.................................... (0.2) (1.4) (0.8) (2.1) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Net loss.............................................. (0.7)% (2.6)% (1.7)% (3.7)% ============ ============ ============ ============ Comparison of three months ended June 30, 2002 with three months ended June 30, 2001 Operating revenue decreased $6.5 million (12.6%), to $45.2 million during the 2002 quarter from $51.8 million during the 2001 quarter. Revenue declined primarily because higher revenue per seated tractor was more than offset by fewer weighted average tractors, more unseated tractors, decreased fuel surcharge revenue, and decreased brokerage revenue. Revenue per seated tractor per week improved slightly to $2,503 in the 2002 quarter from $2,471 in the 2001 quarter. Additionally, the Company was able to achieve a $.01 increase in revenue per loaded mile, net of surcharges, to $1.36 in the 2002 quarter from $1.35 in the 2001 quarter. Weighted average tractors decreased 6.8%, to 1,466 during the 2002 quarter from 1,572 during the 2001 quarter due to a decrease in equipment provided by owner operators and a decrease in company-owned tractors. Average revenue per tractor per week (excluding revenue from brokerage operations and fuel surcharges) decreased to $2,221 during the 2002 quarter from $2,320 during the 2001 quarter, due to a higher number of unseated company tractors as well as weak Midwestern freight demands which caused a combination of fewer loads, higher non-revenue miles, more layovers, and rate pressure. A $1.2 million decrease in fuel surcharge revenue to $686,000 in the 2002 quarter from $1.9 million in the 2001 quarter also contributed to the decrease in operating revenue. Finally, lower freight demand caused brokerage revenue to decrease by $267,000. Purchased transportation consists primarily of payments to independent contractor providers of revenue equipment, expenses related to brokerage activities, and payments under operating leases of revenue equipment. Purchased transportation decreased $2.2 million (11.8%), to $16.6 million in the 2002 quarter from $18.8 million in the 2001 quarter. This reflects a decrease in freight hauled by independent contractors and broker carriers and a $460,000 decrease in payments to independent contractors and brokers for fuel surcharges. Management believes the decline in independent contractors is attributable to high insurance costs, tighter credit standards, and slow freight demand which have diminished the pool of drivers interested in becoming or remaining independent contractors. Purchased transportation increased slightly to 36.6% in the 2002 quarter from 36.3% in the 2001 quarter. Compensation and employee benefits decreased $599,000 (4.2%), to $13.8 million in the 2002 quarter from $14.3 million in the 2001 quarter. As a percentage of revenue, compensation and employee benefits increased to 30.4% of revenue in the 2002 quarter from 27.7% in the 2001 quarter. The increase was primarily attributable to higher workers' compensation claims and premiums, an increase in wages paid to drivers for unloaded miles, which was partially offset by a decrease in the percentage of the Company's fleet supplied by seated Company-owned equipment and a reduction in non-driver personnel. Page 11 Fuel, supplies, and maintenance decreased $2.0 million (22.6%), to $7.0 million in the 2002 quarter from $9.1 million in the 2001 quarter. As a percentage of revenue, fuel, supplies, and maintenance decreased to 15.5% of revenue for the 2002 quarter compared with 17.5% for the 2001 quarter. This was the result of a decrease in average fuel prices, to $1.23 per gallon in the 2002 quarter from $1.45 per gallon in the 2001 quarter and a decrease in the percentage of the Company's fleet supplied by seated Company-owned equipment, partially offset by increased maintenance expense. Fuel surcharge revenue attributable to loads hauled by Company trucks decreased to $376,000 in the 2002 quarter from $1.1 million in the 2001 quarter. Fuel expense, net of surcharges, may be affected in the future by the collectibility of fuel surcharges, as well as by lower fuel mileage if government mandated emissions standards effective October 1, 2002, are implemented as scheduled. The Company extended the trade cycle on its tractor fleet, which resulted in an increase in the number of required repairs. Insurance and claims increased $591,000 (56.4%), to $1.6 million in the 2002 quarter from $1.0 million in the 2001 quarter. As a percentage of revenue, insurance and claims increased to 3.6% of revenue in the 2002 quarter compared with 2.0% in the 2001 quarter. The increase was attributable to a substantial increase in insurance premiums on July 1, 2001, when the Company's insurance policies were renewed. Insurance and claims expense will vary based on the frequency and severity of claims, the premium expense, and the level of self-insured retention. Insurance and claims expense is expected to increase in future periods as a percentage of revenue because of higher premiums and a higher self-insured retention resulting from renewal of the Company's insurance coverage effective July 1, 2002. Taxes and licenses decreased $98,000 (9.6%), to $920,000 in the 2002 quarter from $1.0 million in the 2001 quarter. As a percentage of revenue, taxes and licenses remained constant at 2.0% of revenue in both quarters. General and administrative expenses decreased $124,000 (6.0%), to $1.9 million in the 2002 quarter from $2.1 million in the 2001 quarter. As a percentage of revenue, general and administrative expenses increased to 4.3% of revenue in the 2002 quarter compared with 4.0% in the 2001 quarter. Cost saving efforts have been successful in reducing the dollars spent for general and administrative expenses, however lower revenue per tractor caused the percentage of revenue to increase. Communications and utilities decreased $131,000 (23.3%), to $563,000 in the 2002 quarter from $563,000 in the 2001 quarter. As a percentage of revenue, communications and utilities remained essentially constant at 1.0% in the 2002 quarter compared to 1.1% in the 2001 quarter. Depreciation and amortization decreased $294,000 (6.4%), to $4.3 million in the 2002 quarter from $4.6 million in the 2001 quarter. This reduction reflects a decrease in company-owned equipment. Additionally, adoption of SFAS 142 caused amortization of goodwill to decrease to $0 in the 2002 quarter from $174,000 in the 2001 quarter. As a percentage of revenue, depreciation and amortization increased to 9.4% of revenue in the 2002 quarter compared with 8.8% in the 2001 quarter reflecting lower revenue per tractor per week and a larger number of unseated units being depreciated, without an offsetting revenue stream. Depreciation expense per tractor is expected to rise in the future as the cost of new tractors has increased, and will continue to increase due to the increased cost of new engines that comply with emissions standards effective October 1, 2002. Interest expense (net) decreased $293,000 (36.3%), to $514,000 in the 2002 quarter from $807,000 in the 2001 quarter reflecting a decrease in average outstanding debt and lower interest rates. As a percentage of revenue, interest expense (net) decreased to 1.2% of revenue in the 2002 quarter compared with 1.6% in the 2001 quarter. As a result of the foregoing, the Company's pretax margin was (3.9%) in the 2002 quarter compared with (0.9%) in the 2001 quarter. The Company's income tax benefit for the 2002 quarter was $616,000, or 34.7% of loss before income taxes. The Company's income tax benefit for the 2001 quarter was $85,000, or 18.1% of loss before income taxes. In both quarters the effective tax rate differs from the expected combined tax rate for a company headquartered in Iowa because of the cost of nondeductible driver per diem expense absorbed by the Company. The impact of the Company's paying per diem travel expenses varies depending upon the ratio of Company drivers to independent contractors and the Company's pretax earnings. Page 12 As a result of the factors described above, net loss was $1.2 million (2.6% of revenue) in the 2002 quarter, compared with $384,000 (0.7% of revenue) in the 2001 quarter. Comparison of six months ended June 30, 2002 with six months ended June 30, 2001 Operating revenue decreased $12.7 million (12.8%), to $86.5 million during the 2002 period from $99.1 million during the 2001 period. Revenue declined primarily because higher revenue per seated tractor was more than offset by fewer weighted average tractors, more unseated tractors, decreased fuel surcharge revenue, and decreased brokerage revenue. Revenue per seated tractor per week increased slightly to $2,402 in the 2002 period from $2,399 in the 2001 period. Additionally, the Company was able to achieve a $.03 increase in revenue per loaded mile, net of surcharges, to $1.36 in the 2002 period from $1.33 in the 2001 period. Weighted average tractors decreased 2.9%, to 1,492 during the 2002 period from 1,537 during the 2001 period due to a decrease in equipment provided by owner operators and a decrease in company-owned equipment. Average revenue per tractor per week (excluding revenue from brokerage operations and fuel surcharges) decreased to $2,103 during the 2002 period from $2,258 during the 2001 period, due to a higher number of unseated company tractors as well as weak Midwestern freight demands, which caused a combination of fewer loads, higher non-revenue miles, more layovers, and rate pressure. A $2.9 million decrease in fuel surcharge revenue to $906,000 in the 2002 period from $3.8 million in the 2001 period also contributed to the decrease in operating revenue. Finally, lower freight demand caused brokerage revenue to decrease by $1.2 million. Purchased transportation consists primarily of payments to independent contractor providers of revenue equipment, expenses related to brokerage activities, and payments under operating leases of revenue equipment. Purchased transportation decreased $4.5 million (12.4%), to $31.8 million in the 2002 period from $36.3 million in the 2001 period. This reflects a decrease in freight hauled by independent contractors and broker carriers and a $1.1 million decrease in payments to independent contractors and brokers for fuel surcharges. Management believes the decline in independent contractors is attributable to high insurance costs, tighter credit standards, and slow freight demand which have diminished the pool of drivers interested in becoming or remaining independent contractors. As a percentage of revenue, purchased transportation increased slightly to 36.8% in the 2002 period from 36.7% in the 2001 period. Compensation and employee benefits decreased $555,000 (2.0%), to $27.1 million in the 2002 period from $27.7 million in the 2001 period. As a percentage of revenue, compensation and employee benefits increased to 31.4% of revenue in the 2002 period from 27.9% in the 2001 period. The increase was primarily attributable to higher workers' compensation claims and premiums and the increase in wages paid to drivers for unloaded miles, which was partially offset by a decrease in the percentage of the Company's fleet supplied by seated Company-owned equipment and a reduction in non-driver personnel. Fuel, supplies, and maintenance decreased $4.2 million (23.6%), to $13.5 million in the 2002 period from $17.7 million in the 2001 period. As a percentage of revenue, fuel, supplies, and maintenance decreased to 15.6% of revenue for the 2002 period compared with 17.8% for the 2001 period. This was the result of a decrease in average fuel prices, to $1.17 per gallon in the 2002 period from $1.43 per gallon in the 2001 period and a decrease in the percentage of the Company's fleet supplied by seated Company-owned equipment, partially offset by increased maintenance expense. Fuel surcharge revenue attributable to loads hauled by Company trucks decreased to $488,000 in the 2002 period from $2.1 million in the 2001 period. Fuel expense, net of surcharges, may be affected in the future by the collectibility of fuel surcharges, as well as by lower fuel mileage if government mandated emissions standards effective October 1, 2002, are implemented as scheduled. The Company extended the trade cycle on its tractor fleet, which resulted in an increase in the number of required repairs. Insurance and claims increased $1.4 million (69.9%), to $3.5 million in the 2002 period from $2.0 million in the 2001 period. As a percentage of revenue, insurance and claims increased to 4.0% of revenue in the 2002 period compared with 2.0% in the 2001 period. The increase was attributable to a substantial increase in insurance premiums on July 1, 2001, when the Company's insurance policies were renewed. Insurance and claims expense will vary based on the frequency and severity of claims, the premium expense, and the level of self-insured retention. Insurance and claims expense is expected to increase in future periods as a percentage of revenue because of higher premiums and a higher self-insured retention resulting from renewal of the Company's insurance coverage effective July 1, 2002. Page 13 Taxes and licenses decreased $148,000 (7.8%), to $1.8 million in the 2002 period from $1.9 million in the 2001 period. As a percentage of revenue, taxes and licenses remained essentially constant at 2.0% of revenue in the 2002 period compared to 1.9% in the 2001 period. General and administrative expenses decreased $304,000 (7.5%), to $3.7 million in the 2002 period from $4.0 million in the 2001 period. As a percentage of revenue, general and administrative expenses increased to 4.3% in the 2002 period compared to 4.1% in the 2001 period. Cost saving efforts have been successful in reducing the dollars spent for general and administrative expenses, however lower revenue per tractor caused the percentage of revenue to increase. Communications and utilities decreased $185,000 (16.5%), to $939,000 in the 2002 period from $1.1 million in the 2001 period. As a percentage of revenue, communications and utilities remained constant at 1.1% in both periods. Depreciation and amortization decreased $1.0 million (11.5%), to $8.0 million in the 2002 period from $9.1 million in the 2001 period. This reduction reflects a gain on the sale of excess trailers of $649,000 and a decrease in company owned equipment. Additionally, adoption of SFAS 142 caused amortization of goodwill to decrease to $0 in the 2002 period from $332,000 in the 2001 period. As a percentage of revenue, depreciation and amortization increased to 9.3% of revenue in the 2002 period compared with 9.2% in the 2001 period reflecting lower revenue per tractor per week and a larger number of unseated units being depreciated, without an offsetting revenue stream. Depreciation expense per tractor is expected to rise in the future as the cost of new tractors has increased, and will continue to increase due to the increased cost of new engines that comply with emissions standards effective October 1, 2002. Interest expense (net) decreased $587,000 (35.5%), to $1.1 million in the 2002 period from $1.7 million in the 2001 period reflecting a decrease in average outstanding debt and lower interest rates. As a percentage of revenue, interest expense (net) decreased to 1.3% of revenue in the 2002 period compared with 1.7% in the 2001 period. As a result of the foregoing, the Company's pretax margin was (5.8%) in the 2002 period compared with (2.5%) in the 2001 period. The Company's income tax benefit for the 2002 period was $1.8 million, or 36.4% of loss before income taxes. The Company's income tax benefit for the 2001 period was $772,000, or 31.6% of loss before income taxes. In both periods the effective tax rate differs from the expected combined tax rate for a company headquartered in Iowa because of the cost of nondeductible driver per diem expense absorbed by the Company. The impact of the Company's paying per diem travel expenses varies depending upon the ratio of Company drivers to independent contractors and the Company's pretax earnings. As a result of the factors described above, net loss was $3.2 million (3.7% of revenue) in the 2002 period, compared with $1.7 million (1.7% of revenue) in the 2001 period. Page 14 Liquidity and Capital Resources The size of the Company's business has decreased slightly over the past three years. During this period the Company has reduced debt and invested in new revenue equipment to replace most of the older equipment that has been disposed of. New equipment has been financed in recent years with borrowings under installment notes payable to commercial lending institutions and equipment manufacturers, borrowings under lines of credit, cash flow from operations, and equipment leases from third-party lessors. The Company also has obtained a portion of its revenue equipment fleet from independent contractors who own and operate the equipment, which reduces overall capital expenditure requirements compared with providing a fleet of entirely company-owned equipment. The Company's primary sources of liquidity currently are funds provided by operations and borrowings under credit agreements with financial institutions and equipment manufacturers. The Company reduced its borrowing by $1.0 million during the quarter. The Company has experienced a recent decrease in the ratio of its current assets to current liabilities, primarily as a result of a decrease in trade receivables and an increase in current maturities of long-term debt. The increase in current maturities resulted from a restructuring of the Company's financing agreement with LaSalle Bank. Management expects this trend to continue in future periods until the Company returns to profitability. Management believes that its sources of liquidity are adequate to meet its currently anticipated working capital requirements, capital expenditures, and other needs at least through 2002. Net cash provided by operating activities was $3.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002. The Company's principal uses of cash from operations are to service debt and internally finance accounts receivable. Customer accounts receivable increased $1.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002. The average age of the Company's accounts receivable was approximately 32.9 days in the 2002 period versus 36.4 days in the 2001 period. Net cash provided by investing activities of $1.9 million in the 2002 period related primarily to proceeds of sales of revenue equipment net of purchases of revenue equipment. The Company expects capital expenditures (primarily for revenue equipment and satellite communications units), net of revenue equipment trade-ins, to be approximately $8.0 million during the remaining six months of 2002. Such projected capital expenditures are expected to be funded with a combination of cash flow from operations and borrowings. Net cash used in financing activities of $4.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2002, consisted primarily of principal repayments, net of borrowings, made under the Company's line of credit and long-term debt obligations. At June 30, 2002, the Company had outstanding long-term debt (including line of credit and current maturities) of approximately $47.3 million, most of which was comprised of obligations for the purchase of revenue equipment. Approximately $26.4 million consisted of borrowings from financial institutions and equipment manufacturers and $20.9 million was the amount owed under the Company's revolving credit facility. Interest rates on this debt range from 3.3% to 7.6% with maturities through 2009. The Company is party to a financing agreement with LaSalle Bank which expires on December 31, 2004, and provides for automatic one-year renewals under certain conditions. The agreement provides for a term loan, a revolving line of credit, and a capital expenditure loan. At June 30, 2002, the term loan had a balance of $15.8 million, and was payable in equal monthly installments of $244,000 in principal. The revolving line of credit allows for borrowings of up to 85 percent of eligible receivables, or approximately $12.2 million at June 30, 2002, on which the Company had drawn approximately $9.4 million, including the $5.5 million letters of credit discussed below. The capital expenditure loan allows for borrowing up to 80 percent of the purchase price of revenue equipment purchased with such advances provided borrowings under the capital expenditure loan are limited to $2.0 million annually, and $4.0 million over the term of the agreement. At June 30, 2002, the amount due under the capital expenditure loan was $1.2 million. The combination of all loans with LaSalle Bank cannot exceed $32.5 million. The financing agreement also includes financing for letters of credit. At June 30, 2002, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $5.5 million for self-insured amounts under its insurance programs. These letters of credit directly reduce the amount of potential borrowings available under the financing agreement discussed above. All borrowings under this financing arrangement bear interest at the bank's prime rate, and the Company is required to pay a facility fee on the financing agreement of .25% of the maximum loan limit ($32.5 million). Borrowings under the agreement are secured by liens on revenue equipment, accounts receivable, and certain other assets. Page 15 The financing arrangement with LaSalle Bank also requires compliance with certain financial covenants, including compliance with a minimum tangible net worth, capital expenditure limits, and a fixed charge coverage ratio. In May 2002, the tangible net worth and fixed charge coverage covenant requirements were amended. The Company was in compliance with all covenants, as amended, at June 30, 2002. Equipment financing provided by a manufacturer contains a minimum net worth requirement which the Company was in compliance with at June 30, 2002. Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments The following tables set forth the contractual obligations and other commercial commitments as of June 30, 2002: Principal Payments Due by Year (In Thousands) Less than After Contractual Obligations Total One year 2-3 years 4-5 years 5 years - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Long-term debt $ 47,264 $ 12,107 $ 24,363 $ 9,174 $ 1,620 Operating leases 619 545 74 - - -------------------------------------------------------------------- Total contractual cash obligations $ 47,883 $ 12,652 $ 24,437 $ 9,174 $ 1,620 ==================================================================== The Company had no other commercial commitments at June 30, 2002. Critical Accounting Policies The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make decisions based upon estimates, assumptions, and factors it considers as relevant to the circumstances. Such decisions include the selection of applicable accounting principles and the use of judgment in their application, the results of which impact reported amounts and disclosures. Changes in future economic conditions or other business circumstances may affect the outcomes of management's estimates and assumptions. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those anticipated. A summary of the significant accounting policies followed in preparation of the financial statements included in this Form 10-Q is contained in Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001. Other footnotes in the Form 10-K describe various elements of the financial statements included in this Form 10-Q and the assumptions on which specific amounts were determined. The Company's critical accounting policies include the following: Revenue Recognition The Company generally recognizes operating revenue when the freight to be transported has been loaded. The Company operates primarily in the short-to-medium length haul category of the trucking industry; therefore, the Company's typical customer delivery is completed one day after pickup. Accordingly, this method of revenue recognition is not materially different from recognizing revenue based on completion of delivery. The Company recognizes operating revenue when the freight is delivered for longer haul loads where delivery is completed more than one day after pickup. Amounts payable to independent contractors for purchased transportation, to Company drivers for wages, and other direct expenses are accrued when the related revenue is recognized. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided by use of the straight-line and declining-balance methods over lives of 5 to 39 years for buildings and improvements, 5 to 7 years for tractors and trailers, and 3 to 10 years for other equipment. Tires purchased as part of revenue equipment are capitalized as a cost of the equipment. Replacement tires are expensed when placed in service. Expenditures for maintenance and minor repairs are charged to operations, and expenditures for major replacements and betterments are capitalized. The cost and related accumulated depreciation on property and equipment retired, traded, or sold are eliminated from the property accountsat the time of retirement, trade, or sale. In accordance with industry practices, the gain or loss on retirement or Page 16 sale is included in depreciation and amortization in the consolidated statements of operation. Gains on trade-ins are deferred and reduce the basis of the new asset. Estimated Liability for Insurance Claims Losses resulting from personal liability, physical damage, workers' compensation, and cargo loss and damage are covered by insurance subject to certain deductibles. Losses resulting from uninsured claims are recognized when such losses are known and can be estimated. The Company estimates and accrues a liability for its share of ultimate settlements using all available information. The Company accrues for health insurance claims reported, as well as for claims incurred but not reported, based upon the Company's past experience. Expenses depend on actual loss experience and changes in estimates of settlement amounts for open claims which haven not been fully resolved. However, final settlement of these claims could differ materially from the amounts the Company has accrued at period-end. Impairment of Long-lived Assets Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceed the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less the costs to sell. New Accounting Pronouncements In June 2002, the FASB issued Statement No. 146 (FAS 146), Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities, which addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities. Under FAS 146, such costs will be recognized when the liability is incurred, rather than at the date of commitment to an exit plan. FAS 146 is effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002, with early application permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of FAS 146 to have a material effect on the financial statements. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks The Company is exposed to market risks from changes in (i) certain interest rates on its debt and (ii) certain commodity prices. Interest Rate Risk The Company's financing agreement with LaSalle Bank, provided there has been no default, carries a variable interest rate based on LaSalle's prime rate. In addition, approximately $20.5 million of the Company's other debt carries variable interest rates. This variable interest exposes the Company to the risk that interest rates may rise. The remainder of the Company's other debt carries fixed interest rates and exposes the Company to the risk that interest rates may fall. At June 30, 2002, approximately 87% of the Company's debt carries a variable interest rate and the remainder is fixed. Each one percentage point increase or decrease in interest rates effects the Company's pretax loss by approximately $414,000, assuming the $47.3 million outstanding at June 30, 2002 of which 87% carries variable rates. Commodity Price Risk The Company in the past has used derivative instruments, including heating oil price swap agreements, to reduce a portion of its exposure to fuel price fluctuations. During the quarter ended June 30, 2002, the Company had no such agreements in place. The Company does not trade in these derivatives with the objective of earning financial gains on price fluctuations, nor does it trade in these instruments when there are no underlying transaction related exposures. Page 17 PART II OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings. No reportable events or material changes occurred during the quarter for which this report is filed. Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds. None. Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities. None. Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. On May 10, 2002, the Company held its annual meeting of stockholders for the purpose of (a) ratifying the selection of KPMG LLP as independent auditors for the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2002, (b) approving the Smithway Motor Xpress Corp. New Employee Incentive Stock Plan for the purpose of qualifying options granted under the Plan as incentive stock options for tax purposes, and (c) electing six directors for one-year terms. Proxies for the meeting were solicited pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and there was no solicitation in opposition to management's nominees. Each of management's nominees for director as listed in the Proxy Statement was elected. The voting tabulation on the selection of accountants was 5,384,493 votes "FOR", 19,793 votes "AGAINST", and 3,605 votes "ABSTAIN." The voting tabulation on the approval of the New Employee Stock Incentive Plan for the purpose of qualifying options granted as incentive stock options for tax purpose was 4,168,410 "FOR", 439,026 votes "AGAINST", and 13,698 votes "ABSTAIN." The voting tabulation on the election of directors was as follows: Shares Shares Shares voted voted voted "FOR" "AGAINST" "ABSTAIN" William G. Smith 5,026,564 0 394,927 G. Larry Owens 5,023,935 0 397,556 Donald A. Orr 5,011,555 0 409,936 Terry G. Christenberry 5,026,241 0 395,250 Herbert D. Ihle 5,026,779 0 394,712 Robert E. Rich 5,026,779 0 394,712 Item 5. Other Information. None. Page 18 Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K. (a) Exhibits Exhibit Number Description 3.1 * Articles of Incorporation. 3.2 * Bylaws. 4.1 * Articles of Incorporation. 4.2 * Bylaws. 10.1 * Outside Director Stock Plan dated March 1, 1995. 10.2 * Incentive Stock Plan adopted March 1, 1995. 10.3 * 401(k) Plan adopted August 14, 1992, as amended. 10.4 * Form of Agency Agreement between Smithway Motor Xpress, Inc. and its independent commission agents. 10.5 * Memorandum of officer incentive compensation policy. 10.6 ** 1997 Profit Incentive Plan, adopted May 8, 1997. 10.7 *** Amendment No. 2 to Smithway Motor Xpress Corp. Incentive Stock Plan, adopted May 7, 1999. 10.8 **** Form of Outside Director Stock Option Agreement dated July 27, 2000, between Smithway Motor Xpress Corp. and each of its non-employee directors. 10.9 + New Employee Incentive Stock Plan, adopted August 6, 2001. 10.10 + Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated December 28, 2001, between LaSalle Bank National Association, Smithway Motor Xpress, Inc., as Borrower, and East West Motor Xpress, Inc., as Borrower. 10.11 + Letter Agreement dated August 6, 2001, between Smithway Motor Xpress, Inc. and Donald A. Orr. 10.12 # First Amendment to Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated May 10, 2002, between LaSalle Bank National Association, Smithway Motor Xpress, Inc., as Borrower, and East West Motor Express, Inc., as Borrower. - --------------------------- * Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 33-90356, effective June 27, 1996. ** Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2000. Commission File No. 000-20793, dated May 5, 2000. *** Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1999. Commission File No. 000-20793, dated August 13, 1999. **** Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2000. Commission File No. 000-20793, dated November 3, 2000. + Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001. Commission File No. 000-20793, dated March 28, 2002. # Filed herewith. Page 19 (b) Reports on Form 8-K. None. Page 20 SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. SMITHWAY MOTOR XPRESS CORP., a Nevada corporation Date: August 14, 2002 By: /s/ Douglas C. Sandvig ------------------------------ Douglas C. Sandvig Controller and Chief Accounting Officer Page 21