Yellow Roadway Corporation Delivers Strong First Quarter 2004 EPS of $.38
-- Yellow Transportation reports first quarter record revenue and near
-record operating income
-- Roadway Express achieves solid earnings and improving revenue trends
-- New Penn and Meridian IQ post strong growth and operating results
OVERLAND PARK, Kan., April 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Yellow Roadway
Corporation (NASDAQ: YELL) today reported first quarter 2004 earnings per
share of $.38, a 40.7% increase from pro forma EPS of $.27 and double the
reported EPS of $.19, both from the first quarter of 2003. "In our first full
quarter as Yellow Roadway Corporation, every business unit exceeded their
financial targets," said Bill Zollars, Chairman, President and CEO of Yellow
Roadway. "While we still have much to accomplish, it was a gratifying first
quarter performance."
Yellow Roadway reported the following consolidated results for the first quarter of 2004:
-- Operating revenue of $1.55 billion, up 7.7% from pro forma first
quarter 2003 operating revenue of $1.44 billion, and more than double
first quarter 2003 reported operating revenue of $681 million.
-- Operating income of $41.3 million, up 20.3% from pro forma operating
income of $34.4 million in the first quarter of 2003 and 3.5 times
first quarter 2003 reported operating income of $11.8 million.
'Pro forma' information provided in this release for the first quarter of 2003 includes reported results of both Roadway Corporation and Yellow Corporation, as adjusted for conforming accounting policies, purchase accounting valuations and interest expense for acquisition-related debt. Management has provided pro forma information to more accurately compare results between periods. See the attached notes to Supplemental Financial Information and Statistical Information for more details. Consolidated 'reported' information for the first quarter of 2003 represents the results of the former Yellow Corporation entities only.
Yellow Transportation
Yellow Transportation reported first quarter 2004 results as follows:
-- Revenue of $734 million, a record for Yellow Transportation first
quarter revenue, which represents an 11.3% increase from $660 million
in the first quarter of 2003.
-- Less-than-truckload (LTL) revenue per day was up 9.2% from the first
quarter of 2003, primarily reflecting a 6.6% increase in LTL tonnage
per day and a 2.8% increase in LTL revenue per hundred weight,
excluding fuel surcharge. LTL revenue per hundred weight, when further
adjusted for changes in weight per shipment and length of haul, was up
3.2%.
-- Adjusted operating income of $26.9 million, up 37.8% from $19.5 million
in the first quarter of 2003. Reported operating income of
$26.4 million compared to $19.5 million in first quarter 2003.
-- Adjusted operating ratio of 96.3% compared to 97.0% in last year's
first quarter. Reported first quarter operating ratio of 96.4%
compared to 97.0% in the same period of 2003.
"Yellow Transportation continues to deliver impressive performance, with record levels of first quarter revenue and one of the most profitable first quarters in their history," said Zollars. "Contributing to their success is the ongoing growth in Exact Express, the expedited, time-definite service, which grew over 60% in the first quarter when compared to last year."
Roadway Express
Roadway Express reported the following results for first quarter 2004:
-- Revenue of $717 million, up 1.0% from adjusted revenue of $710 million
in the first quarter of 2003.
-- LTL revenue per day was down 1.8% from the first quarter of 2003,
resulting from a 3.0% decline in LTL tonnage per day and a 1.4%
increase in LTL revenue per hundred weight, excluding fuel surcharge.
When adjusted for changes in weight per shipment and length of haul,
LTL revenue per hundred weight was up 3.7%. During the first quarter
of 2003, Roadway Express still had temporary business volumes due to
the Consolidated Freightways bankruptcy, which results in difficult
comparisons to the prior year.
-- However, LTL tonnage comparisons improved each month of the first
quarter, and this trend has continued into April. Compared to the same
month of the prior year, LTL tonnage per day was down 5.5% in January,
down 3.7% in February and down 2.5% in March. On a sequential basis,
the month-to-month volume growth in the first quarter at Roadway
Express is very similar to that of Yellow Transportation.
-- Adjusted operating income of $15.0 million compared to $20.3 million in
what was an unusually strong first quarter of 2003. Reported operating
income of $15.0 million compared to $17.7 million in the first quarter
of 2003.
-- Adjusted operating ratio of 97.9% compared to a first quarter 2003
adjusted operating ratio of 97.1%. Reported operating ratio of 97.9%
compared to 97.5% in last year's first quarter.
"The team at Roadway Express responded to significant challenges during the first quarter," Zollars said. "Trends have recovered and are moving in the right direction, which demonstrates the caliber and capabilities of the Roadway Express people."
New Penn Motor Express
New Penn reported the following first quarter 2004 results:
-- Revenue of $56.1 million, up 10.8% from adjusted revenue of
$50.6 million in the first quarter of 2003. The revenue growth was
primarily the result of a 7.6% increase in LTL tonnage per day.
-- Adjusted operating income of $5.7 million, over three times greater
than $1.7 million in last year's first quarter. Reported operating
income of $5.8 million as compared to $2.6 million in the first quarter
of 2003.
-- Adjusted operating ratio of 89.8%, a significant improvement from an
adjusted operating ratio of 96.5% in the first quarter of 2003.
Reported operating ratio of 89.7% compared to 94.8% in the prior year.
"New Penn is a great company and a unique asset," Zollars stated. "A first quarter operating ratio below 90% is a strong indication of the fine job they are doing."
Meridian IQ
Meridian IQ reported the following first quarter 2004 highlights:
-- Revenue of $45.7 million, more than double the $22.1 million reported
in the first quarter of 2003. The revenue increase is attributable to
strong organic growth and acquisitions.
-- Reported operating income of $0.6 million compared to an operating loss
of $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2003.
"To achieve profitability in the seasonally challenging first quarter is a significant accomplishment," Zollars stated. "Meridian IQ has gained significant traction in the market during the past six months."
The preceding segment disclosures contain references to 'reported' and 'adjusted' operating income and operating ratios. For all segments, reported numbers include property gains and losses, while adjusted numbers exclude the impact of property gains and losses. For Roadway Express and New Penn Motor Express, adjusted numbers in the first quarter of 2003 also reflect the impact of conforming accounting policies to more accurately compare operating results to the first quarter of 2004. See the attached notes to "Statistical Information" for Roadway Express and New Penn Motor Express for more details related to these adjustments.
Outlook
"We expect earnings per share of $.70 - $.75 in the second quarter of 2004," Zollars stated. "For the full year, our updated earnings guidance is for $3.00 per share, plus or minus a narrower range of 5%," Zollars continued. "We are on track to meet our 2004 financial objectives due to the performance of our business units, a strengthening economy and our synergy efforts - which are slightly ahead of plan."
Review of Financial Results
A teleconference review of Yellow Roadway Corporation (NASDAQ: YELL) first quarter 2004 financial results has been scheduled for April 23, 2004, beginning at 9:30 a.m. ET, 8:30 a.m. CT.
Hosting the teleconference will be: Bill Zollars - Chairman, President and CEO, Yellow Roadway Corporation; Don Barger - Sr. Vice President and CFO, Yellow Roadway Corporation; Jim Staley - President and CEO, Roadway Group; James Welch - President and CEO, Yellow Transportation; and Jim Ritchie - President and CEO, Meridian IQ.
To participate, please dial 1.888.609.3912. Callers should dial in 5 to 10 minutes prior to the start of the call.
The conference call will be webcast live via StreetEvents at www.streetevents.com and via the Yellow Roadway Corporation Internet site www.yellowroadway.com .
An audio playback will be available beginning two hours after the call ends until midnight on April 30 by calling 1.800.642.1687 and then entering the access code, 6389583. An audio playback also will be available for 30 days after the call via the StreetEvents and Yellow Roadway Corporation web sites.
This news release (and oral statements made regarding the subjects of this release, including on the conference call announced herein) contain forward- looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The words "expect," "believe," "intend," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. It is important to note that the company's actual future results could differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements because of a number of factors, including (without limitation), labor relations, inclement weather, price and availability of fuel, competitor pricing activity, expense volatility, ability to capture cost synergies, and a downturn in general or regional economic activity.
Yellow Roadway Corporation is one of the largest transportation service providers in the world. Through its subsidiaries including Yellow Transportation, Roadway Express, New Penn Motor Express, Reimer Express, Meridian IQ and Yellow Technologies, Yellow Roadway provides a wide range of asset and non-asset-based transportation services integrated by technology. The portfolio of brands provided through Yellow Roadway Corporation subsidiaries represents a comprehensive array of services for the shipment of industrial, commercial and retail goods domestically and internationally. Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, Yellow Roadway Corporation employs approximately 50,000 people.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Yellow Roadway Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Amounts in thousands except per share data)
(Unaudited)
March 31, December 31,
2004 2003
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $20,688 $75,166
Accounts receivable, net 734,263 699,142
Prepaid expenses and other 107,249 110,128
Total current assets 862,200 884,436
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
Cost 2,593,109 2,538,614
Less - accumulated depreciation 1,163,099 1,135,346
Net property and equipment 1,430,010 1,403,268
Goodwill 618,532 617,313
Intangibles, net 466,903 467,114
Other assets 92,546 91,098
Total assets $3,470,191 $3,463,229
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable $209,316 $260,175
Wages, vacations, and employees' benefits 394,511 351,287
Other current and accrued liabilities 231,787 178,478
Asset backed securitization
("ABS") borrowings 13,000 71,500
Current maturities of long-term debt 4,506 1,757
Total current liabilities 853,120 863,197
OTHER LIABILITIES:
Long-term debt, less current portion 810,104 836,082
Deferred income taxes, net 296,406 298,256
Accrued pension and postretirement 275,875 256,187
Claims and other liabilities 208,583 207,422
Total other liabilities 1,590,968 1,597,947
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock, $1 par value per share 50,352 50,146
Capital surplus 660,335 653,739
Retained earnings 384,313 366,157
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (23,106) (23,167)
Unamortized restricted stock awards (4,392) (567)
Treasury stock, at cost (2,238
and 2,359 shares) (41,399) (44,223)
Total shareholders' equity 1,026,103 1,002,085
Total liabilities and
shareholders' equity $3,470,191 $3,463,229
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS
Yellow Roadway Corporation and Subsidiaries
For the Three Months Ended March 31
(Amounts in thousands except per share data)
(Unaudited)
2004 2003(a)
OPERATING REVENUE $1,552,135 $681,093
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Salaries, wages and employees' benefits 993,550 438,748
Operating expenses and supplies 238,357 109,943
Operating taxes and licenses 40,565 19,767
Claims and insurance 30,013 12,724
Depreciation and amortization 40,606 20,268
Purchased transportation 167,264 67,873
Losses on property disposals, net 462 11
Total operating expenses 1,510,817 669,334
OPERATING INCOME 41,318 11,759
NONOPERATING (INCOME) EXPENSES:
Interest expense 11,910 2,646
Other (120) (93)
Nonoperating expenses, net 11,790 2,553
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 29,528 9,206
INCOME TAX PROVISION 11,372 3,580
NET INCOME $18,156 $5,626
AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING-BASIC 47,874 29,583
AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING-DILUTED 48,246 29,818
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE $0.38 $0.19
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE $0.38 $0.19
(a) Represents the reported results of the former Yellow Corporation
entities only.
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
Yellow Roadway Corporation and Subsidiaries
For the Three Months Ended March 31
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
2004 2003(a)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $18,156 $5,626
Noncash items included in net
income:
Depreciation and amortization 40,606 20,268
Losses on property disposals, net 462 11
Deferred income tax provision, net (3,602) -
Changes in assets and liabilities, net:
Accounts receivable (25,644) 3,013
Accounts payable (60,204) (37,076)
Other working capital items 111,285 23,594
Claims and other 10,395 5,183
Other, net (1,725) (564)
Net cash from operating activities 89,729 20,055
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment (57,931) (26,141)
Proceeds from disposal of
property and equipment 350 691
Acquisition of companies (7,881) -
Net cash used in investing activities (65,462) (25,450)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
ABS borrowings, net (58,500) -
Repayment of long-term debt (22,014) (21)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 1,769 38
Net cash provided by (used in)
financing activities (78,745) 17
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (54,478) (5,378)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING
OF PERIOD 75,166 28,714
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD $20,688 $23,336
(a) Represents the reported results of the former Yellow Corporation
entities only.
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Yellow Roadway Corporation and Subsidiaries
For the Three Months Ended March 31
(Amounts in thousands except per share data)
(Unaudited)
2004 2003(a) %
Operating revenue:
Yellow Transportation $734,470 $660,125 11.3
Roadway Express 717,138 (b)
New Penn 56,104 (b)
Meridian IQ 45,670 22,083 106.8
Corporate (1,247) (1,115) (11.8)
Consolidated 1,552,135 681,093
Reported operating income (loss):
Yellow Transportation 26,421 19,500 35.5
Roadway Express 15,037
New Penn 5,751
Meridian IQ 585 (893) n/m
Corporate (6,476) (6,848)(c) 5.4
Consolidated 41,318 11,759
Adjustments to operating income by
segment (d):
Yellow Transportation 467 12
Roadway Express (7)
New Penn (5)
Meridian IQ 7 -
Corporate - (1)
Consolidated 462 11
Adjusted operating income (loss):
Yellow Transportation 26,888 19,512 37.8
Roadway Express 15,030
New Penn 5,746
Meridian IQ 592 (893) n/m
Corporate (6,476) (6,849) 5.4
Consolidated $41,780 $11,770
Reported operating ratio:
Yellow Transportation 96.4% 97.0%
Roadway Express 97.9%
New Penn 89.7%
Consolidated 97.3% 98.3%
Adjusted operating ratio:
Yellow Transportation 96.3% 97.0%
Roadway Express 97.9%
New Penn 89.8%
Consolidated 97.3% 98.3%
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Yellow Roadway Corporation and Subsidiaries
For the Three Months Ended March 31
(Amounts in thousands except per share data)
(Unaudited)
2004 2003(a)
Reconciliation of reported net income
to adjusted net income:
Reported net income $18,156 $5,626
Losses on property disposals 287 7
Adjusted net income 18,443 5,633
Reconciliation of reported diluted
earnings per share (EPS)
to adjusted diluted EPS:
Reported diluted EPS 0.38 0.19
Losses on property disposals - -
Adjusted diluted EPS 0.38 0.19
Pro forma stock option expense (after
tax)(e) 465 549
Pro forma stock option impact on
diluted EPS (0.01) (0.02)
Summarized unaudited pro forma
results (f):
Operating revenue $1,441,363
Operating income 34,351
Income from continuing operations 12,751
Net income 12,898
Diluted earnings per share:
Income from continuing operations 0.27
Net income $0.27
(a) Represents the reported results of the former Yellow Corporation
entities only.
(b) Prior to the date of the Roadway acquisition (December 11, 2003),
Roadway Express and New Penn were not included in our reported
results.
(c) Includes approximately $4 million for an industry conference that we
host every other year.
(d) Management excludes these items when evaluating operating income and
segment performance to more accurately compare the results of our core
operations among periods. Adjustments presented in the periods above
consist entirely of property gains and losses.
(e) The fair value in accordance with SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation, not reflected in net income.
(f) The unaudited pro forma information presents the combined results of
operations of Yellow Roadway as if the Roadway acquisition had
occurred at the beginning of the period presented. The unaudited pro
forma financial information is not intended to represent or be
indicative of the consolidated results of operations of Yellow Roadway
that would have been reported had the acquisition been completed as of
the date presented and should not be taken as representative of the
future consolidated results of operations of Yellow Roadway.
STATISTICAL INFORMATION
Yellow Transportation
For the Three Months Ended March 31
(Amounts in thousands except per unit data)
Three Months Amount/Workday
2004 2003 % 2004 2003 %
Workdays 64 63
Revenue:
LTL $683,109 $616,006 10.9 $10,673.6 $9,777.9 9.2
TL 50,971 44,289 15.1 796.4 703.0 13.3
Subtotal - pickup
basis 734,080 660,295 11.2 11,470.0 10,480.9 9.4
Revenue
recognition
adjustment 390 (170) n/m 6.1 (2.7) n/m
Total - as
reported $734,470 $660,125 11.3 $11,476.1 $10,478.2 9.5
Tonnage - pickup
basis:
LTL 1,656 1,529 8.3 25.88 24.27 6.6
TL 319 277 15.1 4.98 4.40 13.3
Total 1,975 1,806 9.3 30.86 28.67 7.6
Shipments - pickup
basis:
LTL 3,343 3,119 7.2 52.23 49.51 5.5
TL 43 38 14.1 0.68 0.60 12.3
Total 3,386 3,157 7.3 52.91 50.11 5.6
Revenue/cwt. -
pickup basis:
LTL $20.63 $20.14 2.4
TL 7.99 7.99 -
Total 18.59 18.28 1.7
Revenue/cwt. -
pickup basis:
(excluding fuel
surcharge)
LTL 19.89 19.35 2.8
TL 7.74 7.72 0.3
Total 17.93 17.57 2.0
Revenue/shipment -
pickup basis:
LTL 204.36 197.50 3.5
TL 1,175.86 1,165.47 0.9
Total 216.80 209.15 3.7
STATISTICAL INFORMATION
Roadway Express
For the Three Months Ended March 31
(Amounts in thousands except per unit data)
Three Months Amount/Workday
2004 2003 % 2004 2003 %
Workdays 64 63
Revenue:
LTL $668,322 $669,979 (0.2) $10,442.5 $10,634.6 (1.8)
TL 58,521 50,156 16.7 914.4 796.1 14.9
Subtotal - pickup
basis 726,843 720,135 0.9 11,356.9 11,430.7 (0.6)
Revenue
recognition
adjustment (9,705) (9,900) 2.0 (151.6) (157.1) 3.5
Total (a) $717,138 $710,235 1.0 $11,205.3 $11,273.6 (0.6)
Tonnage - pickup
basis:
LTL 1,492 1,514 (1.4) 23.31 24.03 (3.0)
TL 341 302 12.7 5.33 4.80 10.9
Total 1,833 1,816 0.9 28.64 28.83 (0.6)
Shipments - pickup
basis:
LTL 3,065 3,219 (4.8) 47.89 51.10 (6.3)
TL 41 37 10.1 0.64 0.58 8.4
Total 3,106 3,256 (4.6) 48.53 51.68 (6.1)
Revenue/cwt. -
pickup basis:
LTL $22.39 $22.13 1.2
TL 8.59 8.29 3.5
Total 19.82 19.82 -
Revenue/cwt. -
pickup basis:
(excluding fuel
surcharge)
LTL 21.51 21.23 1.4
TL 8.25 7.96 3.7
Total 19.05 19.02 0.2
Revenue/shipment -
pickup basis:
LTL 218.08 208.16 4.8
TL 1,406.48 1,327.33 6.0
Total 234.00 221.14 5.8
Operating income -
as reported 15,037 17,738
Adjustments to
operating
income (b) (7) 2,576
Operating income -
as adjusted 15,030 20,314
(a) Total revenue in 2004 is presented on a reported basis. Total revenue
for 2003 has been adjusted for conforming accounting policies and the
conversion to a calendar quarter.
(b) Adjustments to operating income primarily represent conforming
accounting policies, including revenue recognition adjustments and
amortization of intangibles, and the conversion to a calendar quarter.
Management has adjusted the 2003 reported results of Roadway Express
for these items to more accurately compare the results among periods.
In 2004 adjustments relate to gains on the disposal of property as
detailed further in the "Supplemental Information."
STATISTICAL INFORMATION
New Penn Motor Express
For the Three Months Ended March 31
(Amounts in thousands except per unit data)
Three Months Amount/Workday
2004 2003 % 2004 2003 %
Workdays 64 63
Revenue:
LTL $52,309 $47,403 10.3 $817.3 $752.4 8.6
TL 3,795 3,227 17.6 59.3 51.2 15.8
Subtotal - pickup basis 56,104 50,630 10.8 876.6 803.6 9.1
Revenue recognition
adjustment - - - - - -
Total (a) $56,104 $50,630 10.8 $876.6 $803.6 9.1
Tonnage - pickup basis:
LTL 211 193 9.3 3.30 3.06 7.6
TL 34 30 13.3 0.53 0.48 11.6
Total 245 223 9.9 3.83 3.54 8.1
Shipments - pickup basis:
LTL 462 437 5.7 7.22 6.94 4.1
TL 4 4 - 0.06 0.06 (1.6)
Total 466 441 5.7 7.28 7.00 4.0
Revenue/cwt. - pickup basis:
LTL $12.38 $12.30 0.7
TL 5.58 5.37 3.9
Total 11.43 11.36 0.6
Revenue/cwt. - pickup basis:
(excluding fuel surcharge)
LTL 11.72 11.74 (0.2)
TL 5.28 5.13 2.9
Total 10.83 10.85 (0.2)
Revenue/shipment - pickup
basis:
LTL 113.12 108.47 4.3
TL 927.65 874.05 6.1
Total 120.27 114.88 4.7
Operating income - as
reported 5,751 2,613
Adjustments to
operating income (b) (5) (866)
Operating income - as
adjusted 5,746 1,747
(a) Total revenue in 2004 is presented on a reported basis. Total revenue
for 2003 has been adjusted for conforming accounting policies and the
conversion to a calendar quarter.
(b) Adjustments to operating income primarily represent conforming
accounting policies, including amortization of intangibles, and the
conversion to a calendar quarter. Management has adjusted the 2003
reported results of New Penn for these items to more accurately
compare the results among periods. In 2004 adjustments relate to
gains on the disposal of property as detailed further in the
"Supplemental Information."
SOURCE Yellow Roadway Corporation
CONTACT: Analyst, Stephen Bruffett of Yellow Roadway Corporation,
+1-913-696-6108, steve.bruffett@yellowroadway.com , or Media, Suzanne Dawson
of Linden Alschuler & Kaplan, +1-212-329-1420, sdawson@lakpr.com
Web site: http://www.yellowroadway.com