UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006

Commission file number 0-20797

RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Texas

 

74-1733016

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

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

 

 

 

555 IH 35 South, New Braunfels, TX

 

78130

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (830) 626-5200

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

None

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

Class A and Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value

(Title of Class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes
o  No  x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act Yes o  No  x

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.

Yes x  No  o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  o

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

Large accelerated filer o         Accelerated filer  x             Non-accelerated filer  o

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

The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2006 was approximately $398,345,279 based upon the last sales price on June 30, 2006 on The NASDAQ National Market® of $18.17 for the registrant’s Class A Common Stock and $16.86 for the registrant’s Class B Common Stock.  Shares of common stock held by each executive officer and director and by each shareholder affiliated with a director or an executive officer have been excluded from this calculation because such persons may be deemed to be affiliates.  This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

The registrant had 17,091,157 shares of Class A Common Stock and 8,075,616 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding on March 5, 2007.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the registrant’s 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than April 30, 2007, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

 

 




RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC.

Index to Form 10-K

Year ended December 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

Part I

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1

 

Business

 

 

Item 1A

 

Risk Factors

 

 

Item 1B

 

Unresolved Staff Comments

 

 

Item 2

 

Properties

 

 

Item 3

 

Legal Proceedings

 

 

Item 4

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part II

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5

 

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

 

Item 6

 

Selected Financial Data

 

 

Item 7

 

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

 

 

Item 7A

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

 

Item 8

 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

 

Item 9

 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

 

Item 9A

 

Controls and Procedures

 

 

Item 9B

 

Other Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part III

 

 

 

 

 

Item 10

 

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

 

Item 11

 

Executive Compensation

 

 

Item 12

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters

 

 

Item 13

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

 

 

Item 14

 

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part IV

 

 

 

 

 

Item 15

 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

 

 




NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this Form 10-K (or otherwise made by the Company or on the Company’s behalf from time to time in other reports, filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, news releases, conferences, website postings or otherwise) that are not statements of historical fact constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended(the “Exchange Act”), notwithstanding that such statements are not specifically identified. Forward-looking statements include statements about the Company’s financial position, business strategy and plans and objectives of management of the Company for future operations.  These forward-looking statements reflect the best judgments of the Company about the future events and trends based on the beliefs of the Company’s management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company’s management.  Use of the words “may,” “should,” “continue,” “plan,” “potential,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect” and “intend” and words or phrases of similar import, as they relate to the Company or its subsidiaries or Company management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements.  Forward-looking statements reflect the current view of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those set forth under Item 1A—Risk Factors as well as future growth rates and margins for certain of our products and services, future demand for our products and services, competitive factors, general economic conditions, cyclicality, economic conditions in the new and used truck and equipment markets, customer relations, relationships with vendors, the interest rate environment, governmental regulation and supervision, seasonality, distribution networks, product introductions and acceptance, technological change, changes in industry practices, onetime events and other factors described herein and in the Company’s quarterly and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (collectively, “Cautionary Statements”). Although the Company believes that its expectations are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Based upon changing conditions, should any one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in any forward-looking statements. All subsequent written and oral forward–looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the applicable Cautionary Statements. The Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

NOTE REGARDING INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) allows us to disclose important information to you by referring you to other documents we have filed with the SEC. The information we refer to is “incorporated by reference” into this Form 10-K. Please read that information.

NOTE REGARDING TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS FORM 10-K

Peterbilt® is a registered trademark of Peterbilt Motors Company. PACCAR® is a registered trademark of PACCAR, Inc. GMC® is as registered trademark of General Motors Corporation. Hino® is a registered trademark of Hino Motors, Ltd. UD® is a registered trademark of Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd. Isuzu® is a registered trademark of Isuzu Motors Limited. John Deere® is a registered trademark of Deere & Company. Kenworth® is a registered trademark of PACCAR, Inc. doing business as Kenworth Truck Company. Volvo® is a registered trademark of Volvo Trademark Holding AB. Freightliner® is a registered trademark of Freightliner Corporation. Mack® is a registered trademark of Mack Trucks, Inc. Navistar® is a registered trademark of Navistar International Corporation. Caterpillar® is a registered trademark of Caterpillar, Inc. Cummins® is a registered trademark of Cummins Engine Company, Inc. PacLease® is a registered trademark of PACCAR Leasing Corporation. CitiCapital® is a registered trademark of Citicorp. Ford® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.

PART I

Item 1.  Business

References herein to “the Company,” “Rush Enterprises,” “Rush,” “we,” “our” or “us” mean Rush Enterprises, Inc., a Texas corporation, its subsidiaries and Associated Acceptance, Inc., the insurance agency affiliated with the Company, unless the context requires otherwise.

1




Access to Company Information

Rush electronically files annual reports, quarterly reports, and special reports with the SEC. You may read and copy any of the materials that we have filed with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549. You may obtain information about the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Our filings are also available to you on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Rush makes certain of its SEC filings available, free of charge, through its website, including its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to these reports. These filings are available as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Rush’s website address is www.rushenterprises.com. The information contained on our website, or on other websites linked to our website, is not part of this document.

General

Rush Enterprises, Inc. was incorporated in Texas in 1965 and currently consists of two reportable segments: the Truck Segment and the Construction Equipment Segment.  The Company currently conducts business through numerous subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by it.  Its principal offices are located at 555 IH 35 South, New Braunfels, Texas 78130.

The Company is a full-service, integrated retailer of premium transportation and construction equipment and related services.  The Company’s Rush Truck Centers sell trucks manufactured by Peterbilt Motors Company (a division of PACCAR, Inc.), GMC, Hino, UD, Ford or Isuzu. The Company also operates a John Deere construction equipment dealership at its Rush Equipment Center in Houston, Texas. Through its strategically located network of Rush Truck Centers and its Rush Equipment Center, the Company provides one-stop service for the needs of its customers, including retail sales of new and used trucks and construction equipment, aftermarket parts sales, service and repair facilities, and financing, leasing and rental, and insurance products.

The Company’s Rush Truck Centers are principally located in high traffic areas throughout the southern United States. Since commencing operations as a Peterbilt heavy-duty truck dealer in 1966, the Company has grown to operate more than 40 Rush Truck Centers in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.

Our business strategy consists of providing our customers with competitively priced products supported with timely and reliable service through our integrated dealer network. We intend to continue to implement our business strategy, reinforce customer loyalty and remain a market leader by continuing to develop our Rush Truck Centers and Rush Equipment Center as we extend our geographic focus through strategic acquisitions of new locations and expansions of our existing facilities.

Rush Truck Centers.  Since commencing operations as a Peterbilt heavy-duty truck dealer over 40 years ago, we have grown to operate 42 Rush Truck Centers.  Our Rush Truck Centers are located in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.  The following chart reflects our franchises and parts, service and body shop operations by location.

2




 

Rush Truck Center
Location

 

Heavy-Duty
Franchise(s)

 

Medium-Duty
Franchise(s)

 

Parts

 

Service

 

Body Shop

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alabama:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mobile

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arizona:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chandler

 

None

 

None

 

Yes

 

No

 

No

Flagstaff

 

None

 

None

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

No

Phoenix

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt, GMC, Hino

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

Tucson

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt, GMC, Hino

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

California:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

El Centro

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

No

Escondido

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt, Hino

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

No

Fontana Heavy-Duty

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

Fontana Medium-Duty

 

None

 

Peterbilt, GMC, Hino Isuzu, UD

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

No

Pico Rivera

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt, UD (parts only)

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

San Diego

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt, GMC, Hino

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

Sylmar

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt, UD

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colorado:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denver Heavy-Duty

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

Denver Medium-Duty

 

None

 

Ford, Isuzu

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

No

Greeley

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Florida:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Haines City

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

Orlando

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt, GMC, Isuzu, UD

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

Tampa

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

No

Winter Garden

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

No

Jacksonville

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt, Hino

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Georgia:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Atlanta

 

None

 

GMC, Hino, Isuzu, UD

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Mexico:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Albuquerque

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt, UD

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

Las Cruces

 

None

 

None

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oklahoma:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ardmore

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

No

Oklahoma City

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt, GMC, Hino

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

Tulsa

 

Peterbilt, Volvo

 

Peterbilt, GMC, Hino

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tennessee:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nashville

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Texas:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abilene

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

No

Alice

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

No

Austin

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt, GMC, Hino, Isuzu, UD

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

No

Dallas Heavy-Duty

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

Dallas Medium-Duty

 

None

 

Peterbilt, GMC, Hino, UD

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

No

El Paso

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt, GMC

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

Fort Worth

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt, UD

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

No

Houston

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt, GMC, Hino

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

Laredo

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

Lufkin

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

Pharr

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt, Hino

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

San Antonio

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt, GMC, Hino

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

Yes

Sealy

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

No

Texarkana

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt, GMC, Isuzu

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

No

Tyler

 

Peterbilt

 

Peterbilt

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

No

 

Rush Equipment Center. Our Rush Equipment Center in Houston, Texas, provides a full line of construction equipment, including John Deere backhoe loaders, hydraulic excavators, crawler-dozers and four-wheel drive loaders.

Leasing and Rental Services.  Through certain of our Rush Truck Centers and three stand-alone Rush Truck Leasing stores, we provide a broad line of product selections for lease or rent, including Class 4, Class 5, Class 6, Class 7 and Class 8 trucks, heavy-duty cranes and refuse haulers.  Our lease and rental fleets are offered on a daily, monthly or long-term basis.

Financial and Insurance Products.  At our dealerships we offer third-party financing to assist customers in purchasing new and used trucks and construction equipment. Additionally, we sell, as agent, a complete line of property and casualty insurance, including collision and liability insurance on trucks, cargo insurance and credit life insurance.

Perfection Equipment.  Our Perfection Equipment subsidiary operates out of two locations in Oklahoma City.  Perfection Equipment offers installation of equipment, equipment repair, parts installation, and paint and body repair to owners of commercial vehicles.  Perfection carries over 120 lines of truck and industrial parts and over 100 lines of equipment.  Perfection Equipment specializes in up-fitting a variety of trucks used by oilfield service providers and other specialized service providers.

World Wide Tires.  We operate World Wide Tires stores in three locations in Texas.  World Wide Tires primarily sells tires for use on Class 8 trucks.

Industry

See Part II, Item 7, “Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Industry” for a description of our industry and the markets in which we operate.

4




Our Business Strategy

Operating Strategy.  Our strategy is to operate an integrated dealer network that primarily markets Peterbilt heavy-duty trucks, medium-duty trucks from various manufacturers and John Deere construction equipment and provides complementary products and services. Our strategy includes the following key elements:

·                  One-Stop Centers. We have developed our truck and construction equipment dealerships as “one-stop centers” where, at one convenient location, our customers can do the following: purchase new and used trucks or construction equipment; finance, lease or rent trucks or construction equipment; purchase aftermarket parts and accessories; and have service performed by certified technicians. We believe that this full-service strategy also helps to mitigate cyclical economic fluctuations because the parts and service sales at our dealerships generally tend to be less volatile than our new and used truck and construction equipment sales.

·                  Branding Program. We employ a branding program for our dealerships through distinctive signage and uniform marketing programs to take advantage of our existing name recognition and to communicate the standardized high quality of our products and reliability of our services throughout our dealership network.

·                  Management by Dealership Units. At each of our dealerships, we operate one or more of the following business units: new sales, used sales, financial services, parts, service or body shop. Our general managers measure and manage the operations of each of our dealerships according to the specific business units operating at that location. We believe that this system enhances the profitability of all aspects of a dealership and increases our overall operating margins. Operating goals for each business unit at each of our dealerships are established annually and managers are rewarded for performance accordingly.

·                  Integrated Management Information Systems. In order to efficiently operate separate business units within each dealership, we rely upon our management information systems to determine and monitor appropriate inventory levels and product mix at each Rush Truck Center.  Each Rush Truck Center can access a centralized real-time inventory tracking system that is accessible simultaneously by all locations. Our automated parts reordering system assists each Rush Truck Center in maintaining the proper inventory levels and typically permits inventory delivery to each location, or directly to customers, within 24 hours from the time the order is placed. In addition, by actively monitoring market conditions, assessing product and expansion strategies and remaining abreast of changes within the market, we are able to proactively address market-by-market changes by realigning and, if necessary, adding product lines and models.

          Growth Strategy.  Through our expansion and acquisition initiatives, we have grown to operate a large, multistate, full-service network of truck dealerships. As described below, we intend to continue to grow our business internally and through acquisitions by expanding into new geographic areas, expanding our product offerings and opening new one-stop truck and equipment centers in existing markets.

·                  Expansion Into New Geographic Areas. We plan to continue to expand our Rush Truck Center network and build a Rush Equipment Center network by acquiring additional dealerships in geographic areas contiguous to our current operations. We have successfully expanded our presence from our Texas base into a coast-to-coast network of Rush Truck Centers. We believe the geographic diversity of our Rush Truck Center network has significantly expanded our customer base while reducing the effects of local economic cycles. Geographic diversification supports the sale of trucks and parts by allowing us to allocate our inventory among the geographic regions we serve based on market demand within these regions.

·                  Expansion of Product Offerings. We intend to continue to expand our product lines within our Rush Truck Centers and our Rush Equipment Center by adding product categories that are both complementary to our existing product lines and well suited to our operating model.

We believe that there are many additional product and service offerings that would complement our primary product lines. We expect any product category expansion that we pursue to satisfy our requirements that:

·                  the products are of a premium brand;

·                  the products provide opportunities for incremental income through related aftermarket sales, service or financing; and

·                  Rush operating controls can be implemented to enhance the financial performance of the business.

·                  Open New Rush Truck and Equipment Centers in Existing Areas of Operation. We believe that there are opportunities to increase our share of the heavy-duty truck market by introducing our one-stop centers to

5




underserved markets within our current areas of operation.  For example, we added a Rush Truck Center in Alice, Texas, to take better advantage of a high-density heavy-duty truck population within our existing area of operation. The introduction of additional one-stop centers enables us to enhance revenues from our existing customer base as well as increase the awareness of the “Rush” brand name for new customers.

In identifying new areas for expansion, we analyze the target market’s level of new truck registrations, customer buying and leasing trends and the existence of competing franchises. We also assess the potential performance of a parts and service center to determine whether a market is suitable for a Rush Truck Center. After a market has been strategically reviewed, we survey the region for a well-situated location. Whether we acquire existing dealerships or open a new Rush Truck Center, we will introduce our branding program and implement our integrated management system.

Management of Our Dealerships

We manage our dealerships as described below.

Rush Truck Centers

Our Rush Truck Centers are responsible for sales of new and used heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks, as well as related parts and services.

New Truck Sales.   New heavy-duty truck sales represent the largest portion of our revenue, accounting for approximately $1,317.9 million, or 56.1%, of our total revenues in 2006. New Class 8 heavy-duty Peterbilt truck sales accounted for approximately 82.9% of our new truck revenues for 2006.  The delivery time for a custom-ordered truck varies depending on vehicle specifications and demand.

Our Rush Truck Centers that sell new and used Class 8 heavy-duty trucks also sell Class 6 and Class 7 medium-duty Peterbilt trucks.  Other Rush Truck Centers also sell medium-duty trucks manufactured by GMC, Hino, Isuzu, Ford or UD (see Part I, Item 1, “General — Rush Truck Centers” for a description of our industry and the markets in which we operate).  Medium-duty truck sales accounted for approximately $253.0 million, or 10.8% of our total revenues for 2006 and 15.9%, of our new truck revenues for 2006. Our customers use heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks to haul various materials, including general freight, petroleum, wood products, refuse and construction materials.

A significant portion of our new truck sales are to fleet customers (customers who purchase more than five trucks in any 12-month period). Because of the size of our Rush Truck Center network, our strong relationships with our fleet customers and our ability to handle large quantities of used truck trade-ins, we are able to successfully market and sell to fleet customers nationwide. We believe that we have a competitive advantage over most other dealers in that we can absorb multi-unit trade-ins often associated with fleet sales and effectively disperse the used trucks for resale throughout our dealership network. We believe that our attention to customer service and our broad range of trucking services, including our ability to offer truck financing and insurance to our customers, has resulted in a high level of customer loyalty.

Used Truck Sales.  Used truck sales accounted for approximately $191.9 million, or 8.2%, of our total revenues for 2006.  We sell used Class 8 heavy-duty trucks and medium-duty trucks at most of our Rush Truck Centers.  We believe that we are well positioned to market used heavy-duty trucks due to our ability to recondition them for resale utilizing the parts and service departments of our Rush Truck Centers and our ability to move used trucks between Rush Truck Centers to satisfy customer demand. The majority of our used truck fleet consists of trucks taken as trade-ins from new truck customers, but we supplement our used truck fleet by purchasing used trucks from third parties for resale.

Truck Parts and Service.  Truck-related parts and service revenues accounted for approximately $424.7 million, or 18.1%, of our total revenues for 2006.  The parts business enhances our sales and service functions and is a source of recurring revenue. Most Rush Truck Centers carry a wide variety of Peterbilt and other truck parts in its inventory.  We also have field service trucks and technicians who are capable of making on-site repairs at our customers’ locations.

Certain Rush Truck Centers also feature fully equipped service and body shop facilities, the combination and configuration of which varies by location, capable of handling a broad range of truck repairs on most makes and classes of trucks.  Each Rush Truck Center is a warranty service center for the truck manufacturers represented at that location and most are also authorized service centers for other manufacturers, including the following: Caterpillar, Cummins, Eaton Corporation and ArvinMeritor, Inc. We have more than 750 service and body shop bays, including 20 paint booths, throughout our Rush Truck Center network.

6




We perform both warranty and nonwarranty service work on heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks and components. The cost of warranty work is reimbursed by the applicable manufacturer at retail consumer rates. A majority of the service technicians at our Rush Truck Centers have been certified by various truck or component manufacturers.

Truck Leasing and Rental.   Truck leasing and rental revenues accounted for approximately $41.4 million, or 1.8%, of our total revenues for 2006.  We engage in full-service truck leasing under the PacLease trade name at nine locations and are the largest PacLease dealer in the United States. Leasing and rental customers contribute to additional parts sales and service work at Rush Truck Centers because most of our leases require service and maintenance for the leased trucks to be performed at our facilities (or at facilities outside our service area, as we direct). Rented trucks are also generally serviced at our facilities. We had 2,345 trucks in our lease and rental fleet as of December 31, 2006 compared to 1,798 trucks as of December 31, 2005.  As of December 31, 2006, we owned approximately 80% of our lease and rental fleet, and leased the remaining trucks in our fleet primarily from PACCAR Financial Corporation (“PACCAR Financial”). Currently, the average age of the trucks in our lease and rental fleet is approximately 24 months. Generally, we hold trucks in our lease and rental fleet for approximately 6 years, depending on the type of truck, and then sell them through the used sales operations at our Rush Truck Centers. Historically, we have realized gains on the sale of used lease trucks in excess of the cost of the purchase option contained in our leases with PACCAR Financial or the book value of trucks owned by the Company.

Rush Equipment Center

Our Rush Equipment Center in Houston, Texas is responsible for sales of new and used construction equipment and related parts and service.

New Construction Equipment Sales.   New construction equipment sales accounted for approximately $56.1 million, or 2.4%, of our total revenues for 2006. Our Rush Equipment Center carries a complete line of John Deere construction equipment. A new piece of John Deere construction equipment typically ranges in price from $50,000 for a backhoe to $500,000 for an excavator. We carry a full line of complementary construction equipment manufactured by other suppliers to enhance our John Deere product line. We sell construction equipment to a diverse customer base including residential and commercial construction contractors, utility companies, government agencies, and various petrochemical, industrial and material supply businesses.

We believe that John Deere’s reputation for manufacturing high quality construction equipment attracts new and repeat customers who value lower maintenance and repair costs and a higher residual value at trade-in. We attempt to increase this brand loyalty with an operating strategy that is similar to the operating strategy used by our Rush Truck Centers and focuses on providing fast, reliable service. We believe that our operating strategy will enable us to both increase our customer base and generate repeat business for all product offerings.

Used Construction Equipment Sales.   Used construction equipment sales accounted for approximately $3.4 million, or 0.1%, of our total revenues for 2006. We sell used construction equipment manufactured by several manufacturers, including John Deere, Case Corporation, Caterpillar, and Komatsu, Ltd. Our used construction equipment inventory is derived from trade-ins from our construction equipment customers and purchases from third parties.

Construction Equipment Parts and Service.   Construction equipment-related parts and service revenues accounted for approximately $16.7 million, or 0.7%, of our total revenues for 2006. Our Rush Equipment Center carries a wide variety of John Deere and other parts in its inventory, which consists of over 7,000 items from more than 15 suppliers. We are an authorized John Deere construction equipment parts and accessories supplier in the Houston, Texas area. We maintain a fully equipped service operation capable of handling repairs on John Deere construction equipment and most other brands of construction equipment at our Rush Equipment Center. We enhance our service presence with field service trucks and technicians who are capable of making on-site repairs at our customers’ locations.

Additional information related to these operating segments for 2006, 2005 and 2004 is included in Note 19 — Segments in the Notes to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8.

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Financial and Insurance Products

We sell, as agent, a complete line of property and casualty insurance to our truck customers and other truck owners. Our agency is licensed to sell truck liability, general liability, collision and comprehensive, workers’ compensation, cargo, credit life and health and occupational accident insurance coverage throughout our operating territory. We serve as sales representatives for a number of leading insurance companies including the Great American Insurance Companies, Hartford Insurance Group and American General Financial Group. Our renewal rate during 2006 was 75%.

At our Rush Truck Centers and our Rush Equipment Center we have personnel responsible for arranging third-party financing for our product offerings. We also have licensed insurance agents at some of our dealerships in Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, New Mexico, Tennessee and Texas who arrange insurance for our customers.  The sale of financial and insurance products accounted for approximately $19.2 million, or 0.8%, of our total revenue for 2006. Finance and insurance revenues have minimal direct costs and, therefore, contribute a disproportionate share of our operating profits.

New and Used Truck Financing.   Primarily through General Electric Capital Corporation (“GE Capital”) and PACCAR Financial, we arranged customer financing of approximately 27% of our new and used truck sales in 2006 compared to 24% in 2005. Generally, truck finance contracts are memorialized through the use of installment contracts, which are secured by the trucks financed, and require a down payment of 10% to 30% of the value of the financed truck, with the remaining balance financed over a two to five-year period. The majority of finance contracts are sold without recourse to the Company. The Company’s recourse liability related to finance contracts sold with recourse to the Company ranges from 5% to 100% of the outstanding amount of each note initiated on behalf of the finance company (see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies”). The Company provides an allowance for repossession losses and early repayment penalties.

New and Used Construction Equipment Financing.  Through The CIT Group, Inc., CitiCapital, John Deere Credit and others, we arranged customer financing for approximately $31.8 million in 2006, an increase of 22.3% from approximately $26.0 million in 2005. Generally, construction equipment finance contracts are memorialized through the use of installment or lease contracts, which are secured by the construction equipment financed, and generally require a down payment of 0% to 10% of the value of the financed piece of construction equipment, with the remaining balance being financed over a three to five-year period. All finance contracts for construction equipment are assigned without recourse.

Sales and Marketing

Our established expansion and acquisition strategy and long history of operations in the heavy-duty and medium-duty truck business have resulted in a strong customer base that is diverse in terms of geography, industry and scale of operations. Rush Truck Centers’ customers include owner operators, regional and national truck fleets, corporations and local governments. During 2006, no single customer of our Rush Truck Centers accounted for more than 10% of our total truck sales by dollar volume. Our Rush Equipment Centers’ customer base is similarly diverse and, during 2006, no single Rush Equipment Center customer accounted for more than 10% of our total construction equipment sales by dollar volume.  We generally promote our products and related services through direct customer contact by our sales personnel, advertisements in trade magazines and attendance at industry shows.

We believe that the consistently reliable service received by our customers, our longevity and our geographic diversity have resulted in increased market recognition of the “Rush” brand name and have served to reinforce customer loyalty.  In an effort to enhance our name recognition and to communicate the standardized high level of quality products and services provided at our Rush Truck Centers and our Rush Equipment Center, we implement our “Rush” brand name concept at each of our dealerships. Each of our dealerships is identified as either a Rush Truck Center or Rush Equipment Center.

Facility Management

Personnel. Each Rush Truck Center and the Rush Equipment Center is typically managed by a general manager who oversees the operations, personnel and the financial performance of the location, subject to the direction of our corporate office. Additionally, each Rush Truck Center is typically staffed by a sales manager, parts manager, service manager, sales representatives, parts employees, and other service and makeready employees. The sales staff of each Rush Truck Center and the Rush Equipment Center is compensated on a salary plus commission basis, with a high percentage of

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their compensation consisting of commission, while the general manager, parts manager and service manager receive a combination of salary and performance bonus, with a high percentage of their compensation consisting of the performance bonus. We believe that our employees are among the highest paid in their respective industries which enables us to attract and retain qualified personnel.

On an annual basis, general managers prepare detailed monthly profit and loss forecasts based upon historical information and projected trends. A portion of each general manager’s performance bonus is based upon whether they meet or exceed their operating plans. During the year, general managers regularly review their facility’s progress with senior management and make appropriate adjustments as needed.  Most of our employees receive annual performance evaluations.

We have been successful in retaining our senior management and general managers.  To promote communication and efficiency in operating standards, general managers and members of senior management attend several company-wide strategy sessions per year. In addition, management personnel attend various industry-sponsored leadership and management seminars and receive continuing education on the products we distribute, marketing strategies and management information systems.

Members of senior management regularly travel to each location to provide on-site management and support.  Each location is audited regularly for compliance with corporate policies and procedures.  These routine unannounced internal audits, objectively measure dealership performance with respect to corporate expectations in the management and administration of sales, truck and equipment inventory, parts inventory, parts sales, service sales, body shop sales, corporate policy compliance, human resources compliance, and environmental and safety compliance matters.  The Company has instituted succession planning pursuant to which employees in each Rush Truck Center and the Rush Equipment Center are groomed as assistant managers to assume management responsibilities in existing and future dealerships.

Purchasing and Suppliers.  We believe that pricing is an important element of our marketing strategy.  Because of our size, our Rush Truck Centers benefit from volume purchases at favorable prices that permit them to achieve a competitive pricing position in the industry. We purchase our Peterbilt heavy-duty truck inventory and Peterbilt parts and accessories directly from PACCAR. All other manufacturers’ parts and accessories, including those of Caterpillar, Cummins and other component manufacturers, are purchased through wholesale vendors or from PACCAR, which buys such products in bulk for resale to the Company and other Peterbilt dealers. All purchasing commitments are negotiated by personnel at our corporate headquarters. We have been able to negotiate favorable pricing levels and terms, which enables us to offer competitive prices for our products. We purchase all of our John Deere construction equipment inventory and John Deere parts directly from John Deere.

Management Information Systems.  Each Rush Truck Center and the Rush Equipment Center maintains a centralized real-time inventory tracking system which is accessible simultaneously by all locations and by our corporate office. We utilize our management information systems to monitor the inventory level of trucks and parts at each of our dealerships. From information assimilated from management information systems, management has developed a model reflecting historic sales levels of different product lines. This model enables management to identify the appropriate level and combination of inventory and forms the basis of our operating plan. Our management information systems and databases are also used to monitor market conditions and sales information and assess product and expansion strategies.

Information received from state and regulatory agencies, manufacturers, industry analysts and industry contacts allows us to determine market share statistics and gross volume sales numbers for our products as well as those of competitors. This information impacts ongoing operations because management remains aware of changes within the markets we service and is able to react accordingly by realigning product lines and by adding new product lines and models.

Distribution and Inventory Management.  We utilize a real-time inventory tracking system to maintain a close link between each Rush Truck Center.  This link allows for timely and cost-effective sharing of managerial and sales information as well as the prompt transfer of inventory among various locations. The transfer of inventory reduces delays in delivery, helps maximize inventory turns and assists in controlling problems created by overstock and understock situations. We are linked directly to our major suppliers, including PACCAR (Peterbilt), GMC, and John Deere, via real-time communication links for purposes of ordering and inventory management. These automated reordering and communication systems allow us to maintain proper inventory levels and permit us to have inventory delivered to our locations, or directly to customers, typically within 24 hours of an order being placed.

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Recent Acquisitions and Dispositions

In November 2006, the Company acquired Fouts Bros. UD-GMC, Inc., a GMC, UD, Hino and Isuzu medium-duty truck dealer in Smyrna, Georgia.  The Company is operating the facility as a full-service Rush Medium Duty Truck Center offering medium-duty GMC, UD, Hino and Isuzu trucks, parts, and service. The transaction was valued at approximately $9.2 million, with the purchase price paid in cash.

In September 2006, the Company purchased certain assets of Mountain State Ford Truck Sales, Inc. which consisted of a Ford and Isuzu truck dealership in Denver, Colorado.  The Company is operating the facility as a full-service Rush Medium Duty Truck Center offering medium-duty trucks, parts and service.  The transaction was valued at approximately $5.3 million, with the purchase price paid in cash.

In March 2006, the Company purchased certain assets of Great Southern Peterbilt, Inc., which consisted of a Peterbilt and Hino truck dealership in Jacksonville, Florida.  The Company is operating the facility as a full-service Rush Truck Center offering heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks, parts and service.  The transaction was valued at approximately $22.0 million, with the purchase price paid in cash.

In October 2005, the Company purchased certain assets of TEC of California, Inc., which consisted of GMC, Isuzu and Hino medium-duty franchises.  The newly acquired lines were added to the Company’s existing medium-duty truck store in Fontana, California.   The transaction was valued at approximately $3.4 million, with the purchase price paid in cash.

In September 2005, the Company purchased certain assets of Hayes Leasing Company, Inc., which consisted of GMC and UD medium-duty franchises.  The newly acquired lines were added to the Company’s existing medium-duty truck store in Dallas, Texas.   The transaction was valued at approximately $3.4 million, with the purchase price paid in cash.

In September 2005, the Company purchased certain assets of Barrett Trucks, LLC., which consisted of a GMC and Isuzu medium-duty dealership in Texarkana, Texas.  The Company added Peterbilt trucks to the dealership and is operating the facility as a full-service Rush Truck Center offering heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks, parts and service.  The transaction was valued at approximately $626,000, with the purchase price paid in cash.

In July 2005, the Company purchased certain assets of Fountain Motor Co., Inc., which consisted of a GMC and Isuzu medium-duty dealership in Orlando, Florida.  The Company added Peterbilt trucks and UD products to the dealership and is operating the facility as a full-service Rush Truck Center offering heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks, parts and service.  The transaction was valued at approximately $2.8 million, with the purchase price paid in cash.

In January 2005, the Company acquired certain assets of American Truck Source, Inc. (“ATS”), including its Peterbilt truck dealerships in Texas and Tennessee, for a total purchase price of $132.4 million. The acquisition provides the Company with rights to sell Peterbilt trucks and parts at new locations in Dallas, Fort Worth, Abilene and Tyler, Texas and Nashville, Tennessee. The transaction was financed with cash of $77.8 million, expansion of the Company’s existing floor plan agreement for truck inventory of $34.6 million, and the issuance of debt of approximately $20.0 million to finance the purchase of real estate and certain vehicles used in ATS’s leasing operations.  Of the $77.8 million paid in cash, $21.9 million was for the purchase of a note receivable from the selling shareholders of ATS. This $21.9 million was immediately repaid by the selling shareholders at closing, resulting in net cash used in the acquisition of $55.9 million.

See Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a detailed discussion of the allocation of the purchase price of these acquisitions.

Competition

There is, and will continue to be, significant competition both within our current markets and in new markets we may enter. We anticipate that competition between us and other dealers will continue to increase in our current markets and on a national level based on the following:

·                  the accessibility of dealership locations;

·                  the number of dealership locations;

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·                  price, value, quality and design of the products sold; and

·                  attention to customer service (including technical service).

Our new truck products compete with trucks made by other manufacturers and sold through competing independent and factory-owned truck dealerships, including trucks manufactured by Navistar, Mack, Freightliner, Kenworth, Volvo, Ford Motor Company, Western Star Truck Holdings, Ltd., and other manufacturers. Kenworth heavy-duty trucks are also manufactured by PACCAR, Peterbilt’s parent company, but are distributed through a different network of competing dealers. Our construction equipment products compete with construction equipment manufactured by Case Corporation, Caterpillar, Komatsu Ltd. and other manufacturers. We believe that our dealerships are able to compete with manufacturer-dealers, independent dealers and wholesalers, rental service companies and industrial auctioneers in distributing our products because of the following: the overall quality and reputation of the products we sell; “Rush” brand name recognition and reputation for quality service; and our ability to provide comprehensive parts and service support, as well as financing, insurance and other customer services.

Dealership Agreements

Peterbilt.  We have entered into nonexclusive dealership agreements with Peterbilt which authorize us to act as a dealer of Peterbilt heavy-duty trucks. Our Peterbilt areas of responsibility currently encompass areas in the states of Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. These dealership agreements have current terms expiring between January 2008 and January 2010 and impose certain operational obligations and financial requirements upon us and our dealerships. The Company’s dealership agreements with Peterbilt may be terminable by Peterbilt in the event the aggregate voting power of W. Marvin Rush, W.M. “Rusty” Rush, other members of the Rush family and certain executives of the Company decreases below 30%.  These agreements also grant Peterbilt rights of first refusal under certain circumstances relating to any sale or transfer of our dealership locations or if certain Rush family members desire to sell more than 100,000 shares of our voting common stock within a 12-month period to anyone other than family members or certain other specified persons.  Any termination or non-renewal of these dealership agreements by Peterbilt must follow certain guidelines established by both state and federal legislation designed to protect dealers from arbitrary termination or non-renewal of franchise agreements. The Automobile Dealers Day in Court Act and other similar state laws provide that the termination or non-renewal of a dealership agreement must be done in “good faith” and upon a showing of “good cause” by the manufacturer for such termination or non-renewal, as such terms have been defined by statute and interpreted in case law.

Other Truck Suppliers.  In addition to our truck dealership agreements with Peterbilt, various Rush Truck Centers have entered into dealership agreements with other truck manufacturers including Ford, GMC, Hino, Isuzu, UD and Volvo.

Sales of non-Peterbilt medium-duty trucks accounted for approximately 6.2% of our total revenues for 2006. These dealership agreements have current terms expiring between June 2007 and October 2010. These dealership agreements impose operating requirements upon us and require consent from the affected supplier for sale or transfer of such dealership agreement.

John Deere.  We have entered into a nonexclusive dealership agreement with John Deere which authorizes us to act as a dealer of John Deere construction, utility and forestry equipment. This John Deere dealership agreement has no specified term or duration. Our current area of responsibility for the sale of John Deere construction equipment is the greater Houston, Texas metropolitan area. The John Deere dealership agreement imposes operational obligations and financial requirements of the Company. Similar to the dealership agreements with Peterbilt, the dealership agreement with John Deere is terminable if the outstanding voting power of W. Marvin Rush and other executives of the Company falls below 25%, grants limited rights of first refusal and imposes certain financial requirements upon us and our dealership.

Other Construction Equipment Suppliers.  In addition to John Deere, we are an authorized dealer for suppliers of other construction equipment. The terms of such arrangements vary, but most of these dealership agreements contain termination provisions allowing the supplier to terminate the agreement after a specified notice period (usually 180 days).

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Floor Plan Financing

Trucks.  We finance substantially all of our new truck inventory and the loan value of our used truck inventory under a floor plan arrangement with GE Capital.  As of December 31, 2006, we had approximately $434.0 million outstanding under our GE Capital floor plan arrangement. Our GE Capital floor plan financing agreement provides for a three-year revolving credit facility which expires in September 2008.  The current interest rate is the LIBOR rate plus 1.68%.

Construction Equipment.  We finance substantially all of our new construction equipment inventory under floor plan facilities with John Deere and CitiCapital.  Our John Deere facility has no set expiration date and its interest rate is the prime rate plus 1.5%.  Our CitiCapital facility expires January 2008 and the current interest rate is the prime rate plus 0.65%.  As of December 31, 2006, we had $1.2 million outstanding under the floor plan arrangement with John Deere and $11.2 million outstanding under the floor plan arrangement with CitiCapital.

Product Warranties

The manufacturers we represent provide retail purchasers of their products with a limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, excluding certain specified components that are separately warranted by the suppliers of such components. We do not undertake to provide any warranty to our customers.

We generally sell used trucks and construction equipment in “as is” condition without manufacturer’s warranty, although manufacturers sometimes will provide a limited warranty on their used products if such products have been properly reconditioned prior to resale or if the manufacturer’s warranty on such product is transferable and has not expired. We do not provide any warranty on used trucks or used construction equipment.

Trademarks

The Peterbilt, John Deere, Volvo, GMC, Hino, Isuzu, Ford and UD trademarks and trade names, which are used in connection with our marketing and sales efforts, are subject to limited licenses included in our dealership agreements with each manufacturer. The licenses are for the same periods as our dealership agreements. These trademarks and trade names are recognized internationally and are important in the marketing of our products. Each licensor engages in a continuous program of trademark and trade name protection.  We hold registered trademarks from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for the names “Rush Enterprises,” “Rush Truck Center,” “Rush Equipment Center,” and “Chrome Country.”  We currently have trademark applications for “Associate Truck Insurance Services” and “Rig Tough” pending before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Employees

On December 31, 2006, the Company had 2,912 employees. The Company has no contracts or collective bargaining agreements with labor unions and has never experienced work stoppages.  The Company considers its relations with its employees to be good.

Seasonality

The Company’s heavy-duty truck business is moderately seasonal. Seasonal effects on new truck sales related to the seasonal purchasing patterns of any single customer type are mitigated by the diverse geographic locations of our dealerships and the Company’s diverse customer base, including regional and national fleets, local governments, corporations and owner operators. However, truck parts and service operations historically have experienced higher sales volumes in the second and third quarters.

Seasonal effects in the construction equipment business are primarily driven by the weather.  Seasonal effects on construction equipment sales related to the seasonal purchasing patterns of any single customer type are mitigated by the Company’s diverse customer base that includes contractors for residential and commercial construction, utility companies, federal, state and local government agencies, and various petrochemical, industrial and material supply type businesses that require construction equipment in their daily operations.

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Backlog

On December 31, 2006, the Company’s backlog of truck orders was approximately $249.2 million as compared to a backlog of truck orders of approximately $584.0 million on December 31, 2005. The Company includes only confirmed orders in its backlog.  The delivery time for a custom-ordered truck varies depending on the truck specifications and demand for the particular model ordered.  The Company sells the majority of its new trucks by customer special order, with the remainder sold out of inventory. Orders from a number of the Company’s major fleet customers are included in the Company’s backlog as of December 31, 2006.

Environmental Standards and Other Governmental Regulations

Our operations are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations, including laws and regulations designed to protect the environment by regulating the discharge of materials into the environment. EPA emission guidelines have a major impact on our operations.  The EPA mandated that diesel engine manufacturers meet new, stricter emissions guidelines regarding nitrous oxides for all engines built subsequent to October 1, 2002 and the EPA has placed additional guidelines, further restricting the emissions of nitrous oxides for all diesel engines built subsequent to January 1, 2007. In early 2002, the heavy-duty truck industry experienced an increased demand for trucks, as it historically has in the months preceding the effective date of a change in EPA emission guidelines; this period of increased demand was followed by a decrease in demand in the months subsequent to the change.  The 2007 emission guidelines caused the heavy-duty truck industry to experience an increased demand for trucks during 2006.  The Company expects the recent period of increased demand to be followed by a decrease in demand in 2007.  The severity of the decrease in demand for trucks in 2007 will depend largely upon general economic conditions but the cost and reliability of the new diesel engines will also impact demand.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

An investment in our common stock is subject to risks inherent to our business.  In addition to the other information contained in this Form 10-K, we recommend that you carefully consider the following risk factors in evaluating our business.  If any of the following risks actually occur, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. If this were to happen, the value of our common stock could decline significantly, and you could lose all or part of your investment.  Please note that additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business and operations.  This report is qualified in its entirety by these risk factors.

Risks Related to Our Business

We are substantially dependent upon PACCAR for the supply of Peterbilt trucks and parts, the sale of which generate a substantial part of our revenues.

We currently operate as a dealer of Peterbilt trucks and parts pursuant to dealership agreements with Peterbilt. Peterbilt is a division of PACCAR.  During 2006, a significant portion of our revenues resulted from sales of trucks purchased from Peterbilt and parts purchased from PACCAR. Due to our dependence on PACCAR and its Peterbilt division, we believe that the long-term success of our Rush Truck Centers depends, in large part, on the following:

·                  maintaining our relationship with PACCAR;

·                  the manufacture and delivery of competitively-priced, high quality Peterbilt trucks and parts by PACCAR in quantities sufficient to meet our requirements;

·                  PACCAR’s consent to our future acquisition of Peterbilt dealerships;

·                  the overall success of PACCAR and Peterbilt;

·                  PACCAR’s promotion of its Peterbilt division;

·                  the goodwill associated with the Peterbilt trademark, which can be adversely affected by decisions made by PACCAR and the owners of other Peterbilt dealerships; and

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·                  the management of the Peterbilt dealership system by PACCAR; and

·                  continued policy of no direct sales by Peterbilt.

We have no control over the management or operation of PACCAR or Peterbilt dealerships that we do not own.

Our dealership agreements may be terminable upon a change of control and we cannot control whether or not our controlling shareholder and management maintain their current positions.

We have entered into nonexclusive dealership agreements with Peterbilt that authorize us to act as a dealer of Peterbilt trucks. Peterbilt may terminate our dealership agreements in the event of a change of control of the Company or if we violate any number of provisions in the dealership agreements. Under our Peterbilt dealership agreements, a change of control occurs if (i) with respect to the election of directors, the aggregate voting power held by W. Marvin Rush, W. M. “Rusty” Rush, W. Marvin Rush’s family members and other executives of the Company decreases below 30% (such persons currently control 30.5% of the voting power with respect to the election of directors); or (ii) any person or entity other than W. Marvin Rush, W. M. “Rusty” Rush and other Rush executives or any person or entity who has been approved in writing by PACCAR, owns common stock with a greater percentage of the voting power with respect to the election of our directors than W. Marvin Rush and W. M. “Rusty” Rush and other executives of the Company, in the aggregate, or any person other than W. Marvin Rush, W. M. “Rusty” Rush, Robin M. Rush or any person who has been approved in writing by PACCAR holds the office of Chairman of the Board, President or Chief Executive Officer of the Company. We have no control over the transfer or disposition by W. Marvin Rush or by his estate of his common stock. If W. Marvin Rush were to sell his Class B common stock or bequest his Class B common stock to nonfamily members or if his estate is required to liquidate his Class B common stock to pay estate taxes or otherwise, the change of control provisions of the Peterbilt dealership agreements may be triggered and cause us to lose our critical right to sell Peterbilt products. Our John Deere dealership agreement and some of our medium-duty truck dealership agreements are also terminable if the voting power of W. Marvin Rush and his family falls below certain percentages, typically 25%.  If our dealership agreements with any manufacturer we currently represent are terminated, we will lose the right to purchase such manufacturer’s products and the right to use certain trademarks, which would have a material adverse effect on our operations, revenues and profitability.

If state dealer laws are repealed or weakened, our dealerships will be more susceptible to termination, nonrenewal or renegotiation of their dealership agreements.

Our dealership agreements impose certain operational obligations and financial requirements on us. State dealer laws generally provide that a manufacturer may not terminate or refuse to renew a dealership agreement unless it has first provided the dealer with written notice setting forth good cause and stating the grounds for termination or nonrenewal. Manufacturers’ lobbying efforts may lead to the repeal or revision of state dealer laws. If dealer laws are repealed in the states in which we operate dealerships, our manufacturers may be able to terminate our dealership agreements without providing advance notice, an opportunity to cure or a showing of good cause. Without the protection of state dealer laws, or if such laws are weakened, we will be subject to higher risk of termination or non-renewal of our dealership agreements. Termination or non-renewal of our dealership agreements could have a material adverse effect on our operations, revenues and profitability.

Our dealership agreements have relatively short terms which could result in non-renewal or imposition of less favorable terms upon renewal.

Our Peterbilt dealership agreements have current terms expiring between January 2008 and January 2010. Our Volvo dealership agreement has a current terms expiring August 2010.  Our dealership agreements with GMC, Hino, UD, Ford and Isuzu for the sale of medium-duty trucks have current terms expiring between June 2007 and October 2010.  Upon expiration of each agreement, we must request and negotiate a renewal. In many states state dealer franchise laws restrict the manufacturer’s ability to refuse to renew dealership agreements or to impose new terms upon renewal. To the extent such laws do permit non-renewal or imposition of new terms, the relatively short terms will give the manufacturers the opportunity to exercise such rights. Any non-renewal or imposition of less favorable terms upon renewal could have an adverse impact on our business.

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We depend on relationships with component suppliers for sales incentives, discounts and similar programs which are material to our operations.

Each heavy-duty truck we sell is custom-built and each of our customers can choose components from any one of several component suppliers to construct their truck. Therefore, our dealerships depend on the component suppliers for sales incentives, discounts, warranties and other programs that are intended to promote our use of their components. Most of the incentives and discounts are individually negotiated and not always the same as those made available to our competitors. These incentives and discounts are material to our operations. A reduction or discontinuation of a component supplier’s incentive program could materially adversely affect our profitability.

Substantial competition may affect our profitability.

We face vigorous competition for customers and for suitable dealership locations. We compete with a large number of independent and factory-owned dealers, some of which operate in more than one location, but most of which operate in a single location. There is significant competition both within the markets we currently serve and in markets that we may enter. Moreover, our Peterbilt dealership arrangements and our dealership agreements with other manufacturers do not contractually provide us with exclusive dealerships in any territory. Peterbilt could elect to create additional Peterbilt dealers in our market areas in the future. While our dealership agreements generally restrict dealers from operating sales or service facilities outside their assigned territory, such agreements do not restrict fleet or other sales or marketing activity outside the assigned territory. Accordingly, we engage in fleet sales and other marketing activities outside our assigned territories and other dealers may engage in similar activities within our territories. Dealer competition continues to increase and is affected by a number of factors including the accessibility of dealership locations, the number of dealership locations, product pricing, product value, product quality, product design and customer service (including technical service). We anticipate that we will continue to face strong competition in the future.

We may be required to obtain additional financing to maintain adequate inventory levels.

The heavy-duty truck business requires inventories of trucks held for sale to be maintained at dealer locations in order to facilitate immediate sales to customers on demand. We generally purchase truck inventories with the assistance of a floor plan financing agreement through GE Capital that provides for payment at the earlier of the time of sale for each truck financed or at a fixed date following delivery. In the event that our financing becomes insufficient to satisfy its future requirements, we would need to obtain similar financing from other sources. There is no assurance that such additional floor plan financing or alternate financing could be obtained or, if obtained, that it will be on commercially reasonable terms.

We could incur substantial business interruptions during our dealer management system conversion.

We expect to implement an SAP Enterprise Solution throughout the organization by first quarter of 2009.  The estimated cost of the conversion is approximately $10 million.  SAP’s Dealer Business Management system will become our sole dealership management system for our existing Rush Truck Centers.  We currently operate on a KARMAK Legend Enterprise Solution and our Rush Truck Centers operate on KARMAK Legend dealer management system.  By converting to SAP, we believe that we will be able to standardize operational processes throughout our network of Rush Truck Centers.  However, if our conversion to SAP is unsuccessful, we could incur substantial business interruptions, including the inability to perform routine business transactions, which could have a significant impact on our financial performance.

If we lose key personnel or are unable to attract additional qualified personnel, our business could be adversely affected because we rely on the industry knowledge and relationships of our key personnel.

We believe that our success depends significantly upon the efforts and abilities of our executive management and key employees, including, in particular, W. Marvin Rush and W. M. ”Rusty” Rush. Additionally, our business is dependent upon our ability to continue to attract and retain qualified personnel, such as executive officers, managers and sales personnel. We have entered into employment agreements with certain executive officers. The loss of the services of one or more members of our senior management team, including, in particular, W. Marvin Rush or W. M. ”Rusty” Rush, could have a material adverse effect on us and materially impair the efficiency and productivity of our operations. In addition, the loss of any of our key employees or the failure to attract additional qualified executive officers, managers and sales personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business and may materially impact the ability of our dealerships to conduct their operations in accordance with our business strategy.

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The dollar amount of our backlog, as stated at any given time, is not necessarily indicative of our future earnings.

As of December 31, 2006, our backlog of new truck orders was approximately $249.2 million. Our backlog is determined quarterly by multiplying the number of new trucks for each particular type of truck on order at our Rush Truck Centers by the recent average selling price for that type of truck.

We only include confirmed orders in our backlog.  However, such orders are subject to cancellation. In the event of order cancellation, we have no contractual right to the total revenues reflected in our backlog.  The delivery time for a custom-ordered truck varies depending on the truck specifications and demand for the particular model ordered.  We sell the majority of our new heavy-duty trucks by customer special order, with the remainder sold out of inventory.  Orders from a number of our major fleet customers are included in our backlog as of December 31, 2006.  There can be no assurance that our major fleet customers will not cancel these orders.

Reductions in backlog due to cancellation by a customer or for other reasons adversely affect, potentially to a material extent, the revenue and profit we actually receive from orders projected in our backlog. If we were to experience significant cancellations of orders in our backlog, our financial condition could be significantly adversely affected.

Our dealerships are subject to federal, state and local environmental regulations that may result in claims and liabilities, which could be material.

We are subject to a wide range of federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, including those governing discharges into the air and water; the operation and removal of underground and aboveground storage tanks; the use, handling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances and other materials; and the investigation and remediation of contamination. As with truck or construction equipment dealerships generally, and service, parts and body shop operations in particular, our business involves the use, storage, handling and contracting for recycling or disposal of hazardous materials or wastes and other environmentally sensitive materials. Operations involving the management of hazardous and nonhazardous materials are subject to requirements of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, or RCRA, and comparable state statutes. Our business also involves the operation of storage tanks containing such materials. Storage tanks are subject to periodic testing, containment, upgrading and removal under RCRA and comparable statutes. Furthermore, investigation or remediation may be necessary in the event of leaks or other discharges from current or former underground or aboveground storage tanks. We may also have liability in connection with materials that were sent to third-party recycling, treatment, or disposal facilities under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, and comparable state statutes, which impose liability for investigation and remediation of contamination without regard to fault or the legality of the conduct that contributed to the contamination. Similar to many of our competitors, we have incurred and will continue to incur, capital and operating expenditures and other costs in complying with such laws and regulations.

Soil and groundwater contamination is known to exist at some of our current properties.  Further, environmental laws and regulations are complex and subject to change. In addition, in connection with acquisitions, it is possible that we will assume or become subject to new or unforeseen environmental costs or liabilities, some of which may be material. In connection with our dispositions, or prior dispositions made by companies we acquire, we may retain exposure for environmental costs and liabilities, some of which may be material. Compliance with current or amended, or new or more stringent, laws or regulations, stricter interpretations of existing laws or the future discovery of environmental conditions could require additional expenditures by us, and those expenditures could be material.

Risks Related to Our Common Stock

We are controlled by a single shareholder and his affiliates.

W. Marvin Rush owns approximately 0.01% of our issued and outstanding shares of Class A common stock and 33.9% of our issued and outstanding Class B common stock. As a result of such ownership, Mr. Rush has the power to effectively control us, including the election of directors, the determination of matters requiring shareholder approval and other matters pertaining to corporate governance.

The Class A common stock has limited voting power.

Each share of Class A common stock ranks substantially equal to each share of Class B common stock with respect to receipt of any dividends or distributions declared on shares of common stock and the right to receive proceeds on

16




liquidation or dissolution of us after payment of our indebtedness and liquidation preference payments to holders of preferred shares. However, holders of Class A common stock have 1/20th of one vote per share on all matters requiring a shareholder vote, while holders of Class B common stock have one full vote per share.

Our dealership agreements could discourage another company from acquiring us and impede our ability to issue additional stock to raise capital or as consideration for future acquisitions.

A number of our dealership agreements impose restrictions on the sale and transfer of our common stock. These restrictions also may prevent or deter prospective acquirers from acquiring control of us and, therefore, may adversely impact the value of our common stock. For example, under the Peterbilt dealership agreements, except as may be otherwise approved from time to time by Peterbilt, W. Marvin Rush, W. M. “Rusty” Rush, W. Marvin Rush’s family members and other of our executives, in the aggregate, are required to retain a control of at least 30% of the voting power of our outstanding shares and voting power equal or superior to that of any other person or group.

In addition, W. Marvin Rush and members of his immediate family have granted Peterbilt a right of first refusal to purchase their respective shares of common stock in the event that any of such individuals desire to transfer in excess of 100,000 shares in any 12-month period to any person other than an immediate family member, an associate or a Dealer Principal (as defined in the Peterbilt dealership agreements). This right of first refusal, the number of shares owned by W. Marvin Rush and the requirement in our dealership agreements that certain dealer principals retain a controlling interest in us, combined with the ability of the Board of Directors to issue shares of preferred stock without further vote or action by the shareholders, may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control without further action by our shareholders, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock or prevent or delay a merger or acquisition that our shareholders may consider favorable. We do not have the right to waive the right of first refusal or the terms of its dealership agreements in order to accept a favorable offer, but our Board of Directors may redeem the rights under the rights plan to accept a favorable offer.

Actions by our shareholders or prospective shareholders that would violate any of the above restrictions on our dealership agreements are generally outside our control. If we are unable to renegotiate these restrictions, we may be forced to terminate or sell one or more of our dealerships, which could have a material adverse effect on us. This may also inhibit our ability to acquire additional dealerships. These restrictions also may impede our ability to raise required capital or to issue our stock as consideration for future acquisitions.

17




Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments

None

Item 2.  Properties

The Company’s corporate headquarters are currently located in New Braunfels, Texas.  The Company purchased the headquarters building in May 2006.  As of December 2006, the Company also owns or leases numerous facilities relating to our operations in the following states:  Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.  A Rush Truck Center or Rush Equipment Center may be comprised of one or more locations, generally in close proximity, in the same metropolitan area.  These facilities consist primarily of office space, display lots, service facilities, parking lots and offices.  The Company believes that its facilities are sufficient for its current needs and are in good condition in all material respects.

The Company’s insurance agency occupies 6,937 square feet of leased space in San Antonio, Texas and 2,000 square feet of leased space in Winter Garden, Florida. The Company leases a hangar in New Braunfels, Texas for the corporate aircraft.  The Company also owns and operates a hunting ranch of approximately 9,500 acres in Cotulla, Texas. The Company uses the ranch for client development purposes and sells hunting trips on the ranch.

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are involved in litigation arising out of the Company’s operations in the ordinary course of business. We maintain liability insurance, including product liability coverage, in amounts deemed adequate by management. To date, aggregate costs to us for claims, including product liability actions, have not been material. However, an uninsured or partially insured claim, or claim for which indemnification is not available, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition. We believe that there are no claims or litigation pending, the outcome of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. However, due to the inherent uncertainty of litigation, there can be no assurance that the resolution of any particular claim or proceeding would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations for the fiscal period in which such resolution occurred.

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

No matters were submitted to a vote of the Company’s shareholders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.

18




PART II

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Our common stock trades on The NASDAQ National Market® under the symbols RUSHA and RUSHB.

The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices for the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock for the fiscal periods indicated and as quoted on The NASDAQ National Market®.

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

High

 

Low

 

High

 

Low

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

$

19.54

 

$

14.84

 

$

16.65

 

$

14.00

 

Second Quarter

 

19.89

 

15.95

 

16.58

 

12.84

 

Third Quarter

 

19.18

 

14.76

 

16.82

 

13.25

 

Fourth Quarter

 

18.97

 

16.48

 

15.87

 

13.95

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class B Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

$

18.55

 

$

14.33

 

$

17.45

 

$

14.91

 

Second Quarter

 

18.86

 

14.93

 

16.89

 

12.85

 

Third Quarter

 

17.94

 

13.86

 

16.64

 

13.25

 

Fourth Quarter

 

17.70

 

15.36

 

15.16

 

13.70

 

 

As of March 12, 2007, there were approximately 48 record holders of the Class A Common Stock and approximately 54 record holders of the Class B Common Stock and approximately 4,724 beneficial holders of the Class A Common Stock and approximately 1,089 beneficial holders of the Class B Common Stock.

The Board of Directors intends to retain any earnings of the Company to support operations and to finance expansion and does not intend to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination as to the payment of dividends will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company and will depend on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and such other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant.

The Company has not sold any securities in the last three years that were not registered under the Securities Act.

No shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock were purchased by or on behalf of the Company or any affiliated purchaser in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Information regarding the Company’s equity compensation plans is incorporated by reference from Item 12, “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters,” of this annual report on Form 10-K, and should be considered an integral part of this Item 5.

19




Item 6.  Selected Financial Data

The information below was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in this report and reports we have previously filed with the SEC. This information should be read together with those consolidated financial statements and the notes to those consolidated financial statements. These historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected in the future. The selected financial data presented below may not be comparable between periods in all material respects or indicative of the Company’s future financial position or results of operations due primarily to acquisitions and discontinued operations which occurred during the periods presented. See Note 17 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of such acquisitions and Note 3 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of such discontinued operations. The selected financial data presented below should be read in conjunction with the Company’s other financial information included elsewhere herein.

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

SUMMARY OF INCOME STATEMENT DATA

 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New and used truck sales

 

$

1,780,418

 

$

1,400,736

 

$

738,225

 

$

501,757

 

$

488,456

 

Parts and service

 

441,424

 

365,908

 

285,206

 

249,818

 

211,478

 

Construction equipment sales

 

59,545

 

41,692

 

32,305

 

28,263

 

24,324

 

Lease and rental

 

41,776

 

33,975

 

27,193

 

25,847

 

25,277

 

Finance and insurance

 

19,197

 

15,356

 

7,909

 

6,286

 

5,448

 

Other

 

8,163

 

7,103

 

4,141

 

3,361

 

2,164

 

Total revenues

 

2,350,523

 

1,864,770

 

1,094,979

 

815,332

 

757,147

 

Cost of products sold

 

1,997,856

 

1,582,078

 

909,837

 

662,082

 

615,942

 

Gross profit

 

352,667

 

282,692

 

185,142

 

153,250

 

141,205

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

230,056

 

188,667

 

141,947

 

124,207

 

111,721

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

12,889

 

10,487

 

9,119

 

8,929

 

8,594

 

Operating income from continuing operations

 

109,722

 

83,538

 

34,076

 

20,114

 

20,890

 

Interest expense, net

 

15,718

 

12,895

 

5,950

 

6,348

 

6,499

 

Gain on sale of assets

 

54

 

495

 

624

 

1,984

 

155

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

94,058

 

71,138

 

28,750

 

15,750

 

14,546

 

Provision for income taxes

 

35,272

 

26,513

 

11,574

 

6,300

 

5,818

 

Income from continuing operations

 

58,786

 

44,625

 

17,176

 

9,450

 

8,728

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net

 

0

 

0

 

(260

)

(621

)

(10,472

)

Net income

 

$

58,786

 

$

44,625

 

$

16,916

 

$

8,829

 

$

(1,744

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings Per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per Common Share — Basic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

2.35

 

$

1.84

 

$

1.10

 

$

0.67

 

$

0.62

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

2.35

 

$

1.84

 

$

1.08

 

$

0.63

 

$

(0.12

)

Earnings per Common Share — Diluted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

2.33

 

$

1.79

 

$

1.03

 

$

0.63

 

$

0.60

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

2.33

 

$

1.79

 

$

1.02

 

$

0.59

 

$

(0.12

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted average shares

 

24,984

 

24,202

 

15,684

 

14,042

 

14,004

 

Diluted weighted average shares and assumed conversions

 

25,260

 

24,957

 

16,607

 

15,024

 

14,461

 

 

20




 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

OPERATING DATA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of locations —

 

52

 

48

 

39

 

38

 

41

 

Unit truck sales —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New trucks

 

16,492

 

12,918

 

7,140

 

4,535

 

4,717

 

Used trucks

 

4,005

 

3,677

 

2,716

 

2,421

 

2,111

 

Total unit trucks sales

 

20,497

 

16,595

 

9,856

 

6,956

 

6,828

 

Truck lease and rental units

 

2,345

 

1,798

 

1,427

 

1,397

 

1,363

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

BALANCE SHEET DATA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working capital

 

$

156,297

 

$

126,137

 

$

138,241

 

$

14,113

 

$

7,995

 

Inventories

 

484,696

 

338,212

 

189,792

 

137,423

 

115,333

 

Inventory included in assets held for sale

 

 

 

 

2,496

 

10,218

 

Fixed assets included in assets held for sale

 

 

 

 

6,328

 

6,744

 

Total assets

 

1,128,410

 

840,234

 

565,933

 

366,878

 

345,110

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floor plan notes payable

 

446,354

 

315,985

 

168,002

 

108,235

 

89,288

 

Line-of-credit borrowings

 

 

2,755

 

2,434

 

17,732

 

22,395

 

Long-term debt, including current portion

 

192,124

 

133,152

 

96,056

 

90,028

 

94,916

 

Capital lease obligations, including

 current portion

 

17,732

 

16,905

 

 

 

    

Shareholders’ equity

 

339,608

 

273,620

 

222,807

 

88,706

 

79,695

 

 

Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

General

We took advantage of the largest Class 8 truck market in history to make 2006 a record year for Rush Enterprises, but other factors also contributed to our success in 2006.  We experienced significant growth in our medium-duty truck business, we continued to improve our absorption rate (see “Key Performance Indicator” below), we expanded our finance and insurance businesses, and we increased our market share in our equipment business.  The Class 8 truck market is expected to decrease significantly in 2007, but historically speaking, 2007 should still be a relatively strong Class 8 truck market.

New emissions standards governing diesel engines went into effect on January 1, 2007.  We believe first quarter Class 8 truck deliveries will remain strong compared to the first quarter of 2006, due to the continued high demand for trucks with engines built before the new emissions standards took effect. We expect Class 8 truck deliveries to decrease significantly in the second and third quarters of 2007 compared to the second and third quarters of 2006 as the industry transitions into the new engines. We anticipate Class 8 truck deliveries will begin to rebound in the fourth quarter of 2007. We expect strong Class 8 markets in 2008 and 2009 as customers purchase Class 8 trucks in advance of even more stringent diesel engine emissions standards that are expected to go into effect in 2010.  If additional standards are implemented in 2010, deliveries of Class 8 trucks may significantly decrease in 2010.  If lawmakers do not implement additional engine emissions standards, then sales of Class 8 trucks after 2010 should be driven solely by new freight demand and the need to replace aging equipment.

We have implemented changes throughout our organization in the last few years to put Rush Enterprises in the best possible position entering 2007. Most importantly, we have added medium-duty franchises across our dealer network . Although industry experts expect medium-duty truck sales to decrease approximately 12% in 2007, we expect to increase our medium-duty truck sales in 2007 as our recently added franchises continue to mature. We also made every effort to have the best possible truck inventory going into 2007. We deliberately increased our inventory of trucks with engines built before the new emissions standards went into effect. We believe we entered 2007 with sufficient levels of these highly preferred trucks in stock to soften the impact of the expected market slowdown.

21




As always, we remain focused on increasing our absorption rate. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company’s absorption rate was 105.2% compared to 100.4% for 2005. We expect to maintain or slightly increase our absorption rate in 2007, despite the decrease in truck sales, while keeping our eye on our previously stated goal of achieving an absorption rate of 110% by 2008.

By continuing to increase our medium-duty truck sales and remaining focused on increasing our absorption rate coupled with our large inventory of truck with engines built before the new emissions standard went into effect, we believe we are prepared to soften the earnings impact that will result from the expected market slowdown in 2007.  We remain alert for opportunities to deploy capital when an attractively priced investment opportunity presents itself and continue to evaluate such opportunities.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The Company’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates. The Company believes the following accounting policies, which are also described in Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, affect its more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is determined by specific identification for new and used truck and construction equipment inventory and by the first-in, first-out method for tires, parts and accessories.  An allowance is provided when it is anticipated that cost will exceed net realizable value.

Goodwill

Other assets consist primarily of goodwill related to acquisitions and other intangible assets. As stated in Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 142 (“SFAS 142”) provides that goodwill and other intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives will not be amortized, but instead must be tested at least annually for impairment, and intangible assets that have finite useful lives should continue to be amortized over their useful lives. SFAS 142 also provides specific guidance for testing goodwill and other nonamortized intangible assets for impairment. SFAS 142 requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions in order to allocate goodwill to reporting units and to determine the fair value of a reporting unit’s net assets and liabilities, including, among other things, an assessment of market condition, projected cash flows, interest rates and growth rates, which could significantly impact the reported value of goodwill and other intangible assets. SFAS 142 requires, in lieu of amortization, an annual impairment review of goodwill. The Company did not record an impairment charge related to the goodwill for its continuing operations as a result of its December 31, 2006 impairment review.

Revenue Recognition Policies

Income on the sale of a vehicle or a piece of construction equipment is recognized when the customer executes a purchase contract with us, the unit has been delivered to the customer and there are no significant uncertainties related to financing or collectibility. Lease and rental income is recognized over the period of the related lease or rental agreement. Parts and service revenue is earned at the time the Company sells the parts to its customers or at the time the Company completes the service work order related to service provided to the customer’s unit. Payments received on prepaid maintenance plans are deferred as a component of accrued expenses and recognized as income when the maintenance is performed.

22




Finance and Insurance Revenue Recognition

Finance income related to the sale of a unit is recognized when the finance contract is sold to a finance company.  During 2004, 2005 and 2006, finance contracts were not retained by the Company for any significant length of time because finance contracts are generally sold to finance companies concurrent with the sale of the related unit. The majority of finance contracts are sold without recourse against the Company. A majority of the Company’s liability related to finance contracts sold with recourse is generally limited to 5% to 20% of the outstanding amount of each note initiated on behalf of the finance company. However, in 2003 the Company instituted a finance program that accepts 100% liability, with some restrictions, for the outstanding amount of each note initiated on behalf of the finance company.  In order for a contract to be accepted into this finance program, a customer must meet strict credit requirements or maintain a significant equity position in the truck being financed; consequently, less than 1% of the Company’s portfolio balance related to finance contracts sold by the Company are under this 100% liability finance program and the Company does not expect to finance a significant percentage of its truck sales under this 100% liability finance program in the future. The Company provides for an allowance for repossession losses and early repayment penalties that it may be liable for under finance contracts sold without recourse.

As part of the acquisition of certain assets of ATS, the Company assumed contingent liabilities to finance companies for notes that ATS initiated on behalf of such finance companies related to the sale of trucks.  ATS’s portfolio to which the contingent liability relates is made up of contracts sold with and without recourse, and the Company expects a majority of the portfolio to be liquidated by January 1, 2008.  The Company has provided a specific allowance for repossession losses and early repayment penalties related to ATS’s portfolio.

The Company arranges financing for customers through various financial institutions and receives a commission from the lender equal to either the difference between the interest rates charged to customers over the predetermined interest rates set by the financing institution or a commission for the placement of contracts. The Company also receives commissions from the sale of various insurance products and extended service contracts to customers.  Revenue is recognized by the Company upon the sale of such finance and insurance contracts to the finance and insurance companies net of a provision for estimated repossession losses and interest charge backs.  The Company is not the obligor under any of these contracts.  In the case of finance contracts, a customer may prepay, or fail to pay, thereby terminating the contract. If the customer terminates a retail finance contract or insurance contract prior to scheduled maturity, a portion of the commissions previously paid to the Company may be charged back to the Company based on the relevant terms of the contract.  The estimate of ultimate charge back exposure is based on the Company’s historical charge back expense arising from similar contracts, including the impact of refinance and default rates on retail finance contracts and cancellation rates on insurance contracts. The actual amount of historical charge backs has not been significantly different from the Company’s estimates.

Insurance Accruals

The Company is partially self-insured for medical, workers compensation, and property and casualty insurance and calculates a reserve for those claims that have been incurred but not reported and for the remaining portion of those claims that have been reported. The Company uses information provided by third-party administrators to determine the reasonableness of the calculations it performs.

Accounting for Income Taxes

Significant management judgment is required to determine the provisions for income taxes and to determine whether deferred tax assets will be realized in full or in part.  Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  When it is more likely than not that all or some portion of specific deferred income tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance must be established for the amount of deferred income tax assets that are determined not to be realizable.  The Company has a valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets in certain states.  Accordingly, the facts and financial circumstances impacting state deferred income tax assets are reviewed quarterly and management’s judgment is applied to determine the amount of valuation allowance required in any given period.

Additionally, despite the Company’s belief that its tax return positions are consistent with applicable tax law, management believes that certain positions may be challenged by taxing authorities.  Settlement of any challenge can result in no change, a complete disallowance, or some partial adjustment reached through negotiations.  Significant judgment is required in evaluating the Company’s tax contingencies.  The Company’s tax contingencies are adjusted in light of

23




changing facts and circumstances.  The Company’s income tax expense includes the impact of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that it considers appropriate, as well as related interest.  Unfavorable settlement of any particular issue would require use of the Company’s cash and a charge to income tax expense.  Favorable resolution would be recognized as a reduction to income tax expense at the time of resolution.

Stock Based Compensation

On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” (“SFAS 123(R)”) which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors including grants of stock options and employee stock purchases under the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan based on estimated fair values. SFAS 123(R) supersedes the Company’s previous accounting under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”) for periods beginning in 2006.  In March 2005, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 (“SAB 107”) relating to SFAS 123(R).

The Company adopted SFAS 123(R) using the modified prospective transition method, which requires the application of the accounting standard as of January 1, 2006.  The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2006 reflect the impact of SFAS 123(R).  In accordance with the modified prospective transition method, the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for prior periods have not been restated to reflect, and do not include, the impact of SFAS 123(R).  As a result of adopting SFAS 123(R), the Company’s income before income taxes is $2.6 million lower for the year ended December 31, 2006 and net income is $1.7 million lower for the year ended December 31, 2006, than if it had continued to account for share-based compensation under APB 25.  Basic and diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2006 are each $0.7 lower than if the Company had continued to account for share-based compensation under APB 25.

SFAS 123(R) requires companies to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model.  The fair value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations.  Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), the Company accounted for stock-based awards to employees and directors using the intrinsic value method in accordance with APB 25 as allowed under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS 123”).  Under the intrinsic value method, no stock-based compensation expense had been recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations because the exercise price of the Company’s stock options granted to employees and directors equaled the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant.

Stock-based compensation expense recognized during the year ended December 31, 2006 is based on the fair value of the portion of share-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest during the period.  Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2006 included compensation expense for share-based payment awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of December 31, 2005, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the pro forma provisions of SFAS 123 and compensation expense for the share-based payment awards granted subsequent to December 31, 2005 based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123(R).  In conjunction with the adoption of SFAS 123(R), compensation expense for all share-based payment awards is recognized using the straight-line single-option method.  As stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2006 is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures.  SFAS 123(R) requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.  In the Company’s pro forma information required under SFAS 123 for the periods prior to 2006, the Company accounted for forfeitures as they occurred.

Upon adoption of SFAS 123(R), the Company continues to use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model which was previously used for the Company’s pro forma information required under SFAS 123. For additional information, see Note 13. The Company’s determination of fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables.  These variables include, but are not limited to, the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and projected stock option exercise behaviors.  Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable.  Because the Company’s stock options have certain characteristics that are significantly different from traded options, and because changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimated value, in management’s opinion, the existing valuation models may not provide an accurate measure of the fair value of the Company’s stock options.  Although the fair

24




value of stock options is determined in accordance with SFAS 123(R) using an option-pricing model, that value may not be indicative of the fair value observed in a market transaction between a willing buyer and a willing seller.

Key Performance Indicator

Absorption Rate. The management of the Company uses several performance metrics to evaluate the performance of its dealerships.  The Company considers its “absorption rate” to be of critical importance.  Absorption rate is calculated by dividing the gross profit from the parts, service and body shop departments by the overhead expenses of all of a dealership’s departments, except for the selling expenses of the new and used truck departments and carrying costs of new and used truck inventory.  When 100% absorption is achieved, then gross profit from the sale of a truck, after sales commissions and inventory carrying costs, directly impacts operating profit.  In 1999, the Company’s absorption rate was approximately 80%.  The Company has made a concerted effort to increase its absorption rate since then.  Management believes that maintaining an absorption rate in excess of 100% is critical to the Company’s ability to generate consistent earnings in a cyclical business.  The Company achieved a 105.2% absorption rate in 2006.

25




Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis includes the Company’s historical results of operations for 2006, 2005 and 2004.

The following table sets forth for the years indicated certain financial data as a percentage of total revenues:

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New and used truck sales

 

75.8

%

75.1

%

67.4

%

Parts and service

 

18.8

 

19.6

 

26.0

 

Construction equipment sales

 

2.5

 

2.3

 

3.0

 

Lease and rental

 

1.8

 

1.8

 

2.5

 

Finance and insurance

 

0.8

 

0.8

 

0.7

 

Other

 

0.3

 

0.4

 

0.4

 

Total revenues

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold

 

85.0

 

84.8

 

83.1

 

Gross profit

 

15.0

 

15.2

 

16.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

9.8

 

10.1

 

13.0

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

0.5

 

0.6

 

0.8

 

Operating income from continuing operations

 

4.7

 

4.5

 

3.1

 

Interest expense, net

 

0.7

 

0.7

 

0.6

 

Gain on sale of assets

 

0.0

 

0.0

 

0.1

 

Income before income taxes from continuing operations

 

4.0

 

3.8

 

2.6

 

Income taxes

 

1.5

 

1.4

 

1.1

 

Income from continuing operations

 

2.5

 

2.4

 

1.5

 

(Loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes

 

0.0

 

0.0

 

0.0

 

Net income

 

2.5

%

2.4

%

1.5

%

 

The following table sets forth the unit sales and revenue for new heavy-duty, new medium-duty and used trucks and the absorption rate for the years indicated (revenue in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% Change

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

2006
vs
2005

 

2005
vs
2004

 

Truck unit sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New heavy-duty trucks

 

11,799

 

10,111

 

5,374

 

16.7

%

88.1

%

New medium-duty trucks

 

4,693

 

2,807

 

1,766

 

67.2

%

58.9

%

Total new trucks

 

16,492

 

12,918

 

7,140

 

27.7

%

80.9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Used trucks

 

4,005

 

3,677

 

2,716

 

8.9

%

35.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Truck revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New heavy-duty trucks

 

$

1,317.9

 

$

1,074.4

 

$

544.2

 

22.7

%

97.4

%

New medium-duty trucks

 

253.0

 

158.0

 

93.5

 

60.1

%

69.0

%

Total new trucks

 

$

1,570.9

 

$

1,232.4

 

$

637.7

 

27.5

%

93.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Used trucks

 

$

191.9

 

$

160.5

 

$

96.9

 

19.6

%

65.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Absorption rate:

 

105.2

%

100.4

%

94.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26




Industry

We currently operate in the heavy-duty truck, medium-duty truck and construction equipment markets. There has historically been a high correlation in both of these markets between new product sales and the rate of change in U.S. industrial production and the U.S. gross domestic product.

Heavy-Duty Truck Market

The Company serves the southern U.S. retail heavy-duty truck market, which is affected by a number of factors relating to general economic conditions, including fuel prices, government regulation, interest rate fluctuations, economic recessions and customer business cycles. In addition, unit sales of new trucks have historically been subject to substantial cyclical variation based on such general economic conditions. According to data published by A.C.T. Research Co., LLC (“A.C.T. Research”), a heavy-duty truck industry data and forecasting services provider, in recent years total domestic retail sales of new Class 8 trucks have ranged from a low of approximately 140,000 in 2001 to a high of approximately 291,000 in 2006.  Class 8 trucks are defined by the American Automobile Association as trucks with a minimum gross vehicle weight rating above 33,000 pounds.  Domestic Class 8 unit sales are expected to decrease to approximately 176,000 units during 2007 according to A.C.T. Research.  The Company’s primary Class 8 product line is Peterbilt heavy-duty trucks, which, according to A.C.T. Research, accounted for approximately 11.3% of all new heavy-duty truck sales in the U.S. during 2006.  The Company’s share of the U.S. Class 8 truck sales market was approximately 4.1% in 2006.

Typically, Class 8 trucks are assembled by manufacturers utilizing certain components manufactured by other companies, including engines, transmissions, axles, wheels and other components. As trucks and truck components have become increasingly complex, the ability to provide state-of-the-art service for a wide variety of truck equipment has become a competitive factor in the industry. The ability to provide such service requires a significant capital investment in diagnostic and other equipment, parts inventory and highly trained service personnel. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”) regulatory guidelines for service processes, including body shop, paint work and waste disposal, require sophisticated operating and testing equipment to ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards. Additionally, we believe that more of our customers will lease Class 8 trucks as fleets, particularly private fleets, seek to establish full-service leases or rental contracts, which provide for turnkey service including parts, maintenance and, potentially, fuel, fuel tax reporting and other services. Differentiation between truck dealers has become less dependent on pure price competition and is increasingly based on a dealer’s ability to offer a wide variety of services to their clients. Such services include the following: efficient, conveniently located and easily accessible truck service centers with an adequate supply of replacement parts; financing for truck purchases; leasing and rental programs; and the ability to accept multiple unit trade-ins related to large fleet purchases. We believe our one-stop center concept and the size and geographic diversity of our dealer network gives us a competitive advantage in providing these services.

The EPA mandated that heavy-duty engine manufacturers meet new, stricter emissions guidelines regarding nitrous oxides for all engines built subsequent to October 1, 2002. These new guidelines increased the price of new heavy-duty trucks by approximately $3,000 to $8,000 per unit and reduced the operating efficiency and life cycle of heavy-duty trucks. In 2002, the heavy-duty truck industry experienced an increased demand for trucks, as it historically has in the months preceding the effective date of a change in EPA engine emission guidelines; this period of increased demand was followed by a decrease in demand in the months subsequent to the change.

A.C.T. Research currently estimates approximately 176,000 new Class 8 trucks will be sold in the United States in 2007, compared to approximately 291,000 new trucks sold in 2006.  The 2006 new heavy-duty truck sales totals were the highest in history.  A.C.T. Research and other industry experts expect Class 8 truck sales to rebound in 2008 and 2009.  A.C.T. Research currently forecasts sales of Class 8 trucks in the U.S. to be approximately 214,000 in 2008 and 289,000 in 2009.

Medium-Duty Truck Market

Many of our Rush Truck Centers sell medium-duty trucks manufactured by Peterbilt, GMC, Hino, UD, Ford or Isuzu, and all of our Rush Truck Centers provide parts and service for medium-duty trucks. Medium-duty trucks are principally used in short-haul, local markets as delivery vehicles. Medium-duty trucks typically operate locally and generally do not venture out of their service areas overnight. The nature of the medium-duty truck market promotes the use of our service facilities during our evening shift, which is traditionally a slow period for heavy-duty truck service.

27




A.C.T. Research estimates that U.S. retail sales of Class 4 through 7 medium-duty trucks totaled approximately 278,000 units in 2006 and forecasts 2007 U.S. retail sales to be approximately 244,000 units. Notwithstanding the predicted decline in medium-duty truck sales in 2007, the Company expects to increase its medium-duty truck sales in 2007 as this facet of our business continues to mature.  A.C.T. Research currently forecasts sales of Class 4 through 7 trucks in the U.S. to be approximately 276,000 in 2008 and 280,000 in 2009.  The Company plans to continue to expand its share of the medium-duty market by adding new product lines to existing dealerships, adding dealership locations and adding sales personnel.  See Note 17 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the Company’s medium-duty acquisitions in 2006.

Construction Equipment Market

Our Rush Equipment Center is an authorized John Deere construction equipment dealer serving Houston, Texas and the surrounding area. According to data compiled by John Deere, approximately 2,500 units of construction equipment were put into use in our area of responsibility in 2006 compared to 2,700 in 2005. In 2007, we expect new construction equipment unit sales to decrease approximately 5% - 10% in our area of responsibility. John Deere’s market share in the Houston area was 22.7% in 2006 and 19.9% in 2005. Our Rush Equipment Center has the right to sell new John Deere construction equipment and parts within its assigned area of responsibility, which means competition within its market comes primarily from dealers of competing manufacturers and rental companies.

John Deere equipment users are a diverse group that includes residential and commercial construction businesses, independent rental companies, utility companies, government agencies, and various petrochemical, industrial and material supply businesses. Industry statistics suggest that a majority of all construction equipment is owned by a relatively small percentage of the customer base. Accordingly, John Deere and its dealer group, including the Rush Equipment Center, are aggressively developing more sophisticated ways to serve large equipment fleet owners.

Market factors affecting the construction equipment industry include the following:

·                  levels of commercial, residential, and public construction activities; and

·                  state and federal highway and road construction appropriations.

Year Ended December 31, 2006 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2005

Revenues

Revenues increased $485.8 million, or 26.0%, in 2006 compared to 2005.  Sales of new and used trucks increased $379.7 million, or 27.1%, in 2006 compared to 2005.  This increase in new and used truck revenue is due to strong demand for Class 8 trucks, increased sales of medium-duty trucks due to acquisitions and strong demand, and strong demand for used trucks.

Unit sales of new Class 8 trucks increased 16.7% in 2006 compared to 2005.   The Class 8 truck sales market in the U.S increased 12.4% in 2006 compared to 2005.  In 2006, the Company retained a 4.1% share of the Class 8 truck sales market in the U.S.  The Company expects its share to range between 4.1% and 4.5% of the U.S. Class 8 truck sales market in 2007, which would result in the sale of approximately 7,200 — 8,000 Class 8 trucks based on retail sales of 176,000 units as estimated by A.C.T. Research.

Unit sales of new medium-duty trucks increased 67.2% in 2006 compared to 2005.  The Company continues its concerted effort to improve its medium-duty truck sales by adding experienced medium-duty sales personnel and introducing new medium-duty franchises at some of the Company’s Rush Truck Centers to complement the existing medium-duty lines sold at such dealerships.  Since July of 2005, the Company has acquired medium-duty truck franchises in Dallas and Texarkana, Texas, Orlando and Jacksonville, Florida, Fontana, California, Denver, Colorado and Atlanta, Georgia.  Overall, new medium-duty truck sales revenue increased approximately $95.0 million, or 60.1%, in 2006 compared to 2005.  A.C.T. Research currently expects a 12% decline in United States retail sales of Class 4, 5, 6, and 7 medium-duty trucks, however, the Company expects to continue to add medium-duty franchises to its network and to increase same store medium-duty sales and market share in 2007 compared to 2006.  The Company expects to sell approximately 6,000 medium—duty trucks in 2007.

28




Unit sales of used trucks increased 8.9% in 2006 compared to 2005.  Used truck average revenue per unit increased by approximately 9.8%.  Historically, used truck demand is consistent with new truck demand.  In 2007, used truck sales volumes and prices will be primarily driven by the number of trade-in units we receive which will depend upon potential new truck purchaser’s willingness to purchase the new diesel engines in 2007.  The Company expects to sell approximately 4,000 used trucks in 2007.

Parts and service sales increased $75.5 million, or 20.6%, in 2006 compared to 2005.  Same store parts and service sales increased $62.6 million, or 17.1%, in 2006 compared to 2005.  The parts and service sales increase was consistent with management’s expectations, which take into account general economic conditions, successful business development, acquisitions and price increases for parts and labor.  The Company expects parts and service sales to maintain a 10% to 12% same store growth level during 2007.

Sales of new and used construction equipment increased $17.9 million, or 42.8%, in 2006 compared to 2005.  During 2006, the Company made a concerted effort to increase its market share in the Houston area.  Approximately 2,500 units of construction equipment were put into use in the Company’s area of responsibility in 2006 compared to approximately 2,700 in 2005.  The construction equipment industry expects to sell approximately 2,300 units of new construction equipment in the Houston area in 2007.  John Deere’s market share in the Houston area construction equipment market increased to 22.7% in 2006 from 19.9% in 2005.  The Company believes it can maintain John Deere’s market share, in the Houston area, at approximately 25.0% in 2007.

Truck lease and rental revenues increased $7.6 million, or 22.3%, in 2006 compared to 2005.  This increase in lease and rental revenue is consistent with management’s expectations considering the pre-buy related to the new emission law.  The lease and rental fleet increased approximately 30.4% to 2,345 units at December 31, 2006 from 1,798 units at December 31, 2005.  The Company expects lease and rental revenue to increase 13% in 2007 compared to 2006.  The recent fleet additions coupled with an expected 8% increase in our fleet during 2007, is driving the overall projected revenue growth of 13%.

Finance and insurance revenues increased $3.8 million, or 25.0%, in 2006 compared to 2005.  This increase is primarily related to the increase in truck sales during 2006.  The Company expects finance income from new Class 8 truck sales to decrease during 2007 compared to 2006 because of the expected decline in new Class 8 truck sales.  The decrease in finance income will be mitigated by increases in medium-duty truck sales and insurance revenue due to their product expansion and recent acquisitions.  The Company expects overall finance revenue to decrease approximately 5% - 10% in 2007 compared to 2006.  Finance and insurance revenues have limited direct costs and, therefore, contribute a disproportionate share of the Company’s operating profits.

Other income increased $1.1 million, or 14.9%, in 2006 compared to 2005.  The increase in other income revenue is primarily related to document fees related to truck sales.  Other income also consists of the gain on sale realized on trucks from the lease and rental fleet, commissions earned from John Deere for direct manufacturer sales into our area of responsibility and purchase discounts.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased $70.0 million, or 24.8%, in 2006 compared to 2005.  Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased to 15.0% in 2006 from 15.2% in 2005.  This decrease is primarily a result of a change in our product sales mix.  Truck sales, a lower margin revenue item, increased as a percentage of total revenue to 75.8% in 2006 from 75.1% in 2005.  Parts and service revenue, a higher margin revenue item, decreased as a percentage of total revenue to 18.8% in 2006 from 19.6% in 2005.

Gross margins on Class 8 truck sales increased to 7.2% in 2006 from 6.7% in 2005.  For 2007, the Company expects overall gross margins from Class 8 truck sales of approximately 6.5% to 7.5%. The Company continually evaluates its reserve for new truck valuation losses.  The Company recorded an expense of $1.3 million to increase its new heavy-duty truck valuation allowance in 2006 and did not record a similar expense in 2005.

Gross margins on medium-duty truck sales decreased to 5.7% in 2006 from 6.2% in 2005.  For 2007, the Company expects overall gross margins from medium-duty truck sales of approximately 6.0% to 7.0%.  Gross margins on medium-duty truck sales are impacted by market and the mix of models sold. The Company’s 2007 gross margins on medium-duty trucks could vary significantly depending upon the ultimate product mix of medium-duty trucks sold.  The Company

29




recorded an expense of $1.6 million to increase its new medium-duty truck valuation allowance in 2006 and did not record a similar expense in 2005.

Gross margins on used truck sales remained relatively constant with a slight decrease to 9.1% in 2006 from 9.2% in 2005.  The challenge for the Company’s used truck business is always procuring a sufficient quantity of quality used trucks for resale at acceptable prices.  The Company believes it will be able to continue to achieve margins of approximately 8.5% to 9.5% during 2007.  The Company continually evaluates its reserve for used truck valuation losses.  The Company recorded an expense of $350,000 to increase its used truck valuation allowance in 2006 and $150,000 in 2005.

Gross margins from the Company’s parts, service and body shop operations remained constant at 41.1% in 2006 and 2005.  Gross profit for the parts, service and body shop departments increased to $181.6 million in 2006 from $150.5 million in 2005.  The Company expects to maintain gross margins of approximately 40.0% to 42.0% during 2007.

Gross margins on new and used construction equipment sales decreased to 11.8% in 2006 from 12.4% in 2005.  The lower gross margins for 2006 are due to the Company’s efforts to increase its market share in the Houston area.  The Company expects 2007 gross margins to remain in a range of 10.0% to 12.0% depending on the mix of products sold.

Gross margins from truck lease and rental sales decreased to 21.2% in 2006 from approximately 23.5% in 2005.  The Company expects to maintain gross margins from lease and rental sales of approximately 22.0% to 24.0% during 2007.  The decrease in gross margin from lease and rental sales is primarily due to the increase in interest rates and the increase in the cost of new trucks for use in the lease and rental fleet.  The Company’s policy is to depreciate its lease and rental fleet using a straight line method over the customer’s contractual lease term.  The lease unit is depreciated to a residual value that approximates fair value at the expiration of the lease term.  This policy results in the Company realizing reasonable gross margins while the unit is in service and a corresponding gain or loss on sale when the unit is sold at the end of the lease term.

Finance and insurance revenues and other income, as described above, has limited direct costs and, therefore, contributes a disproportionate share of gross profit.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased $41.4 million, or 33.0%, in 2006 compared to 2005.  The increase in SG&A in 2006 is due in large part to increased variable compensation as a result of the 32.2% increase in truck gross profit over 2005, expansion of dealership facilities in Mobile, Alabama and Nashville, Tennessee, opening a new dealership in Alice, Texas and acquisitions of new dealerships in Texarkana, Texas, Orlando and Jacksonville, Florida, Atlanta, Georgia and Denver, Colorado from July of 2005 through November of 2006.  Additionally, on January 1, 2006, the Company implemented SFAS 123(R), which resulted in stock-based compensation expense of $2.6 million for 2006. SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales decreased to 9.8% in 2006 from 10.1% in 2005.  SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales have historically ranged from 10.0% to 16.0%; however, when new and used truck revenue is high, SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales are low.  In 2007, the Company expects the selling portion of SG&A expenses to be approximately 30% - 33% of new and used truck gross profit.  The general and administrative portion of SG&A will increase approximately 10% - 12% due to the full year effect of 2006 acquisitions and inflation.

Interest Expense, Net

Net interest expense increased $2.8 million, or 21.9%, in 2006 compared to 2005. In 2006, floor plan interest expense increased compared to 2005 primarily due to the increase in floor plan notes payable and an increase in the Company’s borrowing rate.  To take advantage of increased truck demand in 2006, the Company maintained higher levels of truck inventory than it has traditionally maintained, which increases the Company’s floor plan notes payable.  The increase in net interest expense in 2006 was offset by earnings on the Company’s investment of available cash.  The Company expects net interest expense in 2007 to increase approximate 10.0% compared to 2006.

Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes

Income from continuing operations before income taxes increased $22.9 million, or 32.2%, in 2006 compared to 2005, as a result of the factors described above.  The Company believes that income from continuing operations in 2007 will decrease compared to 2006 based on the factors described above.

30




Income Taxes From Continuing Operations

Income taxes from continuing operations increased $8.8 million, or 33.0%, in 2006 compared to 2005.  The Company provided for taxes at a 37.5% effective rate in 2006 and expects the effective tax rate to be approximately 37.5% to 38.0% in 2007.

Year Ended December 31, 2005 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2004

Revenues

Revenues increased $769.8 million, or 70.3%, in 2005 compared to 2004.  Sales of new and used trucks increased $662.5 million, or 89.7%, from 2004 to 2005.

Unit sales of new Class 8 trucks increased 88.1%, in 2005 compared to 2004 due to increasing demand and the ATS acquisition.  The Company’s average sales price per Class 8 truck increased to $106,300 in 2005 from $101,200 in 2004.  This price increase is primarily attributable to an increase in the manufacturing costs.

Unit sales of new medium-duty trucks increased 58.9%, in 2005 compared to 2004. In 2004, the Company continued its concerted effort to improve its medium-duty truck sales by adding experienced medium-duty sales personnel and introducing new medium-duty franchises at some of our Rush Truck Centers to complement the existing medium-duty lines sold at such dealerships.  Overall, new medium-duty truck sales revenue increased $64.5 million in 2005 compared to 2004.

Unit sales of used trucks increased 35.4%, in 2005 compared to 2004. Used truck average revenue per unit increased by 22.3%.

Parts and service sales increased $80.7 million, or 28.3%, in 2005 compared to 2004. The parts and service sales increase in 2005 was due to business development activities combined with price increases for parts and labor and acquisitions throughout the year.

Sales of new and used construction equipment increased $9.4 million, or 29.1%, in 2005 compared to 2004.  The construction equipment sales increase was primarily attributable to the improved market conditions in Houston, Texas and the need to replace aging equipment.

Truck lease and rental revenues increased $7.0 million, or 26.1%, in 2005 compared to 2004.  The increase in truck lease and rental revenue was due to the increase in our customer base during 2005.

Finance and insurance revenues increased 94.9%, in 2005 compared to 2004. Finance and insurance revenues typically increase as sales of new and used trucks increase.  Finance and insurance revenues have minimal direct costs and, therefore, contribute a disproportionate share of operating profits.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased $97.6 million, or 52.7%, in 2005 compared to 2004. Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased to 15.2% in 2005 from 16.9% in 2004. This decrease is primarily a result of a change in our product mix. Truck sales, a lower margin revenue item, increased as a percentage of total revenue to 75.1% in 2005 from 67.4% in 2004. Parts and service revenue, a higher margin revenue item, decreased as a percentage of total revenue to 19.6% in 2005 from 26.0% in 2004.

Gross margins on Class 8 truck sales decreased to 6.7% in 2005 from 7.0% in 2004.  This decrease in gross margin was primarily a result of an increase in truck sales to large fleet customers in 2005 compared to 2004.  Large fleet sales typically result in lower margins than small fleet sales and sales to owner operators.  Each year the Company evaluates its reserve for new truck valuation losses. The Company did not record a loss provision in 2005 or 2004.

Gross margins on medium-duty truck sales remained constant at 6.2% in 2005 and 2004.

Gross margins on used truck sales decreased to 9.2% in 2005 from 9.8% in 2004.  Margins on used trucks will vary depending on the mix of used trucks that are acquired from either owner-operators or fleet owners at trade-in.  Used

31




trucks acquired as trade-ins from fleet owners normally result in lower margins when the truck is sold.  The Company recorded a $150,000 loss provision to the Company’s reserve for used truck valuation in 2005 and recognized a $350,000 loss provision during 2004.

Gross margins from the Company’s parts, service and body shop operations increased to 41.1% in 2005 from 37.9% in 2004. Gross profit dollars for the parts, service and body shop departments increased to $150.5 million in 2005 from $108.0 million in 2004.

Gross margins on new and used construction equipment sales decreased to 12.4% in 2005 from 13.0% in 2004. The decrease was attributable to a change in the mix of products sold during 2005.

Gross margins generated from truck lease and rental sales decreased to 23.5% in 2005 from 26.5% in 2004. The decrease in gross margin from lease and rental sales is primarily due to the increase in the Company’s borrowing rates and the increase in the cost of new trucks for use in the lease and rental fleet.

The increase in finance and insurance revenues and other income, as described above, has minimal direct cost and, therefore, contributes a disproportionate share of gross profit.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased $46.8 million, or 33.0%, in 2005 compared to 2004.  The increase in SG&A in 2005 is due in large part to increased variable compensation as a result of the 80.3% increase in truck gross profit over 2004 and acquisitions completed in 2005.  SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales decreased from 13.0% in 2004 to 10.1% in 2005.

Interest Expense, Net

Net interest expense increased $6.9 million, or 115.0%, in 2005 compared to 2004.  Net interest expense increased as a result of increased floor plan notes payable borrowing rate, increased truck inventory and floor plan notes payable due to increased demand for trucks and the increased levels of indebtedness associated with the real estate acquired from ATS and other real estate financings.

Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes

Income from continuing operations before income taxes increased by $42.3 million, or 146.9%, in 2005 compared to 2004, as a result of the factors described above.

Income Taxes From Continuing Operations

Income taxes from continuing operations increased $14.9 million, or 128.4%, in 2005 compared to 2004.  The Company provided for taxes at a 37.3% effective rate in 2005.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s short-term cash requirements are primarily for working capital, inventory financing, the improvement and expansion of existing facilities, and the construction of new facilities.  Historically, these cash requirements have been met through the retention of profits and borrowings under our floor plan arrangements. As of December 31, 2006, the Company had working capital of approximately $156.3 million, including $161.6 million in cash available to fund our operations.

The Company may request working capital advances in the minimum amount of $100,000 from GE Capital, its primary truck lender.  However, such working capital advances may not cause the total indebtedness owed GE Capital to exceed an amount equal to the wholesale advances made against the then current inventory less any payment reductions then due.  There were no working capital advances outstanding under this agreement at December 31, 2006.

The Company has a secured line of credit that provides for a maximum borrowing of $8.0 million.  There were no advances outstanding under this secured line of credit at December 31, 2006, however, $6.3 million was pledged to secure

32




various letters of credit related to self-insurance products, leaving $1.7 million available for future borrowings as of December 31, 2006.

The Company signed an agreement with Titan Technology Partners to implement SAP enterprise software and a new SAP dealership management system.  The cost of the SAP software and implementation is estimated at $10.0 million.  The Company has no other material commitments for capital expenditures as of December 31, 2006.  However, the Company will continue to purchase vehicles that are necessary to operate its lease and rental division. Furthermore, management will continue to authorize capital expenditures for improvement and expansion of dealership facilities based on market opportunities.

Cash Flows

Cash and cash equivalents increased by $28.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2006 and decreased by $25.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2005.  The major components of these changes are discussed below.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Cash flows from operating activities include net income adjusted for non-cash items and the effects of changes in working capital.  During 2006, operating activities resulted in net cash used in operations of $6.9 million.  Cash used in operating activities was primarily impacted by the increased levels of new truck inventory.  The majority of truck inventory is financed through the Company’s floor plan financing provider.  The Company maintained higher levels of new truck inventory in 2006 than it has traditionally maintained, in order to take advantage of increased demand for new trucks.  During 2005, operating activities resulted in net cash used in operations of $52.2 million.

The Company believes that changes in aggregate floor plan liabilities are directly linked to changes in vehicle inventory and, therefore, are an integral part of understanding changes in our working capital and operating cash flow.  Consequently, the Company has provided below a reconciliation of cash flow from operating activities as reported in our consolidated statement of cash flows as if changes in vehicle floor plan were classified as an operating activity (in thousands).

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities as reported

 

$

(6,862

)

$

(52,160

)

Draws on floor plan notes payable as reported

 

120,003

 

113,345

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities including all floor plan notes payable

 

$

113,141

 

$

61,185

 

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Cash flows from investing activities consist primarily of cash used for capital expenditures and business acquisitions.  During 2006, the Company used $145.2 million in investing activities. Capital expenditures consist of purchases of property and equipment, and improvements to our existing dealership facilities of $116.1 million. $73.6 million of this was used to purchase additional units for the rental and leasing operations during 2006 which was directly offset by borrowings of long-term debt.  The Company expects truck purchases of $40.0 million to $50.0 million for its leasing operations in 2007 depending on customer demand.  During 2007, the Company expects to make capital expenditures for recurring items such as computers, shop equipment and vehicles of approximately $12.0 million in 2007 in addition to $6.1 million for the SAP software implementation described above.  Cash used in business acquisitions was $36.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2006.  See Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a detailed discussion of these acquisitions.

During 2005, cash used in investing activities was $123.5 million.  Capital expenditures consisted of purchases of property and equipment, and improvements to our existing dealership facilities of $65.8 million.  $46.2 million of this was used to purchase additional units for the rental and leasing operations during the year ended December 31, 2005.  Cash used in business acquisitions was $66.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2005.  See Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a detailed discussion of these acquisitions.

33




Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Cash flows from financing activities include borrowings and repayments of long-term debt and net proceeds of floor plan notes payable.  Cash provided by financing activities was $180.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2006. The Company had borrowings of long-term debt of $102.4 million and repayments of long-term debt of $44.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2006.   The Company had net borrowings of floor plan notes payable of $120.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2006.  The borrowings of long-term debt are primarily related to the increase in the lease and rental fleet and real estate financing.

Cash provided by financing activities was $150.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2005. The Company had borrowings of long-term debt of $52.1 million and repayments of long-term debt of $35.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2005.   The Company had net borrowings of floor plan notes payable of $113.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2005.  The borrowings of long-term debt are primarily related to the increase in the lease and rental fleet, real estate financing and debt acquired in the ATS acquisition.

The Company arranges financing for customers through various financial institutions including GE Capital and PACCAR Financial. The Company financed approximately 26% of new and used truck sales in 2006. The Company receives a commission from the lender equal to either the difference between the interest rates charged to customers over the predetermined interest rates set by the financing institution or a commission for the placement of contracts.  A majority of finance contracts are sold without recourse to the Company.  The Company’s liability related to finance contracts sold with recourse is generally limited to 5% to 20% of the outstanding amount of each note initiated on behalf of the finance company.  However, in 2003 the Company instituted finance program that accepts 100% liability, with some restrictions, for the outstanding amount of each note initiated on behalf of the finance company. In order for a contract to be accepted into this finance program, a customer must meet strict credit requirements or maintain a significant equity position in the truck being financed; consequently, less than 1% of the Company’s portfolio balance related to finance contracts sold by the Company are under this 100% liability finance program and the Company does not expect to finance a significant percentage of its truck sales under this 100% liability finance program in the future. The Company provides an allowance for repossession losses and early repayment penalties that it may be liable for under finance contracts sold without recourse.

In addition, through The CIT Group, Inc., CitiCapital, John Deere Credit and others, the Company arranged customer financing for approximately $31.8 million of our new and used construction equipment sales in 2006. Generally, construction equipment financings are memorialized through the use of installment or lease contracts, which are secured by the construction equipment financed, and generally require a down payment up to 10% of the value of the financed piece of construction equipment, with the remaining balance being financed over a three to five-year period. The Company experiences no repossession loss on construction equipment financings because such financings are sold to third parties without recourse.

Substantially all of the Company’s truck purchases are made on terms requiring payment within 15 days or less from the date the trucks are invoiced from the factory.  On September 20, 2005, the Company entered into a three-year floor plan financing agreement with GE Capital.  Interest under the floor plan financing agreement is payable monthly at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.68%.  The Company finances substantially all of the purchase price of its new truck inventory, and the loan value of its used truck inventory under the floor plan financing agreement with GE Capital, under which GE Capital pays the manufacturer directly with respect to new trucks. The Company makes monthly interest payments to GE Capital on the amount financed, but is not required to commence loan principal repayments on any vehicle until such vehicle has been floor planned for 12 months or is sold.  The agreement allows for prepayments and working capital advances with monthly adjustments to the interest due on outstanding advances.  On December 31, 2006, the Company had approximately $434.0 million outstanding under its floor plan financing agreement with GE Capital.

Substantially all of the Company’s new construction equipment purchases are financed by John Deere and CitiCapital. The Company finances substantially all of the purchase price of its new construction equipment inventory under its floor plan facilities. The agreement with John Deere provides an interest free financing period after which time the amount financed is required to be paid in full. When construction equipment is sold prior to the expiration of the interest free finance period, the Company is required to repay the principal within approximately ten days of the sale. If the construction equipment financed by John Deere is not sold within the interest free finance period, it is transferred to the CitiCapital floor plan arrangement.  The Company makes principal payments for sold inventory to CitiCapital on the 15th day of each month.  Used and rental construction equipment is financed to a maximum of book value under a floor plan arrangement with CitiCapital.  The Company makes monthly interest payments on the amount financed and is required to commence loan principal repayments on rental construction equipment as book value reduces.  Principal payments for sold

34




used construction equipment are made no later than the 15th day of each month following the sale. The loans are collateralized by a lien on the construction equipment.  The Company’s floor plan agreements limit the aggregate amount of borrowings based on the book value of new and used construction equipment units.  As of December 31, 2006, the Company’s floor plan arrangement with CitiCapital permits the financing of up to $13.5 million in construction equipment.  On December 31, 2006, the Company had $1.2 million outstanding under its floor plan financing arrangements with John Deere and $11.2 million outstanding under its floor plan financing arrangement with CitiCapital.

Cyclicality

The Company’s business is dependent on a number of factors relating to general economic conditions, including fuel prices, interest rate fluctuations, economic recessions, environmental and other government regulations and customer business cycles. Unit sales of new trucks have historically been subject to substantial cyclical variation based on these general economic conditions. According to A.C.T. Research, industry-wide domestic retail sales of Class 8 trucks in 2006 totaled approximately 291,000 units.  A.C.T. Research currently forecasts U.S. heavy-duty new truck sales to decrease to approximately 176,000 units in 2007 and then increase to 214,000 units in 2008.  Through geographic expansion, concentration on higher margin parts and service operations and diversification of its customer base, the Company believes it can reduce the negative impact on the Company’s earnings of adverse general economic conditions or cyclical trends affecting the heavy-duty truck industry.

Effects of Inflation

The Company believes that the relatively moderate rates of inflation over the last few years have not had a significant impact on revenues or profitability. The Company does not expect inflation to have any near-term material effects on the sale of its products and services.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company does not have off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2006.

Contractual Obligations

The Company has certain contractual obligations that will impact its short and long-term liquidity. At December 31, 2006, such obligations were as follows:

 

 

Payments Due by Period

 

Contractual Obligations

 

Total

 

Less than 1
year

 

1-3
years

 

3-5
years

 

More than 5
years

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Long-term debt obligations(1)

 

$

192,124

 

$

25,999

 

$

65,454

 

$

83,712

 

$

16,959

 

Capital lease obligations(2)

 

21,706

 

4,268

 

8,434

 

6,879

 

2,125

 

Operating lease obligations(2)

 

40,826

 

8,249

 

13,029

 

8,151

 

11,397

 

Purchase obligations

 

12,062

 

6,092

 

3,786

 

1,248

 

936

 

Interest expense on debt (3)

 

36,018

 

11,356

 

16,964

 

7,160

 

538

 

Total

 

$

302,736

 

$

55,964

 

$

107,667

 

$

107,150

 

$

31,955

 


(1)       Refer to Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(2)       Refer to Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(3)       In computing interest expense, the Company used its weighted average interest rate outstanding on fixed rate debt to estimate its interest expense on fixed rate debt.  The Company did not have variable rate debt as of December 31, 2006.

35




Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact the financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company due to adverse changes in financial market prices, including interest rate risk, and other relevant market rate or price risks.

The Company is exposed to some market risk through interest rates related to our floor plan borrowing arrangements, variable rate debt and discount rates related to finance sales.  Floor plan borrowings are based on the LIBOR rate of interest and are used to meet working capital needs. As of December 31, 2006, the Company had floor plan borrowings of approximately $446.4 million.  Assuming an increase in the LIBOR rate of interest of 100 basis points, interest expense could increase by approximately $4.5 million.  The Company provides all customer financing opportunities to various finance providers. The Company receives all finance charges in excess of a negotiated discount rate from the finance providers in the month following the date of the financing. The negotiated discount rate is variable, thus subject to interest rate fluctuations. This interest rate risk is mitigated by the Company’s ability to pass discount rate increases to customers through higher financing rates.

The Company is also exposed to some market risk through interest rates related to the investment of our current cash and cash equivalents of $161.6 million at December 31, 2006.  These funds are generally invested in highly liquid money market accounts, government-sponsored enterprises and corporate bonds that do not expose the Company to a loss of principal.  As such instruments mature and the funds are reinvested, we are exposed to changes in market interest rates. This risk is mitigated by management’s ongoing evaluation of the best investment rates available for current and noncurrent high quality investments. If market interest rates were to increase or decrease immediately and uniformly by 100 basis points, the Company’s interest income could correspondingly increase or decrease by approximately $1.6 million.  We have not used derivative financial instruments in our investment portfolio.

36




Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

38

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2006 and 2005

 

39

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004

 

40

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004

 

41

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004.

 

42

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

43

 

37




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Rush Enterprises, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Rush Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries (“the Company”) as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Rush Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, in 2006 the Company changed its method of accounting for stock-based compensation.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Rush Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 12, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

San Antonio, Texas

March 12, 2007

38




RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Amounts)

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

161,558

 

$

133,069

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

74,441

 

63,473

 

Inventories

 

484,696

 

338,212

 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

2,128

 

1,829

 

Deferred income taxes, net

 

7,496

 

3,856

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current assets

 

730,319

 

540,439

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

278,690

 

196,161

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill, net

 

117,071

 

100,725

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets, net

 

2,330

 

2,909

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

1,128,410

 

$

840,234

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Floor plan notes payable

 

$

446,354

 

$

315,985

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

25,999

 

18,807

 

Current maturities of capital lease obligations

 

2,933

 

2,277

 

Advances outstanding under lines of credit

 

 

2,755

 

Trade accounts payable

 

37,449

 

23,327

 

Accrued expenses

 

61,287

 

51,151

 

Total current liabilities

 

574,022

 

414,302

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

 

166,125

 

114,345

 

Capital lease obligations, net of current maturities

 

14,799

 

14,628

 

Deferred income taxes, net

 

33,856

 

23,339

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares outstanding in 2006 and 2005

 

 

 

Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 40,000,000 Class A shares and 10,000,000 Class B shares authorized; 17,069,494 Class A shares and 8,072,226 Class B shares outstanding in 2006; 16,770,060 Class A shares and 7,895,863 Class B shares outstanding in 2005

 

251

 

247

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

169,801

 

162,603

 

Retained earnings

 

169,556

 

110,770

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

339,608

 

273,620

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

1,128,410

 

$

840,234

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

39




RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New and used truck sales

 

$

1,780,418

 

$

1,400,736

 

$

738,225

 

Parts and service

 

441,424

 

365,908

 

285,206

 

Construction equipment sales

 

59,545

 

41,692

 

32,305

 

Lease and rental

 

41,776

 

33,975

 

27,193

 

Finance and insurance

 

19,197

 

15,356

 

7,909

 

Other

 

8,163

 

7,103

 

4,141

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenue

 

2,350,523

 

1,864,770

 

1,094,979

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New and used truck sales

 

1,652,913

 

1,304,290

 

684,724

 

Parts and service

 

259,801

 

215,419

 

177,250

 

Construction equipment sales

 

52,527

 

36,509

 

28,114

 

Lease and rental

 

32,615

 

25,860

 

19,749

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total cost of products sold

 

1,997,856

 

1,582,078

 

909,837

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

352,667

 

282,692

 

185,142

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

230,056

 

188,667

 

141,947

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

12,889

 

10,487

 

9,119

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

109,722

 

83,538

 

34,076

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

2,162

 

2,508

 

782

 

Interest expense

 

(17,880

)

(15,403

)

(6,732

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total interest expense, net

 

(15,718

)

(12,895

)

(5,950

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain on sale of assets

 

54

 

495

 

624

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before taxes

 

94,058

 

71,138

 

28,750

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

35,272

 

26,513

 

11,574

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

58,786

 

44,625

 

17,176

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net

 

 

 

(260

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

58,786

 

$

44,625

 

$

16,916

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per common share — Basic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

2.35

 

$

1.84

 

$

1.10

 

Net income

 

$

2.35

 

$

1.84

 

$

1.08

 

Earnings per common share — Diluted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

2.33

 

$

1.79

 

$

1.03

 

Net income

 

$

2.33

 

$

1.79

 

$

1.02

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

40




RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In Thousands)

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares Issued and

 

$.01

 

Additional

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding

 

Par

 

Paid-In

 

Retained

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

 

Class B

 

Value

 

Capital

 

Earnings

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2003

 

7,021

 

7,021

 

$

140

 

$

39,337

 

$

49,229

 

$

88,706

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise of employee stock options (including tax benefit of $3,364)

 

571

 

534

 

11

 

7,976

 

 

 

7,987

 

Issuance of Class A common stock

 

8,750

 

 

88

 

109,110

 

 

 

109,198

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

16,916

 

16,916

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2004

 

16,342

 

7,555

 

239

 

156,423

 

66,145

 

222,807

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise of employee stock options (including tax benefit of $3,076)

 

398

 

341

 

8

 

5,912

 

 

 

5,920

 

Employee stock purchase plan

 

30

 

 

 

339

 

 

 

339

 

Issuance cost of Class A common stock

 

 

 

 

(71

)

 

 

(71

)

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

44,625

 

44,625

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2005

 

16,770

 

7,896

 

247

 

162,603

 

110,770

 

273,620

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise of employee stock options (including tax benefit of $2,349)

 

261

 

176

 

4

 

4,091

 

 

 

4,095

 

Stock-based compensation related to employee stock options and employee stock purchases

 

 

 

 

2,647

 

 

 

2,647

 

Employee stock purchase plan

 

38

 

 

 

460

 

 

 

460

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

58,786

 

58,786

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2006

 

17,069

 

8,072

 

$

251

 

$

169,801

 

$

169,556

 

$

339,608

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

41




RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In Thousands)

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

58,786

 

$

44,625

 

$

17,176

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities, net of acquisitions-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) from discontinued operations

 

 

 

(260

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

27,074

 

21,010

 

15,923

 

Gain on sale of property and equipment

 

(825

)

(1,669

)

(1,801

)

Stock-based compensation expense related to employee stock options and employee stock purchases

 

2,647

 

 

 

Provision for deferred income tax expense

 

6,877

 

1,286

 

4,149

 

Tax benefit realized from exercise of stock options

 

 

3,076

 

3,364

 

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

 

(2,349

)

 

 

Net charges related to discontinued operations

 

 

 

400

 

Change in accounts receivable, net

 

(10,133

)

(32,844

)

(5,804

)

Change in inventories

 

(114,380

)

(102,308

)

(49,692

)

Change in prepaid expenses and other, net

 

(280

)

(230

)

(296

)

Change in trade accounts payable

 

14,039

 

6,357

 

800

 

Change in accrued expenses

 

11,682

 

8,537

 

10,399

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in operating activities

 

(6,862

)

(52,160

)

(5,642

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of property and equipment

 

(116,105

)

(65,801

)

(44,566

)

Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment

 

6,333

 

8,457

 

14,129

 

Business acquisitions

 

(36,087

)

(66,026

)

(3,500

)

Change in other assets

 

664

 

(139

)

(897

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(145,195

)

(123,509

)

(34,834

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Draws on floor plan notes payable, net

 

120,003

 

113,345

 

59,767

 

(Payments) borrowings on lines of credit, net

 

(2,755

)

321

 

(15,298

)

Proceeds from long-term debt

 

102,448

 

52,099

 

40,463

 

Proceeds from capital lease obligations

 

3,339

 

18,416

 

 

Payments on long-term debt

 

(44,334

)

(34,979

)

(34,435

)

Payments on capital lease obligations

 

(2,512

)

(1,511

)

 

Issuance of shares relating to employee stock options and employee stock purchase plan

 

2,206

 

3,183

 

4,623

 

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

 

2,349

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of 8,750,000 shares relating to the public offering, net of the related expenses

 

 

(71

)

109,198

 

Debt issuance costs

 

(198

)

(240

)

(56

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

180,546

 

150,563

 

164,262

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

28,489

 

(25,106

)

123,786

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

 

133,069

 

158,175

 

34,389

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

 

$

161,558

 

$

133,069

 

$

158,175

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the year for—

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

20,761

 

$

15,274

 

$

7,807

 

Income taxes

 

$

31,758

 

$

21,703

 

$

4,788

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

42




RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.       ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS:

Rush Enterprises, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated in 1965 under the laws of the State of Texas.  The Company now operates a Truck segment and a Construction Equipment segment.  The Truck segment operates a regional network of Rush Truck Centers.  Rush Truck Centers sell trucks manufactured by Peterbilt, GMC, Hino, UD, Ford or Isuzu.  Through its strategically located network of Rush Truck Centers, the Company provides one-stop service for the needs of its customers, including retail sales of new and used trucks, aftermarket parts sales, service and repair facilities, financing, leasing and rental, and Insurance products.  The Company’s truck centers are located in areas on or near major highways in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. The Construction Equipment segment, formed during 1997, operates a John Deere equipment center in Houston, Texas.  Dealership operations include the retail sale of new and used construction equipment, aftermarket parts and service facilities, equipment rentals and the financing of new and used equipment (see Note 19).

As part of the Company’s corporate reorganization in connection with its initial public offering (“Offering”) in June 1996, the Company acquired, as a wholly owned subsidiary, a managing general agent (the “MGA”) to manage all of the operations of Associated Acceptance, Inc. (“AA”). W. Marvin Rush, the sole shareholder of AA, is prohibited from the sale or transfer of the capital stock of AA under the MGA agreement, except as designated by the Company. Therefore, the financial position and operations of AA have been included as part of the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations for all periods presented.

Effective at the close of business on July 9, 2002 (the “Record Date”), pursuant to action taken by the shareholders at the Annual Meeting of the Company held July 9, 2002, and described in the Proxy Statement dated May 15, 2002, the Board of Directors of the Company reclassified the outstanding common stock, $0.01 par value per share (the “Old Common Stock”), as Class B Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share (the “Class B Common Stock”), and declared a stock dividend of one share of a new Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value per share (the “Class A Common Stock”), for each share of Class B Common Stock held by shareholders of record on the Record Date. Each share of Class A Common Stock ranks substantially equal to each share of Class B Common Stock with respect to receipt of any dividends or distributions declared on shares of common stock and the right to receive proceeds on liquidation or dissolution of the Company after payment of the Company’s indebtedness and liquidation preference payments to holders of preferred shares. However, holders of Class A Common Stock have 1/20th of one vote per share on all matters requiring a shareholder vote, while holders of Class B Common Stock have one vote per share on all matters requiring a shareholder vote. The Company’s stock trades on The NASDAQ National Market® under the symbols RUSHA and RUSHB. Prior to the reclassification and stock dividend, the Company had 7,002,044 shares of Old Common Stock outstanding.  The adjustment caused each option outstanding prior to July 9, 2002 to become an option to purchase Class A Common Stock and an option to purchase Class B Common Stock, each with an exercise price of 50% of the exercise price of the option originally granted.

2.       SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements presented herein include the account of Rush Enterprises, Inc. together with our consolidated subsidiaries.  All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

43




Estimates in Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is determined by specific identification for new and used truck and construction equipment inventory and by the first-in, first-out method for tires, parts and accessories. An allowance is provided when it is anticipated that cost will exceed net realizable value.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the useful life of the improvement, or the term of the lease, whichever is shorter. Provision for depreciation of property and equipment is calculated primarily on a straight-line basis. The Company capitalizes interest on borrowings during the active construction period of major capital projects. Capitalized interest, when incurred, is added to the cost of underlying assets and is amortized over the estimated useful life of such assets. The Company did not incur any capitalized interest related to major capital projects in the periods presented. The cost, accumulated depreciation and amortization and estimated useful lives are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

2006

 

2005

 

Estimated Life
(Years)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

$

36,117

 

$

23,744

 

 

Buildings and improvements

 

72,328

 

62,362

 

31 - 39

 

Leasehold improvements

 

13,590

 

10,512

 

2 - 35

 

Machinery and shop equipment

 

25,748

 

22,765

 

5 - 15

 

Furniture, fixtures and computers

 

25,033

 

23,459

 

3 - 7

 

Transportation equipment

 

27,352

 

24,159

 

2 - 15

 

Leasing vehicles

 

154,416

 

98,962

 

2 - 8

 

Construction in progress

 

4,813

 

895

 

 

 

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(80,707

)

(70,697

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

278,690

 

$

196,161

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2006, the Company had $17.1 million (net of accumulated depreciation of $3.8 million) in leasing vehicles under various capital leases included in property and equipment.  The charge to income resulting from amortization of these assets recorded under capital leases is included with depreciation expense.

Allowance for Doubtful Receivables and Repossession Losses

The Company provides an allowance for doubtful receivables and repossession losses after considering historical loss experience and other factors that might affect the collection of accounts receivable and the ability of customers to meet their obligations on finance contracts sold by the Company.

44




Goodwill

Goodwill related to acquisitions was approximately $117.1 million as of December 31, 2006 and $100.7 million as of December 31, 2005.  Goodwill increased $16.3 million in 2006 and $57.1 million in 2005.  Accumulated amortization of goodwill was approximately $3.8 million at December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005.

Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired.  The Company applies the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS 142”), in our accounting for goodwill.  SFAS 142 requires that goodwill and other intangible assets that have indefinite lives not be amortized but instead be tested at least annually by reporting unit for impairment, or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.  For indefinite lived intangible assets, impairment is tested by comparing the carrying value of the asset to the fair value of the reporting unit to which they are assigned.  Goodwill was tested for impairment at December 31, 2006 and no impairment write down was required.  However, the Company is exposed to the possibility that changes in market conditions could result in significant impairment charges in the future, thus resulting in a potential increase in earnings volatility.

Other Assets

Other assets include the long-term portion of notes receivable of $1.3 million at December 31, 2006 and $1.6 million at December 31, 2005. The Company recognizes interest income on notes receivable monthly as earned.  Accumulated amortization of other assets was approximately $0.8 million at December 31, 2006 and $0.7 million at December 31, 2005.  The Company annually assesses the appropriateness of the asset valuations of other assets and the related amortization period as applicable.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS 109”). SFAS 109 requires recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in a company’s financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using currently enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse.

Revenue Recognition Policies

Income on the sale of a vehicle or a piece of construction equipment (each a “unit”) is recognized when the seller and customer execute a purchase contract, delivery has occurred and there are no significant uncertainties related to financing or collectibility. Finance income related to the sale of a unit is recognized over the period of the respective finance contract, based on the effective interest rate method, if the finance contract is retained by the Company. During 2004, 2005 and 2006, no finance contracts were retained for any significant length of time by the Company but were generally sold, with limited recourse, to certain finance companies concurrent with the sale of the related unit. Gain or loss is recognized by the Company upon the sale of such finance contracts to the finance companies, net of a provision for estimated repossession losses and early repayment penalties. Lease and rental income is recognized over the period of the related lease or rental agreement. Parts and services revenue is earned at the time the Company sells the parts to its customers or at the time the Company completes the service work order related to service provided to the customer’s unit. Payments received on prepaid maintenance plans are deferred as a component of accrued expenses and recognized as income when the maintenance is performed.

Cost of Sales

For the Company’s new and used truck and construction equipment operations and its parts operations, cost of sales consists primarily of the Company’s actual purchase price, less manufacturer’s incentives, for new and used trucks and construction equipment and parts. The Company is subject to a chargeback of

45




manufacturer incentives for trucks that are not sold to the customer for which they were ordered.  The Company records a liability for potential chargebacks of manufacturer incentives in its financial statements.  For the Company’s service and body shop operations, technician labor cost is the primary component of cost of sales. For the Company’s rental and leasing operations, cost of sales consists primarily of depreciation, rent and interest expense on the lease and rental fleet owned and leased by the Company, and the maintenance cost of the lease and rental fleet. There are no costs of sales associated with the Company’s finance and insurance revenue or other revenue.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of incentive-based compensation for sales, finance and general management personnel, salaries for administrative personnel and expenses for rent, marketing, insurance, utilities, shipping and handling costs and other general operating purposes.

Stock Based Compensation

On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” (“SFAS 123(R)”) which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors including grants of stock options and employee stock purchases under the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan based on estimated fair values. SFAS 123(R) supersedes the Company’s previous accounting under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”) for periods beginning in 2006.  In March 2005, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 (“SAB 107”) relating to SFAS 123(R).

The Company adopted SFAS 123(R) using the modified prospective transition method, which requires the application of the accounting standard as of January 1, 2006.  The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2006 reflect the impact of SFAS 123(R).  In accordance with the modified prospective transition method, the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for prior periods have not been restated to reflect, and do not include, the impact of SFAS 123(R).  As a result of adopting SFAS 123(R), the Company’s income before income taxes is $2.6 million lower for the year ended December 31, 2006 and net income is $1.7 million lower for the year ended December 31, 2006, than if it had continued to account for share-based compensation under APB 25.  Basic and diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2006 are each $0.7 lower than if the Company had continued to account for share-based compensation under APB 25.

SFAS 123(R) requires companies to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model.  The fair value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations.  Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), the Company accounted for stock-based awards to employees and directors using the intrinsic value method in accordance with APB 25 as allowed under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS 123”).  Under the intrinsic value method, no stock-based compensation expense had been recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations because the exercise price of the Company’s stock options granted to employees and directors equaled the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant.

Stock-based compensation expense recognized during the year ended December 31, 2006 is based on the fair value of the portion of share-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest during the period.  Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2006 included compensation expense for share-based payment awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of December 31, 2005, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the pro forma provisions of SFAS 123 and compensation expense for the share-based payment awards granted subsequent to December 31, 2005 based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123(R).  In conjunction with the adoption of SFAS 123(R), compensation expense for all share-based payment awards is recognized using the straight-line

46




single-option method.  As stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2006 is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures.  SFAS 123(R) requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.  In the Company’s pro forma information required under SFAS 123 for the periods prior to 2006, the Company accounted for forfeitures as they occurred.

Upon adoption of SFAS 123(R), the Company continues to use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model which was previously used for the Company’s pro forma information required under SFAS 123. For additional information, see Note 13. The Company’s determination of fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables.  These variables include, but are not limited to, the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and projected stock option exercise behaviors.  Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable.  Because the Company’s stock options have certain characteristics that are significantly different from traded options, and because changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimated value, in management’s opinion, the existing valuation models may not provide an accurate measure of the fair value of the Company’s stock options.  Although the fair value of stock options is determined in accordance with SFAS 123(R) using an option-pricing model, that value may not be indicative of the fair value observed in a market transaction between a willing buyer and a willing seller.

The following table reflects the weighted-average fair value of stock options granted during each period using the Black-Scholes option valuation model with the following weighted-average assumptions used:

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

Expected stock volatility

 

25.5%-32.2%

 

22.5%-34.5%

 

29.9%-49.9%

 

Weighted-average stock volatility

 

26.86%

 

31.89%

 

44.49%

 

Expected dividend yield

 

0.0%

 

0.0%

 

0.0%

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

4.69%

 

4.03%

 

3.21%

 

Expected life (years)

 

5.0 - 7.0

 

7.0

 

7.0

 

Weighted-average fair value of stock options granted

 

$7.42

 

$6.53

 

$6.01

 

 

The Company computes its historical stock price volatility in accordance with SFAS 123(R).   The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.  The dividend yield assumption is based on the Company’s history and expectation of dividend payouts.  The expected life of stock options represents the weighted-average period the stock options are expected to remain outstanding.

Prior to January 1, 2006, as permitted by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS 123”),  the Company measured compensation costs for employee stock compensation plans using the intrinsic value method of accounting prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”). Because the Company elected to continue to follow APB 25, SFAS 123 required disclosure of pro forma net income and earnings per share as if the new fair value accounting method were adopted.

If the Company had adopted the fair value accounting method under SFAS 123, the Company’s income from continuing operations, net income and earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below for the years ended December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

47




 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations as reported for the prior period (1)

 

$

44,625

 

$

17,176

 

Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options and employee stock purchases

 

1,737

 

1,632

 

Tax benefit

 

684

 

653

 

Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options and employee stock purchases, net of tax

 

1,053

 

979

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro forma income from continuing operations, including the effect of stock-based compensation expense

 

$

43,572

 

$

16,197

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share — as reported for the prior period (1)

 

$

1.84

 

$

1.10

 

Pro forma basic earnings per share, including the effect of stock-based compensation expense

 

1.80

 

1.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share — as reported for the prior period (1)

 

$

1.79

 

$

1.03

 

Pro forma diluted earnings per share, including the effect of stock-based compensation expense

 

1.75

 

0.98

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

Net income as reported for the prior period (1)

 

$

44,625

 

$

16,916

 

Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options and employee stock purchases

 

1,737

 

1,632

 

Tax benefit

 

684

 

653

 

Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options and employee stock purchases, net of tax

 

1,053

 

979

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro forma net income, including the effect of stock-based compensation expense

 

$

43,572

 

$

15,937

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share — as reported for the prior period (1)

 

$

1.84

 

$

1.08

 

Pro forma basic earnings per share, including the effect of stock-based compensation expense

 

1.80

 

1.02

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share — as reported for the prior period (1)

 

$

1.79

 

$

1.02

 

Pro forma diluted earnings per share, including the effect of stock-based compensation expense

 

1.75

 

0.96

 


(1)Net income and net income per share prior to 2006 did not include stock-based compensation expense for stock options and  employee stock purchases under SFAS 123(R) because the Company did not adopt the recognition provisions of SFAS 123(R).

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.  Advertising and marketing expense related to operations was $3.1 million for 2006, $2.5 million for 2005 and $1.5 million for 2004. Advertising and marketing expense is included in selling, general and administrative expense.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents generally consist of cash and other money market instruments. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of ninety days or less to be cash equivalents.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (‘‘FASB’’) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, ‘‘Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109’’ (‘‘FIN 48’’). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, ‘‘Accounting for Income Taxes.’’ FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. The Company is required to adopt the provisions of FIN 48 during the first fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company does not expect that the adoption of FIN 48 will have a significant impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial position.

48




In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurement” (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The standard applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value, but does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted.  The Company does not expect that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have a significant impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial position.

In June 2006, the FASB ratified EITF Issue No. 06-3, “How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (That Is, Gross versus Net Presentation)” (“EITF 06-3”). EITF 06-3 is applicable for any tax assessed by a governmental authority that is both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer, and may include, but is not limited to, sales, use, value added, and some excise taxes. EITF 06-3 requires companies to disclose whether they present such taxes on a gross basis (included in revenues and costs) or a net basis. In addition, for any such taxes that are reported on a gross basis, companies are required to disclose the amounts of those taxes in interim and annual financial statements for each period for which an income statement is presented if those amounts are significant.  The Company is required to adopt the provisions of EITF Issue No. 06-3 during the first fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company does not expect that the adoption of EITF Issue No. 06-3 will have a significant impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial position.

3.               DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:

On November 12, 2002 the Company decided to discontinue its Retail segment, which operated three farm and ranch retail stores in Seguin, Hockley and Denton, Texas. The Company decided that the Retail segment did not fit into its long-term plans of growing its core heavy-duty truck and construction equipment businesses. The Denton store was closed in December 2002; the Hockley store began liquidating inventory during November 2002 and completed the liquidation on March 9, 2003. The Company sold the Seguin store and the Hockley real estate in the fourth quarter of 2004. As a result of these actions, the Retail segment will no longer be reported as a separate business segment.

The results of operations of these businesses have been classified as discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated statements of income for all periods presented.  Net sales and income (loss) before income taxes related to the discontinued businesses were as follows (in thousands):

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

Retail Segment Stores (D&D)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

 

$

 

$

 

$

11,746

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Results of operations from discontinued operations

 

 

 

209

 

Charges related to discontinued operations

 

 

 

(58

)

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

 

 

151

 

Income tax (expense)

 

 

 

(411

)

Net (loss) from discontinued operations

 

$

 

$

 

$

(260

)

 

There was no activity related to these discontinued operations in 2006 and 2005.

49




4.       SUPPLIER AND CUSTOMER CONCENTRATION:

Major Suppliers and Dealership Agreements

The Company has entered into dealership agreements with various companies (“Manufacturers”). These agreements are nonexclusive agreements that allow the Company to stock, sell at retail and service trucks, equipment and products of the Manufacturers in the Company’s defined market. The agreements allow the Company to use the Manufacturers’ names, trade symbols and intellectual property and expire as follows:

Distributor

 

Expiration Dates

Peterbilt

 

January 2008 through January 2010

Volvo

 

August 2010

General Motors Corporation

 

October 2010

Isuzu

 

Indefinite

Hino

 

June 2007 through December 2008

UD

 

September 2008 through indefinite

Ford

 

Indefinite

John Deere

 

Indefinite

 

These agreements, as well as agreements with various other Manufacturers, impose a number of restrictions and obligations on the Company, including restrictions on a change in control of the Company and the maintenance of certain required levels of working capital. Violation of these restrictions could result in the loss of the Company’s right to purchase the Manufacturers’ products and use the Manufacturers’ trademarks.

The Company purchases its new Peterbilt vehicles and most of its parts from PACCAR, the maker of Peterbilt trucks and parts, at prevailing prices charged to all franchised dealers.  Sales of new Peterbilt trucks accounted for 90% of the Company’s new vehicle sales for the year ended December 31, 2006 and 93% of the Company’s new vehicle sales for the year ended December 31, 2005.

The Company purchases most of its new construction equipment and parts from John Deere at prevailing prices charged to all franchised dealers. Sales of new John Deere equipment accounted for 91% of the Company’s new equipment sales for the year ended December 31, 2006, 92% of the Company’s new equipment sales for the year ended December 31, 2005 and 94% of the Company’s new equipment sales for the year ended December 31, 2004.

Primary Lenders

The Company purchases its new and used truck and construction equipment inventories with the assistance of floor plan financing programs offered by various financial institutions and John Deere.  The floor plan agreement with one of the financial institutions used for construction equipment purchases expires in January 2008. Additional floor plan financing is provided by John Deere pursuant to the Company’s equipment dealership agreement. These agreements provide that the occurrence of certain events will be considered events of default. There were no known events of default as of December 31, 2006. In the event that the Company’s financing becomes insufficient, or its relationship with the current primary lenders terminates, the Company would need to obtain similar financing from other sources. Management believes it can obtain additional floor plan financing or alternative financing if necessary.

The Company’s debt agreements include certain restrictive covenants. The Company was in compliance with these and all debt covenants as of December 31, 2006.

Concentrations of Credit Risks

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company places its cash and

50




cash equivalents with what it considers to be quality financial institutions.  As of December 31, 2006, the Company had deposits in excess of federal insurance protection totaling approximately $185.0 million.

The Company controls credit risk through credit approvals and by selling a majority of its trade receivables without recourse.  Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are reduced because a large number of geographically diverse customers make up the Company’s customer base, thus spreading the trade credit risk. A majority of the Company’s business, however, is concentrated in the United States medium-duty and heavy-duty trucking and construction equipment markets and related aftermarkets. The Company controls credit risk through credit approvals and by selling certain trade receivables without recourse. After the Company enters into a finance contract, the Company generally sells the contracts to a third party. These finance contracts are sold both with and without recourse. A majority of the Company’s finance contracts are sold without recourse. The Company provides an allowance for doubtful receivables and a reserve for repossession losses related to finance contracts sold.  Historically, the Company’s allowance and reserve have covered future losses.

5.       ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE:

The Company’s accounts receivable, net, consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade accounts receivable from sale of vehicles and construction equipment

 

$

52,157

 

$

46,293

 

Other trade receivables

 

5,874

 

4,184

 

Warranty claims

 

5,677

 

3,745

 

Other accounts receivable

 

11,202

 

9,524

 

Less allowance for warranty receivable

 

(469

)

(273

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

74,441

 

$

63,473

 

 

6.       INVENTORIES:

The Company’s inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New vehicles

 

$

362,881

 

$

242,469

 

Used vehicles

 

33,979

 

21,010

 

New construction equipment

 

11,584

 

12,919

 

Used construction equipment

 

807

 

587

 

Parts and accessories

 

74,832

 

59,339

 

Other

 

3,652

 

3,486

 

Less allowance

 

(3,039

)

(1,598

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

484,696

 

$

338,212

 

 

51




7.       VALUATION ACCOUNTS:

Valuation and allowance accounts include the following (in thousands):

 

 

Balance
Beginning
of Year

 

Net
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses

 

Acquisitions

 

Net Write-Offs

 

Balance
End
of Year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reserve for warranty receivable

 

273

 

676

 

 

 

(480

)

469

 

Reserve for parts inventory

 

1,448

 

2,183

 

710

 

(2,315

)

2,025

 

Reserve for truck inventory

 

150

 

3,223

 

 

 

(2,359

)

1,014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reserve for warranty receivable

 

350

 

147

 

 

 

(224

)

273

 

Reserve for parts inventory

 

1,126

 

1,201

 

234

 

(1,113

)

1,448

 

Reserve for truck inventory

 

350

 

150

 

 

 

(350

)

150

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reserve for warranty receivable

 

450

 

569

 

 

 

(669

)

350

 

Reserve for parts inventory

 

415

 

1,029

 

 

 

(318

)

1,126

 

Reserve for truck inventory

 

608

 

(194

)

 

 

(64

)

350

 

 

Allowance for Doubtful Receivables

The Company provides an allowance for uncollectible warranty receivables. The Company evaluates the collectibility of its warranty claims receivable based on a combination of factors, including aging and correspondence with the applicable manufacturer. Management reviews the warranty claims receivable aging and adjusts the allowance based on historical experience. The Company records charge-offs related to warranty receivables on an as-needed basis.  The Company sells a majority of its customer accounts receivable to a third party that is responsible for qualifying the customer for credit at the point of sale. All credit risk is assumed by the third party; therefore, the Company provides no allowance for customer accounts receivable.

Inventory

The Company provides a reserve for obsolete and slow moving parts. The reserve is reviewed and, if necessary, adjustments are made on a quarterly basis. The Company relies on historical information to support its reserve. Once the inventory is written down, the Company does not adjust the reserve balance until the inventory is sold.

The valuation for new and used truck inventory is based on specific identification. A detail of new and used truck inventory is reviewed and, if necessary, adjustments to the value of specific units are made on a quarterly basis.

8.       FLOOR PLAN NOTES PAYABLE AND LINES OF CREDIT:

Floor Plan Notes Payable

Floor plan notes are financing agreements to facilitate the Company’s purchase of new and used trucks and construction equipment. These notes are collateralized by the inventory purchased and accounts receivable arising from the sale thereof. The Company’s floor plan notes have interest rates based on the prime rate or LIBOR, as defined in the agreements. The interest rates applicable to these agreements ranged from approximately 7.03% to 9.75% as of December 31, 2006. Amounts borrowed under these agreements are due when the related truck or construction equipment inventory (collateral) is sold and the sales proceeds

52




are collected by the Company, or in the case of construction equipment rentals, when the carrying value of the equipment is reduced. These agreements may be modified, suspended or terminated by the lender as described in Note 4.

The Company finances substantially all of the purchase price of its new truck inventory, and the loan value of its used truck inventory under a floor plan financing agreement with GE Capital, under which GE Capital pays the manufacturer directly with respect to new trucks. The Company’s floor plan agreement with GE Capital expires in September 2008.  On December 31, 2006, the Company had approximately $434.0 million outstanding under its floor plan financing agreement with GE Capital.

The Company’s floor plan agreement with CitiCapital is based on the book value of the Company’s construction equipment inventory. As of December 31, 2006, the aggregate amount of borrowing capacity with this lender was $13.5 million, with approximately $11.2 million outstanding. Additional amounts are available under the Company’s John Deere dealership agreement. At December 31, 2006, approximately $1.2 million was outstanding pursuant to the John Deere dealership agreement.

Assets pledged as collateral as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Inventories, new and used trucks and construction equipment at cost based on specific identification

 

$

409,251

 

$

276,985

 

Truck and construction equipment sale related accounts receivable

 

52,157

 

46,293

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

461,408

 

$

323,278

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floor plan notes payable

 

$

446,354

 

$

315,985

 

Accounts payable — truck manufacturer

 

7,579

 

 

Total borrowings related to truck and construction equipment

 

$

453,933

 

$

315,985

 

 

Lines of Credit

The Company may request working capital advances in the minimum amount of $100,000 from GE Capital, its primary truck lender.  However, such working capital advances may not cause the total indebtedness owed GE Capital to exceed an amount equal to the wholesale advances made against the then current inventory less any payment reductions owed to GE Capital.  There were no working capital advances outstanding under this agreement at December 31, 2006.  The Company has a secured line of credit that provides for a maximum borrowing of $8.0 million.  There were no advances outstanding under this secured line of credit at December 31, 2006, however, $6.3 million was pledged to secure various letters of credit related to self-insurance products, leaving $1.7 million available for future borrowings as of December 31, 2006.

53




 

9.       LONG-TERM DEBT:

Long-term debt was comprised of the following (in thousands):

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variable interest rate term notes

 

$

 

$

12,375

 

Fixed interest rate term notes

 

192,124

 

120,777

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total debt

 

192,124

 

133,152

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less- current maturities

 

(25,999

)

(18,807

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

166,125

 

$

114,345

 

 

As of December 31, 2006, debt maturities were as follows (in thousands):

 

2007

 

$

25,999

 

2008

 

31,952

 

2009

 

33,502

 

2010

 

46,544

 

2011

 

37,168

 

Thereafter

 

16,959

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

192,124

 

 

The Company did not have any variable interest rate term notes as of December 31, 2006.

The Company’s fixed interest rate notes are primarily with financial institutions and had interest rates that range from approximately 4.01% to 9.68% on December 31, 2006. Payments on the notes range from $219 to $76,196 per month, plus interest.  Maturities of these notes range from January 2007 to January 2016.

The proceeds from the issuance of the notes were used primarily to acquire land, buildings and improvements, transportation equipment and leasing vehicles.  The notes are secured by the assets acquired with the proceeds of such notes.

10.     DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument held by the Company:

Current assets and current liabilities — The carrying value approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these items.

Long-term debt — The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is based on secondary market indicators.  Since the Company’s debt is not quoted, estimates are based on each obligation’s characteristics, including remaining maturities, interest rate, credit rating, collateral, amortization schedule and liquidity.  The carrying amount approximates fair value.

11.     DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN:

The Company has a defined contribution plan (the “Rush Plan”), which is available to all Company employees and the employees of certain affiliates. Each employee who has completed 90 days of continuous service is entitled to enter the Rush Plan on the first day of the following month. Participating employees may contribute from 1% to 50% of total gross compensation. However, certain higher paid

54




employees are limited to a maximum contribution of 15% of total gross compensation. For the first 10% of an employee’s contribution, the Company, at its discretion, may contribute an amount equal to 25% of the employees’ contributions for those employees with less than five years of service and an amount equal to 50% of the employees’ contributions for those employees with more than five years of service. The Company incurred expenses related to the Rush Plan of approximately $3.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2006, $2.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2005, and $1.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2004.

The Company currently does not provide any postretirement benefits nor does it provide any post employment benefits.

12.     LEASES:

Vehicle Leases

The Company leases vehicles primarily over periods ranging from one to ten years under operating lease and capital lease arrangements. These vehicles are subleased by the Company to customers under various agreements. Future minimum sublease rentals to be received by the Company under non-cancelable subleases for operating leases are $21.3 million and for capital leases are $16.0 million.  Generally, the Company is required to incur all operating costs and pay a minimum rental and an excess mileage charge based on maximum mileage over the term of the lease.  The Company guarantees the residual value of vehicles under operating lease and capital lease arrangements.  At December 31, 2006, the Company guaranteed vehicle residual values of $6.7 million under operating lease arrangements and $6.1 million under capital lease arrangements.  Historically, the Company purchases these vehicles at the end of the lease term and recognizes a gain on the sale of the vehicle.  The residual values are not reflected in the future minimum lease payments for operating leases.  Vehicle lease expenses were approximately $4.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, $5.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, and $6.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2004.

Future minimum lease payments under capital and non-cancelable vehicle leases as of December 31, 2006, are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Capital
Leases

 

Operating
Leases

 

2007

 

$

4,268

 

$

4,417

 

2008

 

4,380

 

3,800

 

2009

 

4,054

 

2,896

 

2010

 

2,980

 

1,999

 

2011

 

3,899

 

1,273

 

Thereafter

 

2,125

 

1,336

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total minimum lease payments

 

$

21,706

 

$

15,721

 

Less amount representing interest

 

(3,974

)

 

 

Present value of net minimum capital lease payments

 

17,732

 

 

 

Less current portion

 

(2,933

)

 

 

Obligations under capital leases less current portion

 

$

14,799

 

 

 

 

Customer Vehicle Leases

A division of the Company leases both owned and leased vehicles to customers primarily over periods of two to eight years under operating lease arrangements. These leases require a minimum rental payment and a contingent rental payment based on mileage. Rental income during the year ended December 31, 2006 consisted of minimum rental

55




payments of approximately $24.7 million and contingent rental payments of $4.1 million.  Rental income during the year ended December 31, 2005 consisted of minimum rental payments of approximately $20.6 million and contingent rentals payments of approximately $3.5 million.  Rental income during the year ended December 31, 2004 consisted of minimum rental payments of approximately $15.4 million and contingent rental payments of $2.9 million.   Minimum lease payments to be received for non-cancelable leases and subleases in effect at December 31, 2006, are as follows (in thousands):

 

2007

 

$

30,135

 

2008

 

27,651

 

2009

 

24,071

 

2010

 

18,628

 

2011

 

11,328

 

Thereafter

 

7,214

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

119,027

 

 

As of December 31, 2006, the Company had $125.6 million (net of accumulated depreciation of $28.9 million) of lease vehicles included in property and equipment.  As of December 31, 2005, the Company had $75.8 million (net of accumulated depreciation of $23.2 million) of lease vehicles included in property and equipment.

Other Leases - Land and Buildings

The Company leases various assets under operating leases with expiration dates ranging from March 2007 through December 2026.  Monthly rental payments range from approximately $802 per month to $36,048 per month.  Rental expense was $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, and $2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2004.  Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable leases at December 31, 2006, are as follows (in thousands):

 

2007

 

$

3,832

 

2008

 

3,423

 

2009

 

2,910

 

2010

 

2,606

 

2011

 

2,273

 

Thereafter

 

10,061

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

25,105

 

 

13.     STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK PLANS:

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Company has implemented an Employee Stock Purchase Plan that allows eligible employees to contribute up to 10% of their base earnings toward the semi-annual purchase of the Company’s Class A Common Stock. The employee’s purchase price is 85% of the lesser of the closing price of the Class A Common Stock on the first business day or the last business day of the semi-annual offering period, as reported by The Nasdaq National Market®. Employees may purchase shares having a fair market value of up to $25,000 (measured as of the first day of each semi-annual offering period) for each calendar year.  Under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, 600,000 shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock have been reserved for issuance.  During the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company issued 38,031 shares under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.  During the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company issued 29,926 shares under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.  Of the 2,912 employees eligible to participate, 231 were participants in the plan as of December 31, 2006.

56




Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan

The Board of Directors and shareholders adopted the Rush Enterprises, Inc. 2006 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (the “Director Plan”), reserving 1,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock for issuance upon exercise of any awards granted under the Plan. This Director Plan replaced the Company’s Amended and Restated 1997 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (the “1997 Director Plan”) effective May 17, 2006.  The Director Plan is designed to attract and retain highly qualified non-employee directors.  Each non-employee director receives options to purchase 20,000 shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock upon their respective date of appointment and each year on the date that they are elected or reelected by the shareholders to serve on the Board of Directors.  Each option has a ten year term from the grant date and vests immediately.  During each of the years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, the Company granted 80,000 options of Class A Common Stock under the 1997 Director Plan.

Employee Stock Option Plans

In April 1996, the Board of Directors and shareholders adopted the Rush Enterprises, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”). The Incentive Plan provides for the grant of stock options (which may be nonqualified stock options or incentive stock options for tax purposes), stock appreciation rights issued independent of or in tandem with such options (“SARs”), restricted stock awards and performance awards.

The aggregate number of shares of common stock subject to stock options or SARs that may be granted to any one participant in any year under the Incentive Plan is 100,000 shares of Class A Common Stock and 100,000 shares of Class B Common Stock.  Each option has a ten year term from the grant date and vests in three equal annual installments beginning on the third anniversary of the grant date.  The Company has 2,600,000 shares of Class A Common Stock and 1,400,000 shares of Class B Common Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of any awards granted under the Company’s Incentive Plan.  During the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company granted 319,125 options under the Incentive Plan.  During the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company granted 288,325 options under the Incentive Plan.

Valuation and Expense Information under SFAS 123(R)

On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS 123(R), which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to the Company’s employees and directors including stock options and employee stock purchases related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan based on estimated fair values.  Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options and employee stock purchases under SFAS 123(R) for the year ended December 31, 2006 was $2.6 million.  There was no stock-based compensation expense related to stock options and employee stock purchases recognized during the years ended December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004.

Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), the Company presented all tax benefits of deductions resulting from the exercise of stock options as operating cash flows in the Statement of Cash Flows.  SFAS 123(R) requires the cash flows resulting from the tax benefits resulting from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for those options (excess tax benefits) to be classified as financing cash flows.  For the year ended December 31, 2006, the $2.3 million excess tax benefit classified as a financing cash inflow would have been classified as an operating cash inflow if the Company had not adopted SFAS 123(R).  Cash received from options exercised and shares purchased under all share-based payment arrangements for the year ended December 31, 2006 was $2.2 million.

57




A summary of the Company’s stock option activity and related information for the year ended December 31, 2006 follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

Remaining

 

Aggregate

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise

 

Contractual

 

Intrinsic

 

Options

 

Shares

 

Price

 

Life (in Years)

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at January 1, 2006

 

1,719,820

 

$

7.48

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

399,125

 

19.20

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(437,850

)

3.99

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

(38,850

)

11.19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2006

 

1,642,245

 

$

11.18

 

7.3

 

$

9,619,494

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2006

 

406,688

 

$

9.20

 

6.7

 

$

3,083,143

 


The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding table represents the total pretax intrinsic value, based on an average of the closing price as of December 31, 2006 of the Company’s Class A and Class B Common Stock of $16.35.  The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $6.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2006, $8.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2005 and $8.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2004.

A summary of the status of the Company’s non-vested shares as of December 31, 2006 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2006 follows:

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

Grant Date

 

Non-vested Shares

 

Shares

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-vested at January 1, 2006

 

1,365,950

 

$

4.05

 

Granted

 

399,125

 

7.42

 

Vested

 

(490,668

)

3.19

 

Forfeited

 

(38,850

)

5.38

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-vested at December 31, 2006

 

1,235,557

 

$

5.44

 

 

As of December 31, 2006, there was $3.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Incentive Plan.  That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.2 years.  The total fair value of options vested was $1.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2006, $1.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2005, and $1.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2004.

58




14.     EARNINGS PER SHARE:

Earnings per share for all periods reflects the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, “Earnings Per Share” (“SFAS 128”), which established standards for computing and presenting earnings per share (“EPS”) for entities with publicly held common stock or potential common stock. This statement requires dual presentation of basic and diluted EPS on the face of the income statement for all entities with complex capital structures. Basic EPS were computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS differs from basic EPS due to the assumed conversions of potentially dilutive options and warrants that were outstanding during the period. The Company’s Class A and Class B Common Stock have equal claims on earnings of the Company.  The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and the denominators of the basic and diluted per share computations for net income.

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Numerator-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income available to common shareholders

 

$

58,786,000

 

$

44,625,000

 

$

16,916,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator for basic earnings per share, weighted average shares

 

24,983,617

 

24,202,008

 

15,683,763

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of dilutive securities-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options

 

275,936

 

754,565

 

923,406

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator for diluted earnings per share, adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions

 

25,259,553

 

24,956,573

 

16,607,169

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per common share

 

$

2.35

 

$

1.84

 

$

1.08

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share and common share equivalents

 

$

2.33

 

$

1.79

 

$

1.02

 

 

Options to purchase shares of common stock that were outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise prices were greater than the average market prices of the common shares are as follows:

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options

 

393,925

 

288,325

 

10,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total anti-dilutive securities

 

393,925

 

288,325

 

10,000

 

 

 

59




 

15.     INCOME TAXES:

Provision for Income Taxes

The tax provisions are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current provision-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

26,189

 

$

23,349

 

$

6,805

 

State

 

2,469

 

1,878

 

864

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28,658

 

25,227

 

7,669

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred provision-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

6,173

 

950

 

3,911

 

State

 

441

 

336

 

405

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,614

 

1,286

 

4,316

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

$

35,272

 

$

26,513

 

$

11,985

 

 

The following summarizes the tax effect of significant cumulative temporary differences that are included in the net deferred income tax liability (in thousands):

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Differences in depreciation and amortization

 

$

39,626

 

$

28,199

 

Deferred tax asset related to state net operating loss carry forwards (net of a valuation allowance of $468,000 at December 31, 2006 and $541,000 at December 31, 2005)

 

(25

)

(81

)

Deferred tax asset related to capital lease obligations, non-current

 

(4,987

)

(4,742

)

Deferred tax asset related to capital lease obligations, current

 

(1,662

)

(1,581

)

Deferred tax asset related to stock options, non-current

 

(759

)

 

Deferred tax asset related to stock options, current

 

(190

)

 

Accruals and reserves not deducted for tax purposes until paid

 

(5,603

)

(2,194

)

Other, net

 

(40

)

(118

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

26,360

 

$

19,483

 

 

The Company’s various state net operating loss carry forwards expire from 2007 through 2020.

A reconciliation of taxes based on the federal statutory rates and the provisions for income taxes are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes at the federal statutory rate

 

$

32,920

 

$

24,898

 

$

10,116

 

State income taxes, net of federal benefit

 

1,995

 

1,439

 

891

 

Tax effect of permanent differences

 

17

 

(77

)

454

 

State tax valuation allowance

 

(73

)

50

 

491

 

Other, net

 

413

 

203

 

33

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

$

35,272

 

$

26,513

 

$

11,985

 

 

60




Following is a summary of the Company’s income tax provision (in thousands):

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense on continuing operations

 

$

35,272

 

$

26,513

 

$

11,574

 

Income tax expense from discontinued operations

 

 

 

411

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

$

35,272

 

$

26,513

 

$

11,985

 

 

As of December 31, 2006, the Company had provided for tax contingencies of approximately $1.4 million.

16.     COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

The Company is contingently liable to finance companies for certain notes initiated on behalf of such finance companies related to the sale of trucks and construction equipment.  The majority of finance contracts are sold without recourse against the Company. A majority of the Company’s liability related to finance contracts sold with recourse is generally limited to 5% to 20% of the outstanding amount of each note initiated on behalf of the finance company. However, in 2003 the Company instituted a finance program that accepts 100% liability, with some restrictions, for the outstanding amount of each note initiated on behalf of the finance company.  In order for a contract to be accepted into this finance program, a customer must meet strict credit requirements or maintain a significant equity position in the truck being financed; consequently, less than 1% of the Company’s portfolio balance related to finance contracts sold by the Company are under this 100% liability finance program and the Company does not expect to finance a significant percentage of its truck sales under this 100% liability finance program in the future. The Company provides for an allowance for repossession losses and early repayment penalties that it may be liable for under finance contracts sold without recourse.

The Company is involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes it is unlikely that the final outcome of any of the claims or proceedings to which the Company is a party would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations; however, due to the inherent uncertainty of litigation, there can be no assurance that the resolution of any particular claim or proceeding would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations for the fiscal period in which such resolution occurred.

The Company signed an agreement with Titan Technology Partners to implement SAP enterprise software and a new SAP dealership management system.  The cost of the SAP software and implementation is estimated at $10.0 million.

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17.     ACQUISITIONS:

In November 2006, the Company acquired Fouts Bros. UD-GMC, Inc., a GMC, UD, Hino and Isuzu medium-duty truck dealer in Smyrna, Georgia.  The Company is operating the facility as a full-service Rush Medium Duty Truck Center offering medium-duty GMC, UD, Hino and Isuzu trucks, parts, and service. The transaction was valued at approximately $9.2 million, with the purchase price paid in cash.

The Fouts Bros. UD-GMC, Inc. acquisition was accounted for as a purchase; operations of the business acquired are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition.  Pro forma information is not included because Fouts Bros. UD-GMC, Inc.’s results of operations would not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.  The purchase price was allocated based on the fair values of the assets and liabilities at the date of acquisition as follows (in thousands):

 

Cash

 

$

959

 

Inventories

 

10,813

 

Accounts receivable

 

839

 

Property and equipment

 

2,973

 

Prepaid and other assets

 

19

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

(734

)

Floor plan notes payable

 

(10,366

)

Notes payable

 

(858

)

Goodwill

 

5,594

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

$

9,239

 

 

Approximately $5.1 million of the goodwill acquired in the Fouts Bros. UD-GMC, Inc. acquisition will be amortized over 15 years for tax purposes.

In September 2006, the Company purchased certain assets of Mountain State Ford Truck Sales, Inc. which consisted of a Ford and Isuzu truck dealership in Denver, Colorado.  The Company is operating the facility as a full-service Rush Medium-Duty Truck Center offering medium-duty trucks, parts and service.  The transaction was valued at approximately $5.3 million, with the purchase price paid in cash.

The Mountain State Ford Truck Sales, Inc. acquisition was accounted for as a purchase; operations of the business acquired are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition.  Pro forma information is not included because Mountain State Ford Truck Sales, Inc.’s results of operations would not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.  The purchase price was allocated based on the fair values of the assets at the date of acquisition as follows (in thousands):

 

Inventories

 

$

4,051

 

Property and equipment

 

160

 

Accrued expenses

 

(140

)

Goodwill

 

1,257

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

$

5,328

 

 

All of the goodwill acquired in the Mountain State Ford Truck Sales, Inc. acquisition will be amortized over 15 years for tax purposes.

In March 2006, the Company purchased certain assets of Great Southern Peterbilt, Inc., which consisted of a Peterbilt and Hino truck dealership in Jacksonville, Florida.  The Company is operating the facility as a full-service Rush Truck Center offering heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks, parts and service.  The transaction was valued at approximately $22.0 million, with the purchase price paid in cash.

62




The Great Southern Peterbilt, Inc. acquisition was accounted for as a purchase; operations of the business acquired are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition.  Pro forma information is not included because Great Southern Peterbilt’s results of operations would not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.  The purchase price was allocated based on the fair values of the assets at the date of acquisition as follows (in thousands):

 

Inventories

 

$

10,525

 

Property and equipment

 

2,475

 

Accrued expenses

 

(18

)

Goodwill

 

9,001

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

21,983

 

 

All of the goodwill acquired in the Great Southern Peterbilt, Inc. acquisition will be amortized over 15 years for tax purposes.

In October 2005, the Company purchased certain assets of TEC of California, Inc., which consisted of GMC, Isuzu and Hino medium-duty franchises.  The newly acquired lines were added to its existing medium-duty truck store in Fontana, California.  The transaction was valued at approximately $3.4 million, with the purchase price paid in cash.

The TEC of California, Inc. acquisition was accounted for as a purchase; operations of the business acquired are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition. The purchase price was allocated based on the fair values of the assets at the date of acquisition as follows (in thousands):

 

Inventories

 

$

1,847

 

Property and equipment

 

11

 

Accrued expenses

 

(9

)

Goodwill

 

1,517

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

3,366

 

 

All of the goodwill acquired in the TEC of California, Inc. acquisition will be amortized over 15 years for tax purposes.

In September 2005, the Company purchased certain assets of Barrett Trucks, LLC, which consisted of a GMC and Isuzu medium-duty dealership in Texarkana, Texas.  The Company added Peterbilt trucks to the dealership and is operating the facility as a full-service Rush Truck Center offering heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks, parts and service.  The transaction was valued at approximately $626,000, with the purchase price paid in cash.

The Barrett Trucks LLC acquisition was accounted for as a purchase; operations of the business acquired are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition. The purchase price was allocated based on the fair values of the assets at the date of acquisition as follows (in thousands):

 

Inventories

 

$

375

 

Property and equipment

 

42

 

Accrued expenses

 

(16

)

Goodwill

 

225

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

626

 

 

All of the goodwill acquired in the Barrett Trucks LLC acquisition will be amortized over 15 years for tax purposes.

63




In September 2005, the Company purchased certain assets of Hayes Leasing Company, Inc., which consisted of GMC and UD medium-duty franchises.  The newly acquired lines were added to its existing medium-duty truck store in Dallas, Texas.  The transaction was valued at approximately $3.4 million, with the purchase price paid in cash.

The Hayes Leasing Company, Inc. acquisition was accounted for as a purchase; operations of the business acquired are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition. The purchase price was allocated based on the fair values of the assets at the date of acquisition as follows (in thousands):

 

Inventories

 

$

2,058

 

Property and equipment

 

31

 

Prepaid expenses

 

13

 

Goodwill

 

1,260

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

3,362

 

 

All of the goodwill acquired in the Hayes Leasing Company, Inc. acquisition will be amortized over 15 years for tax purposes.

In July 2005, the Company purchased certain assets of Fountain Motor Co., Inc., which consisted of a GMC and Isuzu medium-duty dealership in Orlando, Florida.  The Company added Peterbilt trucks and UD products to the new dealership and is operating the facility as a full-service Rush Truck Center offering heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks, parts and service.  The transaction was valued at approximately $2.8 million, with the purchase price paid in cash.

The Fountain Motor Co., Inc. acquisition was accounted for as a purchase; operations of the business acquired are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition. The purchase price was allocated based on the fair values of the assets at the date of acquisition as follows (in thousands):

 

Inventories

 

$

1,341

 

Property and equipment

 

20

 

Other assets

 

2

 

Accrued expenses

 

(24

)

Goodwill

 

1,455

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

2,794

 

 

All of the goodwill acquired in the Fountain Motor Co., Inc. acquisition will be amortized over 15 years for tax purposes.

In January 2005, the Company acquired certain assets of ATS, including its Peterbilt truck dealerships in Texas and Tennessee, for a total purchase price of $132.4 million. The acquisition provides the Company with rights to sell Peterbilt trucks and parts at new locations in Dallas, Fort Worth, Abilene and Tyler, Texas and Nashville, Tennessee. The transaction was financed with cash of $77.8 million, expansion of the Company’s existing floor plan agreement for truck inventory of $34.6 million, and the issuance of debt of approximately $20.0 million to finance the purchase of real estate and certain vehicles used in ATS’s leasing operations.  Of the $77.8 million paid in cash, $21.9 million was for the purchase of a note receivable from the selling shareholders of ATS. This $21.9 million was immediately repaid by the selling shareholders at closing, resulting in net cash used in the acquisition of $55.9 million.

64




The ATS acquisition was accounted for as a purchase.  The purchase price was allocated based on the fair values of the assets at the date of acquisition as follows (in thousands):

 

Inventories

 

$

38,664

 

Notes & leases receivable

 

23,211

 

Other assets

 

104

 

Property and equipment, net

 

20,790

 

Accrued expenses

 

(3,070

)

Goodwill

 

52,667

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

132,366

 

 

The goodwill acquired in the ATS acquisition is included in the “other assets” line item of the Rush Enterprises, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheet for the period ended December 31, 2005 and the period ended December 31, 2006.  All of the goodwill acquired in the ATS acquisition will be amortized over 15 years for tax purposes.

The following unaudited pro forma summary presents information as if the ATS acquisition had taken place at the beginning of 2004.  The pro forma information is provided for informational purposes only. It is based on historical information and does not necessarily reflect the actual results that would have occurred nor is it necessarily indicative of future results of operations of the Company. The following summary is for the year ended December 31, 2004 (unaudited) (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

1,438,609

 

Income from continuing operations after pro forma provision for income taxes

 

$

24,571

 

Basic income from continuing operations per share

 

$

1.04

 

Diluted income from continuing operations per share

 

$

1.01

 

 

 

65




18.     UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA:

(In thousands, except per share amounts.)

 

 

First

 

Second

 

Third

 

Fourth

 

 

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

497,885

 

$

569,187

 

$

651,321

 

$

632,130

 

Gross Profit

 

81,600

 

87,915

 

93,083

 

90,069

 

Operating income from continuing operations

 

22,036

 

27,288

 

30,589

 

29,809

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

18,523

 

23,787

 

26,261

 

25,487

 

Income from continuing operations

 

11,577

 

14,868

 

16,412

 

15,929

 

Net income

 

$

11,577

 

$

14,868

 

$

16,412

 

$

15,929

 

Earning per share: Basic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

0.47

 

$

0.59

 

$

0.65

 

$

0.63

 

Net income

 

$

0.47

 

$

0.59

 

$

0.65

 

$

0.63

 

Earning per share: Diluted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

0.46

 

$

0.59

 

$

0.65

 

$

0.63

 

Net income

 

$

0.46

 

$

0.59

 

$

0.65

 

$

0.63

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

402,043

 

$

461,817

 

$

485,427

 

$

515,483

 

Gross Profit

 

60,947

 

71,750

 

76,359

 

73,636

 

Operating income from continuing operations

 

14,926

 

21,462

 

23,897

 

23,253

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

12,495

 

18,267

 

20,635

 

19,741

 

Income from continuing operations

 

7,684

 

11,235

 

13,154

 

12,552

 

Net income

 

$

7,684

 

$

11,235

 

$

13,154

 

$

12,552

 

Earning per share: Basic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

0.32

 

$

0.47

 

$

0.54

 

$

0.51

 

Net income

 

$

0.32

 

$

0.47

 

$

0.54

 

$

0.51

 

Earning per share: Diluted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

0.31

 

$

0.45

 

$

0.53

 

$

0.50

 

Net income

 

$

0.31

 

$

0.45

 

$

0.53

 

$

0.50

 

 

19.     SEGMENTS:

The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” (“SFAS 131”). This statement requires that public business enterprises report certain information about operating segments in complete sets of financial statements of the enterprise and in condensed financial statements of interim periods issued to shareholders. It also requires that public business enterprises report certain information about their products and services, the geographic areas in which they operate, and their major customers.

As previously mentioned, in November 2002 the Company announced its decision to discontinue its D&D operations. In connection with this decision, financial information related to D&D in 2004 is no longer presented as a separate operating segment.  Since the disposal of D&D was completed in 2004, there is no related financial activity in 2005 and 2006.

The Company currently has two reportable business segments: the Truck segment and the Construction Equipment segment. The truck segment operates a regional network of truck centers that provide an integrated one-stop source for the trucking needs of its customers, including retail sales of new and used

66




heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks; aftermarket parts, service and body shop facilities; and a wide array of financial services, including the financing of new and used truck purchases, insurance products and truck leasing and rentals. The Construction Equipment segment operates a full-service John Deere dealership that serves the Houston, Texas area. Dealership operations include the retail sale of new and used construction equipment, aftermarket parts and service facilities, equipment rentals, and the financing of new and used construction equipment.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The Company evaluates performance based on income before income taxes not including extraordinary items.

The Company accounts for intersegment sales and transfers as if the sales or transfers were to third parties, that is, at current market prices. There were no material intersegment sales during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004.

The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services. They are managed separately because each business unit requires different technology and marketing strategies. Business units were maintained through expansion and acquisitions. The following table contains summarized information about reportable segment profit or loss and segment assets for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

Construction

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Truck

 

Equipment

 

All

 

 

 

 

 

Segment

 

Segment

 

Other

 

Totals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

2,254,123

 

$

77,816

 

$

18,584

 

$

2,350,523

 

Interest income

 

2,162

 

 

 

2,162

 

Interest expense

 

16,697

 

830

 

353

 

17,880

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

12,056

 

367

 

466

 

12,889

 

Segment income from continuing operations before income tax

 

86,116

 

5,624

 

2,318

 

94,058

 

Segment assets

 

1,084,343

 

22,914

 

21,153

 

1,128,410

 

Goodwill

 

112,535

 

4,075

 

461

 

117,071

 

Expenditures for segment assets

 

109,938

 

443

 

5,724

 

116,105

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

1,795,441

 

$

57,731

 

$

11,598

 

$

1,864,770

 

Interest income

 

2,508

 

 

 

2,508

 

Interest expense

 

14,640

 

586

 

177

 

15,403

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

9,894

 

291

 

302

 

10,487

 

Segment income from continuing operations before income tax

 

64,921

 

4,566

 

1,651

 

71,138

 

Segment assets

 

801,917

 

24,080

 

14,237

 

840,234

 

Goodwill

 

96,539

 

4,075

 

111

 

100,725

 

Expenditures for segment assets

 

64,592

 

392

 

817

 

65,801

 

 

67




 

 

 

 

 

Construction

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Truck

 

Equipment

 

All

 

 

 

 

 

Segment

 

Segment

 

Other

 

Totals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

1,040,648

 

$

46,154

 

$

8,177

 

$

1,094,979

 

Interest income

 

782

 

 

 

782

 

Interest expense

 

6,164

 

407

 

161

 

6,732

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

8,507

 

311

 

301

 

9,119

 

Segment income from continuing operations before income tax

 

26,606

 

2,094

 

50

 

28,750

 

Segment assets

 

534,504

 

18,863

 

12,138

 

565,505

 

Goodwill

 

39,406

 

4,075

 

111

 

43,592

 

Expenditures for segment assets

 

52,784

 

153

 

1,003

 

53,940

 

 

Revenues from segments below the quantitative thresholds are attributable to three operating segments of the Company. Those segments include a tire company, an insurance company and a hunting lease operation. None of those segments has ever met any of the quantitative thresholds for determining reportable segments.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

There were no changes or disagreements on any matters of accounting principles or financial statement disclosure between the Company and its independent auditors during the two most recent fiscal years or any subsequent interim period.

Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

In accordance with Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2006 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2006 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.  The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

68




As of December 31, 2006, management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting established in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework,” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission. Based on the assessment, management determined that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on those criteria.

Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated financial statements of the Company included in this annual report on Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006. The report, which expresses unqualified opinions on management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, is included in this Item 9A under the heading “Attestation Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”

Attestation Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Report of Ernst & Young LLP

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Rush Enterprises, Inc.

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that Rush Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Rush Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries’ management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

69




In our opinion, management’s assessment that Rush Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the COSO criteria.  Also, in our opinion, Rush Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006 of Rush Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries and our report dated March 12, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

GRAPHIC

San Antonio, Texas
March 12, 2007

Item 9B.  Other Information

None.

70




 

PART III

Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

The information called for by Item 10 of Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference to such information included in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Code of Ethics

We maintain a code of ethics applicable to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, and other persons performing similar functions. To view this code of ethics free of charge, please visit our website at www.rushenterprises.com (This website address is not intended to function as a hyperlink, and the information contained in our website is not intended to be a part of this filing). We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirements under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of this code of ethics, if any, by posting such information on our website as set forth above.

Item 11.  Executive Compensation

The information called for by Item 11 of Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference to such information included in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters

The information called for by Item 12 of Form 10-K, other than the equity compensation plan information set forth below, is incorporated herein by reference to such information included in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

Class A Common Stock:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of securities remaining

 

 

 

Number of securities to be

 

 

 

available for issuance under equity

 

 

 

issued upon exercise of

 

Weighted-average exercise

 

compensation plans as of

 

 

 

outstanding options as of 

 

price of outstanding options

 

December 31, 2006 (excluding

 

 

 

December 31, 2006

 

as of December 31, 2006

 

securities reflected in column (a))

 

Plan Category

 

(a)

 

(b)

 

(c)

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

 

1,376,724

 

$

12.43

 

1,570,994

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (1)

 

 

 

 

Total

 

1,376,724

 

$

12.43

 

1,570,994

 


(1)             Includes one time options granted to certain employees and directors outside any Company plan.

71




Class B Common Stock:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of securities remaining

 

 

 

Number of securities to be

 

 

 

available for issuance under

 

 

 

issued upon exercise of

 

Weighted-average exercise

 

equity compensation plans as of

 

 

 

outstanding options as of

 

price of outstanding options

 

December 31, 2006 (excluding

 

 

 

December 31, 2006

 

as of December 31, 2006

 

securities reflected in column (a))

 

Plan Category

 

(a)

 

(b)

 

(c)

 

Equity compensation plans approvedby security holders

 

245,521

 

$

4.87

 

361,594

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (1)

 

20,000

 

2.06

 

 

Total

 

265,521

 

$

4.66

 

361,594

 


(1)             Includes one time options granted to certain employees and directors outside any Company plan.

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

The information called for by Item 13 of Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference to such information included in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information called for by Item 14 of Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference to such information included in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

72




PART IV

Item 15.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)(1) Financial Statements

Included in Item 8 of Part II of this annual report on Form 10-K are the following: Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm; Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2005 and 2006; Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006; Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006; Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006; and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules

These schedules are omitted as the required information is inapplicable or the information is presented in the consolidated financial statements or related notes.

 

73




(a)(3) Exhibits

Index to Exhibits:

Exhibit
No.

 

Identification of Exhibit

 

 

 

2.1

 

Asset Purchase Agreement between Rush Enterprises, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, American Truck Source, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, John D. Moore, Jesse T. Kirk and Milo Kirk (incorporated by reference herein from Exhibit 2.1 the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-20797) dated September 16, 2004)

 

 

 

2.2

 

First Amendment to the Asset Purchase Agreement between Rush Enterprises, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, American Truck Source, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, John D. Moore, Jesse T. Kirk and Milo Kirk (incorporated by reference herein from Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-20797) dated November 9, 2004)

 

 

 

2.3

 

Second Amendment to the Asset Purchase Agreement between Rush Enterprises, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, American Truck Source, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, John D. Moore, Jesse T. Kirk and Milo Kirk (incorporated by reference herein from Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-20797) dated December 3, 2004)

 

 

 

3.1

 

Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-20797) for the year ended December 31, 2004)

 

 

 

3.2

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-20797) dated May 16, 2006)

 

 

 

4.1

 

Specimen of certificate representing Old Common Stock (now Class B Common Stock), $.01 par value, of the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Registration Statement No. 333-03346 on Form S-1 filed April 10, 1996)

 

 

 

4.2

 

Specimen of certificate representing Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value, of the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed July 9, 2002)

 

 

 

10.1

 

Right of First Refusal dated April 1, 1996 between Peterbilt Motors Company and W. Marvin Rush (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.76 of the Company’s Registration Statement No. 333-03346 on Form S-1 filed April 10, 1996)

 

 

 

10.2

 

Right of First Refusal dated April 1, 1996 between Peterbilt Motors Company and Barbara Rush (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.77 of the Company’s Registration Statement No. 333-03346 on Form S-1 filed April 10, 1996)

 

 

 

10.3

 

Right of First Refusal dated April 1, 1996 between Peterbilt Motors Company and W.M. “Rusty” Rush (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.78 of the Company’s Registration Statement No. 333-03346 on Form S-1 filed April 10, 1996)

 

 

 

10.4

 

Right of First Refusal dated April 1, 1996 between Peterbilt Motors Company and Robin Rush (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.79 of the Company’s Registration Statement No. 333-03346 on Form S-1 filed April 10, 1996)

 

 

 

10.5+

 

Form of Indemnity Agreement between Rush Enterprises, Inc. and the members of its Board of Directors (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.80 of the Company’s Registration Statement No. 333-03346 on Form S-1 filed April 10, 1996).

 

 

 

10.6+

 

Form of Employment Agreement between W. Marvin Rush and W.M. “Rusty” Rush (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.81 of the Company’s Registration Statement No. 333-03346 on Form S-1 filed April 10, 1996)

 

74




 

10.7+

 

Form of Employment Agreement between Rush Enterprises, Inc., and certain of its Vice Presidents (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.82 of the Company’s Registration Statement No. 333-03346 on Form S-1 filed April 10, 1996)

 

 

 

10.8+

 

Tax Indemnification Agreement between Rush Enterprises, Inc., Associated Acceptance, Inc. and W. Marvin Rush (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.83 of the Company’s Registration Statement No. 333-03346 on Form S-1 filed April 10, 1996)

 

 

 

10.9+

 

Rush Enterprises, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Registration Statement No. 333-117305 on Form S-8 filed July 12, 2004)

 

 

 

10.10+

 

Form of Rush Enterprises, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan Stock Option Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.85 of the Company’s Registration Statement No. 333-03346 on Form S-1 filed April 10, 1996)

 

 

 

10.11+

 

Rush Enterprises, Inc. Amended and Restated 1997 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan, as amended (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Company’s Registration Statement No. 333-117305 on Form S-8 filed July 12, 2004)

 

 

 

10.12+

 

Form of Rush Enterprises, Inc. 1997 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Company’s Registration Statement No. 333-117305 on Form S-8 filed July 12, 2004)

 

 

 

10.13+

 

Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement between Rush Enterprises, Inc. and J.M. Lowe, Jr. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of the Company’s Registration Statement No. 333-117305 on Form S-8 filed July 12, 2004)

 

 

 

10.14+

 

Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement between Rush Enterprises, Inc. and Ronald J. Krause, John D. Rock and Harold D. Marshall (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Registration Statement No. 333-121355 on Form S-8 filed December 17, 2004)

 

 

 

10.15+

 

The Rush Enterprises, Inc. 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Registration Statement No. 333-121355 on Form S-8 filed December 17, 2004)

 

 

 

10.16

 

Form of dealer agreement between Peterbilt Motors Company and Rush Truck Centers (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of the Company’s Form 10-K (File No. 000-20797) for the year ended December 31, 1999)

 

 

 

10.17

 

Wholesale Security Agreement, dated September 20, 2005, by and among General Electric Capital Corporation and Rush Truck Centers of Alabama, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of Arizona, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of California, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of Colorado, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of Florida, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of New Mexico, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of Oklahoma, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of Tennessee, Inc., and Rush Truck Centers of Texas, L.P. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-20797) filed September 23, 2005).

 

 

 

10.18

 

Addendum to Wholesale Security Agreement, dated September 20, 2005, by and among General Electric Capital Corporation and Rush Truck Centers of Alabama, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of Arizona, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of California, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of Colorado, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of Florida, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of New Mexico, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of Oklahoma, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of Tennessee, Inc., and Rush Truck Centers of Texas, L.P. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-20797) filed September 23, 2005).

 

75




 

10.19

 

Agreement Amending the Wholesale Security Agreement and Conditionally the Sale of Collateral on a Delayed Payment Privilege Basis, dated September 20, 2005, by and among General Electric Capital Corporation and Rush Truck Centers of Alabama, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of Arizona, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of California, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of Colorado, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of Florida, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of New Mexico, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of Oklahoma, Inc., Rush Truck Centers of Tennessee, Inc., and Rush Truck Centers of Texas, L.P. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-20797) filed September 23, 2005).

 

 

 

10.20

 

Continuing Guaranty, dated September 20, 2005, by and among General Electric Capital Corporation and Rush Enterprises, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-20797) filed September 23, 2005).

 

 

 

10.21

 

Amendment to Continuing Guaranty, dated March 6, 2006, by and between General Electric Capital Corporation and Rush Enterprises, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 0-20797) filed April 28, 2006).

 

 

 

10.22

 

Amended and Restated Amendment to Dealer Sales and Service Agreements, dated June 15, 2006, by and among Peterbilt Motors Company, a division of PACCAR, Inc., Rush Enterprises, Inc. and the subsidiaries of Rush Enterprises, Inc. set forth therein (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K (File No. 000-20797) filed June 16, 2006).

 

 

 

10.23

 

Second Amendment to Addendum to Wholesale Security Agreement, dated January 22, 2007, by and between General Electric Capital Corporation and Rush Enterprises, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 0-20797) filed January 23, 2007).

 

 

 

10.24

 

Form of Rush Enterprises, Inc. 2006 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Company’s Registration Statement No. 333-138556 on Form S-8 filed November 9, 2006)

 

 

 

21.1*

 

Subsidiaries of the Company

 

 

 

23.1*

 

Consent of Ernst & Young LLP

 

 

 

31.1*

 

Certification of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

31.2*

 

Certification of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

32.1*++

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

32.2*++

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


*              Filed herewith.

+              Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

++                                  This exhibit shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

76




SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

    /s/ W. M.”RUSTY” RUSH

 

Date: March 15, 2007

 

 

W. M. “Rusty” Rush

 

 

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities on the dates indicated:

Signature

 

Capacity

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ W. MARVIN RUSH

 

Chairman of the Board and Director

 

March 15, 2007

W. Marvin Rush

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ W. M. “RUSTY” RUSH

 

President and Chief Executive Officer,

 

March 15, 2007

W. M. “Rusty” Rush

 

Director (Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ MARTIN A. NAEGELIN, JR.

 

Senior Vice President and

 

March 15, 2007

Martin A. Naegelin, Jr.

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

(Principal Financial Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ THOMAS A. AKIN

 

Director

 

March 15, 2007

Thomas A. Akin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ RONALD J. KRAUSE

 

Director

 

March 15, 2007

Ronald J. Krause

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ HAROLD D. MARSHALL

 

Director

 

March 15, 2007

Harold D. Marshall

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ JOHN D. ROCK

 

Director

 

March 15, 2007

John D. Rock

 

 

 

 

 

77



EXHIBIT 21.1

SUBSIDIARIES OF THE COMPANY


Name

 

State of Incorporation

 


Names Under Which SubsidiaryDoes Business

Rush Truck Centers of Alabama, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

Rush Truck Center, Mobile

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Mobile

Rush Truck Centers of Arizona, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

Rush Truck Center, Phoenix

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Phoenix

Rush Truck Center, Chandler

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Chandler

Rush Truck Center, Flagstaff

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Flagstaff

Rush Truck Center, Tucson

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Tucson

Rush Truck Centers of California, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

Complete Rush Truck Centers

Rush Isuzu Trucks, Fontana

Rush Medium Duty Truck Center, Fontana

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Pico Rivera

Rush Truck Center, Pico Rivera

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Fontana

Rush Peterbilt Medium Duty Truck Center, Fontana

Rush Truck Center, Fontana

Rush Truck Center, Sylmar

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Sylmar

Rush Truck Center, Escondido

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Escondido

Rush Truck Center, El Centro

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, El Centro

Rush Truck Center, San Diego

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, San Diego

Rush Medium Duty Truck Centers of Colorado, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

Rush Medium Duty Truck Center, Denver

Rush Medium Duty Ford Trucks, Denver

Rush Isuzu Trucks, Denver

Rush Truck Centers of Colorado, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

Rush Truck Centers, Inc.

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Denver

Rush Truck Center, Denver

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Greeley

Rush Truck Center, Greeley

Rush Truck Centers of Florida, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

Rush Isuzu Trucks, Orlando

Rush Isuzu Trucks, Winter Garden

Rush Truck Center, Orlando

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center

Rush Truck Center, Winter Garden

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Winter Garden

Rush Truck Center, Haines City

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Haines City

Rush Truck Center, Tampa

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Tampa

Rush Truck Center, Jacksonville

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Jacksonville

Rush Truck Centers of Georgia, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

Rush Medium Duty Truck Center, Atlanta

Rush Isuzu Trucks, Atlanta

Rush Truck Centers of New Mexico, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

Rush Truck Center, Albuquerque

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Albuquerque

Rush Truck Center, Las Cruces

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Las Cruces

 




 

Rush Truck Centers of Oklahoma, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Ardmore

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Oklahoma City

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Tulsa

Rush Truck Center, Ardmore

Rush Truck Center, Oklahoma City

Rush Truck Center, Tulsa

Rush Volvo Truck Center, Oklahoma City

Rush Volvo Truck Center, Tulsa

Rush Used Truck Center, Tulsa

Rush Truck Rigging

Perfection Equipment

Perfection Truck Parts & Equipment, Oklahoma City

Perfection Truck Parts & Equipment, Tulsa

Translease

Oklahoma Trucks, Inc.

Tulsa Trucks, Inc.

Rush Truck Centers of Tennessee, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

Rush Truck Center, Nashville

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Nashville

Rush Truck Centers of Texas, L.P.

 

Texas

 

Houston Peterbilt, Inc.

Laredo Peterbilt, Inc.

Lufkin Peterbilt, Inc.

Rush GMC Truck Center of El Paso, Inc.

Rush Isuzu Trucks, Austin

Rush Isuzu Trucks, Texarkana

Rush Isuzu Trucks, Waco

Rush Medium Duty Truck Center, Dallas

Rush Medium Duty Truck Center, Waco

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Abilene

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Alice

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Austin

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Dallas

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, El Paso

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Fort Worth

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Houston

ush Peterbilt Truck Center, Laredo

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Lufkin

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Pharr

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, San Antonio

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Sealy

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Texarkana

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Tyler

Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, Waco

Rush Truck Center

Rush Truck Center, Abilene

Rush Truck Center, Alice

Rush Truck Center, Austin

Rush Truck Center, Dallas

Rush Truck Center, El Paso

Rush Truck Center, Fort Worth

Rush Truck Center, Houston

Rush Truck Center, Laredo

Rush Truck Center, Lufkin Rush Truck Center, Pharr

Rush Truck Center, San Antonio

 




 

 

 

 

 

Rush Truck Center, Sealy

Rush Truck Center, Texarkana

Rush Truck Center, Tyler

Rush Used Truck Center, Austin

Rush Crane and Refuse Systems International

San Antonio Peterbilt, Inc.

San Antonio Peterbilt-GMC Truck, Inc.

Translease

World Wide Tires

Rig Tough, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

None

Rush Truck Center of Albuquerque, Inc.

 

New Mexico

 

None

Rush GMC Truck Center of El Paso, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

None

Rush GMC Truck Center of Phoenix, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

None

Rush GMC Truck Center of San Diego, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

None

Rush GMC Truck Center of Tucson, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

None

Rush Accessories Corporation

 

Delaware

 

Chrome Country, Inc.

Rush Truck Leasing, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

Rush Crane Systems

Rush Equipment Centers of Texas, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

Rush Equipment Center, Houston

Rush Equipment Rental Center, San Antonio

Rushtex, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

None

Rushco, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

None

Rush Administrative Services, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

None

Rush Real Estate Holdings, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

None

International General Agency

 

Texas

 

None

Los Cuernos, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

Los Cuernos Ranch

AiRush, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

None

Rush Retail Centers, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

None

 

 



EXHIBIT 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Forms S-8 No. 333-138556; No. 333-138557; No. 333-07043; No. 333-70451; No. 333-117305; No. 333-121355) of our reports dated March 12, 2007, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Rush Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries, Rush Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Rush Enterprises, Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2006.

/s/  Ernst & Young LLP

San Antonio, Texas

March 12, 2007

 



EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, W. M. “Rusty” Rush, certify that:

1.             I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Rush Enterprises, Inc.;

2.             Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.             Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.             The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)             designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)            designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)             evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)            disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.             The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)             all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)            any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 15, 2007

By:

/S/ W. M. “RUSTY” RUSH

 

 

 

W. M. “RUSTY” Rush

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 



EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Martin A. Naegelin, Jr., certify that:

1.             I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Rush Enterprises, Inc.;

2.             Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.             Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.             The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)             designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)            designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)             evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)            disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.             The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)             all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)            any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 15, 2007

 

By: /S/ MARTIN A. NAEGELIN, JR.

.

 

Martin A. Naegelin, Jr

 

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 



 

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with this annual report of Rush Enterprises, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, W. M. “Rusty” Rush, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1.             The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.             The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

By:       /S/ W. M. “RUSTY” RUSH 

Name:  W. M. “Rusty” Rush

Title:    President and Chief Executive Officer

Date:    March 15, 2007

 



 

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with this annual report of Rush Enterprises, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Martin A. Naegelin, Jr., Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1.             The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.             The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

By:      /S/ MARTIN A. NAEGELIN, JR           

Name:  Martin A. Naegeli

Title:   Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Date:   March 15, 2007