Rush Enterprises (RUSHA) 10-Q2020 Q1 Quarterly report

RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Amounts)

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

RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)

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

RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

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

RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

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

RUSH ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1 – Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The interim consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Rush Enterprises, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Company”), without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). All adjustments have been made to the accompanying interim consolidated financial statements, which, in the opinion of the Company’s management, are necessary for a fair presentation of its operating results. All adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. It is recommended that these interim consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any other interim periods or the full fiscal year.

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (“Topic 326”): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” was issued in June 2016. Under Topic 326, existing guidance on reporting credit losses for trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, and other instruments have been replaced with a new forward-looking "expected loss" model that has resulted in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. Under Topic 326, the Company is required to use a current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model that immediately recognizes an estimate of credit losses that are expected to occur over the life of the financial instruments that are in the scope of the update. The CECL model uses a broader range of reasonable and supportable information in the development of credit loss estimates. The Company adopted Topic 326 during the quarter ended March 31, 2020, and the new standard did not result in a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. For a complete discussion of accounting for credit losses, see Note 13 – Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

COVID-19 Risks and Uncertainties

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the disease caused by the novel strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) a global pandemic, and the President of the United States declared the COVID-19 outbreak a national emergency. The Company’s nationwide network of commercial vehicle dealerships are classified as “essential businesses” and have remained operational across the Company’s dealership network. The Company is monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic, and although operations were not materially affected as of the quarter ended March 31, 2020, the Company is unable to predict the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on its future business and operating results due to numerous uncertainties, including the duration and severity of the outbreak.

2 – Other Assets

ERP Platform

The total capitalized costs of the Company’s SAP enterprise resource planning software platform (“the ERP Platform”) of $8.4 million are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet in Other Assets. Amortization expense relating to the ERP Platform, which is recognized in depreciation and amortization expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, was $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The Company estimates that amortization expense relating to the ERP Platform will be approximately $1.5 million for the next year and $1.2 million for each of the next four years.

Franchise Rights

The Company’s only significant identifiable intangible assets, other than goodwill, are rights under franchise agreements with manufacturers. The fair value of the franchise right is determined at the acquisition date by discounting the projected cash flows specific to each acquisition. The carrying value of the Company’s manufacturer franchise rights was $7.0 million as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and is included in Other Assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company has determined that manufacturer franchise rights have an indefinite life, as there are no economic or other factors that limit their useful lives and they are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely due to the historically long lives of the manufacturers’ brand names. Furthermore, to the extent that any agreements evidencing manufacturer franchise rights have expiration dates, the Company expects that it will be able to renew those agreements in the ordinary course of business. Accordingly, the Company does not amortize manufacturer franchise rights.

Due to the fact that manufacturer franchise rights are specific to geographic region, the Company has determined that evaluating and including all locations acquired in the geographic region is the appropriate level for purposes of testing franchise rights for impairment. Management reviews indefinite-lived manufacturer franchise rights for impairment annually during the fourth quarter, or more often if events or circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred. The Company is subject to financial statement risk to the extent that manufacturer franchise rights become impaired due to decreases in the fair market value of its individual franchises.

The significant estimates and assumptions used by management in assessing the recoverability of manufacturer franchise rights include estimated future cash flows, present value discount rate and other factors. Any changes in these estimates or assumptions could result in an impairment charge. The estimates of future cash flows, based on reasonable and supportable assumptions and projections, require management’s subjective judgment. Depending on the assumptions and estimates used, the estimated future cash flows projected in the evaluations of manufacturer franchise rights can vary within a range of outcomes.

NaN impairment write down was required in the period presented. The Company cannot predict the occurrence of certain events that might adversely affect the reported value of manufacturer franchise rights in the future.

Equity Method Investment and Call Option

On February 25, 2019, the Company acquired 50% of the equity interest in Rush Truck Centres of Canada Limited (“RTC Canada”), which acquired the operating assets of Tallman Group, the largest International Truck dealer in Canada. The Company was also granted a call option in the purchase agreement that provides the Company with the right to acquire the remaining 50% equity interest in RTC Canada until the close of business on February 25, 2024. The value of the Company’s call option was $3.6 million as of March 31, 2020, and is reported in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

On April 25, 2019, the Company entered into a Guaranty Agreement (“Guaranty”) with Bank of Montreal (“BMO”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to guaranty up to CAD250 million (the “Guaranty Cap”) of certain credit facilities entered into by and between Tallman Truck Centre Limited (“TTCL”) and BMO. The Company owned a 50% equity interest in TTCL, which was the sole owner of RTC Canada. Later in 2019, RTC Canada and TTCL were amalgamated into RTC Canada. Interest, fees and expenses incurred by BMO to enforce its rights with respect to the guaranteed obligations and its rights against the Company under the Guaranty are not subject to the Guaranty Cap. In exchange for the Guaranty, RTC Canada is receiving a reduced rate of interest on its credit facilities with BMO. The Guaranty was valued at $4.7 million as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and is included in the investment in RTC Canada. As of March 31, 2020, the Company’s investment in RTC Canada is $24.4 million. The Company’s equity income in RTC Canada is included in Other income on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

3 – Goodwill

The Company applies a fair value-based impairment test to the carrying value of goodwill on an annual basis in the fourth quarter, and if certain events or circumstances indicate that an impairment loss may have been incurred, on an interim basis. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company quantitatively assessed whether it was more likely than not that goodwill was impaired as of March 31, 2020. The Company reviewed its previous estimates and assumptions based on its current projections that are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including estimated revenues, expenses and cash flows, in addition to the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the Company’s interim impairment assessment as of March 31, 2020, it has determined that its goodwill is not impaired. However, the Company is unable to predict how long its business will be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, what additional measures may be introduced by governments or what effect any such additional measures may have on its business.

4 – Commitments and Contingencies

From time to time, the Company is involved in litigation arising out of its operations in the ordinary course of business. The Company maintains liability insurance, including product liability coverage, in amounts deemed adequate by management. To date, aggregate costs to the Company 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 or results of operations. The Company believes that there are no claims or litigation pending, the outcome of which could have a material adverse effect on its 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 financial condition or results of operations for the fiscal period in which such resolution occurred.

5 – Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):

Options to purchase shares of common stock that were outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive are as follows (in thousands):

6 – Stock Options and Restricted Stock Awards

Valuation and Expense Information

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718-10, “Compensation – Stock Compensation,” which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to our employees and directors, including employee stock options, restricted stock unit awards, restricted stock awards and employee stock purchases related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan based on estimated fair values.

Stock-based compensation expense, calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model for employee stock options and included in selling, general and administrative expense, was $8.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, and $8.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019.

As of March 31, 2020, the Company had $11.0 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested employee stock options to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.5 years and $13.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock units and restricted stock awards to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.

7 – Financial Instruments and Fair Value

The Company measures certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis. Financial instruments consist primarily of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and floor plan notes payable. The carrying values of the Company’s financial instruments approximate fair value due either to their short-term nature or existence of variable interest rates, which approximate market rates. Certain methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair value of financial instruments at March 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019. The carrying value of current assets and current liabilities approximates the fair value due to the short maturity of these items.

The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is based on secondary market indicators. Because the Company’s debt is not quoted, estimates are based on each obligation’s characteristics, including remaining maturities, interest rate, credit rating, collateral and liquidity. Accordingly, the Company concluded that the valuation measurement inputs of its long-term debt represent, at its lowest level, current market interest rates available to the Company for similar debt and the Company’s current credit standing. The carrying amount of such debt approximates fair value.

8 – Segment Information

The Company currently has one reportable business segment - the Truck Segment. The Truck Segment includes the Company’s operation of a nationwide network of commercial vehicle dealerships that provide an integrated one-stop source for the commercial vehicle needs of its customers, including retail sales of new and used commercial vehicles; aftermarket parts, service and collision center facilities; and financial services, including the financing of new and used commercial vehicle purchases, insurance products and truck leasing and rentals. The commercial vehicle dealerships are deemed a single reporting unit because they have similar economic characteristics. The Company’s chief operating decision maker considers the entire Truck Segment, not individual dealerships or departments within its dealerships, when making decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assessing its performance.

The Company also has revenues attributable to three other operating segments. These segments include a retail tire company, an insurance agency and a guest ranch operation and are included in the All Other column below. None of these segments has ever met any of the quantitative thresholds for determining reportable segments.

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 following table contains summarized information about reportable segment revenues, segment income or loss from continuing operations and segment assets for the periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):

9 – Income Taxes

The Company had unrecognized income tax benefits totaling $3.0 million as a component of accrued liabilities as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the total of which, if recognized, would impact the Company’s effective tax rate. An unfavorable settlement may require a charge to income tax expense and a favorable resolution would be recognized as a reduction to income tax expense. The Company recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. The Company had approximately $144,000 accrued for the payment of interest as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. NaN amounts were accrued for penalties.

The Company does not anticipate a significant change in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits in the next 12 months. As of March 31, 2020, the tax years ended December 31, 2016 through 2019 remained subject to audit by federal tax authorities, and the tax years ended December 31, 2015 through 2019 remained subject to audit by state tax authorities.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the CARES Act)

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 27, 2020, President Donald Trump signed into law the CARES Act. The Company evaluated the provisions of the CARES Act as of March 31, 2020, with no material effect on the financial statements. Certain tax provisions may result in deferral of payment of certain taxes.

10 – Revenue

The Company’s revenues are primarily generated from the sale of finished products to customers. Those sales predominantly contain a single delivery element and revenue for such sales is recognized when the customer obtains control, which is typically when the finished product is delivered to the customer. The Company’s material revenue streams have been identified as the following: the sale of new and used commercial vehicles, arrangement of associated commercial vehicle financing and insurance contracts, the performance of commercial vehicle repair services and the sale of commercial vehicle parts. Taxes collected from customers relating to product sales and remitted to governmental authorities are excluded from revenues.  

The following table summarizes the Company’s disaggregated revenue by revenue source for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):

All of the Company's performance obligations and associated revenues are generally transferred to customers at a point in time. The Company does not have any material contract assets or contract liabilities on the balance sheet as of March 31, 2020. Revenues related to commercial vehicle sales, parts sales, commercial vehicle repair service, finance and the majority of other revenues are related to the Truck Segment.

11 – Leases

Lease of Vehicles as Lessor 

The Company leases commercial vehicles that the Company owns to customers primarily over periods of one to ten years. The Company does not separate lease and nonlease components. Nonlease components typically consist of maintenance and licensing for the commercial vehicle. The variable nonlease components are generally based on mileage. Some leases contain an option for the lessee to purchase the commercial vehicle.

The Company’s policy is to depreciate its lease and rental fleet using a straight-line method over each 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.

Sales-type leases are recognized by the Company as lease receivables. The lessee obtains control of the underlying asset and the Company recognizes sales revenue upon lease commencement. The receivable for sales-type leases as of March 31, 2020, in the amount of $5.2 million and as of December 31, 2019, in the amount of $5.6 million is reflected in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Rental income during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019 consisted of the following (in thousands):

12 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The following table shows the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss (in thousands):

The equity method investment in RTC Canada was valued using the exchange rate of one US Dollar equals 1.4191 Canadian dollars as of March 31, 2020. The adjustment is reflected in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

13 – Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses

The Company adopted Topic 326 on January 1, 2020. The Company did not recognize an adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings because the new accounting standard did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. The Company establishes an allowance for credit losses to present the net amount of accounts receivable expected to be collected. Under Topic 326, the Company is required to remeasure expected credit losses for financial instruments held on the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable forecasts.

Accounts receivable consists primarily of commercial vehicle sales, manufacturers’ receivables, leasing and parts and service receivables and other trade receivables. The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses based on probability of default, historical rate losses, aging and economic conditions. The Company’s assessment of future losses in the first quarter of 2020 considered the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on forecasted economic trends. The Company writes off account balances when it has exhausted reasonable collection efforts and determined that the likelihood of collection is remote. These write-offs are charged against the allowance for credit losses.

The following table summarizes the changes in the allowance for credit losses (in thousands):

ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Certain statements contained in this Form 10-Q (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 (“SEC”), news releases, conferences, website postings or otherwise) that are not statements of historical fact constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), 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, as well as statements regarding the effects COVID-19 may have on our business and financial results. 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 our 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. Please read Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, as supplemented by Item 1A. Risk Factors within this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for a discussion of certain of those risks. Other unknown or unpredictable factors could also have a material adverse effect on future results. Although the Company believes that its expectations are reasonable as of the date of this Form 10-Q, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The Company does not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements unless securities laws require it to do so, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise.

The following comments should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Note Regarding Trademarks Commonly Used in the Company’s Filings

Peterbilt^® is a registered trademark of Peterbilt Motors Company. PACCAR^® is a registered trademark of PACCAR, Inc. PacLease^® is a registered trademark of PACCAR Leasing Corporation. Navistar^® is a registered trademark of Navistar International Corporation. International^® is a registered trademark of Navistar International Transportation Corp. Idealease is a registered trademark of Idealease, Inc. aka Idealease of North America, Inc. Blue Bird^® is a registered trademark of Blue Bird Investment Corporation. IC Bus^® is a registered trademark of IC Bus, LLC. FUSO^® is a registered trademark of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation. Hino^® is a registered trademark of Hino Motors, Ltd. Isuzu^® is a registered trademark of Isuzu Motors Limited. Ford Motor Credit Company^® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company. Ford^® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company. SAP^® is a registered trademark of SAP Aktiengesellschaft. This report contains additional trade names or trademarks of other companies. Our use of such trade names or trademarks should not imply any endorsement or relationship with such companies.

General

Rush Enterprises, Inc. was incorporated in Texas in 1965 and consists of one reportable segment, the Truck Segment, and conducts business through its subsidiaries. Our principal offices are located at 555 IH 35 South, Suite 500, New Braunfels, Texas 78130.

We are a full-service, integrated retailer of commercial vehicles and related services. The Truck Segment includes the Company’s operation of a network of commercial vehicle dealerships under the name “Rush Truck Centers.” Rush Truck Centers primarily sell commercial vehicles manufactured by Peterbilt, International, Hino, Ford, Isuzu, FUSO, IC Bus or Blue Bird. Through our strategically located network of Rush Truck Centers, we provide one-stop service for the needs of our commercial vehicle customers, including retail sales of new and used commercial vehicles, aftermarket parts sales, service and repair facilities, financing, leasing and rental, and insurance products.

Our Rush Truck Centers are principally located in high traffic areas throughout the United States. Since commencing operations as a Peterbilt heavy-duty truck dealer in 1966, we have grown to operate over 100 Rush Truck Centers in 22 states.

Our business strategy consists of providing solutions to the commercial vehicle industry through our network of commercial vehicle dealerships. We offer an integrated approach to meeting customer needs by providing service, parts and collision repairs in addition to new and used commercial vehicle sales and leasing, plus financial services, vehicle upfitting, CNG fuel systems and vehicle telematics products. 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 as we expand our product offerings and extend our dealership network through strategic acquisitions of new locations and opening new dealerships to enable us to better serve our customers.

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Impact on Our Business

Rush Truck Centers are classified as “essential businesses” and have remained operational across the Company’s dealership network since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, although though some hours of operation have been modified and in-person truck sales have been curtailed. Though the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our revenues were limited in the first quarter of 2020, we expect that the negative impact on our revenues, and business in general, will be substantial for the foreseeable future. 

We are monitoring and complying with CDC guidelines for limiting the spread of COVID-19 and complying with all applicable federal, state and local executive orders. We also provided employees who are unable to work as a direct result of COVID-19 with up to two weeks of additional sick leave. In accordance with CDC guidelines, we have mandated that all employees stay at least 6 feet away from each other and our customers. In addition, we are requiring employees throughout the Company to wear facemasks when required to do so by applicable orders or whenever they cannot maintain safe social distancing from customers or other employees, and we are cleaning and disinfecting our facilities on a regular basis. We are also providing curbside parts pick-up, online parts ordering and web-based vehicle service communication to reduce in-person interactions. Our service teams are minimizing contact with customers and taking extra precautions to keep high-touch areas on customer vehicles clean and disinfected.

Commercial Vehicle Sales

All of the commercial vehicle manufacturers that we represent have currently suspended production of vehicles or have previously suspended production.  Peterbilt suspended global production of trucks and engines from March 24, 2020 until May 4, 2020. Navistar shut down its plant in Ohio from March 23, 2020 until May 11, 2020. Although Navistar also suspended manufacturing operations at its plants in Alabama and Mexico, production resumed at both locations on April 13, 2020. Additionally, Hino, Isuzu and Ford have each suspended manufacturing operations at their respective plants, but Isuzu and Ford are expected to reopen by mid-May 2020 and Hino is expected to reopen June 1, 2020.

Aftermarket Products and Services

With respect to our parts, service and collision center operations (collectively, “Aftermarket Products and Services”), with only a few minor exceptions, our parts supply chain has remained uninterrupted to-date. However, we increased our parts inventories at all our stores to support an estimated extra 30 days of demand in case of any temporary supplier-related warehousing or logistics challenges. We believe that the investments we have made over the years in our aftermarket strategic initiatives will help mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our Aftermarket Products and Service business.

Rental and Leasing Operations

With respect to our rental and leasing operations, we have allowed certain credit-worthy customers that serve industries that have been dramatically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to skip up to three months of lease payments and either extend the lease term by three months or increase the remaining payments and keep the same lease term. 

Liquidity

As of March 31, 2020, our total net liquidity was approximately $243.2 million, including $137.5 million in cash and $105.7 million available under our various credit agreements, excluding our floor plan credit agreements.  In March 2020, we extended the term of our working capital facility (“the Working Capital Facility”) with BMO Harris Bank N.A. (“BMO Harris”) that includes up to $100.0 million of revolving credit loans available to us for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes, to June 2022.  We currently have no outstanding draws on this line of credit. We believe that we are well positioned to navigate the economic and industry challenges that lie ahead as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Notwithstanding the strength of our balance sheet, we are taking steps to conserve cash and reduce expenses. For example, once the magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic became apparent, we suspended our stock repurchase program.  In addition, W.M. “Rusty” Rush, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company, has reduced his salary by 25 percent, other members of his senior executive team also reduced their salaries by 10 percent, and the members of the Board of Directors voted to reduce the amount of their annual cash retainer by 10 percent. We are currently identifying other potential expense reductions and delaying capital expenditures where appropriate.  For further discussion of our liquidity, see the Liquidity and Capital Resources discussion set forth herein.

Outlook

2020 was already predicted to be a challenging year for the new Class 8 truck market due to excess truck capacity in the market resulting from exceptionally high new Class 8 unit sales volumes in 2018 and 2019. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, A.C.T. Research Co., LLC (“A.C.T. Research”), a commercial vehicle industry data and forecasting service provider, is currently forecasting new U.S. Class 8 retail sales to be 127,500 units in 2020, which would represent a 54.7% decrease compared to 2019. We expect that the pandemic will have a significant negative impact on new Class 8 truck sales in the second and third quarters, but it is not clear just how significant the impact will be. Many customers are delaying purchases due to the tremendous uncertainty right now about the economy and the impact of the pandemic. With respect to new U.S. Class 4-7 retail sales, A.C.T. Research is currently forecasting retail sales to be 147,400 units in 2020, which would represent a 44.8% decrease compared to 2019. We also expect that our medium-duty truck sales will be negatively impacted by the pandemic in the second and third quarters, as medium-duty commercial vehicle sales usually track closely to the general economy. We are writing down the values of new and used commercial vehicle in inventory more aggressively than in the past, and we believe our new and used commercial vehicle inventories are appropriately valued for the current market conditions.

With respect to our Aftermarket Products and Services business, many of our customers have significantly reduced their operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic and it remains unknown when the national economy, or society in general, will reopen in any meaningful way. As a result, as we look ahead to the second quarter, we anticipate our aftermarket products and services revenues will be negatively impacted by the pandemic.

Until we have more clarity around the full economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot provide an outlook for the full year 2020, other than to reiterate that we expect that the negative impact on our revenues, and business in general, will be substantial for the foreseeable future. In addition, we are withdrawing all 2020 estimates that were provided in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 with respect to: (i) the number of commercial vehicles we may sell, market share percentages, revenues and gross margins associated therewith; (ii) revenues and gross margins associated with our Aftermarket Products and Services business; and (iii) revenues and gross margins associated with our commercial vehicle rental and leasing business. As soon as we believe we can make reasonable assumptions regarding our business outlook for 2020, we intend to start disclosing the above-described estimates, as we have historically done in the past, in our annual and quarterly reports filed with the SEC. These are unprecedented times, and we are focused on monitoring the impacts of the pandemic on our business and throughout our industry, while taking appropriate action to preserve the financial stability of the Company. We will continue to follow best practices to protect the health of our employees, customers, and the public, while responding to changing customer demand, making adjustments based on our manufacturers’ plant closures and remaining focused on maximizing the strength of our balance sheet to ensure the long-term financial strength of the Company.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us 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. We believe the following accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined by specific identification of new and used commercial vehicle inventory and by the first-in, first-out method for tires, parts and accessories. As the market value of our inventory typically declines over time, reserves are established based on historical loss experience and market trends. These reserves are charged to cost of sales and reduce the carrying value of our inventory on hand. An allowance is provided when it is anticipated that cost will exceed net realizable value less a reasonable profit margin.

Goodwill

Goodwill is tested for impairment by reporting unit utilizing a two-step process at least annually, or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The first step requires us to compare the fair value of the reporting unit (we consider our Truck Segment to be a reporting unit for purposes of this analysis), which is the same as the segment, to the respective carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, the goodwill is not considered impaired. If the carrying value is greater than the fair value, there is an indication that impairment may exist and a second step is required. In the second step of the analysis, the implied fair value of the goodwill is calculated as the excess of the fair value of a reporting unit over the fair values assigned to its assets and liabilities. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill, the difference is recognized as an impairment loss.

We determine the fair value of our reporting unit using the discounted cash flow method. The discounted cash flow method uses various assumptions and estimates regarding revenue growth rates, future gross margins, future selling, general and administrative expenses and an estimated weighted average cost of capital. The analysis is based upon available information regarding expected future cash flows of each reporting unit discounted at rates consistent with the cost of capital specific to the reporting unit. This type of analysis contains uncertainties because it requires us to make assumptions and to apply judgment regarding our knowledge of our industry, information provided by industry analysts and our current business strategy in light of present industry and economic conditions. If any of these assumptions change, or fail to materialize, the resulting decline in our estimated fair value could result in a material impairment charge to the goodwill associated with the reporting unit.

Goodwill was tested for impairment during the fourth quarter of 2019 and no impairment was required. The fair value of our reporting unit exceeded the carrying value of its net assets. As a result, we were not required to conduct the second step of the impairment test.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we reviewed the estimates in our fourth quarter 2019 goodwill model and have updated the projections for 2020 through 2024. Based on the revised projections, it was determined that no impairment of the Truck Segment goodwill is required. While we have concluded that an impairment did not occur during the quarter ended March 31, 2020, the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic could result in future impairment charges for the Truck Segment. A prolonged pandemic could impact the results of operations due to changes to assumptions utilized in the determination of the estimated fair values of the Truck Segment reporting unit. Sales and earnings growth rates could be negatively impacted by reductions or changes in demand for our products.

Insurance Accruals

We are partially self-insured for a portion of the claims related to our property and casualty insurance programs, which requires us to make estimates regarding expected losses to be incurred. We engage a third-party administrator to assess any open claims and we adjust our accrual accordingly on a periodic basis. We are also partially self-insured for a portion of the claims related to our workers’ compensation and medical insurance programs. We use actuarial information provided from third-party administrators to calculate an accrual for claims incurred but not reported, and for the remaining portion of claims that have been reported.

Changes in the frequency, severity and development of existing claims could influence our reserve for claims and financial position, results of operations and cash flows. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions we used to calculate our self-insured liabilities. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates or assumptions, we may be exposed to losses or gains that could be material.

Accounting for Income Taxes

Management’s 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. Accordingly, the facts and financial circumstances impacting deferred income tax assets are reviewed quarterly and management’s judgment is applied to determine the amount of valuation allowance required, if any, in any given period.

Our income tax returns are periodically audited by tax authorities. These audits include questions regarding our tax filing positions, including the timing and amount of deductions. In evaluating the exposures associated with our various tax filing positions, we adjust our liability for unrecognized tax benefits and income tax provision in the period in which an uncertain tax position is effectively settled, the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position or when more information becomes available.

Our liability for unrecognized tax benefits contains uncertainties because management is required to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate the exposures associated with our various filing positions. Our effective income tax rate is also affected by changes in tax law, the level of earnings and the results of tax audits. Although we believe that the judgments and estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ, and we may be exposed to losses or gains that could be material. An unfavorable tax settlement would generally require use of our cash and result in an increase in our effective income tax rate in the period of resolution. A favorable tax settlement would be recognized as a reduction in our effective income tax rate in the period of resolution. Our income tax expense includes the impact of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that we consider appropriate, as well as related interest.

Revenue Recognition 

Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“Topic 606”),” using the modified retrospective transition method.  This standard applies to all contracts with customers, except for contracts that are within the scope of other standards, such as leases, insurance, collaboration arrangements and financial instruments.  Under Topic 606, we recognize revenue when our customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services.  To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that we determine are within the scope of Topic 606, we perform the following five steps: (i) identify the contract with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) we satisfy a performance obligation.  We only apply the five-step model to contracts when it is probable that we will collect the consideration we are entitled to in exchange for the goods or services we transfer to the customer.  At contract inception, once the contract is determined to be within the scope of Topic 606, we assess the goods or services promised within each contract and determine those that are performance obligations. We then assess whether each promised good or service is distinct and recognize as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied.  

Leases

We lease commercial vehicles and real estate under finance and operating leases. We determine whether an arrangement is a lease at its inception. For leases with terms greater than twelve months, we record a lease asset and liability at the present value of lease payments over the term. Many of our leases include renewal options and termination options that are factored into our determination of lease payments when appropriate.

When available, we use the rate implicit in the lease to discount lease payments to present value; however, most of our leases do not provide a readily determinable implicit rate. Therefore, we must estimate our incremental borrowing rate to discount the lease payments based on information available at lease commencement.

We lease commercial vehicles that we own to customers. Lease and rental revenue is recognized over the period of the related lease or rental agreement. Variable rental revenue is recognized when it is earned.

Allowance for Credit Losses

All trade receivables are reported on the consolidated balance sheet at their cost basis adjusted for any write-offs and net of allowances for credit losses. The Company maintains allowances for credit losses, which represent an estimate of expected losses over the remaining contractual life of its receivables considering current market conditions and estimates for supportable forecasts when appropriate. The estimate is a result of the Company’s ongoing assessments and evaluations of collectability, historical loss experience, and future expectations in estimating credit losses in each of its receivable portfolios (commercial vehicle receivables, manufacturers’ receivables, parts and service and leasing receivables and other trade receivables). For trade receivables, the Company uses probability of default and historical loss experience rates by portfolio and applies them to a related aging analysis while also considering customer and/or economic risk where appropriate. Determination of the proper amount of allowances by portfolio requires management to exercise judgment about the timing, frequency and severity of credit losses that could materially affect the provision for credit losses and, as a result, net earnings. The allowances take into consideration numerous quantitative and qualitative factors that include receivable type, historical loss experience, collection experience, current economic conditions, estimates for supportable forecasts, when appropriate and credit risk characteristics.

Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis includes our historical results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.

The following table sets forth certain financial data as a percentage of total revenues:

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the percent of gross profit by revenue source:

The following table sets forth the unit sales and revenues for new heavy-duty, new medium-duty, new light-duty and used commercial vehicles and the absorption ratio (revenue in millions):

Key Performance Indicator

Absorption Ratio

Management uses several performance metrics to evaluate the performance of our commercial vehicle dealerships and considers Rush Truck Centers’ “absorption ratio” to be of critical importance. Absorption ratio is calculated by dividing the gross profit from the Aftermarket Products and Services departments by the overhead expenses of all of a dealership’s departments, except for the selling expenses of the new and used commercial vehicle departments and carrying costs of new and used commercial vehicle inventory. When 100% absorption is achieved, all of the gross profit from the sale of a commercial vehicle, after sales commissions and inventory carrying costs, directly impacts operating profit. Our commercial vehicle dealerships achieved a 114.3% absorption ratio for the first quarter of 2020 and a 121.5% absorption ratio for the first quarter of 2019.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2019

Revenues

Total revenues decreased $61.7 million, or 4.6%, in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the first quarter of 2019.

Our Aftermarket Products and Services revenues decreased $10.4 million, or 2.4%, in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the first quarter of 2019. Our first quarter 2020 results declined slightly compared to 2019, primarily due to overall softness in demand for aftermarket products and services, which is a continuation of results we experienced in the fourth quarter of 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic had a slight negative impact on our Aftermarket Product and Services revenues in the second half of March, but is likely to have a significant negative impact for the remainder of the year.

Revenues from sales of new and used commercial vehicles decreased $48.7 million, or 5.8%, in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the first quarter of 2019. Our new Class 8 truck sales were the result of solid business from customers in the refuse and construction sectors, as well as healthy sales of stock trucks across the country. The COVID-19 pandemic had little impact on our first quarter new Class 8 truck sales results, though this will change going forward. Customers are delaying purchases of new Class 8 trucks due to economic uncertainty. Temporary production suspensions by Peterbilt and Navistar may make it difficult for customers to obtain new Class 8 trucks that are not already in our inventory. Our Class 4 through 7 new commercial vehicle sales results were strong in the first quarter and were minimally impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, though this will also change going forward. Our strong medium-duty results were primarily driven by solid activity from our grocery and food service customers, as well as strong stock truck sales throughout our dealership network.

We sold 3,078 new Class 8 trucks in the first quarter of 2020, a 13.5% decrease compared to 3,558 new Class 8 trucks in the first quarter of 2019. The decrease in new Class 8 truck sales was primarily the result of an industry-wide slowdown in new Class 8 trucks sales, which began in the fourth quarter of 2019. According to A.C.T. Research, new U. S. Class 8 truck retail sales are estimated to total 127,500 truck units in 2020, a 54.7% decrease compared to 281,440 units sold in 2019.

We sold 3,264 new Class 4 through 7 commercial vehicles, including 216 buses, in the first quarter of 2020, a 24.9% increase compared to 2,614 new medium-duty commercial vehicles, including 160 buses, in the first quarter of 2019. The increase in Class 4 through 7 commercial vehicle sales in the first quarter of 2020 was primarily due to increased sales to our customers in the grocery and food service industries, as well as strong new Class 4 through 7 commercial vehicle sales throughout our dealership network. According to A.C.T. Research, new U. S. Class 4 through 7 commercial vehicle retail sales are estimated to total 147,400 units in 2020, a 44.8% decrease compared to 266,977 units sold in 2019.

We sold 267 new light-duty vehicles in the first quarter of 2020, a 50.5% decrease compared to 539 new light-duty vehicles in the first quarter of 2019.

We sold 1,558 used commercial vehicles in the first quarter of 2020, a 15.3% decrease compared to 1,840 used commercial vehicles in the first quarter of 2019. The decrease in used truck sales in the first quarter of 2020 was primarily due to the significant decline in used truck sales in March, which we attribute to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commercial vehicle lease and rental revenues increased $1.3 million, or 2.3%, in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the first quarter of 2019.

Finance and insurance revenues decreased $2.1 million, or 32.4%, in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the first quarter of 2019. We expect finance and insurance revenues to fluctuate proportionately with our new and used commercial vehicle sales in 2020. Finance and insurance revenues have limited direct costs and, therefore, contribute a disproportionate share of our operating profits.

Other income decreased $1.8 million, or 31.1%, in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the first quarter of 2019. Other income consists primarily of document fees related to commercial vehicle sales.

Gross Profit

Gross profit decreased $22.4 million, or 8.7%, in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the first quarter of 2019. Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased to 18.2% in the first quarter of 2020, from 19.1% in the first quarter of 2019. The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of sales is a result of decreased gross margins in our Aftermarket Products and Services operations, commercial vehicle sales and truck lease and rental sales.

Gross margins from our Aftermarket Products and Services operations decreased to 36.6% in the first quarter of 2020, compared to 37.7% in the first quarter of 2019. Gross profit from our Aftermarket Products and Services operations decreased to $156.6 million in the first quarter of 2020, from $165.2 million in the first quarter of 2019. Historically, gross margins on parts sales range from 27% to 28% and gross margins on service and collision center operations range from 67% to 68%. Gross profits from parts sales represented 58.8% of total gross profit for Aftermarket Products and Services operations in the first quarter of 2020 and 60.3% in the first quarter of 2019. Service and collision center operations represented 41.2% of total gross profit for Aftermarket Products and Services operations in the first quarter of 2020 and 39.7% in the first quarter of 2019.

Gross margins on new Class 8 truck sales were 8.9% in the first quarter of 2020 and in the first quarter of 2019.

Gross margins on new Class 4 through 7 commercial vehicle sales increased to 6.1% in the first quarter of 2020, from 5.9% in the first quarter of 2019. This increase is primarily due to the mix of purchasers during the first quarter of 2020.

Gross margins on used commercial vehicle sales decreased to 5.7% in the first quarter of 2020, from 10.6% in the first quarter of 2019. This decrease is primarily due to write-downs of used truck inventory to appropriately value our inventory in the current market.

Gross margins from truck lease and rental sales decreased to 14.1% in the first quarter of 2020, from 16.2% in the first quarter of 2019. This decrease is primarily related to decreased rental fleet utilization. Our policy is to depreciate our lease and rental fleet using a straight-line method over each 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 us 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, have limited direct costs and, therefore, contribute a disproportionate share of gross profit.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) expenses decreased $2.1 million, or 1.1%, in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the first quarter of 2019. SG&A expenses as a percentage of total revenues increased to 14.4% in the first quarter of 2020, from 13.9% in the first quarter of 2019. Annual SG&A expenses as a percentage of total revenues have ranged from 12.4% to 13.9% over the last five years. In general, when new and used commercial vehicle revenues increase as a percentage of total revenues, SG&A expenses as a percentage of total revenues will be at the lower end of this range. Until we have more clarity around the full economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are not able to provide any estimates with respect to our expectations regarding SG&A expenses as a percentage of total revenues in 2020.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $1.4 million, or 10.9%, in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the first quarter of 2019. This increase in depreciation expense is a result of dealership construction projects that were completed during 2019 and purchases of computer equipment across our dealerships.

Interest Expense, Net

Net interest expense decreased $2.6 million, or 35.2%, in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the first quarter of 2019. This decrease in interest expense is a result of the decrease in inventory levels in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the first quarter of 2019. We expect net interest expense in 2020 to decrease, but the amount of the decrease will depend on inventory levels, interest rate fluctuations and the amount of cash available to make prepayments on our floor plan arrangements.

Income before Income Taxes

As a result of the factors described above, income from continuing operations before income taxes decreased $17.9 million, or 36.1%, in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the first quarter of 2019.

Income Taxes 

Income taxes decreased $3.9 million, or 31.3%, in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the first quarter of 2019. We provided for taxes at a 28.0% effective rate in the first quarter of 2020 and 25.0% in the first quarter of 2019. We expect our effective tax rate to be approximately 26% to 28% of pretax income in 2020.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our short-term cash requirements are primarily for working capital, inventory financing, the renovation and expansion of existing facilities and the construction or purchase of new facilities.  Historically, these cash requirements have been met through the retention of profits, borrowings under our floor plan arrangements and bank financings. As of March 31, 2020, we had working capital of approximately $205.8 million, including $137.5 million in cash, available to fund our operations.  We believe that these funds, together with expected cash flows from operations, are sufficient to meet our operating requirements for at least the next twelve months.  From time to time, we utilize our excess cash on hand to pay down our outstanding borrowings under our floor plan credit agreement with BMO Harris (the “Floor Plan Credit Agreement”), and the resulting interest earned is recognized as an offset to our gross interest expense under the Floor Plan Credit Agreement.

We have a secured line of credit that provides for a maximum borrowing of $17.5 million. There were no advances outstanding under this secured line of credit on March 31, 2020, however, $11.8 million was pledged to secure various letters of credit related to self-insurance products, leaving $5.7 million available for future borrowings as of March 31, 2020.

The Working Capital Facility with BMO Harris includes up to $100 million of revolving credit loans available to us for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. The amount of the borrowings under the Working Capital Facility are subject to borrowing base limitations based on the value of our eligible parts inventory and company vehicles. The Working Capital Facility includes a $20 million letter of credit sublimit. Borrowings under the Working Capital Facility bear interest at rates based on LIBOR or the Base Rate (as such terms are defined in the Working Capital Facility), plus an applicable margin determined based on outstanding borrowing under the Working Capital Facility. In addition, we are required to pay a commitment fee on the amount unused under the Working Capital Facility. The Working Capital Facility expires on the earlier of (i) June 30, 2022 and (ii) the date on which all commitments under the Working Capital Facility shall have terminated, whether as a result of the occurrence of the Commitment Termination Date (as defined in the Working Capital Facility) or otherwise. There were no advances outstanding under the Working Capital Facility as of March 31, 2020.

Our long-term real estate debt, floor plan financing agreements and the Working Capital Facility require us to satisfy various financial ratios such as the debt-to-worth ratio, leverage ratio and the fixed charge coverage ratio and certain requirements for tangible net worth and GAAP net worth. As of March 31, 2020, we were in compliance with all debt covenants related to debt secured by real estate, lease and rental units, our floor plan credit agreements and the Working Capital Facility. We do not anticipate any breach of the covenants in the foreseeable future.

Until we have more clarity around the full economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are not able to provide any estimates regarding the value of commercial vehicles we expect to purchase or lease in 2020 for our leasing operations. However, all such purchases or leases will be financed. We expect to make capital expenditures for recurring items such as computers, shop tools and equipment and vehicles of approximately $30.0 million to $35.0 million during 2020.

During the first quarter of 2020, we paid a cash dividend of $4.7 million. Additionally, on April 21, 2020, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.13 per share of Class A and Class B Common Stock, to be paid on June 10, 2020, to all shareholders of record as of May 7, 2020. The total dividend disbursement is estimated at approximately $4.7 million. We expect to continue paying cash dividends on a quarterly basis. However, there is no assurance as to future dividends because the declaration and payment of such dividends is subject to the business judgment of our Board of Directors and will depend on historic and projected earnings, capital requirements, covenant compliance and financial conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors deem relevant.

On November 26, 2019, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing management to repurchase, from time to time, up to an aggregate of $100.0 million of our shares of Class A Common Stock and/or Class B Common Stock. As of March 31, 2020, we had repurchased $20.4 million of our shares of common stock under the stock repurchase program. The stock repurchase program has been suspended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. If the stock repurchase program resumes at some point in the future, repurchases, if any, will be made at times and in amounts as we deem appropriate and may be made through open market transactions at prevailing market prices, privately negotiated transactions or by other means in accordance with federal securities laws. The actual timing, number and value of repurchases under the stock repurchase program will be determined by management at its discretion and will depend on a number of factors, including market conditions, stock price and other factors, including those related to the ownership requirements of our dealership agreements with Peterbilt.

We anticipate funding the capital expenditures for the improvement and expansion of existing facilities and recurring expenses through our operating cash flows. We have the ability to fund the construction or purchase of new facilities through our operating cash flows or by financing.

We have no other material commitments for capital expenditures as of March 31, 2020. However, we will continue to purchase vehicles for our lease and rental operations and authorize capital expenditures for the improvement or expansion of our existing dealership facilities and construction or purchase of new facilities based on market opportunities.

Cash Flows

Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $44.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020, and decreased by $5.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019. 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 the first quarter of 2020, operating activities resulted in net cash provided by operations of $138.8 million. Net cash provided by operating activities primarily consisted of $23.1 million in net income, as well as non-cash adjustments related to depreciation and amortization of $45.2 million and stock-based compensation of $8.6 million. Cash provided by operating activities included an aggregate of $62.1 million net change in operating assets and liabilities. Included in the net change in operating assets and liabilities was primarily cash inflows of $153.6 million from the decrease in inventory and $6.0 million in the decrease in other current assets, which was offset by $30.9 million from the increase in accounts receivable, $26.9 million from the net decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, $16.7 million from the decrease in customer deposits, $7.2 million from the decrease in the provision for deferred income tax expense and $16.7 million from the net decrease in floor plan (trade). The majority of our commercial vehicle inventory is financed through our floor plan credit agreements.

During the first quarter of 2019, operating activities resulted in net cash used in operations of $39.3 million. Net cash used in operating activities primarily consisted of $37.1 million in net income, as well as non-cash adjustments related to depreciation and amortization of $41.8 million and stock-based compensation of $8.8 million. Cash used in operating activities included an aggregate of $127.5 million net change in operating assets and liabilities. Included in the net change in operating assets and liabilities was primarily cash inflows of $3.1 million from the net increase in floor plan (trade) and $19.8 million from the increase in accounts payable, which was offset by $10.2 million from the increase in accounts receivable, $106.3 million from the increase in inventories and $33.0 million from the decrease in customer deposits and accrued liabilities.

In June 2012, we entered into a wholesale financing agreement with Ford Motor Credit Company that provides for the financing of, and is collateralized by, our Ford new vehicle inventory. This wholesale financing agreement bears interest at a rate of Prime plus 150 basis points minus certain incentives and rebates. As of March 31, 2020, the interest rate on the wholesale financing agreement was 4.75% before considering the applicable incentives that we are qualified to receive. As of March 31, 2020, we had an outstanding balance of approximately $99.9 million under the Ford Motor Credit Company wholesale financing agreement.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

During the first quarter of 2020, cash used in investing activities was $47.3 million. Cash flows used in investing activities consist primarily of cash used for capital expenditures. Capital expenditures of $49.5 million consisted primarily of $15.0 million for purchases of property and equipment and improvements to our existing dealership facilities and $34.5 million for additional units for the rental and leasing operations, which were directly offset by borrowings of long-term debt.

During the first quarter of 2019, cash used in investing activities was $89.2 million. Cash flows used in investing activities consist primarily of cash used for capital expenditures. Capital expenditures of $63.6 million consisted primarily of $24.3 million for purchases of property and equipment and improvements to our existing dealership facilities and $39.3 million for additional units for the rental and leasing operations, which were directly offset by borrowings of long-term debt. Business acquisitions of $7.9 million consisted of the purchase of a Ford dealership in Ceres, California, including the real estate.

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, non-trade. During the first quarter of 2020, financing activities used $135.6 million in net cash flow. Cash outflows were primarily related to $92.6 million used for net payments floor plan (non-trade), $47.5 million used for principal repayments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations, $19.9 million used for the repurchase of our common stock and $4.8 million used for the payment of cash dividends. These cash outflows were offset by cash inflows related to borrowings of $28.2 million of long-term debt. The borrowings of long-term debt were related to purchasing units for the rental and leasing operations.

During the first quarter of 2019, financing activities provided $123.3 million in net cash flow. Cash outflows were primarily related to $45.4 million used for principal repayments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations, $25.6 million used for the repurchase of our common stock and $4.4 million used for the payment of cash dividends. These cash outflows were offset by cash inflows related to borrowings of $37.9 million of long-term debt, $75.0 million of proceeds from the Working Capital Facility and $85.3 million from draws floor plan (non-trade). The borrowings of long-term debt were related to purchasing units for the rental and leasing operations.

Most of our commercial vehicle inventory purchases are made on terms requiring payment to the manufacturer within 15 days or less from the date the commercial vehicles are invoiced from the factory. We finance the majority of all new commercial vehicle inventory and the loan value of our used commercial vehicle inventory under the Floor Plan Credit Agreement. The Floor Plan Credit Agreement includes an aggregate loan commitment of $1.0 billion. Borrowings under the Floor Plan Credit Agreement bear interest at an annual rate equal to (A) the greater of (i) zero and (ii) one month LIBOR rate, determined on the last day of the prior month, plus (B) 1.25% and are payable monthly. Loans under the Floor Plan Credit Agreement for the purchase of used commercial vehicle inventory are limited to $150.0 million and loans for working capital purposes are limited to $200.0 million. The Floor Plan Credit Agreement expires June 30, 2022, although BMO Harris has the right to terminate at any time upon 360 days written notice and we may terminate at any time, subject to specified limited exceptions. On March 31, 2020, we had approximately $693.9 million outstanding under the Floor Plan Credit Agreement. The average daily outstanding borrowings under the Floor Plan Credit Agreement were $769.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020. We utilize our excess cash on hand to pay down our outstanding borrowings under the Floor Plan Credit Agreement, and the resulting interest earned is recognized as an offset to our gross interest expense under the Floor Plan Credit Agreement.

Navistar Financial Corporation and Peterbilt offer trade terms that provide an interest-free inventory stocking period for certain new commercial vehicles. This interest-free period is generally 15 to 60 days. If the commercial vehicle is not sold within the interest-free period, we then finance the commercial vehicle under the Floor Plan Credit Agreement.

Backlog

On March 31, 2020, our backlog of commercial vehicle orders was approximately $1,091.4 million, as compared to a backlog of commercial vehicle orders of approximately $2,063.2 million on March 31, 2019. Our backlog is determined quarterly by multiplying the number of new commercial vehicles for each particular type of commercial vehicle ordered by a customer at our Rush Truck Centers by the recent average selling price for that type of commercial vehicle. We include only 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 commercial vehicle varies depending on the truck specifications and demand for the particular model ordered. We sell the majority of our new heavy-duty commercial vehicles by customer special order and we sell the majority of our medium- and light-duty commercial vehicles out of inventory. Orders from a number of our major fleet customers are included in our backlog as of March 31, 2020, and we expect to fill the majority of our backlog orders during 2020.

Seasonality

Our Truck Segment is moderately seasonal. Seasonal effects on new commercial vehicle sales related to the seasonal purchasing patterns of any single customer type are mitigated by the diverse geographic locations of our dealerships and our diverse customer base, including regional and national fleets, local and state governments, corporations and owner-operators. However, commercial vehicle Aftermarket Products and Services operations historically have experienced higher sales volumes in the second and third quarters.

Cyclicality

Our business is dependent on a number of factors including general economic conditions, fuel prices, interest rate fluctuations, credit availability, environmental and other government regulations and customer business cycles. Unit sales of new commercial vehicles have historically been subject to substantial cyclical variation based on these general economic conditions. According to data published by A.C.T. Research, in recent years, total U.S. retail sales of new Class 8 commercial vehicles have ranged from a low of approximately 97,000 in 2009, to a high of approximately 281,440 in 2019. Through geographic expansion, concentration on higher margin Aftermarket Products and Services and diversification of our customer base, we have attempted to reduce the negative impact of adverse general economic conditions or cyclical trends affecting the Class 8 commercial vehicle industry on our earnings.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any obligation under any transaction, agreement or other contractual arrangement to which an entity unconsolidated with the Company is a party, that has or is reasonably likely to have a material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.

Environmental Standards and Other Governmental Regulations

We are subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations governing the following: 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, petroleum and other materials; and the investigation and remediation of environmental impacts. As with commercial vehicle dealerships generally, and vehicle service, parts and collision center operations in particular, our business involves the generation, use, storage, handling and contracting for recycling or disposal of hazardous materials or wastes and other environmentally sensitive materials. We have incurred, and will continue to incur, capital and operating expenditures and other costs in complying with such laws and regulations.

Our operations involving the use, handling, storage and disposal of hazardous and nonhazardous materials are subject to the requirements of the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, or RCRA, and comparable state statutes. Pursuant to these laws, federal and state environmental agencies have established approved methods for handling, storage, treatment, transportation and disposal of regulated substances with which we must comply. Our business also involves the operation and use of aboveground and underground storage tanks. These storage tanks are subject to periodic testing, containment, upgrading and removal under RCRA and comparable state 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 federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, or CERCLA, and comparable state statutes. These statutes impose liability for investigation and remediation of environmental impacts without regard to fault or the legality of the conduct that contributed to the impacts. Responsible parties under these statutes may include the owner or operator of the site where impacts occurred and companies that disposed, or arranged for the disposal, of the hazardous substances released at these sites. These responsible parties also may be liable for damages to natural resources. In addition, it is not uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the release of hazardous substances or other materials into the environment.

The federal Clean Water Act and comparable state statutes require containment of potential discharges of oil or hazardous substances, and require preparation of spill contingency plans. Water quality protection programs govern certain discharges from some of our operations. Similarly, the federal Clean Air Act and comparable state statutes regulate emissions of various air emissions through permitting programs and the imposition of standards and other requirements.

The Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”), on behalf of the U.S. Department of Transportation, issued rules associated with reducing greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions and improving the fuel efficiency of medium and heavy-duty trucks and buses for model years 2021 through 2027.  We do not believe that these rules will negatively impact our business, however, future legislation or other new regulations that may be adopted to address GHG emissions or fuel efficiency standards may negatively impact our business.  Additional regulations could result in increased compliance costs, additional operating restrictions or changes in demand for our products and services, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We do not believe that we currently have any material environmental liabilities or that compliance with environmental laws and regulations will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. However, soil and groundwater impacts are known to exist at some of our dealerships. 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.

ITEM 3. 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.

We are exposed to market risk through interest rates related to our floor plan financing agreements, the Working Capital Facility, variable rate real estate debt and discount rates related to finance sales. The majority of floor plan debt and variable rate real estate debt is based on LIBOR. As of March 31, 2020, we had floor plan borrowings of approximately $888.7 million and variable interest rate real estate debt of approximately $56.5 million. Assuming an increase or decrease in LIBOR of 100 basis points, annual interest expense could correspondingly increase or decrease by approximately $9.5 million.

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures.

The Company, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the principal executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2020 to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to Company management, including the principal executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2020 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings.

From time to time, we are involved in litigation arising out of our 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 our financial condition or results of operations. We believe that there are no claims or litigation pending, the outcome of which could have a material adverse effect on our 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 our financial condition or results of operations for the fiscal period in which such resolution occurred.

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors.

We are supplementing the risk factors described under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K with the additional risk factor set forth below, which supplements, and to the extent inconsistent, supersedes such risk factors.

COVID-19 has disrupted, and may continue to disrupt, our business, which could adversely affect our financial performance. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted the global economy. Governmental authorities have taken severe countermeasures to slow the spread of COVID-19, including a number of shelter-in-place orders and large-scale restrictions on travel. While our Rush Truck Centers are operational at this time and have been classified as “essential businesses,” the pandemic is a highly fluid and rapidly evolving situation and we cannot anticipate whether we may be forced to close any of our Rush Truck Centers due to potential restrictions imposed by a governmental authority in one of the jurisdictions that we operate or due to a COVID-19 outbreak at one of our Rush Truck Centers that forces us to close such affected dealership. In addition, all of the commercial vehicle manufacturers that we represent have suspended manufacturing operations at certain plants, and some of these suspensions are currently ongoing. We cannot predict with any certainty when such plants will resume operations or whether they could be forced to suspend operations again at some point in the future due to COVID-19.

Although we believe that the COVID-19 pandemic will have a significant negative impact on our business, the magnitude of such impact cannot be predicted at this time due to numerous uncertainties, including the duration of the pandemic and business closures, the effectiveness of actions taken to contain the spread of the disease and other unintended consequences. The impact of the pandemic may include changes in customer demand; our relationship with, and the financial and operational capacities of, vehicle manufacturers, captive finance companies and other suppliers; workforce availability; risks associated with our indebtedness (including available borrowing capacity, compliance with financial covenants and ability to refinance or repay indebtedness on favorable terms); the adequacy of our cash flow and earnings and other conditions which may affect our liquidity; our ability to pay our quarterly dividend at prior levels; and disruptions to our technology network and other critical systems, including our ERP Platform or other facilities or equipment.

ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

We did not make any unregistered sales of equity securities during the first quarter of 2020.

A summary of the Company’s stock repurchase activity for the first quarter of 2020 is as follows:

ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

Not Applicable

ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not Applicable

ITEM 5. Other Information.

Not Applicable

ITEM 6. Exhibits.

SIGNATURES

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