Pacer International Reports Three Fold Increase in Income from Operations for the Fourth Quarter

DUBLIN, Ohio--()--Pacer International, Inc. (Nasdaq: PACR), the asset-light North American freight transportation and logistics services provider, today reported financial results for the three-month period and the year ended December 31, 2011.

FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS

  • Income from operations more than tripled, increasing by $3.2 million to $4.2 million;
  • Earnings per share improved by $0.06 to be $0.03 in 2011;
  • 2011 adjusted earnings per share, which reflects the elimination of the deferred tax assets adjustment, is $0.07. See tabular reconciliation of adjusted earnings per share;
  • Intermodal revenues improved by $8.5 million or 3.0%, while logistics revenues decreased by 25.8% to $68.3 million primarily due to the absence of the low-margin military shipments in our international operations in the 2011 period. Overall, revenues decreased by 4.1% to $358.0 million;
  • Intermodal gross margin improved by $2.0 million but Logistics gross margin declined by $3.2 million;
  • Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $4.5 million or 11.4%;
  • Interest expense decreased by $2.4 million primarily due to loan origination costs of $1.6 million expensed in the 2010 period and lower borrowing levels; and income tax expense was $2.6 million which includes a $1.2 million adjustment to the deferred tax assets reflecting actions taken to lower our effective tax rate. The adjustment reduced earnings per share by $0.04.

(In millions, except for per share data)

           
2011 2010
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q4
Revenue $ 358.4 $ 386.3 $ 375.8 $ 358.0 $ 373.3
Gross margin $ 42.1 $ 46.3 $ 46.0 $ 41.0 $ 42.2
Gross margin % 11.7% 12.0% 12.2% 11.5% 11.3%
SG&A $ 36.5 $ 37.0 $ 37.5 $ 35.0 $ 39.5
Income from operations 3.9 7.5 11.4 4.2 1.0
Interest Expense 0.6 0.7 0.5 0.5 2.9
Earnings per share $ 0.06 $ 0.12 $ 0.19 $ 0.03 $ (0.03)
 

“We are pleased with our fourth consecutive quarter of more than doubling our earnings year over year. Our company continues to drive double digit earnings growth despite the turbulent global economic environment. We continue to generate positive cash flow, as our cash flow from operations has increased more than $17 million during 2011. We now look for opportunities to reinvest our cash back into our business to drive future earnings growth,” said John J. Hafferty, CFO of Pacer.

ANNUAL RESULTS

  • Income from operations more than tripled, increasing by $18.9 million to $27.0 million. The 2010 period was negatively impacted by Hurricane Alex by approximately $3.5 million to $4.0 million;
  • Earnings per share improved by $0.37 to be $0.40 in 2011;
  • 2011 adjusted earnings per share, which reflects the elimination of the deferred tax assets adjustment, is $0.43. See tabular reconciliation of adjusted earnings per share;
  • Intermodal revenues improved by $109.1 million or 10.2% excluding revenues from the transitioned east-west big box business during 2010, while logistics revenues decreased by 28.1% to $303.5 million primarily due to the absence of the low-margin military shipments in our international operations in the 2011 period;
  • Intermodal gross margin improved by $12.5 million but logistics declined by $4.9 million;
  • Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $9.7 million or 6.2%;
  • Other income improved by $2.3 million due to the sale of railcar assets in the 2011 period;
  • Interest expense decreased by $4.3 million due to a decrease in average debt in 2011 and loan origination costs expensed in the 2010 period;
  • Income tax expense was $10.8 million which includes a $1.2 million adjustment to the deferred tax assets reflecting actions taken to lower our effective tax rate. The adjustment reduced 2011 earnings per share by $0.03; and
  • Cash flows from operations were $33.4 million, which is an improvement of $17.3 million over the prior period.

(In millions, except for per share data)

       
 

 

2011

 

2010

Revenue $ 1,478.5 $ 1,502.8
Gross margin $ 175.4 $ 167.8
Gross margin % 11.9% 11.2%
SG&A $ 146.0 $ 155.7
Other income (4.8) (2.5)
Income from operations 27.0 8.1
Net income (loss) 13.9 0.9
Earnings per share $ 0.40 $ 0.03
 

“Overall a good quarter, earnings were significantly better than prior year through costs controls, improving yields and network efficiencies. We continue to focus on our growth in this attractive intermodal environment and to accelerate financial improvements in our logistics businesses. These will be key areas of focus for us the first half of 2012,” said Daniel W. Avramovich, chairman and CEO of Pacer.

A tabular reconciliation detailing the adjustments made to arrive at the adjusted financial results set forth above and elsewhere in this press release from financial results determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) is contained in the reconciliation schedules attached to this press release.

2012 GUIDANCE

We are reconfirming our 2012 guidance and we expect revenues to range between $1.500 billion and $1.525 billion and earnings per share to range between $0.35 and $0.41.

CONFERENCE CALL TODAY Pacer International will hold a conference call for investors, analysts, business and trade media, and other interested parties at 10:00 a.m. ET, today (Thursday, February 9, 2012). To participate, please call five minutes early by dialing (800) 230-1059(in USA) and ask for "Pacer International Earnings Call." International callers can dial (612) 234-9960.

An audio-only, simultaneous Webcast of the live conference call can be accessed through the Investors link on the company’s website at www.pacer.com. For persons unable to participate in either the conference call or the Webcast, a digitized replay will be available from February 9, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. ET to March 9, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. ET. For the replay, dial (800) 475-6701(USA) or (320) 365-3844 (international), using access code 227842. During such period, the replay also can be accessed through the Investors link on the company's website at www.pacer.com.

ABOUT PACER INTERNATIONAL (www.pacer.com)

Pacer International, a leading asset-light North American freight transportation and logistics services provider, offers a broad array of services to facilitate the movement of freight from origin to destination through its intermodal and logistics operating segments. The intermodal segment offers container capacity, integrated local transportation services, and door-to-door intermodal shipment management. The logistics segment provides truck brokerage, warehousing and distribution, international freight forwarding, and supply-chain management services. For more information on Pacer International visit www.pacer.com.

USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES: This press release contains “non-GAAP financial measures” as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission. These non-GAAP measures are adjusted intermodal revenues, which exclude the impact of the transition of the east-west big box IMC business in 2010, and adjusted earnings per share, which reflects the elimination of the deferred tax asset adjustment in 2011. Non-GAAP measures are used by management and the Board of Directors in their analysis of the company's ongoing core operating performance. Management believes that the non-GAAP financial measures provide useful supplemental information that is essential to a proper understanding of the operating results of the company's core businesses and allows investors to more easily compare operating results from period to period. A tabular reconciliation of the differences between the non-GAAP financial information discussed in this release and the most directly comparable financial information calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP is contained in the financial summary statements attached to this press release.

CERTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS--This press release contains or may contain forward-looking statements, including earnings per share, and revenue guidance for fiscal year 2012, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are based on the company's current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements are general economic and business conditions including the current U.S. and global economic environment and the timing and strength of economic recovery in the U.S. and internationally; industry trends, including changes in the costs of services from rail, motor, ocean and air transportation providers; and other risks discussed in the company’s Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are incorporated herein by reference. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions or estimates prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, expected or intended. Except as otherwise required by federal securities laws, the company does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

       

Pacer International, Inc.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

(in millions)

 
        December 31, 2011 December 31, 2010
 
Assets
 
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 24.0 $ 4.2
Accounts receivable, net 133.5 152.5
Prepaid expenses and other 12.3 15.4
Deferred income taxes   4.0     6.3  
Total current assets   173.8     178.4  
 
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, cost 99.8 97.4
Accumulated depreciation   (56.1 )   (53.7 )
Property and equipment, net   43.7     43.7  
 
Other assets
Deferred income taxes 14.1 24.3
Other assets   11.7     15.5  
Total other assets   25.8     39.8  
 
Total assets $ 243.3   $ 261.9  
 
Liabilities & Equity
 
Current liabilities
Book overdraft $ - $ 2.7
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities   127.1     144.8  
Total current liabilities   127.1     147.5  
 
Long-term liabilities
Bank borrowings - 13.4
Other   0.9     2.5  
Total long-term liabilities   0.9     15.9  
Total liabilities   128.0     163.4  
 
Stockholders' equity
Common stock 0.4 0.4
Additional paid-in-capital 304.7 302.5
Accumlated deficit (190.2 ) (204.1 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   0.4     (0.3 )
Total stockholders' equity   115.3     98.5  
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 243.3   $ 261.9  
 
             

Pacer International, Inc.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in millions, except share and per share data)

 
Three Months Ended Year Ended
December 31, 2011   December 31, 2010 December 31, 2011   December 31, 2010
 
 
Revenues $ 358.0 $ 373.3 $ 1,478.5 $ 1,502.8
 
Operating Expenses:
Cost of purchased transportation and services 293.9 307.7 1,208.4 1,240.5
Direct operating expense (excluding depreciation) 23.1 23.4 94.7 94.5
Selling, general and administrative expenses 35.0 39.5 146.0 155.7
Other income - (0.1 ) (4.8 ) (2.5 )
Depreciation and amortization   1.8       1.8     7.2       6.5  
Total operating expenses   353.8       372.3     1,451.5       1,494.7  
 
Income from operations 4.2 1.0 27.0 8.1
 
Interest expense, net   (0.5 )     (2.9 )   (2.3 )     (6.6 )
 
Income (loss) before income taxes 3.7 (1.9 ) 24.7 1.5
 
Income tax expense (benefit)   2.6       (0.8 )   10.8       0.6  
 
Net income (loss) $ 1.1     $ (1.1 ) $ 13.9     $ 0.9  
 
 
Earnings per share:
 
Basic:
Earnings (loss) per share $ 0.03   $ (0.03 ) $ 0.40   $ 0.03  
Weighted average shares outstanding   34,978,646     34,911,913     34,959,819     34,921,594  
 
Diluted:
Earnings (loss) per share $ 0.03   $ (0.03 ) $ 0.40   $ 0.03  
Weighted average shares outstanding   35,194,541     34,911,913     35,066,417     34,946,175  
 
       

Pacer International, Inc.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

(in millions)

 
Year Ended
December 31, 2011   December 31, 2010
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income $ 13.9 $ 0.9
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 7.2 6.5
Gain on sale of property and equipment (0.1 ) (2.5 )
Gain on sale of railcar assets (4.7 ) -
Gain on sale lease-back transactions (0.7 ) (0.8 )
Deferred taxes 12.4 5.2
Stock based compensation expense 2.4 1.3
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net 19.0 (0.2 )
Prepaid expenses and other 3.1 11.1
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities (20.7 ) (1.2 )
Other assets 1.8 0.4
Other liabilities   (0.2 )   (4.6 )
 
Net cash provided by operating activities   33.4     16.1  
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Capital expenditures (8.0 ) (8.2 )
Purchase of railcar assets (22.1 ) -
Net proceeds from sale of railcar assets 28.9 -
Net proceeds from sale lease-back transaction - 2.4
Net proceeds from sales of property and equipment   1.1     2.8  
 
Net cash used in investing activities   (0.1 )   (3.0 )
 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net repayments under revolving line of credit (13.4 ) (9.6 )
Debt issuance costs paid to third parties - (1.6 )
Repurchase and retirement of Pacer common stock (0.1 ) (0.2 )
Capital lease obligation repayment   -     (0.3 )
 
Net cash used in financing activities   (13.5 )   (11.7 )
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 19.8 1.4
 
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year   4.2     2.8  
Cash and cash equivalents - end of year $ 24.0   $ 4.2  
 
                   
Pacer International, Inc.
Unaudited Results by Segment
(in millions)
 
Three Months Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
          2011       2010     Change     % Change   2011         2010       Change     % Change
 
Revenues
Intermodal $ 289.7 $ 281.2 $ 8.5 3.0 % $ 1,175.3 $ 1,081.5 $ 93.8 8.7 %
Logistics 68.3 92.1 (23.8 ) (25.8 ) 303.5 422.1 (118.6 ) (28.1 )
Inter-segment eliminations         -       -       -       -     (0.3 )       (0.8 )       0.5       (62.5 )
Total 358.0 373.3 (15.3 ) (4.1 ) 1,478.5 1,502.8 (24.3 ) (1.6 )
 
Cost of purchased transportation and services
and direct operating expense 1/
Intermodal 261.0 254.5 6.5 2.6 1,051.4 970.1 81.3 8.4
Logistics 56.0 76.6 (20.6 ) (26.9 ) 252.0 365.7 (113.7 ) (31.1 )
Inter-segment eliminations         -       -       -       -     (0.3 )       (0.8 )       0.5       (62.5 )
Total 317.0 331.1 (14.1 ) (4.3 ) 1,303.1 1,335.0 (31.9 ) (2.4 )
 
Gross margin
Intermodal 28.7 26.7 2.0 7.5 123.9 111.4 12.5 11.2
Logistics         12.3       15.5       (3.2 )     (20.6 )   51.5         56.4         (4.9 )     (8.7 )
Total $ 41.0 $ 42.2 $ (1.2 ) (2.8 ) % $ 175.4 $ 167.8 $ 7.6 4.5 %
 
Gross margin percentage
Intermodal 9.9 % 9.5 % 0.4 % 10.5 % 10.3 % 0.2 %
Logistics         18.0       16.8       1.2     17.0     13.4       3.6  
Total 11.5 % 11.3 % 0.2 % 11.9 % 11.2 % 0.7 %
 
 
 
1/ Direct operating expenses are only incurred in the intermodal segment
 
                       
Pacer International, Inc.
Reconciliation of GAAP Revenues to Adjusted Revenues
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2011 Year Ended December 31, 2010 Adjusted % Adjusted
GAAP Adjusted GAAP Adjusted Variance Variance
Revenues: Results Adjustments Results Results Adjustments Results 2011 vs 2010   2011 vs 2010
Intermodal $ 1,175.3 $ - $ 1,175.3 $ 1,081.5 $ (15.3 ) 1/ $ 1,066.2 $ 109.1 10.2 %
Logistics 303.5 - 303.5 422.1 - 422.1 (118.6 ) (28.1 )
Inter-segment elimination   (0.3 )   -   (0.3 )   (0.8 )   -     (0.8 )   0.5   (62.5 )
$ 1,478.5 $ - $ 1,478.5 $ 1,502.8 $ (15.3 ) $ 1,487.5 $ (9.0 ) (0.6 ) %
 
 
 
 
1/ Adjustment reflects the elimination of the transitioned east-west big box revenues from intermodal marketing companies.
 
                   
Pacer International, Inc.
Reconciliation of GAAP Financial Results to Adjusted Financial Results
For the Three Months and the Year
Ended December 31, 2011
(in millions, except share and per share data)
 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2011 Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
 
GAAP Results Adjustments Adjusted Results GAAP Results Adjustments Adjusted Results
Income before income taxes $ 3.7 - $ 3.7 $ 24.7 - $ 24.7
 
Income tax expense (benefit)   2.6   (1.2 ) 1/   1.4   10.8   (1.2 ) 1/   9.6
 
Net income $ 1.1 $ 1.2   $ 2.3 $ 13.9 $ 1.2   $ 15.1
 
 
Earnings per share:
 
Basic:
Earnings per share $ 0.03 $ 0.04   $ 0.07 $ 0.40 $ 0.03   $ 0.43
Weighted average shares outstanding   34,978,646   34,978,646     34,978,646   34,959,819   34,959,819     34,959,819
 
Diluted:
Earnings per share $ 0.03 $ 0.04   $ 0.07 $ 0.40 $ 0.03   $ 0.43
Weighted average shares outstanding   35,194,541   35,194,541     35,194,541   35,066,417   35,066,417     35,066,417
 
 
 
Note to adjustment above:
1/ Adjustment reflects the elimination of the deferred tax asset adjustment during the fourth quarter of 2011.

Contacts

Investor:
Pacer International, Inc.
Steve Markosky, 614-923-1703
VP Investor Relations & Financial Planning & Analysis
steve.markosky@pacer.com
or
Media:
Princeton Partners
Erin Bijas, 609-452-8500 x118
Mobile: 732-895-0792
Senior Account Manager, Public Relations
ebijas@princetonpartners.com

Contacts

Investor:
Pacer International, Inc.
Steve Markosky, 614-923-1703
VP Investor Relations & Financial Planning & Analysis
steve.markosky@pacer.com
or
Media:
Princeton Partners
Erin Bijas, 609-452-8500 x118
Mobile: 732-895-0792
Senior Account Manager, Public Relations
ebijas@princetonpartners.com