UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

___________________________________________________________________

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
January 29, 2013

___________________________________________________________________

COVENANT LOGO

COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Nevada
000-24960
88-0320154
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
(Commission
File Number)
(IRS Employer
  Identification No.)

400 Birmingham Hwy., Chattanooga, TN
37419
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

(423) 821-1212
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

[   ]
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
   
[   ]
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
   
[   ]
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
   
[   ]
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))


 
 

 


Item 1.01
Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement
 
 
On January 29, 2013, Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, Covenant Transport, Inc., a Tennessee corporation (“CTI”), CTG Leasing Company, a Nevada corporation (“CTGL”), Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc., an Arkansas corporation (“SRT”), Covenant Asset Management, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“CAM”), Covenant Transport Solutions, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“CTS”), and Star Transportation, Inc., a Tennessee corporation (collectively with CTI, CTGL, SRT, CAM, and CTS, the “Borrowers”), entered into an Eighth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Eighth Amendment”) with Bank of America, N.A., as agent (the “Agent”), and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (together with the Agent, the “Lenders”), which amends that certain Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated September 23, 2008, by and among the Company, the Borrowers, the Agent, and the Lenders, as amended (the “Credit Agreement”).
 
The Eighth Amendment, among other things, (i) increased the revolver commitment to $95.0 million (previously the revolver commitment was $85.0 million), (ii) extended the maturity date from September 2014 to September 2017, (iii) eliminated the availability block of $15.0 million, (iv) improved pricing for revolving borrowings by amending the “Applicable Margin” as set forth in the tables below, (v) improved the unused line fee pricing to .375% per annum when availability is less than $50.0 million and .5% per annum when availability is at or over such amount (previously the fee was .5% per annum when availability was less than $50.0 million and .75% per annum when availability was at or over such amount), (vi) provided that the fixed charge coverage ratio covenant will be tested only during periods that commence when availability is less than or equal to the greater of 12.5% of the revolver commitment or $11.875 million, (vii) eliminated the consolidated leverage ratio covenant, (viii) reduced the level of availability below which cash dominion applies to the greater of 15% of the revolver commitment or $14.25 million (previously this level was $75.0 million), (ix) added deemed amortization of real estate and eligible revenue equipment included in the borrowing base to the calculation of fixed charge coverage ratio, (x) amended certain types of permitted debt to afford additional flexibility, and (xi) allowed for stock repurchases in an aggregate amount not exceeding $5.0 million and the purchase of up to the remaining 51% equity interest in Transport Enterprise Leasing, provided that certain conditions are met.  Following the effectiveness of the Eighth Amendment, the Applicable Margin was changed as follows:

New Pricing

Level
Average Pricing Availability
Base Rate Loans
LIBOR Loans
L/C Fee
I
> $75,000,000
.50%
1.50%
1.50%
II
≤ $75,000,000   but > $50,000,000
.75%
1.75%
1.75%
III
≤ $50,000,000   but > $25,000,000
1.00%
2.00%
2.00%
IV
≤ $25,000,000
1.25%
2.25%
2.25%


Prior Pricing

Level
Average Excess
Availability
Base Rate
Loans
LIBOR
Loans
I
>$70,000,000
1.25%
2.25%
II
≤$70,000,000 but >
$35,000,000
1.50%
2.50%
III
≤$35,000,000 but >
$20,000,000
 1.75%
2.75%
IV
≤$20,000,000 but <
$10,000,000
2.00%
3.00%
V
≤$10,000,000
2.25%
3.25%

 
In exchange for these amendments, the Borrowers agreed to pay fees of $332,500.
 
The foregoing summary of the terms and conditions of the Eighth Amendment does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Eighth Amendment, which is attached as Exhibit 10.1.

 
 

 


   
Item 2.02
Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
 
 
On Wednesday, January 30, 2013, Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), issued a press release announcing its financial and operating results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2012.  A copy of the press release is attached to this report as Exhibit 99.
   
Item 2.03
Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.
   
 
The information set forth in Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K concerning the Company’s obligations under the Eighth Amendment is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.03.
   
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits.
     
 
(d)
Exhibits.
     
 
EXHIBIT
NUMBER
 
EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
     
 
Eighth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated effective as of December 31, 2012, among Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., Covenant Transport, Inc., CTG Leasing Company, Covenant Asset Management, Inc., Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc., Covenant Transport Solutions, Inc., Star Transportation, Inc., and Bank of America, N.A. as agent
     
 
Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. press release announcing financial and operating results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2012
   
 
The information contained in Items 2.02 and 9.01 of this report and the exhibit hereto shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.
   
 
The information in Items 2.02 and 9.01 of this report and the exhibit hereto may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act.  Such statements are made based on the current beliefs and expectations of the Company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties.  Actual results or events may differ from those anticipated by forward-looking statements.  Please refer to the italicized paragraph at the end of the attached press release and various disclosures by the Company in its press releases, stockholder reports, and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for information concerning risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may affect future results.


 
 

 

SIGNATURE

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

   
COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC.
     
     
Date: January 30, 2013
By:
  /s/ Richard B. Cribbs                                       
   
Richard B. Cribbs
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer



 
 

 



EXHIBIT INDEX

EXHIBIT
NUMBER
EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
   
Eighth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated effective as of December 31, 2012, among Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., Covenant Transport, Inc., CTG Leasing Company, Covenant Asset Management, Inc., Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc., Covenant Transport Solutions, Inc., Star Transportation, Inc., and Bank of America, N.A. as agent
   
Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. press release announcing financial and operating results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2012

 

 
Exhibit 10.1
EIGHTH AMENDMENT TO
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

This EIGHTH AMENDMENT TO THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “ Amendment ”), dated effective as of December 31, 2012, is by and among COVENANT TRANSPORT, INC. , a Tennessee corporation (“ CTI ”), CTG LEASING COMPANY , a Nevada corporation (“ CTGL ”), SOUTHERN REFRIGERATED TRANSPORT, INC. , an Arkansas corporation (“ SRT ”), COVENANT ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC. ,   a Nevada corporation (“ CAM ”) , COVENANT TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS, INC. , a Nevada corporation (“ CTS ”), and STAR TRANSPORTATION, INC. , a Tennessee corporation (“ ST ”, and together with CTI, CTGL, SRT, CAM, and CTS, individually a “ Borrower ” and collectively, “ Borrowers ”), COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC. , a Nevada corporation and the owner (directly or indirectly) of all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Borrowers (“ Parent ”), the Lenders (defined below) party to this Amendment, and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. , a national banking association, as agent for Lenders (in such capacity, “ Agent ”).  Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Credit Agreement (defined below).
 
R E C I T A L S :
 
A.           The Borrowers, the Parent, the lenders from time to time party thereto (the “ Lenders ”) and the Agent are parties to that certain Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 23, 2008 (as previously amended, as amended hereby and as otherwise amended, restated or modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”);

B.           The Parent has executed that certain Third Amended and Restated Parent Guaranty Agreement dated as of September 23, 2008 (as amended to the date hereof, the “ Parent Guaranty ”); and

C.           The Borrowers, the Parent, the Lenders and the Agent desire that the Credit Agreement be amended in certain respects in accordance with the terms of this Amendment.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:

1.            Recitals .  The foregoing Recitals are accurate and are incorporated herein and made a part hereof for all purposes.
 
2.            Amendments to Credit Agreement .  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Credit Agreement is hereby amended as follows:
 
(a)            Amendments to Definitions .  The following definitions in Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement are hereby amended and restated (or added) to read in their entirety as follows:
 
 
 
1

 

Applicable Margin :  with respect to any Type of Loan, the margins set forth below, as determined by the Average Pricing Availability for the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter:
 
Level
Average Pricing Availability
Base Rate Loans
LIBOR   Loans
L/C Fee
I
> $75,000,000
.50%
1.50%
1.50%
II
≤ $75,000,000   but > $50,000,000
.75%
1.75%
1.75%
III
≤ $50,000,000   but > $25,000,000
1.00%
2.00%
2.00%
IV
≤ $25,000,000
1.25%
2.25%
2.25%

Commencing effective January 1, 2013, margins shall be determined as if Level III were applicable.  Commencing on April 1, 2013, and continuing on the first day of each Fiscal Quarter thereafter, the margins shall be subject to increase or decrease based upon the Agent’s determination of Average Pricing Availability for the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter, with any such change to be effective on the first day of the Fiscal Quarter.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, by the first day of a month, any financial statements and Compliance Certificate due in the preceding month have not been received, then the margins shall be determined as if Level IV were applicable, from such day until the first day of the calendar month following actual receipt.”
 
Availability Block :  $0, at all times during the term hereof.”

Eligible Assignee :  a Person that is (a) a Lender, U.S.-based Affiliate of a Lender or Approved Fund; (b) any other financial institution approved by Agent, each Issuing Bank, and Borrower Agent (which approval by Borrower Agent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, and shall be deemed given if no objection is made within two Business Days after notice of the proposed assignment), that is organized under the laws of the United States or any state or district thereof, has total assets in excess of $5 billion, extends asset-based lending facilities in its ordinary course of business and whose becoming an assignee would not constitute a prohibited transaction under Section 4975 of the Code or any other Applicable Law; and (c) during any Event of Default, any Person acceptable to Agent and each issuing Bank in their discretion.”

Fixed Charges :  the sum, without duplication, of (a) interest expense (other than payment-in-kind), plus (b) cash rental expense, plus (c) any scheduled principal payments on any Debt, plus (d) any Included Revolver Payments, plus (e) any other voluntary or discretionary principal payments or other prepayments on any Debt other than Permitted Voluntary Prepayments and repayments on the Revolving Credit Facility other than Included Revolver Payments, plus (f) taxes paid in cash, less (g) any cash tax refunds received, plus (h) Distributions paid in cash, plus (i) payments made in respect of obligations under Capital Leases , plus (j) scheduled reductions of the Real Estate Formula Amount based on the Real Estate Amortization Amount, plus (k) an amount equal to 15%   of the net book value (calculated in accordance with GAAP) of Eligible Revenue Equipment comprised of tractors and 8%   of the net book value (calculated in accordance with GAAP) of Eligible Revenue Equipment comprised of trailers, each as reported on the Borrowing Base certificate dated as of the date of determination; provided , however , that the amounts described in clauses (j) and (k) shall commence with the one-month amounts for January 2013 and shall build monthly until a full trailing twelve months for such amounts is included from and after the measurement for the period ending December 31, 2013.”

 
2

 

Letter of Credit Subline :  an aggregate amount of $95,000,000, with the following sublimits: (a) with respect to standby letters of credit, $75,000,000 and (b) with respect to commercial letters of credit, $20,000,000, as such sublimits may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with Section 2.2.1(f) .  The Letter of Credit Subline is part of, and not in addition to, the Revolving Credit Facility.”
 
Permitted Distributions :  (a) Upstream Payments, (b) the Distribution by CTI and SRT of their Equity Interests in CVTI Receivables to Parent to facilitate the merger of CVTI Receivables with and into Parent, and (c) Permitted Stock Repurchases; provided , that no Default or Event of Default exists immediately prior to or would result directly or indirectly from any of the foregoing Distributions.”
 
Permitted Stock Repurchases :  the repurchase of any outstanding Equity Interests held by the public shareholders of Parent; provided that for any repurchase (i) after giving effect to such repurchase, the aggregate amount of such repurchases does not exceed $5,000,000, (ii) after giving effect to such repurchase, Availability is greater than the greater of 25% of the Revolver Commitment or $23,750,000 (after giving effect to the Availability Block), and (iii) Average Availability is greater than the greater of 25% of the Revolver Commitment or $23,750,000 (after giving effect to the Availability Block) for the sixty (60) day period immediately preceding such repurchase.”
 
Restricted Investment :  any Investment by an Obligor or a Subsidiary of an Obligor, other than (a) Investments in Subsidiaries to the extent existing on the Closing Date or as approved by the Required Lenders after the Closing Date; (b) Cash Equivalents that are subject to Agent's Lien and control, pursuant to documentation in form and substance satisfactory to Agent; (c) Investments in any new Subsidiary created in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.2.9 ; (d) loans and advances permitted under Section 10.2.6 ; (e) Permitted Stock Repurchases; and (f) on or before May 31, 2016, the purchase (in one or more transactions) by Parent or any of the Obligors of up to the remaining 51% of Equity Interest   in Transport Enterprise Leasing not owned by them, provided that (i) the aggregate purchase price of such Equity Interest is not greater than $15,000,000, (ii) after giving effect to such purchase, Availability is greater than the greater of 25% of the Revolver Commitment or $23,750,000 (after giving effect to the Availability Block), (iii) Average Availability is greater than the greater of 25% of the Revolver Commitment or $23,750,000 (after giving effect to the Availability Block) for the sixty (60) day period immediately preceding such purchase, and (iv) the provisions of Section 10.1.9 have been complied with; provided , however , that with respect any Investment under clause (c) or (e) above, no Default or Event of Default exists immediately prior to or would result directly or indirectly from such Investment; provided further , however , that following any Investment under clause (f) above, the business of Transport Enterprise Leasing (including the purchase, sale, leasing, financing, and other dealing in revenue equipment both with owner-operators leased to the Parent and its Subsidiaries and with third parties in the manner currently conducted or reasonably related thereto) shall be deemed to comply with Sections 10.2.4, 10.2.5, 10.2.6, and 10.2.15 hereof.”
 

 
3

 

Revolver Termination Date :  September 23, 2017.”
 
Trigger Period :  the period (a) commencing on the day that an Event of Default occurs or Availability is less than the greater of 15% of the Revolver Commitment or $14,250,000 at any time, and (b) continuing until no Event of Default has existed and Availability has been greater than the greater of 15% of the Revolver Commitment or $14,250,000 for at least 60 consecutive days.
 
Unused Line Fee :  Commencing January 1, 2013, a fee equal to (a)(i) 0.375% per annum at any time Average Pricing Availability is less than $50,000,000, or (ii) 0.50% per annum at any time Average Pricing Availability is greater than or equal to $50,000,000, times (b) the average daily amount by which the Revolver Commitments exceed the outstanding principal amount of all Revolver Loans and aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit during any month (or such shorter period if calculated on the Commitment Termination Date).”
 
Value :  (a) for Equipment or Real Estate, its fair market value based upon the most recent appraisals performed by an appraiser acceptable to Agent and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and on terms satisfactory to Agent and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and (b) for an Account, its face amount, net of any returns, rebates, discounts (calculated on the shortest terms), credits, allowances or Taxes (including sales, excise or other taxes) that have been or could be claimed by the Account Debtor or any other Person.”
 
(b)            Deleted Definitions .  The following definitions in Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement are hereby deleted:
 
Consolidated Leverage Ratio
Adjusted EBITDAR
Consolidated Debt
Operating Leases
 
 
 
4

 

(c)            Increase Revolver Commitments .  Schedule 1.1 to the Credit Agreement is hereby deleted and the attached Schedule 1.1 is hereby inserted in place thereof and in substitution therefor.
 
(d)            Amend Borrowing Base Certificate Reporting Requirement .  Section 8.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the reference to “$15,000,000” and inserting “the greater of 20% of the Revolver Commitment or $19,000,000” in place thereof and in substitution therefor.
 
(e)            Amend Letter of Credit Subline Limit .  Section 2.2.1(f) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the reference to “$85,000,000” and inserting “$95,000,000” in place thereof and in substitution therefor.
 
(f)            Delete Consolidated Leverage Covenant .  Section 10.4 of the Credit Agreement is hereby deleted.
 
(g)            Amend Fixed Charge Coverage Testing .  Section 10.3 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
 
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio .  At any time after December 30, 2012, during any period (a) commencing on the day Availability is less than or equal to the greater of 12.5% of the Revolver Commitment or $11,875,000 (after giving effect to the Availability Block), and (b) continuing until Average Availability has been greater than the greater of 12.5% of the Revolver Commitment or $11,875,000 (after giving effect to the Availability Block) for at least sixty consecutive days, the Borrowers shall maintain a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio as of the last day of any month for the immediately preceding Twelve-Month Period of at least 1.0 to 1.0.”
 
(h)            Amend Permitted Debt and Permitted Liens .  Section 10.2.1(j) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
 
“(j)           At any time, Debt secured by any Revenue Equipment, computer equipment, or Real Estate that is not Collateral after giving effect to the incurrence of such Debt, provided the aggregate amount of all such Debt does not exceed $225,000,000;”
 
(i)            Amend Permitted Liens .  Section 10.2.2(q) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
 
(q)           “At any time, Liens securing Debt permitted under Section 10.2.1(j);”
 
 
5

 

(j)            Amend Field Exam and Appraisal Frequency .  Section 10.1.1(b) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
 
“(b)           Reimburse Agent for all charges, costs and expenses of Agent in connection with (i) up to two field examinations of any Obligor’s books and records or any other financial or Collateral matters as Agent deems appropriate, (ii) up to two appraisals of Pledged Equipment, and (iii) up to one appraisal of Real Estate, in each case per Loan Year; provided , however, that if an examination or appraisal is initiated during a Default or Event of Default, or when Availability is less than or equal to the greater of 20% of the Revolver Commitment or $19,000,000 (after giving effect to the Availability Block), then each Obligor shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, reimburse Agent for all charges, costs and expenses of Agent in connection with all field examinations of any Obligor’s books and records or any other financial or Collateral matters as Agent deems appropriate, up to two appraisals of Real Estate, and up to four full appraisals of Pledged Equipment per Loan Year, without regard to such limit.  Subject to and without limiting the foregoing, Borrowers specifically agree to pay Agent’s then standard charges for each day that an employee of Agent or its Affiliates is engaged in any examination activities, and shall pay the standard charges of Agent’s internal appraisal group.  This Section shall not be construed to limit Agent’s right to conduct examinations or to obtain appraisals at any time in its discretion, nor to use third parties for such purposes.”
 
(k)            Amend Cover Page .  The cover page to the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to (x) delete the reference to “BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIES LLC, and J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC. as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Book Runners” and insert “BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Book Runner” in place thereof and in substitution therefor, and (y) delete the reference to “$85,000,000” and insert “$95,000,000 in place thereof and in substitution therefor.
 
(l)            Amend Section 9.1.4 and Schedule 9.1.4 .  The last sentence of Section 9.1.4 is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:  “Except as set forth on Schedule 9.1.4, as of December 31, 2012, with respect to outstanding options to purchase Equity interests in Parent, there are no outstanding options to purchase, warrants, subscription rights, agreements to issue or sell, convertible interests, phantom rights or powers of attorney relating to any Equity Interests of any Obligor or any Subsidiary.”  The portion of Schedule 9.1.4 covered by the last sentence of Section 9.1.4 is hereby amended and restated to read as set forth on Amendment to Schedule 9.1.4 attached hereto.
 
(m)            Amend Section 9.1.10 .  Section 9.1.10 is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:
 
Taxes .  Each Obligor and Subsidiary has filed all federal, and all material state and local tax returns and other reports that it is required by law to file, and has paid, or made provision for the payment of, all federal and all other material Taxes upon it, its income and its Properties that are due and payable, except to the extent being Properly Contested.  The provision for Taxes on the books of each Borrower and Subsidiary is adequate in all material respects for all years not closed by applicable statutes, and for its current Fiscal Year.”
 
 
6

 

(n)            Amend Section 9.1.25 .  Section 9.1.25 is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:
 
“9.1.25. Subsidiaries .  None of the Obligors has a Subsidiary (other than VIL, CVTI Receivables, or Covenant Logistics, Inc.) that is not either a Borrower or a Guarantor.”
 
3.            Effectiveness; Conditions Precedent .  The amendments herein provided shall be effective as of the date set forth above (the “ Amendment Effective Date ”) upon the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:
 
(a)           The Agent shall have received each of the following documents or instruments in form and substance acceptable to the Agent:
 
(i)           one or more counterparts of this Amendment, duly executed by each of the Borrowers, the Parent and the Required Lenders; and
 
(ii)           such other documents, instruments, opinions, certifications, undertakings, further assurances and other matters as the Agent shall reasonably request.
 
(b)           A closing fee in the amount of $237,500 shall have been paid to the Agent, for the pro rata benefit of the Lenders party hereto, which fee shall be fully earned and non-refundable upon payment, and the fees set forth in a separate letter agreement between the Borrowers and Agent shall have been paid to the Agent.
 
4.            Acknowledgment of the Obligors .  The Borrowers and Parent, as Obligors, hereby acknowledge and agree that, to the best of their knowledge: (a) none of the Obligors has any defense, offset, or counter­claim with respect to the payment of any sum owed to the Lenders or the Agent under the Loan Documents, or with respect to the performance or observance of any warranty or covenant contained in the Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents; and (b) the Lenders and the Agent have performed all obligations and duties owed to the Obligors through the date of this Amendment.
 
5.            Consent and Reaffirmation of Parent Guaranty .  Parent hereby consents, acknowledges and agrees to the amendments and consent set forth herein and hereby confirms and ratifies in all respects the Parent Guaranty to which Parent is a party (including without limitation the continuation of Parent’s payment and performance obligations thereunder upon and after the effectiveness of this Amendment and the amendments contemplated hereby) and the enforceability of the Parent Guaranty against the Parent in accordance with its terms.

 
7

 

6.            Representations and Warranties of the Obligors .  The Borrowers and Parent, as Obligors, represent and warrant to the Lenders and the Agent that:
 
(a)             Compliance with Loan Agreement .  On the date hereof, and after giving effect to this Amendment, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;
 
(b)             Representations and Warranties .  On the date hereof, and after giving effect to this Amendment, the representations and warranties of each Obligor in the Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects  (except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date);
 
(c)             Power and Authority .  Each Obligor is duly authorized to execute, deliver and perform this Amendment.  The execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment and the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, have been duly authorized by all necessary action, and do not (a) require any consent or approval of the holders of Equity Interests of the Obligors, other than those already obtained; (b) contravene the Organic Documents of any Obligor; (c) violate or cause a default under any Applicable Law, Material Contract or Material License; or (d) result in or require the imposition of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) on any Property of any Obligor; and
 
(d)             Enforceability .  This Amendment and the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, are legal, valid and binding obligations of each Obligor, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally.
 
7.            Effect on Credit Agreement .  Except as specifically amended hereby, the terms and provisions of the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents are, in all other respects, ratified and confirmed and remain in full force and effect.  Except as expressly set forth herein, the amendments provided herein shall not by implication or otherwise limit, constitute a waiver of, or otherwise affect the rights and remedies of the Lenders or the Agent under the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, nor shall they constitute a waiver of any Event of Default, nor shall they alter, modify, amend or in any way affect any of the terms, conditions, obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document.  Each of the amendments provided herein shall apply and be effective only with respect to the provisions of the Credit Agreement specifically referred to by such amendments.  No reference to this Amendment need be made in any notice, writing, or other communication relating to the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents, any such reference to the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents to be deemed a reference thereto as respectively amended by this Amendment.  All references to the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents in any document, instrument, or agreement executed in connection with the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents will be deemed to refer to the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents as respectively amended hereby.
 
8.            Fees and Expenses .  The Company hereby agrees to pay upon demand all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Agent in connection with the preparation, negotiation, and consummation of this Amendment, and all other documents related hereto, including, without limitation, the fees and disbursements of counsel to the Agent.

 
8

 

9.            Instrument Pursuant to Credit Agreement .   This Amendment is a Loan Document executed pursuant to the Credit Agreement and shall (unless otherwise expressly indicated herein) be construed, administered and applied in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Credit Agreement.
 
10.            Further Acts .  Each of the parties to this Amendment agrees that at any time and from time to time upon the written request of any other party, it will execute and deliver such further documents and do such further acts and things as such other party may reasonably request in order to effect the purposes of this Amendment.
 
11.            Successors .  This Amendment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Obligors, Agent, Lenders, and their respective successors and permitted assigns, except that (a) no Obligor shall have the right to assign its rights or delegate its obligations under this Amendment or any Loan Documents; and (b) any assignment by a Lender must be made in compliance with Section 13.3 of the Credit Agreement.
 
12.            Governing Law .  THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES (BUT GIVING EFFECT TO FEDERAL LAWS RELATING TO NATIONAL BANKS).
 
13.            Consent to Forum; Arbitration .  EACH OBLIGOR, HEREBY CONSENTS TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY FEDERAL OR STATE COURT SITTING IN OR WITH JURISDICTION OVER THE STATE OF NEW YORK, IN ANY PROCEEDING OR DISPUTE RELATING IN ANY WAY TO THIS AMENDMENT, AND AGREES THAT ANY SUCH PROCEEDING SHALL BE BROUGHT BY IT SOLELY IN ANY SUCH COURT.  EACH OBLIGOR, IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL CLAIMS, OBJECTIONS AND DEFENSES THAT IT MAY HAVE REGARDING SUCH COURT’S PERSONAL OR SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION, VENUE OR INCONVENIENT FORUM.  EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 14.3.1 OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT.  Nothing herein shall limit the right of Agent or any Lender to bring proceedings against any Obligor in any other court, nor limit the right of any party to serve process in any other manner permitted by Applicable Law.  Nothing in this Amendment shall be deemed to preclude enforcement by Agent of any judgment or order obtained in any forum or jurisdiction.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Section 14.14 of the Credit Agreement is incorporated herein by reference and shall apply to this Amendment.
 
14.            Counterparts .  This Amendment may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.  Delivery of a signature page of any Loan Document by telecopy or electronic mail shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of such agreement.
 
15.            Severability .  Wherever possible, each provision of this Amendment shall be interpreted in such manner as to be valid under Applicable Law.  If any provision is found to be invalid under Applicable Law, it shall be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity and the remaining provisions of this Amendment shall remain in full force and effect.

 
9

 

16.            Entire Agreement .  This Amendment, together with all the Loan Documents (collectively, the “ Relevant Documents ”), sets forth the entire understanding and agreement of the parties hereto in relation to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior negotiations and agreements among the parties relating to such subject matter.  No promise, condition, representation or warranty, express or implied, not set forth in the Relevant Documents shall bind any party hereto, and no such party has relied on any such promise, condition, representation or warranty.  Each of the parties hereto acknowledges that, except as otherwise expressly stated in the Relevant Documents, no representations, warranties or commitments, express or implied, have been made by any party to the other in relation to the subject matter hereof or thereof.  None of the terms or conditions of this Amendment may be changed, modified, waived or canceled orally or otherwise, except in writing and in accordance with Section 14.1 of the Credit Agreement.
 
[signatures on following page]
 
 
10

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused a counterpart of this Amendment to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.
 
 
BORROWERS :
     
 
COVENANT TRANSPORT, INC.
     
     
 
By:
/s/ Richard B. Cribbs                                                                            
 
Name:
Richard B. Cribbs
 
Title:
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
     
     
 
CTG LEASING COMPANY
 
SOUTHERN REFRIGERATED TRANSPORT, INC.
 
STAR TRANSPORTATION, INC.
     
     
 
By:
/s/ Richard B. Cribbs                                                                            
 
Name:
Richard B. Cribbs
 
Title:
Treasurer
     
     
 
COVENANT ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
     
     
 
By:
/s/ Richard B. Cribbs                                                                            
 
Name:
Richard B. Cribbs
 
Title:
Assistant Treasurer
     
     
 
COVENANT TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS, INC.
     
     
 
By:
/s/ Richard B. Cribbs                                                                            
 
Name:
Richard B. Cribbs
 
Title:
Vice President and Assistant Treasurer
     

 
11

 
 
PARENT :
     
 
COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC.
     
     
 
By:
/s/ Richard B. Cribbs                                                                            
 
Name:
Richard B. Cribbs
 
Title:
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
     

 
12

 
 
   
AGENT AND LENDERS :
     
   
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. ,
   
as Agent and Lender
     
     
 
By:
/s/ Douglas Cowan                                                                 
 
Name:
Douglas Cowan
 
Title:
Senior Vice President
     

 
13

 
 
   
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
     
     
     
 
By:
/s/ Kennedy A. Capin                                                                            
 
Name:
Kennedy A. Capin
 
Title:
Officer
     

 
14

 

SCHEDULE 1.1
 
to
Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
 
COMMITMENTS OF LENDERS
 
Lender
Revolver Commitment
Percentage
Bank of America, N.A.
$61,471,000.00
64.70632%
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
$33,529,000.00
35.29368%
Total
$95,000,000.00
100.00000%


 
15

 

Amendment to SCHEDULE 9.1.4
to
Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement

The following description is added to Schedule 9.1.4:

4.    All options to purchase, warrants, subscription rights, agreements to issue or sell, and convertible interests (i) described in the Parent's proxy statement dated April 4, 2012, (ii) issued pursuant to the 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan (as amended) during 2012, or (iii) that remain issuable under such plan.

 
 
16
 
 
Return to Form 8-K

Exhibit 99
 
COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP ANNOUNCES FOURTH QUARTER AND YEAR END FINANCIAL AND OPERATING RESULTS; EXTENSION AND AMENDMENT OF REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY

CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE – January 30, 2013 - Covenant Transportation Group, Inc.  (NASDAQ/GS: CVTI) announced today financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2012, as well as an extension and amendment of its revolving credit facility.

Highlights for the quarter included the following:
 
·  
Total revenue of $177.5 million, an increase of 9.6% compared with the fourth quarter of 2011;
·  
Freight revenue of $140.0 million (excludes revenue from fuel surcharges), an increase of 9.8% compared with the fourth quarter of 2011;
·  
Operating income of $5.1 million and an operating ratio of 96.3%, compared with operating income of $1.2 million and an operating ratio of 99.1% in the fourth quarter of 2011; and
·  
Net income of $1.5 million, or $0.10 per share, compared with net loss of $2.2 million, or ($0.15) per share in the fourth quarter of 2011.

For the year ended December 31, 2012, total revenue increased 3.3%, to $674.3 million from $652.6 million for 2011.  Freight revenue, which excludes revenue from fuel surcharges, increased 3.3%, to $529.1 million in 2012 from $512.0 million in 2011.  The Company reported net income of $6.1 million, or $0.41 per share, for 2012 compared to a net loss, including impairment charges, of $14.3 million, or ($0.97) per share in 2011.  On a non-GAAP basis, without impairment charges, the Company’s net loss would have been $4.9 million, or ($0.33) per share for 2011.

Management Discussion—Asset-Based Operations
Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, David R. Parker, made the following comments: “Our fourth quarter results marked continued year-over-year improvement in our financial and operating performance.  Consistent with our strategic plan, we allocated assets toward refrigerated and high-value team operations, reduced exposure to solo dry van operations, and increased our use of owner-operators.  In addition, substantial focus on yield management, equipment control, and our drivers’ employment experience contributed to a significant increase in asset productivity.  As a result, our asset-based operating ratio (operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge revenue, as a percentage of freight revenue) improved approximately 350 basis points versus the 2011 quarter, while our balance sheet leverage improved.

For the quarter, total revenue in our asset-based operations increased to $170.2 million, an increase of $14.9 million compared with the fourth quarter of 2011.  This increase consisted of higher freight revenues of $11.9 million and higher fuel surcharge revenue of $3.0 million.  The $11.9 million increase in freight revenues related to a 14.0% increase in average freight revenue per tractor per week, partially offset by a 3.6% decrease of our average tractor fleet.

“Average freight revenue per tractor per week increased to $3,509 during the 2012 quarter from $3,079 during the 2011 quarter.  Average freight revenue per total mile increased by 11.2 cents per mile (or 7.9%) compared to the 2011 quarter and average miles per unit increased by 5.6%.  The main factors impacting the improved utilization were a 175 basis point increase in the percentage of our fleet comprised of team-driven tractors and improved use of technology.  Our non-revenue miles percentage increased by approximately 30 basis points compared with the 2011 quarter.  As of December 31, 2012, less than 4% of our fleet lacked drivers, compared with approximately 6% at December 31, 2011.

 
 

 


“We experienced cost pressure in several areas.  Salaries, wages and related expenses increased approximately 4.8 cents per mile due to higher workers’ compensation expense, higher incentive compensation, and employee pay adjustments since the fourth quarter of 2011, offset partially by decreases due to a higher percentage of owner-operators.  Owner-operator expense (reflected as purchased transportation) increased approximately 3.2 cents per mile on a total mile basis compared with the 2011 quarter.  This reflects a combination of higher rates, including fuel surcharge compensation and an increase in owner-operator miles as a percentage of our total miles to 9.0% in the 2012 quarter from 6.8% in the 2011 quarter.  We are continuing our objective of growing our owner-operator fleet as a percentage of our total fleet.  Increasing owner-operator capacity has shifted (and assuming all other factors remain equal is expected to continue to shift) expenses to the purchased transportation line item with offsetting reductions in employee driver wages and related expenses, net fuel, maintenance, and capital costs.

“Net fuel cost (fuel and fuel tax, less fuel surcharge revenue, including fuel surcharges associated with miles operated by owner-operators) provided a significant benefit during the 2012 quarter, improving by approximately 3.4 cents per company mile compared with the fourth quarter of 2011.  Fuel prices as measured by the Department of Energy averaged approximately $0.15/gallon higher in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared with the 2011 quarter.  Higher fuel prices were offset by improved fuel economy, benefits from fuel hedging, and improved fuel surcharge recovery.  We expect to continue managing our idle time and truck speeds, investing in more fuel-efficient tractors, and partnering with customers to adjust fuel surcharge programs which are inadequate to recover a fair portion of rising fuel costs.  Gains from hedging transactions were $850,000 in the 2012 quarter compared with $319,000 in the 2011 quarter.  We expect to continue using fuel price hedges periodically to mitigate the potential volatility in fuel prices relating to the portion of our fuel usage that is not covered by fuel surcharges, which may result in positive or negative results in any given quarter.

“The increase in owner-operator miles as a percentage of total miles, together with our accounting for owner-operator settlements and fuel surcharges, affect our purchased transportation and net fuel expense.  We generally compensate owner-operators on a per mile basis that includes a base rate plus additional amounts associated with activities and fuel surcharges.  The total amount paid to our owner-operators is recorded in purchased transportation.  We do not net the fuel surcharges we collect from customers against purchased transportation (even though a similar amount is passed through to owner-operators); instead these amounts are netted against fuel expense and reduce that line item when we calculate net fuel costs.  Fuel surcharge recovery from miles operated by owner-operators was approximately $3.4 million in the 2012 quarter compared with approximately $2.3 million in the 2011 quarter.

“Capital costs (combined depreciation and amortization, revenue equipment rentals and interest expense) decreased by approximately $1.1 million.  This was primarily attributable to a decrease in company-owned tractors and trailers due to fleet downsizing and greater use of owner-operators, offset partially by $0.6 million less gain on sale of revenue equipment and a $1.1 million increase to revenue equipment rentals in the 2012 quarter.

“Insurance and claims per mile cost increased to 10.9 cents per mile in the fourth quarter of 2012 from 9.9 cents per mile in the fourth quarter of 2011.  The increase primarily related to a greater number of claims for accidents incurred during the fourth quarter of 2012 as compared to the prior year quarter.”

 
 

 


Management Discussion—Non-Asset Based Brokerage Operations
Mr. Parker offered the following comments concerning Covenant Transport Solutions, Inc. (“Solutions”), the Company’s freight brokerage subsidiary:  “For the quarter, Solutions’ total revenue increased 9.2% to $7.3 million from $6.7 million in the same quarter of 2011.  Operating loss was approximately $368,000 for an operating ratio of 105.0%, compared with operating income of $364,000 and an operating ratio of 94.5% in the fourth quarter of 2011.  Solutions’ gross margins weakened slightly as purchased transportation was 78.8% of total revenue in the current quarter, compared with 78.0% of total revenue in the prior year quarter.  Solutions’ other operating expenses as a percentage of revenue increased to 26.3% of total revenue in the fourth quarter of 2012 from 16.5% of total revenue in the fourth quarter of 2011.  The increase in expenses primarily relates to investing in additional personnel, locations and related startup expenses that are expected to expand the capacity and range of services offered to our customers and carrier base in future periods.”

Cash Flow and Liquidity
Richard B. Cribbs, the Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, added the following comments: “At December 31, 2012, our total balance sheet debt and capital lease obligations, net of cash, were $168.1 million, our stockholders’ equity was $94.7 million, and our tangible book value was $94.1 million, or $6.38 per basic share.  At December 31, 2012, our ratio of net debt to total balance sheet capitalization was 64.0%.  Also at December 31, 2012, the discounted value of future obligations under off-balance sheet operating lease obligations was approximately $74.3 million, including the residual value guarantees under those leases, and we believe the value of the leased equipment was approximately equal to the present value of such lease obligations.  Since the end of 2011, the Company’s balance sheet debt and capital lease obligations, net of cash, has decreased by $70.5 million, while the present value of financing provided by operating leases increased by approximately $16.0 million.

“In 2012, we took delivery of approximately 425 tractors and disposed of approximately 650 tractors.  Our current tractor fleet plan for 2013 includes the disposal of approximately 650 used tractors, the delivery of approximately 600 new company tractors, and the on-boarding of additional owner-operators to increase our total fleet size by an average of approximately 50 tractors for 2013.  With a relatively young average company tractor fleet age of 25 months at December 31, 2012, we believe there is significant flexibility to manage our fleet, and we plan to regularly evaluate our tractor replacement cycle and new tractor purchase requirements.  In addition, we believe we have sufficient financing available from the captive finance subsidiaries of our main tractor suppliers, our revolving credit facility, and other available financing to fund our expected revenue equipment purchases in 2013.  Our 49% equity investment in Transport Enterprise Leasing (“TEL”) contributed approximately $0.7 million of pre-tax income in the fourth quarter.”

 
 

 


Overview of Extension and Amendment of Revolving Credit Facility
“We are pleased to announce the extension and amendment of our revolving credit facility with Bank of America and J.P. Morgan, with an effective date of December 31, 2012.  Highlights of the amendment are as follows:
 
·  
Maturity extended three years to September 2017
·  
Commitment increased $10.0 million to $95.0 million
·  
Fixed charge coverage tested only if excess revolver availability is less than $11.9 million
·  
Leverage ratio coverage eliminated
·  
Minimum availability requirement of $15.0 million eliminated
·  
Pricing grid reduced with effectiveness at December 31, 2012
 
We expect at least $500,000 of annual interest savings as well as additional financial flexibility to result from the amendment.  Giving effect to the amendment’s terms, proforma borrowing availability under the revolving facility at December 31, 2012 (assuming the $39.6 million in letters of credit and approximately zero borrowings outstanding at such date) would have been $52.7 million.”

Outlook
Mr. Parker commented on the outlook for 2013:  “We expect continued progress in operations and in reducing our aggregate balance sheet and off-balance sheet obligations.  Freight results for the first three weeks of January 2013 give us confidence of continued meaningful revenue statistics over year ago.  However, based on the gain from sale of real estate in the first quarter of 2012 and a small number of significant claims incurred in early 2013, we expect earnings comparisons in the first half of 2013 to be negative compared with 2012, then becoming positive in the second half of 2013.  Excluding the approximately 10 cent per share gain from sale of real estate during 2012, we expect earnings per share for 2013 to increase meaningfully over 2012.”

Conference Call Information
The Company will host a live conference call tomorrow, January 31, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time to discuss the quarter.  Individuals may access the call by dialing 800-351-4894 (U.S./Canada) and 334-323-7224 (International), access code CTG4.  An audio replay will be available for one week following the call at 877-919-4059, access code 22966474.  In addition, you will be able to listen to the audio replay for an extended period of time on our investor website, under the icon “Audio Archives”.  For additional financial and statistical information regarding the Company that is expected to be discussed during the conference call, please visit our website at www.ctgcompanies.com/investor-relations under the icon “Earnings Info.”

Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. is the holding company for several transportation providers that offer premium transportation services for customers throughout the United States.  The consolidated group includes operations from Covenant Transport and Covenant Transport Solutions of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Southern Refrigerated Transport of Texarkana, Arkansas; and Star Transportation of Nashville, Tennessee.  In addition, Transport Enterprise Leasing, of Chattanooga, Tennessee is an integral affiliated company.  The Company’s Class A common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select under the symbol, “CVTI”.

 
 

 
 
 
This press release contains certain statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Such statements may be identified by their use of terms or phrases such as “expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “intends,” and similar terms and phrases.  Forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified, which could cause future events and actual results to differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements.  In this press release, the statements relating to our management of idle time and truck speeds, investment in more fuel-efficient tractors, implementation of fuel hedges and fuel surcharges, equipment purchases and disposals, interest savings under the amended credit facility, and the availability of sufficient financing for equipment purchases are forward-looking statements.  The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements: elevated experience in the frequency and severity of claims relating to accident, cargo, workers’ compensation, health, and other claims, increased insurance premiums, fluctuations in claims expenses that result from our self-insured retention amounts, including in our excess layers and in respect of claims for which we commute policy coverage, and the requirement that we pay additional premiums if there are claims in certain of those layers, differences between estimates used in establishing and adjusting claims reserves and actual results over time, adverse changes in claims experience and loss development factors, or additional changes in management’s estimates of liability based upon such experience and development factors that cause our expectations of insurance and claims expense to be inaccurate or otherwise impacts our results; changes in the market condition for used revenue equipment and real estate that impact our capital expenditures and our ability to dispose of revenue equipment and real estate on the schedule and for the prices we expect; increases in the prices paid for new revenue equipment that impact our capital expenditures and our results generally; changes in management’s estimates of the need for new tractors and trailers; the effect of any reduction in tractor purchases on the number of tractors that will be accepted by manufacturers under tradeback arrangements; our inability to generate sufficient cash from operations and obtain financing on favorable terms to meet our significant ongoing capital requirements; our ability to maintain compliance with the provisions of our credit agreements, particularly financial covenants in our revolving credit facility; excess tractor or trailer capacity in the trucking industry; decreased demand for our services or loss of one or more of our major customers; our ability to renew dedicated service offering contracts on the terms and schedule we expect; surplus inventories, recessionary economic cycles, and downturns in customers’ business cycles; strikes, work slowdowns, or work stoppages at the Company, customers, ports, or other shipping related facilities; increases or rapid fluctuations in fuel prices, as well as fluctuations in hedging activities and surcharge collection, including, but not limited to, changes in customer fuel surcharge policies and increases in fuel surcharge bases by customers; the volume and terms of diesel purchase commitments; interest rates, fuel taxes, tolls, and license and registration fees; increases in compensation for and difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified drivers and independent contractors; seasonal factors such as harsh weather conditions that increase operating costs; competition from trucking, rail, and intermodal competitors; regulatory requirements that increase costs, decrease efficiency, or reduce the availability of drivers, including revised hours-of-service requirements for drivers and the Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 that implemented new driver standards and modified the methodology for determining a carrier’s DOT safety rating; the ability to reduce, or control increases in, operating costs; changes in the Company’s business strategy that require the acquisition of new businesses, and the ability to identify acceptable acquisition candidates, consummate acquisitions, and integrate acquired operations.  Readers should review and consider these factors along with the various disclosures by the Company in its press releases, stockholder reports, and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  We disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in the factors affecting the forward-looking information.

For further information contact:
Richard B. Cribbs, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer                 (423) 463-3331
criric@covenanttransport.com

For copies of Company information contact:
Kim Perry, Administrative Assistant                                                                        (423) 463-3357
perkim@covenanttransport.com

 
 

 


 
Covenant Transportation Group, Inc.
Key Financial and Operating Statistics
                                     
   
INCOME STATEMENT DATA
   
INCOME STATEMENT DATA
 
   
Three Months Ended Dec 31,
   
Year Ended Ended Dec 31,
 
($000s, except per share data)
 
2012
   
2011
   
% Change
   
2012
   
2011
   
% Change
 
Freight revenue
  $ 139,999     $ 127,496       9.8 %   $ 529,080     $ 512,026       3.3 %
Fuel surcharge revenue
    37,496       34,457               145,174       140,601          
Total revenue
  $ 177,495     $ 161,953       9.6 %   $ 674,254     $ 652,627       3.3 %
                                                 
Operating expenses:
                                               
Salaries, wages, and related expenses
    58,035       52,496               217,080       211,169          
Fuel expense
    49,667       49,396               194,841       208,693          
Operations and maintenance
    11,574       11,074               45,265       43,585          
Revenue equipment rentals and
                                               
   purchased transportation
    23,190       18,116               85,010       63,353          
Operating taxes and licenses
    2,746       3,013               11,043       12,148          
Insurance and claims
    9,436       8,480               33,707       36,163          
Communications and utilities
    1,234       1,242               4,809       5,137          
General supplies and expenses
    4,493       4,207               16,068       15,627          
Depreciation and amortization, including gains and
                                         
   losses on disposition of property and equipment
    11,971       12,770               43,222       46,274          
Goodwill impairment charge
    -       -               -       11,539          
Total operating expenses
    172,346       160,794               651,045       653,688          
Operating income (loss)
    5,149       1,159               23,209       (1,061 )        
Other (income) expenses:
                                               
Interest expense
    2,769       4,085               12,697       16,208          
Interest income
    -       -               -       (32 )        
Other
    6       (39 )             (13 )     (123 )        
Other expenses, net
    2,775       4,046               12,684       16,053          
Equity in income of affiliate
    650       200               1,875       675          
Income (loss) before income taxes
    3,024       (2,687 )             12,400       (16,439 )        
Income tax expense (benefit)
    1,571       (442 )             6,335       (2,172 )        
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,453     $ (2,245 )           $ 6,065     $ (14,267 )        
                                                 
                                                 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.10     $ (0.15 )           $ 0.41     $ (0.97 )        
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.10     $ (0.15 )           $ 0.41     $ (0.97 )        
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (000s)
    14,758       14,720               14,742       14,689          
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (000s)
    14,915       14,720               14,808       14,689          
                                                 
   
Three Months Ended Dec 31,
   
Year Ended Ended Dec 31,
 
      2012       2011    
% Change
      2012       2011    
% Change
 
($000s)
 
SEGMENT REVENUES
   
SEGMENT REVENUES
 
Asset-based trucking revenues
  $ 132,689     $ 120,804       9.8 %   $ 502,812     $ 484,651       3.7 %
Covenant Transport Solutions non-asset based
    revenues
    7,310       6,692       9.2 %     26,268       27,375       -4.0 %
  Freight revenue
  $ 139,999     $ 127,496       9.8 %   $ 529,080     $ 512,026       3.3 %
                                                 
   
OPERATING STATISTICS
   
OPERATING STATISTICS
 
Average freight revenue per loaded mile
  $ 1.708     $ 1.578       8.3 %   $ 1.633     $ 1.527       6.9 %
Average freight revenue per total mile
  $ 1.533     $ 1.421       7.9 %   $ 1.471     $ 1.382       6.4 %
Average freight revenue per tractor per week
  $ 3,509     $ 3,079       14.0 %   $ 3,322     $ 3,069       8.2 %
Average miles per tractor per period
    30,082       28,482       5.6 %     118,103       115,775       2.0 %
Weighted avg. tractors for period
    2,877       2,986       -3.6 %     2,895       3,029       -4.4 %
Tractors at end of period
    2,884       2,978       -3.2 %     2,884       2,978       -3.2 %
Trailers at end of period
    6,904       7,361       -6.2 %     6,904       7,361       -6.2 %
   
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA
                         
($000s, except per share data)
 
12/31/2012
   
12/31/2011
                                 
Total assets
  $ 400,232     $ 439,825                                  
Total equity
  $ 94,673     $ 87,055                                  
Total balance sheet debt, net of cash
  $ 168,098     $ 238,616                                  
Net Debt to Capitalization Ratio
    64.0 %     73.3 %                                
Tangible book value per basic share
  $ 6.38     $ 5.85                                  
 
 
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