News Details

• Q4 Comparable EPS from Continuing Operations Up 21% to $1.17
• Q4 EPS from Continuing Operations Increase 16% to $1.07
• Q4 Operating Revenue Grows 4%; Total Revenue Up 3%
• Full-Year Comparable EPS from Continuing Operations Up 16% to $4.04
• Full-Year EPS from Continuing Operations Up 18% to $3.91
• Full-Year Operating Revenue Up 5%; Total Revenue Grows 3% to $6.3 Billion
• 2013 Comparable EPS Forecast of $4.70 to $4.85 vs. $4.41 for 2012; Excludes Non-Operating Pension Expenses of $0.24 in 2013 and $0.37 in 2012

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE: R), a leader in transportation and supply chain management solutions, today reported earnings per diluted share from continuing operations for the three-month period ended December 31, 2012 were $1.07, compared with $0.92 in the year-earlier period. Earnings from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2012 were $54.9 million, compared with $47.7 million in the year-earlier period. Earnings per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2012 included an after-tax charge of $0.10 or $5.1 million associated with certain vehicle-related losses from Superstorm Sandy, for which insurance recoveries remain uncertain and have not been recognized. Earnings per diluted share in the year-earlier period included an after-tax charge of $0.05 or $2.4 million for planned restructuring costs related to the integration of an acquisition. Excluding these items in both periods, comparable earnings per diluted share from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2012 were $1.17, up 21% from $0.97 in the year-earlier period, and comparable earnings from continuing operations of $60.1 million increased 20% from $50.1 million in the year-earlier period. The increase in comparable earnings reflects strong performance in both business segments, Fleet Management Solutions (FMS) and Supply Chain Solutions (SCS).

Total revenue for the fourth quarter of 2012 was $1.58 billion, up 3% from $1.54 billion in the same period last year. Operating revenue (revenue excluding FMS fuel and all subcontracted transportation) was $1.29 billion, up 4% from $1.24 billion in the year-earlier period, reflecting organic full service lease growth as well as increased volumes and new business in the SCS automotive sector. FMS business segment total and operating revenue improved 4% due to higher full service lease revenue. SCS business segment total revenue increased 2% reflecting higher operating revenue. SCS operating revenue grew 4% largely reflecting improved volumes and new business in both the automotive industry and dedicated services as well as higher fuel cost pass-throughs.

Net earnings per diluted share (including discontinued operations) for the three-month period ended December 31, 2012 were $1.05 versus $0.93 in the year-earlier period. Earnings per diluted share from discontinued operations (previously announced in 2009) for the fourth quarter of 2012 totaled a loss of $0.02 compared with income of $0.01 in the same period of 2011. Net earnings for the fourth quarter of 2012 were $53.8 million versus $48.1 million in the year-earlier period.

Commenting on the Company’s fourth quarter and full-year 2012 performance, Ryder Executive Chairman Greg Swienton said, “We closed 2012 with a strong fourth quarter that included higher revenue and double-digit earnings growth. For full-year 2012, we delivered a 5% increase in operating revenue and earnings per share growth of 16%, despite unexpected mid-year challenges in rental demand. In Fleet Management Solutions, we grew our full service lease fleet and expanded our contract maintenance business. Within Supply Chain Solutions, we saw strong performance and growth in our automotive business and dedicated services offering. We are also pleased that both our earnings and return on capital spread have returned to pre-recession levels.”

Fourth Quarter Business Segment Operating Results

Fleet Management Solutions

In the FMS business segment, total revenue in the fourth quarter of 2012 was $1.12 billion, up 4% compared with the year-earlier period, due to higher operating revenue. Fuel services revenue in the fourth quarter of 2012 increased 3%, due to higher fuel prices passed through to customers. Operating revenue (revenue excluding fuel) in the fourth quarter of 2012 was $849.5 million, up 4%. Full service lease revenue increased 6%, due to higher prices on replacement vehicles and organic fleet growth. Commercial rental revenue decreased 1%, reflecting lower market demand, although pricing was higher.

The FMS business segment’s pre-tax earnings were $86.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2012, up 17% from $73.8 million in the same period of 2011. Increased earnings reflect improved full service lease results (due to lower maintenance costs on a newer fleet and organic growth), as well as lower compensation-related expenses. Earnings growth was partially offset by lower commercial rental performance, as a result of lower market demand on a 3% smaller average fleet. Rental power fleet utilization was a strong 78% for the fourth quarter of 2012, a decline of only 70 basis points from the year-earlier high demand period. Year-over-year rental utilization comparisons improved significantly versus the first half of 2012. This increase reflects primarily the benefit of fleet right-sizing actions taken earlier in the year, as well as better-than-expected fourth quarter demand, due, in part, to Superstorm Sandy recovery efforts. Business segment earnings before tax (EBT) as a percentage of operating revenue were 10.1% in the fourth quarter of 2012, up 100 basis points compared with 9.1% in the same quarter a year ago.

Supply Chain Solutions

In the SCS business segment, fourth quarter 2012 total revenue was $575.3 million, up 2%, as higher operating revenue offset lower subcontracted transportation. Operating revenue (revenue excluding subcontracted transportation) was $489.1 million, an increase of 4% compared with the same quarter a year ago. SCS operating revenue comparisons primarily benefited from increased volumes and new business in both the automotive sector and dedicated services, as well as higher fuel costs passed through to customers.

The SCS business segment’s pre-tax earnings in the fourth quarter of 2012 were $31.0 million, up 22% from $25.5 million in the same quarter of 2011. The increase was driven by higher volumes and new business in both the automotive sector and dedicated services. These improvements were partially offset by higher medical benefit costs. Business segment earnings before tax as a percentage of operating revenue were 6.3%, up 90 basis points from 5.4% in the year-earlier period.

Corporate Financial Information

Central Support Services

Central Support Services (CSS) are overhead costs incurred to support all business segments and product lines. Most CSS costs are allocated to the business segments. In the fourth quarter of 2012, CSS costs were $48.7 million, compared with $51.7 million in the year-earlier period, reflecting primarily lower compensation-related expenses and professional fees.

Non-Operating Pension Costs

Non-operating components of pension costs are excluded from segment earnings before tax in order to more accurately reflect the operating performance of the business segments. Non-operating pension costs totaled $7.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2012, up from $4.7 million in the year-earlier period. The increase reflects lower assumed pension asset returns for 2012.

Restructuring and Other Items

In the fourth quarter of 2012, as a direct result of Superstorm Sandy, the Company incurred a liability of $8.2 million ($5.1 million after-tax) for property damage to vehicles owned by full service lease customers for which Ryder has liability under certain agreements. The Company is currently pursuing recovery of these losses under applicable property and casualty insurance programs. However, because recovery of these losses is uncertain, no offsetting benefits were recognized in the fourth quarter. Insurance recoveries will be recognized if and when they are probable of receipt. In December 2012, the Company enhanced its insurance coverage to mitigate this type of risk in the future.

Additionally, Company-owned units with a carrying value of $15.7 million were damaged or completely destroyed as a direct result of Superstorm Sandy. The Company expects to recover at least the cost of repairs or carrying value of these assets from insurance proceeds and customer billings.

Income Taxes

The Company’s effective income tax rate from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2012 was 32.9% of earnings before tax compared with 34.8% in the year-earlier period. The decline in effective tax rate reflects a higher proportionate amount of earnings in lower tax rate jurisdictions.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures were $2.16 billion for 2012, compared with $1.76 billion in the same period of 2011. Net capital expenditures (including proceeds from the sale of assets) were $1.62 billion for 2012, up from $1.42 billion in the same period of 2011. The increase in capital expenditures reflects planned investments to fulfill contractual full service lease sales to customers that are renewing and growing their fleets with Ryder.

Cash Flow

Operating cash flow from continuing operations in 2012 was $1.13 billion, up 9% from $1.04 billion in the same period of 2011, due to higher cash-based earnings. Total cash generated (including proceeds from used vehicle sales) from continuing operations in 2012 was $1.75 billion, up 21% from $1.44 billion in the same period of 2011. The increase in total cash generated includes a $130 million sale leaseback of revenue earning equipment as well as higher used vehicle sales proceeds. Free cash flow from continuing operations in 2012 was negative $384.2 million, down from a negative $256.8 million in the same period of 2011, due primarily to increased investments in full service lease vehicles to fulfill signed contracts.

Leverage

Balance sheet debt as of December 31, 2012 increased by $438.7 million compared with year-end 2011, due primarily to increased vehicle investments. The leverage ratio for balance sheet debt as of December 31, 2012 was 260%, compared with 257% at year-end 2011. Total obligations to equity as of December 31, 2012 were 270%, up from 261% at year end 2011. This increase reflects a pension equity charge and, to a lesser extent, growth in the business. Total obligations to equity remain within Ryder’s long-term target range of 250% to 300%.

2013 Earnings Forecast

Commenting on the Company’s outlook, Ryder President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Sanchez said, “Our solid execution, along with the fleet right-sizing and other cost initiatives we undertook in 2012, helped us close the year with higher revenue and a double-digit earnings increase. Although customers’ confidence levels and their willingness to sign long-term contracts are still affected by soft and uncertain economic conditions, we are confident that we can profitably grow contractual revenue in both of our business segments in 2013.

“In Fleet Management Solutions, we expect continued growth in our full service lease and contract maintenance offerings. Given continued strong lease fleet replacement activity, our fleet is becoming newer and, therefore, less costly to maintain. Although rental demand is expected to be modestly lower, we should see improved utilization levels and pricing on a smaller fleet. In used vehicle sales, we expect higher volumes with continued strong pricing, although modestly lower than 2012. In addition, we expect depreciation benefits associated with strong used vehicle pricing realized over the past few years.

“In Supply Chain Solutions, our growth from new business and improved retention levels is expected to more than offset modest anticipated volume declines in the high-tech and consumer packaged goods sectors. This growth and the resulting overhead leverage is forecast to lead to continued margin expansion this year.

“In addition, we believe our ongoing focus on new capabilities and innovation will continue to enhance our value propositions across both business segments in ways that appeal to companies that have not outsourced before.

“Overall, we expect the forward momentum of our business will enable us to deliver organic growth and strong earnings, while continuing strategic investments and overcoming headwinds including higher insurance, medical and compensation costs. Based on this outlook, we expect to deliver record comparable earnings per share in 2013, with significant continued upside in future years.”

Ryder forecasts full-year 2013 comparable earnings from continuing operations to be in the range of $4.70 to $4.85 per diluted share, up 7% to 10% from $4.41 per diluted share in 2012. Full-year earnings comparisons exclude non-operating pension costs of $0.24 per diluted share in 2013, and $0.37 per diluted share in 2012. The Company is also establishing a first quarter 2013 comparable earnings forecast of $0.75 to $0.80 per diluted share, up 9% to 16% from $0.69 in the first quarter of 2012. First quarter earnings comparisons exclude non-operating pension costs of $0.06 per diluted share in 2013, and $0.10 per diluted share in 2012. Total revenue for the full-year 2013 is forecast to be approximately $6.50 billion, up 4% from $6.26 billion in 2012. Operating revenue (revenue excluding FMS fuel and all subcontracted transportation) for the full-year 2013 is forecast to be approximately $5.29 billion, up 4% from $5.07 billion in 2012.

Supplemental Company Information

Full-Year 2012 Operating Results

Total revenue from continuing operations for the full-year 2012 was $6.26 billion, up 3% from $6.05 billion in 2011. Operating revenue from continuing operations for the full-year 2012 was $5.07 billion, up 5% from $4.81 billion in 2011.

Ryder’s 2012 earnings from continuing operations were $200.9 million, compared with $171.4 million in the year-earlier period. Earnings per diluted share from continuing operations were $3.91 for 2012, up 18% versus $3.31 in 2011. Full-year 2012 comparable earnings from continuing operations were $207.4 million, an improvement of 15% from $180.6 million in 2011. Comparable 2012 earnings per diluted share from continuing operations of $4.04 rose 16% from $3.49 in 2011. Comparable earnings and earnings per share from continuing operations excluded restructuring and other items, and certain tax items in both 2012 and 2011.

Ryder’s 2012 net earnings, including discontinued operations, were $210.0 million, up 24% compared with $169.8 million in 2011. Earnings per diluted share were $4.09 for 2012, an improvement of 25% from $3.28 in 2011.

Business Description

Ryder System, Inc. is a FORTUNE 500® commercial transportation, logistics and supply chain management solutions company. Ryder’s stock (NYSE: R) is a component of the Dow Jones Transportation Average and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. The Company’s financial performance is reported in the following two, inter-related business segments:

• Fleet Management Solutions – The FMS business segment combines several capabilities into a comprehensive package that provides one-stop outsourcing of the acquisition, financing, maintenance, management, and disposal of vehicles. Ryder’s commercial rental service offers customers a method to expand their fleets in order to address short-term capacity needs.
• Supply Chain Solutions – The SCS business segment offers a broad range of innovative logistics management services that are designed to optimize a customer’s supply chain and address key customer business requirements. The segment now includes all activity related to the Company’s dedicated solution (dedicated contract carriage). These solutions involve strategically designed processes that direct the movement of materials and related information from the acquisition of raw materials to the delivery of finished products to the end user.

Notations

Earnings Before Tax (EBT): Ryder’s primary measurement of business segment financial performance, earnings before tax (EBT), allocates Central Support Services to each business segment and excludes restructuring and other items, as well as non-operating pension costs.

Capital Expenditures: In Ryder’s business, capital expenditures are generally used to purchase revenue earning equipment (trucks, tractors, and trailers) primarily to support the full service lease product line and secondarily to support the commercial rental product line within Ryder’s FMS business segment. The level of capital required to support the full service lease product line varies directly with customer contract signings for replacement vehicles and growth. These contracts are long-term agreements that result in ongoing revenues and cash flows to Ryder, typically over a three- to ten-year term. The commercial rental product line utilizes capital for the purchase of vehicles to replenish and expand the Company’s fleet available for shorter-term use by contractual or occasional customers.

For more information on Ryder System, Inc., visit www.ryder.com.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements and information included in this presentation are "forward-looking statements" under the Federal Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including our expectations regarding revenue growth, maintenance costs, rental utilization and pricing, used vehicle results, future earnings, and about the economic trends that may affect our future operations and provide upside in future years. Accordingly, these forward-looking statements should be evaluated with consideration given to the many risks and uncertainties inherent in our business that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause such differences include, among others, increases or decreases in market demand in the commercial rental market, fluctuations in market demand on the sale of used vehicles impacting our pricing and our anticipated proportion of retail versus wholesale sales, higher than expected maintenance costs, lower than expected savings resulting from our company-wide cost savings initiatives, a slowdown of the economic recovery and decreases in freight demand, our ability to obtain adequate profit margins for our services, our inability to maintain current pricing levels due to soft economic conditions, uncertainty or decline in economic and market conditions affecting contractual lease demand, competition from other service providers, customer retention levels, unexpected volume declines, loss of key customers in the Supply Chain Solutions (SCS) business segment, unexpected reserves or write-offs due to the deterioration of the credit worthiness or bankruptcy of customers, changes in customers’ business environments that will limit their ability to commit to long-term vehicle leases, a decrease in credit ratings, increased debt costs, adequacy of accounting estimates, reserves and accruals particularly with respect to pension, taxes, insurance and revenue, sudden or unusual changes in fuel prices, our ability to manage our cost structure, and the risks described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The risks included here are not exhaustive. New risks emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors or to assess the impact of such risks on our business. Accordingly, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures: This news release includes certain non-GAAP financial measures as defined under SEC rules, including comparable earnings from continuing operations, 2013 comparable earnings forecasts, operating revenue, total cash generated, free cash flow, total obligations, and the ratios based on these financial measures, as well as the other financial measures identified in the tables following this release. Additional information as required by Regulation G regarding non-GAAP financial measures can be found in our investor presentation for the quarter, our most recent Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and our Form 8-K filed as of the date of this news release with the SEC, which are available in the Investors area of our website at http://investors.ryder.com.

Beginning in 2013, comparable earnings and the other financial measures and ratios derived from comparable earnings will exclude non-operating pension costs. Historical financial information through December 31, 2012 included in this news release is calculated using our old method, which includes non-operating pension costs. Forecast information for 2013 in this news release is calculated using our new method, which excludes non-operating pension costs. For more information on our new calculation method and the differences between our new method and our old method, see our investor presentation for the quarter, which is available in the Investors area of our website at http://investors.ryder.com and is filed as an exhibit to our Form 8-K filed as of the date of this news release with the SEC.

Conference Call and Webcast Information:

Ryder’s earnings conference call and webcast is scheduled for Thursday, January 31, 2013, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Eastern Time. Speakers will be Executive Chairman Greg Swienton , President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Sanchez , and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Art Garcia .

• To join the conference call live: Begin 10 minutes prior to the conference by dialing the audio phone number 1-888-398-5319 (outside U.S. dial 1-773-681-5795) using the Passcode: Ryder and Conference Leader: Bob Brunn . Then, access the presentation via the Net Conference website at www.mymeetings.com/nc/join/ using the Conference Number: RG3828610 and Passcode: RYDER.
• To access audio replays of the conference and view a presentation of Ryder’s earnings results: Dial 1-888-568-0403 (outside U.S. dial 1-203-369-3918), then view the presentation by visiting the Investors area of Ryder’s website at http://investors.ryder.com. A podcast of the call will also be available online within 24 hours after the end of the call at http://investors.ryder.com.

Notes:

Source: Ryder System, Inc.