COVENANT LOGISTICS GROUP INC
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Feb 28, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Feb 28, 2025
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-02-28.
0001437749-24-005880
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-28.
0001437749-25-005696
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 119 previous paragraphs and 124 current paragraphs.
97 unchanged; 21 reworded; 6 added; 1 removed; 0 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 18 previous and 18 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (6)
Current report
The Trump administration has stated its intention to impose new or increased tariff rates on imported goods from a number of countries, including China, Canada, Mexico, and the E.U. Such trade policies and tariff implementations, and any related retaliatory trade policies and tariff implementations by foreign governments may result in decreased shipping volumes and have an adverse impact on our revenues and results of operations.
Current report
A large-scale outbreak of avian flu or related illness among the nation’s poultry flock may adversely affect the revenues of LTST.
Current report
Our subsidiary, LTST derives the majority of its revenue from the transportation of poultry and feed products related to poultry operations. While LTST does not transport eggs, a widespread outbreak of avian flu or related illness among our customers’ poultry flocks could reduce the volume of loads hauled for such customers. Additionally, public concern following a nation-wide or well-publicized outbreak of avian flu may cause fear about the consumption of chicken, turkey, eggs, and other products derived from poultry, which could cause customers to consume less poultry and related products, reducing the volume of poultry and related products produced and negatively affecting the revenues of LTST. Any decrease in the revenue of LTST may negatively impact our income and results of operations.
Current report
Moreover, Mr. Parker serves as both our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of our Board. Although the Board has determined that the combination of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board positions is the most appropriate and suitable structure for proper and efficient Board functioning and communication, Mr. Parker may have an outsized ability to influence the operations of the Company, which may result in conflicts with the interests of Mr. Parker, the Parker Family, and the interests of our other stockholders.
Current report
Changes in taxation could lead to an increase of our tax exposure and could affect the Company’s financial results.
Current report
Our effective tax rate may be adversely impacted by, among other things, changes in the regulations relating to capital expenditure deductions, or changes in tax laws where we operate, including the uncertainty of future tax rates. President Trump has indicated a desire to amend the federal tax laws. Until any changes are passed into law we will not know if such changes, if any, will have a materially adverse effect on our financial results and financial position. Any changes to the federal tax laws are likely to have an immediate revaluation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities in the year of enactment.
Removed paragraphs (1)
Previous report
In 2022, we published our Corporate Social Responsibility Report. This report reflects some of our initiatives and is not a guarantee that we will be able to achieve them. Our ability to successfully execute these initiatives and accurately report our progress presents numerous operational, financial, legal, reputational and other risks, many of which are outside our control, and all of which could have a material negative impact on our business. Additionally, the implementation of these initiatives imposes additional costs on us. If our ESG initiatives fail to satisfy our stakeholders, then our reputation, our ability to attract or retain employees, and our attractiveness as an investment and business partner could be negatively impacted. Similarly, our failure, or perceived failure, to pursue or fulfill our goals, targets and objectives or to satisfy various reporting standards within the timelines we announce, or at all, could also have similar negative impacts and expose us to government enforcement actions and private litigation.
Reworded paragraphs (21)
Previous wording
The truckload industry is highly cyclical, and our business is dependent on a number of factors that may have a materially adverse effect on our results of operations, many of which are beyond our control. We believe that some of the most significant of these factors include (i) recessionary economic cycles; (ii) changes in customers’ inventory levels and practices, including shrinking product/package sizes, and in the availability of funding for their working capital; (iii) changes in the way our customers choose to utilize our services; (iv) downturns in our customers’ business cycles, including declines in consumer spending, (v) excess trucking capacity in comparison with shipping demand, (vi) driver shortages and increases in driver’s compensation, (vii) industry compliance with ongoing regulatory requirements, (viii) the availability and price of new revenue equipment and/or declines in the resale value of used revenue equipment; (ix) the impact of public health crises, epidemics, pandemics or similar events, such as COVID-19; (x) compliance with ongoing regulatory requirements; (xi) strikes, work stoppages or work slowdowns at our facilities, or at customer, port, border crossing or other shipping-related facilities, including related reductions in demand; (xii) increases in interest rates, inflation, fuel taxes, insurance, tolls, and license and registration fees; and (xiii) rising costs of healthcare.
Current wording
The truckload industry is highly cyclical, and our business is dependent on a number of factors that may have a materially adverse effect on our results of operations, many of which are beyond our control. We believe that some of the most significant of these factors include (i) recessionary economic cycles; (ii) changes in customers’ inventory levels and practices, including shrinking product/package sizes, and in the availability of funding for their working capital; (iii) changes in the way our customers choose to utilize our services; (iv) downturns in our customers’ business cycles, including declines in consumer spending, (v) excess trucking capacity in comparison with shipping demand, (vi) driver shortages and increases in driver’s compensation, (vii) industry compliance with ongoing regulatory requirements, (viii) the availability and price of new revenue equipment and/or declines in the resale value of used revenue equipment; (ix) the impact of public health crises, epidemics, pandemics, or similar events, such as COVID-19; (x) compliance with ongoing regulatory requirements; (xi) strikes, work stoppages or work slowdowns at our facilities, or at customer, port, border crossing or other shipping-related facilities, including related reductions in demand; (xii) increases in interest rates, inflation, fuel taxes, insurance, tolls, and license and registration fees; (xiii) changes in trade policy and tariff rates; and (xiv) rising costs of healthcare.
Previous wording
In addition, events outside our control, such as deterioration of U.S. transportation infrastructure and reduced investment in such infrastructure, public health crises, epidemics, pandemics, or similar event, such as COVID-19, strikes or other work stoppages at our facilities or at customer, port, border or other shipping locations, armed conflicts, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, terrorist attacks, efforts to combat terrorism, military action against a foreign state or group located in a foreign state or heightened security requirements could lead to wear, tear and damage to our equipment, driver dissatisfaction, reduced economic demand and freight volumes, reduced availability of credit, increased prices for fuel, or temporary closing of the shipping locations or U.S. borders. Such events or enhanced security measures in connection with such events could impair our operating efficiency and productivity and result in higher operating costs.
Current wording
In addition, events outside our control, such as deterioration of U.S. transportation infrastructure and reduced investment in such infrastructure, public health crises, epidemics, pandemics, or similar event, such as COVID-19, strikes or other work stoppages at our facilities or at customer, port, border or other shipping locations, armed conflicts, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East or as a result of rising tensions between China and Taiwan, terrorist attacks, efforts to combat terrorism, military action against a foreign state or group located in a foreign state or heightened security requirements could lead to wear, tear and damage to our equipment, driver dissatisfaction, reduced economic demand and freight volumes, reduced availability of credit, increased prices for fuel, or temporary closing of the shipping locations or U.S. borders. Such events or enhanced security measures in connection with such events could impair our operating efficiency and productivity and result in higher operating costs.
Previous wording
The conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, expansion of such conflicts to other areas or countries or similar conflicts could adversely impact our business and financial results.
Current wording
The conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, expansion of such conflicts to other areas or countries or similar conflicts, as well as the rising tensions between China and Taiwan, could adversely impact our business and financial results.
Previous wording
Although we do not have any direct operations in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, or the Middle East, we may be affected by the broader consequences of the conflicts in Ukraine or the Middle East or expansion of such conflicts to other areas or countries or similar conflicts elsewhere, such as, increased inflation, supply chain issues, including access to parts for our revenue equipment, embargoes, geopolitical shift, access to diesel fuel, higher energy prices, potential retaliatory action by the Russian or other governments, including cyber-attacks, and the extent of the conflict’s effect on the global economy. The magnitude of these risks cannot be predicted, including the extent to which the conflict may heighten other risks disclosed herein. Ultimately, these or other factors could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.
Current wording
Although we do not have any direct operations in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, the Middle East, China, or Taiwan, we may be affected by the broader consequences of the conflicts in Ukraine or the Middle East, or expansion of such conflicts to other areas or countries or similar conflicts elsewhere, such as, increased inflation, supply chain issues (including access to parts for our revenue equipment), embargoes, geopolitical shift, access to diesel fuel, higher energy prices, potential retaliatory action by the Russian or other governments, including cyber-attacks, and the extent of the conflict’s effect on the global economy. The increased tensions between China and Taiwan, and any resulting hostilities, may have similar consequences. The magnitude of these risks cannot be predicted, including the extent to which the conflict may heighten other risks disclosed herein. Ultimately, these or other factors could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.
Previous wording
Covenant Transport, Inc. has been approved to self-insure for auto liability by the FMCSA. We believe this status, along with the use of captive insurance companies, allows us to post substantially lower aggregate letters of credit and restricted cash than we would be required to post without this status or the use of captive insurance companies. We have two wholly owned captive insurance subsidiaries which are regulated insurance companies through which we insure a portion of our auto liability claims in certain states. An increase in the number or severity of auto liability claims for which we self-insure through the captive insurance companies or pressure in the insurance and reinsurance markets could adversely impact our earnings and results of operations. Further, both arrangements increase the possibility that our expenses will be volatile.
Current wording
Covenant Transport, LLC has been approved to self-insure for auto liability by the FMCSA. We believe this status, along with the use of captive insurance companies, allows us to post substantially lower aggregate letters of credit and restricted cash than we would be required to post without this status or the use of captive insurance companies. We have two wholly owned captive insurance subsidiaries which are regulated insurance companies through which we insure a portion of our auto liability claims in certain states. An increase in the number or severity of auto liability claims for which we self-insure through the captive insurance companies or pressure in the insurance and reinsurance markets could adversely impact our earnings and results of operations. Further, both arrangements increase the possibility that our expenses will be volatile.
Previous wording
We face the risk that Congress, federal agencies or one or more states could approve legislation or regulations significantly affecting our businesses and our relationship with our employees which would have substantially liberalized the procedures for union organization. None of our domestic employees are currently covered by a collective bargaining agreement, but any attempt by our employees to organize a labor union could result in increased legal and other associated costs. Additionally, given the National Labor Relations Board’s “speedy election” rule, our ability to timely and effectively address any unionizing efforts would be difficult. If we entered into a collective bargaining agreement with our domestic employees, the terms could materially adversely affect our costs, efficiency, and ability to generate acceptable returns on the affected operations. Failure to comply with existing or future labor and employment laws could have a materially adverse effect on our business and operating results. For further discussion of the labor and employment laws, please see "Regulation" under “Item 1. Business.”
Current wording
We face the risk that Congress, federal agencies or one or more states could approve legislation or regulations significantly affecting our businesses and our relationship with our employees which would have substantially liberalized the procedures for union organization. None of our domestic employees are currently covered by a collective bargaining agreement, but any attempt by our employees to organize a labor union could result in increased legal and other associated costs. Additionally, given the National Labor Relations Board’s “speedy election” rule, our ability to timely and effectively address any unionizing efforts would be difficult. If we entered into a collective bargaining agreement with our domestic employees, the terms could materially adversely affect our costs, efficiency, and ability to generate acceptable returns on the affected operations. Moreover, our responses to any union organizing efforts could also expose us to legal risk or reputational harm and cause us to incur costs to defend legal and regulatory actions. Any labor disputes or work stoppages, whether or not our employees unionize, could disrupt our operations and reduce our revenues. Failure to comply with existing or future labor and employment laws could have a materially adverse effect on our business and operating results. For further discussion of the labor and employment laws, please see "Regulation" under “Item 1. Business.”
Previous wording
The imposition of additional tariffs or quotas or changes to certain trade agreements, including tariffs applied to goods traded between the United States and China, could, among other things, increase the costs of the materials used by our suppliers to produce new revenue equipment or increase the price of fuel. Such cost increases for our revenue equipment suppliers would likely be passed on to us, and to the extent fuel prices increase, we may not be able to fully recover such increases through rate increases or our fuel surcharge program, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Current wording
The imposition of additional tariffs or quotas or changes to certain trade agreements, including tariffs applied to goods traded between the United States and China, and proposed changes to tariffs on various imports from other countries (such as Canada, Mexico, and the E.U.) could, among other things, increase the costs of the materials used by our suppliers to produce new revenue equipment or increase the price of fuel. Such cost increases for our revenue equipment suppliers would likely be passed on to us, and to the extent fuel prices increase, we may not be able to fully recover such increases through rate increases or our fuel surcharge program, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Previous wording
Companies are facing increasing attention from stakeholders relating to ESG matters, including environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and diversity and inclusion. Organizations that provide information to investors on corporate governance and related matters have developed ratings processes for evaluating companies on their approach to ESG matters. Such ratings are used by some investors to inform their investment and voting decisions. Unfavorable ESG ratings may lead to negative investor sentiment toward the Company, which could have a negative impact on our stock price.
Current wording
Certain stakeholders have pressured companies on initiatives relating to ESG matters, including environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and corporate governance. Organizations that provide information to investors on corporate governance and related matters have developed ratings processes for evaluating companies on their approach to ESG matters. Such ratings are used by some investors to inform their investment and voting decisions. Unfavorable ESG ratings may lead to negative investor sentiment toward the Company, which could have a negative impact on our stock price. Additionally, given the Trump administration’s initiatives surrounding ESG and diversity, equity, and inclusion matters, which may conflict with stakeholder initiatives on such matters, we may experience conflicts between governmental regulations and stakeholder expectations which could impose additional costs on our business and negatively impact investor sentiment.
Previous wording
Like many truckload carriers, we experience substantial difficulty in attracting and retaining sufficient numbers of qualified drivers, which includes the engagement of independent contractors. The truckload industry periodically experiences a shortage of qualified drivers, particularly during periods of economic expansion, in which alternative employment opportunities, including in the construction and manufacturing industries, are more plentiful and freight demand increases, or during periods of economic downturns, in which unemployment benefits might be extended and financing is limited for independent contractors who seek to purchase equipment or for students who seek financial aid for driving school. Furthermore, capacity at driving schools may be limited by future outbreaks of COVID-19 or other contagious diseases. Regulatory requirements, including those related to safety ratings, ELDs, hours-of-service changes, government imposed measures related to future outbreaks of COVID-19 or other contagious diseases, and an improved economy could further reduce the number of eligible drivers or force us to increase driver compensation to attract and retain drivers. We have seen evidence that stricter hours-of-service regulations adopted by the DOT in the past have tightened, and, to the extent new regulations are enacted, may continue to tighten, the market for eligible drivers. The lack of adequate tractor parking along some U.S. highways and congestion caused by inadequate highway funding may make it more difficult for drivers to comply with hours-of-service regulations and cause added stress for drivers, further reducing the pool of eligible drivers. Further, the compensation we offer our drivers and independent contractor expenses are subject to market conditions, and we may find it necessary to increase driver and independent contractor compensation in future periods.
Current wording
Like many truckload carriers, we experience substantial difficulty in attracting and retaining sufficient numbers of qualified drivers, which includes the engagement of independent contractors. The truckload industry periodically experiences a shortage of qualified drivers, particularly during periods of economic expansion, in which alternative employment opportunities, including in the construction and manufacturing industries, are more plentiful and freight demand increases, or during periods of economic downturns, in which unemployment benefits might be extended and financing is limited for independent contractors who seek to purchase equipment or for students who seek financial aid for driving school. Furthermore, capacity at driving schools may be limited by future outbreaks of contagious diseases, like COVID-19. Regulatory requirements, including those related to safety ratings, ELDs, hours-of-service changes, government-imposed measures related to future outbreaks of contagious diseases, like COVID-19, and an improved economy could further reduce the number of eligible drivers or force us to increase driver compensation to attract and retain drivers. We have seen evidence that stricter hours-of-service regulations adopted by the DOT in the past have tightened, and, to the extent new regulations are enacted, may continue to tighten, the market for eligible drivers. The lack of adequate tractor parking along some U.S. highways and congestion caused by inadequate highway funding may make it more difficult for drivers to comply with hours-of-service regulations and cause added stress for drivers, further reducing the pool of eligible drivers. Further, the compensation we offer our drivers and independent contractor expenses are subject to market conditions, and we may find it necessary to increase driver and independent contractor compensation in future periods.
Previous wording
Our operations and those of our technology and communications service providers are vulnerable to interruption by natural disasters, such as fires, storms, and floods, which may increase in frequency and severity due to climate change, as well as, power loss, telecommunications failure, cyberattacks, terrorist attacks, Internet failures, computer viruses, and other events beyond our control. More sophisticated and frequent cyberattacks in recent years have also increased security risks associated with information technology systems. We also maintain information security policies to protect our systems, networks, and other information technology assets (and the data contained therein) from cybersecurity breaches and threats, such as hackers, malware, and viruses; however, such policies cannot ensure the protection of our systems, networks, and other information technology assets (and the data contained therein). In addition, remote or flexible work options for our employees could create increased demand for information technology resources and increase the avenues for unauthorized access to sensitive information, phishing, and other cyberattacks. If any of our critical information systems fail or become otherwise unavailable, whether as a result of a system upgrade project or otherwise, we would have to perform the functions manually, which could temporarily impact our ability to dispatch and manage our fleet efficiently, to respond to customers' requests effectively, to maintain billing and other records reliably, and to bill for services and prepare financial statements accurately or in a timely manner. Our business interruption insurance may be inadequate to protect us in the event of an unforeseeable and extreme catastrophe. Any significant system failure, upgrade complication, security breach (including cyberattacks), or other system disruption could interrupt or delay our operations, damage our reputation, cause us to lose customers, or impact our ability to dispatch and manage our operations and report our financial performance, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our business. Such risks related to system failure, upgrade complication, security breach (including cyberattacks), or other system disruption may also impact our customers, vendors, third-party capacity providers, and other counterparties, which could result in declines and volatility in customer demand and unavailability of products and services from vendors and third-party capacity providers, any of which would have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, we are currently dependent on a single vendor to support several information technology functions. If the stability or capability of such vendor became compromised and we were forced to migrate such functions to a new platform, it could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Current wording
Our operations and those of our technology and communications service providers are vulnerable to interruption by natural disasters, such as fires, storms, and floods, which may increase in frequency and severity due to climate change, as well as, power loss, telecommunications failure, cyberattacks, terrorist attacks, Internet failures, computer viruses, and other events beyond our control. More sophisticated and frequent cyberattacks in recent years have also increased security risks associated with information technology systems. We also maintain information security policies to protect our systems, networks, and other information technology assets (and the data contained therein) from cybersecurity breaches and threats, such as hackers, malware, and viruses; however, such policies cannot ensure the protection of our systems, networks, and other information technology assets (and the data contained therein). In addition, remote or flexible work options for our employees could create increased demand for information technology resources and increase the avenues for unauthorized access to sensitive information, phishing, and other cyberattacks. If any of our critical information systems fail or become otherwise unavailable, whether as a result of a system upgrade project or otherwise, we would have to perform the functions manually, which could temporarily impact our ability to dispatch and manage our fleet efficiently, to respond to customers' requests effectively, to maintain billing and other records reliably, and to bill for services and prepare financial statements accurately or in a timely manner. Our business interruption insurance may be inadequate to protect us in the event of an unforeseeable and extreme catastrophe. Any significant system failure, upgrade complication, security breach (including cyberattacks), or other system disruption could interrupt or delay our operations, damage our reputation, cause us to lose customers, or impact our ability to dispatch and manage our operations and report our financial performance, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our business. Such risks related to system failure, upgrade complication, security breach (including cyberattacks), or other system disruption may also impact our customers, vendors, third-party capacity providers, and other counterparties, which could result in declines and volatility in customer demand and unavailability of products and services from vendors and third-party capacity providers, any of which would have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, we are currently dependent on a single vendor to support several information technology functions. If the stability or capability of such vendor became compromised and we were forced to migrate such functions to a new platform, it could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. For further discussion of our cybersecurity programs, please see "Item 1C. Cybe…
Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.
Previous wording
In addition, the adoption of artificial intelligence (“AI”) and other emerging technologies may become significant to operating results in the future. While AI and other technologies may offer substantial benefits, they may also introduce additional risk. If we are unable to successfully implement and utilize such emerging technologies as effectively as competitors, our results of operation may be negatively affected.
Current wording
In addition, the adoption of artificial intelligence (“AI”) and other emerging technologies may become significant to operating results in the future. While AI and other technologies may offer substantial benefits, they may also introduce additional risk. If we are unable to successfully implement and utilize such emerging technologies as effectively as competitors, we may be at a competitive disadvantage to such competitors and our results of operation may be negatively affected.
Previous wording
We are dependent upon the services of our executive management team and other key personnel. Turnover, planned or otherwise, in these or other key leadership positions may materially adversely affect our ability to manage our business efficiently and effectively, and such turnover can be disruptive and distracting to management, may lead to additional departures of existing personnel, and could have a material adverse effect on our operations and future profitability. We must continue to develop and retain a core group of managers and attract, develop, and retain sufficient additional managers if we are to continue to improve our profitability and have appropriate succession planning for key management personnel.
Current wording
We are dependent upon the services of our executive management team and other key personnel. Turnover, planned or otherwise, in these or other key leadership positions may materially adversely affect our ability to manage our business efficiently and effectively, and such turnover can be disruptive and distracting to management, may lead to additional departures of existing personnel, and could have a material adverse effect on our operations and future profitability. In addition, hiring, training, and successfully integrating replacement personnel, whether internal or external, could be time-consuming, may cause additional disruptions to our operations and may be unsuccessful, which could negatively impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We must continue to develop and retain a core group of managers and attract, develop, and retain sufficient additional managers if we are to continue to improve our profitability and have appropriate succession planning for key management personnel.
Previous wording
We face a wide variety of risks related to public health crises, epidemics, pandemics, or similar events, such as COVID-19. If a new health epidemic or outbreak were to occur, we could experience broad and varied impacts similar to the impact of COVID-19, including adverse impacts to our workforce, our operations, and financial results, such as increased costs, tightening of credit markets, market volatility and a weakened freight environment. If any of these were to occur, our operations, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, and cash flows could be adversely impacted.
Current wording
We face a wide variety of risks related to public health crises, epidemics, pandemics, or similar events, such as COVID-19. If a new health epidemic or outbreak were to occur, we could experience broad and varied impacts similar to the impact of COVID-19, including adverse impacts to our workforce, our operations, equipment availability and financial results, such as increased costs, tightening of credit markets, greater risk for collection of amounts owed, market volatility and a weakened freight environment. If any of these were to occur, our operations, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, and cash flows could be adversely impacted.
Previous wording
As a result of our level of debt, finance leases, operating leases, and encumbered assets, we believe:
Current wording
As a result of our level of debt, finance leases, operating leases, fluctuations in working capital requirements, and encumbered assets, we believe:
Previous wording
We are subject to risk with respect to higher prices for new tractors and trailers, including significant increase in recent quarters. We have at times experienced an increase in prices for new tractors and trailers and the resale values of the tractors and trailers have not always increased to the same extent. Prices have increased and may continue to increase, due, in part, to (i) government regulations applicable to newly manufactured tractors and diesel engines, (ii) higher commodity prices, and (iii) the pricing discretion of equipment manufacturers. In addition, we have equipped our tractors with safety, aerodynamic, and other options that increase the price of new equipment. Compliance with such regulations has increased the cost of our new tractors, may increase the cost of new trailers, could impair equipment productivity, in some cases, result in lower fuel mileage, and increase our operating expenses. Our business could be harmed if we are unable to continue to obtain an adequate supply of new tractors and trailers for these or other reasons, and future use of autonomous tractors and alternative fuel could increase the price of new tractors and decrease the value of used, non-autonomous tractors. As a result, we expect to continue to pay increased prices for equipment and incur additional expenses and related financing costs for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, reduced equipment efficiency may result from new engines designed to reduce emissions, thereby increasing our operating expenses.
Current wording
We are subject to risk with respect to higher prices for new tractors and trailers. We have at times experienced an increase in prices for new tractors and trailers and the resale values of the tractors and trailers have not always increased to the same extent. Prices have increased in the past and may continue to increase, due, in part, to (i) government regulations applicable to newly manufactured tractors and diesel engines, (ii) higher commodity prices, (iii) the pricing discretion of equipment manufacturers, and (iv) increased demand for equipment due to more favorable freight market. In addition, we have equipped our tractors with safety, aerodynamic, and other options that increase the price of new equipment. Compliance with such regulations has increased the cost of our new tractors, may increase the cost of new trailers, could impair equipment productivity, in some cases, result in lower fuel mileage, and increase our operating expenses. Our business could be harmed if we are unable to continue to obtain an adequate supply of new tractors and trailers for these or other reasons, and future use of autonomous tractors and alternative fuel could increase the price of new tractors and decrease the value of used, non-autonomous tractors. As a result, we expect to continue to pay steady to increased prices for equipment and incur additional expenses and related financing costs for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, reduced equipment efficiency may result from new engines designed to reduce emissions, thereby increasing our operating expenses.
Previous wording
A decrease in vendor output may have a materially adverse effect on our ability to purchase or take possession of a quantity of new revenue equipment that is sufficient to sustain our desired growth rate and to maintain a late-model fleet. Tractor and trailer vendors may reduce their manufacturing output in response to lower demand for their products in economic downturns or shortages of component parts. Some tractor and trailer manufacturers have recently experienced periodic shortages of certain component parts and supplies, including semi-conductor chips, forcing such manufacturers to curtail or suspend their production, which could lead to a lower supply of tractors and trailers, higher prices, and lengthened trade cycles, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations, particularly our maintenance expense and driver retention.
Current wording
A decrease in vendor output may have a materially adverse effect on our ability to purchase or take possession of a quantity of new revenue equipment that is sufficient to sustain our desired growth rate and to maintain a late-model fleet. Tractor and trailer vendors may reduce their manufacturing output in response to lower demand for their products in economic downturns or shortages of component parts. During the COVID-19 pandemic some tractor and trailer manufacturers experienced periodic shortages of certain component parts and supplies, including semi-conductor chips, forcing such manufacturers to curtail or suspend their production, which led to a lower supply of tractors and trailers and higher prices. If such shortages occur again, such shortages could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations, particularly our maintenance expense, driver retention, and the length of our trade cycle.
Previous wording
A depressed market for used equipment could require us to trade our revenue equipment at depressed values or to record losses on disposal or impairments of the carrying values of our revenue equipment that is not protected by residual value arrangements. Used equipment prices are subject to substantial fluctuations based on freight demand, the supply of new and used equipment, the availability and terms of financing, the presence of buyers for export to foreign countries, the desirability of specific models of used equipment, and commodity prices for scrap metal. If there is a deterioration of resale prices, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. During 2022 and 2023, we experienced a softened used equipment market.
Current wording
A depressed market for used equipment could require us to trade our revenue equipment at depressed values or to record losses on disposal or impairments of the carrying values of our revenue equipment that is not protected by residual value arrangements. Used equipment prices are subject to substantial fluctuations based on freight demand, the supply of new and used equipment, the availability and terms of financing, the presence of buyers for export to foreign countries, the desirability of specific models of used equipment, and commodity prices for scrap metal. If there is a deterioration of resale prices, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In 2022 through 2024, we experienced a softened used equipment market.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, we had goodwill of $75.7 million and other intangible assets of $99.6 million. We evaluate our goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment. We could recognize impairments in the future, and we may never realize the full value of our intangible assets. If these events occur, our profitability and financial condition will suffer.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2024, we had goodwill of $78.9 million and other intangible assets of $90.1 million. We evaluate our goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment. We could recognize impairments in the future, and we may never realize the full value of our intangible assets. If these events occur, our profitability and financial condition will suffer.
Previous wording
Our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and his wife control a large portion of our stock and have substantial control over us, which could limit other stockholders' ability to influence the outcome of key transactions, including changes of control.
Current wording
Our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and his wife control a large portion of our stock and have substantial control over us, including as a result of our concentrated leadership structure, which could limit other stockholders' ability to influence the outcome of key transactions, including changes of control.
Previous wording
Our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, David Parker, and his wife, Jacqueline Parker, beneficially own or have sole voting and dispositive power approximately 15% of our outstanding Class A common stock and 100% of our Class B common stock. On all matters with respect to which our stockholders have a right to vote, including the election of directors, each share of Class A common stock is entitled to one vote, while each share of Class B common stock is entitled to two votes. All outstanding shares of Class B common stock are owned by the Parkers and are convertible to Class A common stock on a share-for-share basis at the election of the Parkers or automatically upon transfer to someone outside of the Parker family. This voting structure gives the Parkers approximately 41% of the voting power of all of our outstanding stock. As such, the Parkers are able to substantially influence decisions requiring stockholder approval, including the election of our entire Board, the adoption or extension of anti-takeover provisions, mergers, and other business combinations. This concentration of ownership could limit the price that some investors might be willing to pay for the Class A common stock, and could allow the Parkers to prevent or could discourage or delay a change of control, which other stockholders may favor. The interests of the Parkers may conflict with the interests of other holders of Class A common stock, and they may take actions affecting us with which other stockholders disagree.
Current wording
Our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, David Parker, and his wife, Jacqueline Parker, beneficially own or have sole voting and dispositive power approximately 13% of our outstanding Class A common stock and 100% of our Class B common stock. On all matters with respect to which our stockholders have a right to vote, including the election of directors, each share of Class A common stock is entitled to one vote, while each share of Class B common stock is entitled to two votes. All outstanding shares of Class B common stock are owned by the Parkers and are convertible to Class A common stock on a share-for-share basis at the election of the Parkers or automatically upon transfer to someone outside of the Parker family. This voting structure gives the Parkers approximately 39% of the voting power of all of our outstanding stock. As such, the Parkers are able to substantially influence decisions requiring stockholder approval, including the election of our entire Board, the adoption or extension of anti-takeover provisions, mergers, and other business combinations. This concentration of ownership could limit the price that some investors might be willing to pay for the Class A common stock, and could allow the Parkers to prevent or could discourage or delay a change of control, which other stockholders may favor. The interests of the Parkers may conflict with the interests of other holders of Class A common stock, and they may take actions affecting us with which other stockholders disagree.
Previous wording
The timing and amount of future repurchases of our Class A common stock, including repurchases under our current stock repurchase program authorizing the purchase of up to $55 million of our Class A common stock, as well as the declaration of future dividends, is at the discretion of our Board and will depend on many factors such as our financial condition, earnings, cash flows, capital requirements, any future debt service obligations, covenants under our existing or future debt agreements, industry practice, legal requirements, regulatory constraints, and other factors our Board deems relevant. While it is expected that we will continue to pay a quarterly dividend under the dividend program initiated in January 2022, there is no assurance that we will declare or pay any future dividends or as to the amount or timing of those dividends, if any.
Current wording
The timing and amount of future repurchases of our Class A common stock, including repurchases under our current stock repurchase program authorizing the purchase of up to $55 million of our Class A common stock, as well as the declaration of future dividends, is at the discretion of our Board and will depend on many factors such as our financial condition, earnings, cash flows, capital requirements, any future debt service obligations, covenants under our existing or future debt agreements, industry practice, legal requirements, regulatory constraints, changes in federal and state tax laws, and other factors our Board deems relevant. While it is expected that we will continue to pay a quarterly dividend under the dividend program initiated in January 2022, there is no assurance that we will declare or pay any future dividends or as to the amount or timing of those dividends, if any.