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
Extracted filing text, with the paragraph anchors used by the comparison.
See the whole filing, with its images and exhibitsContents
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
DECEMBER 31, 2024 and 2023
| 1. | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
Nature of Business
Covenant Logistics Group, Inc., a Nevada holding company, together with its wholly owned subsidiaries offers transportation and logistics services to customers throughout the continental United States.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Covenant Logistics Group, Inc., a holding company incorporated in the state of Nevada in1994, and its wholly owned subsidiaries: Covenant Transport, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company; Star Transportation, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company, each d/b/a Covenant Transport Services and Covenant Logistics; Covenant Transport Solutions, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company; Covenant Logistics, Inc., a Nevada corporation; Covenant Asset Management, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company; CTG Leasing Company, a Nevada corporation; IQS Insurance Risk Retention Group, Inc., a Vermont corporation; Landair Holdings, Inc., a Tennessee corporation (collectively "Landair"); Landair Transport, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company; Landair Logistics, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company; Landair Leasing, Inc., a Tennessee corporation; AAT Carriers, Inc., a Tennessee corporation ("AAT"), Lew Thompson & Son Trucking, LLC, an Arkansas limited liability company, Lew Thompson & Son Leasing, LLC, an Arkansas limited liability company, Lew Thompson & Son Dedicated Leasing LLC, an Arkansas limited liability company, Josh Thompson Trucking, LLC, an Arkansas limited liability company, Sims Transport Services LLC, a Georgia limited liability company, and Transport Management Services, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company.
References in this report to "it," "we," "us," "our," the "Company," and similar expressions refer to Covenant Logistics Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Ourfour reportable segments are:
| ● | Expedited: The Expedited reportable segment primarily provides truckload services to customers with high service freight and delivery standards, such as 1,000 miles in 22 hours, or 15-minute delivery windows. Expedited services generally require two-person driver teams on equipment either owned or leased by the Company. |
|---|
| ● | Dedicated: The Dedicated reportable segment provides customers with committed truckload capacity over contracted periods with the goal of three to five years in length. Equipment is either owned or leased by the Company. |
|---|
| ● | Managed Freight: The Managed Freight reportable segment includes our brokerage and transport management services ("TMS"). Brokerage services provide logistics capacity by outsourcing the carriage of customers' freight to third-parties. TMS provides comprehensive logistics services on a contractual basis to customers who prefer to outsource their logistics needs. |
|---|
| ● | Warehousing: The Warehousing reportable segment provides day-to-day warehouse management services to customers who have chosen to outsource this function. We also provide shuttle and switching services related to shuttling containers and trailers in or around freight yards and to/from warehouses. |
|---|
The following table summarizes our revenue by ourfour reportable segments, at the service offering level, as used by our chief operating decision maker in making decisions regarding allocation of resources, etc., for the years ended* December 31, 2024*,2023, and2022:
| Year ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Revenues: | |||
| Expedited | $416,461 | $423,820 | $452,713 |
| Dedicated | 364,414 | 320,287 | 362,997 |
| Managed Freight | 248,939 | 258,903 | 320,985 |
| Warehousing | 101,662 | 100,563 | 80,163 |
| Total revenues | $1,131,476 | $1,103,573 | $1,216,858 |
Investment in Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC
Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC ("TEL") is a tractor and trailer equipment leasing company and used equipment reseller. We evaluated our investment in TEL to determine whether it should be recorded on a consolidated basis. Our percentage of ownership interest (49%), an evaluation of control, and whether a variable interest entity ("VIE") existed were all considered in our consolidation assessment. Based on the analysis, the Company isnot the primary beneficiary of TEL and TEL shouldnot be consolidated. We have accounted for our investment in TEL using the equity method of accounting given our49% ownership interest and ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. Under the equity method, the cost of our investment is adjusted for our share of equity in the earnings of TEL and reduced by distributions received and our proportionate share of TEL's net income is included in our earnings.
59
On a periodic basis, we assess whether there are any indicators that the fair value of our investment in TEL* maybe impaired. The investment is impaired only if the estimate of the fair value of the investment is less than the carrying value of the investment, and such decline in value is deemed to be other than temporary. To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss would be measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the investment over the fair value of the investment. As a result of TEL's earnings,no impairment indicators were noted that would provide for impairment of our investment during the years ended December 31, 2024*,2023, and2022.
Risks and Uncertainties
Our insurance program includes multi-year policies with specific insurance limits that* maybe eroded over the course of the policy term. If that occurs, we will be operating with less liability coverage insurance at various levels of our insurance tower. For the policy period that ran from April 1, 2018to March 31, 2021,the aggregate limits available in the coverage layer $9.0 million in excess of $1.0 million were fully eroded. We replaced our$9.0* million in excess of*$1.0* million layer with a new $7.0 million in excess of $3.0 million policy that we continue to maintain. Due to the erosion of the*$9.0* million in excess of*$1.0* million layer, any adverse developments in claims filed between* April 1, 2018and March**31,* 2021, could result in additional expense accruals. We have maintained our retention and limits set in place during the prior renewal cycle. Due to these developments, we* may*experience additional expense accruals, increased insurance and claims expenses, and greater volatility in our insurance and claims expenses, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue, drivers' wages, and other direct operating expenses generated by our Expedited and Dedicated reportable segments are recognized proportionally as the transportation service is performed based on the percentage of miles completed as of the period end. Revenue is recognized on a gross basis at amounts charged to our customers because we control and are primarily responsible for the fulfillment of the promised service. Revenue includes transportation revenue, fuel surcharges, loading and unloading activities, equipment detention, and other accessorial services.
Revenue generated by our Managed Freight reportable segment is recognized proportionally as the services are provided based on the percentage of completion method using the estimated time elapsed as of the period end. Revenue is recorded on a gross basis, without deductingthird-party purchased transportation costs, as we act as a principal with substantial risks as primary obligor. Revenue for the Warehousing reportable segment is generally recognized as the service is performed, based upon a weekly rate.
There areno assets or liabilities recorded in conjunction with revenue recognized, other than accounts receivable and allowance for credit losses. We recognized in-process revenue of $0.7 million, $1.1 million, and $1.4 million for the years ended* December 31, 2024*,2023, and2022, respectively. We had accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses, of $141.6 million, $142.5 million, $119.8 million and at* December 31, 2024*,2023, and2022, respectively.
Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make decisions based upon estimates, assumptions, and factors we consider as relevant to the circumstances. Such decisions include the selection of applicable accounting principles and the use of judgment in their application, the results of which impact reported amounts and disclosures. Changes in future economic conditions or other business circumstances* may*affect the outcomes of our estimates and assumptions. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those anticipated.
60
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity ofthree months or less at acquisition to be cash equivalents. Additionally, we are also subject to concentrations of credit risk related to deposits in banks in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limits. At* December 31, 2024*, we had $36.4 million in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured limits.
Accounts Receivable and Concentration of Credit Risk
We extend credit to our customers in the normal course of business, which are generally due within30-45 days of the services performed, however, we have extended terms of up to120 days with a small number of larger customers. We perform ongoing credit evaluations and generally donot require collateral. Trade accounts receivable are recorded at their invoiced amounts, net of allowance for credit losses. We evaluate the adequacy of our allowance for credit losses quarterly. Accounts outstanding longer than contractual payment terms are considered past due and are reviewed individually for collectability. We maintain reserves for potential credit losses based upon loss history, specific receivables aging analysis, and other factors, including those related to current market conditions and events. Receivable balances are written off when collection is deemed unlikely.
Accounts receivable are comprised of a diversified customer base that mitigates the level of concentration of credit risk. During2024,2023, and2022, our topten customers generated 45%,44%, and 43% of total revenue, respectively. There wasone customer in2024 and2023 andnone in2022 that accounted for more than10% of our consolidated revenue. The carrying amount reported in the consolidated balance sheet for accounts receivable approximates fair value based on the fact that the receivables collection averaged approximately49 days and49 days in2024 and2023, respectively.
The following table provides a summary (in thousands) of the activity in the allowance for credit losses for2024,2023, and2022:
| Years ended December 31: | Beginning balance January 1, | (Reversal of) additional provisions to allowance | Write-offs and other adjustments | Ending balance December 31, |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2,449 | $(23) | $(66) | $2,360 |
| 2023 | $2,934 | $(258) | $(227) | $2,449 |
| 2022 | $4,112 | $367 | $(1,545) | $2,934 |
Inventories and Supplies
Inventories and supplies consist of parts, tires, fuel, and supplies. Tires on new revenue equipment are capitalized as a component of the related equipment cost when the tractor or trailer is placed in service and recognized through depreciation over the life of the vehicle. Replacement tires and parts on hand at year end are recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value with cost determined using thefirst-in,first-out (FIFO) method. Replacement tires are expensed when placed in service.
Assets Held for Sale
Assets held for sale include property and revenue equipmentno longer utilized in continuing operations which are available and held for sale. Assets held for sale areno longer subject to depreciation, and are recorded at the lower of depreciated book value or fair market value less selling costs. We periodically review the carrying value of these assets for possible impairment. We expect to sell these assets withintwelve months.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation for book purposes is determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depreciation of revenue equipment is our largest item of depreciation. We generally depreciate new tractors over five years to salvage values that range from 0% to 35% of their cost, depending on the reportable segment profile of the equipment. We generally depreciate new trailers over seven years for refrigerated trailers andten years for dry van trailers to salvage values of approximately 20% and 25% of their cost, respectively. We annually, or whenever events or circumstances indicate that a review is warranted, review the reasonableness of our estimates regarding useful lives and salvage values of our revenue equipment and other long-lived assets based upon, among other things, our experience with similar assets, conditions in the used revenue equipment market, and prevailing industry practice. We performed a review of our estimates for certain subsets of revenue equipment during the quarter ended* June 30, 2024and, due to a weak used revenue equipment market, we increased the rate of depreciation on these units in the period. This change resulted in an additional $6.4 million of depreciation expense during the year ended December 31, 2024.Changes in the useful life or salvage value estimates, or fluctuations in market values that arenot* reflected in our estimates, could have a material effect on our results of operations. During the year ended* December 31, 2023,*we sold a Tennessee terminal resulting in a $7.6 million gain which is included in gain on disposition of property and equipment, net in the consolidated statements of operations.
We lease certain revenue equipment under finance and operating leases with terms of approximately 48 to 84 months. Amortization of assets under finance and operating leases are included in depreciation and amortization expense and revenue and equipment rentals and purchased transportation, respectively.
61
A portion of our tractors are protected by binding trade-back agreements with the manufacturers. The remainder of our tractors and substantially all of our owned trailers are subject to fluctuations in market prices for used revenue equipment. Moreover, our trade-back agreements are contingent upon reaching acceptable terms for the purchase of new equipment. Declines in the price of used revenue equipment or failure to reach agreement for the purchase of new tractors with the manufacturers issuing trade-back agreements could result in impairment of, or losses on the sale of, revenue equipment.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
We classify intangible assets intotwo categories: (i) goodwill and (ii) intangible assets with finite lives subject to amortization. We test goodwill for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment* mayhave occurred. We test intangible assets with finite lives for impairment if conditions exist that indicate the carrying value may**not* be recoverable. Such conditions* may*include an economic downturn in a geographic market or a change in the assessment of future operations. We record an impairment charge when the cost exceeds the fair value of the finite lived intangible asset.
We determine the useful lives of our identifiable intangible assets after considering the specific facts and circumstances related to each intangible asset. Factors we consider when determining useful lives include the contractual term of any agreement, the history of the asset, our long-term strategy for the use of the asset, any laws or other local regulations which could impact the useful life of the asset, and other economic factors, including competition and specific market conditions. Intangible assets that are deemed to have finite lives are amortized, generally on a straight-line basis, over their remaining useful lives, ranging from 3 to 17 years.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Pursuant to applicable accounting standards, revenue equipment and other long-lived assets are tested for impairment whenever an event occurs that indicates impairment* mayexist. Expected future cash flows are used to analyze whether an impairment has occurred. If the sum of expected undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the long-lived asset, then an impairment loss is recognized. We measure the impairment loss by comparing the fair value of the asset to its carrying value. Fair value is determined based on a discounted cash flow analysis or the appraised value of the assets, as appropriate. There wereno* impairment events during the years ended* December 31, 2024*,2023, and2022.
Accrued Expenses
Accrued expenses as of* December 31, 2024,were $51.3 million of which $26.9 million related to accrued payroll and related items and $4.7 million related to accrued purchased transportation. As of December 31, 2023,*accrued expenses were $59.1 million of which $25.9 million related to accrued payroll and related items and $8.4 million related to accrued purchased transportation.
Insurance and Other Claims
The primary claims arising against us consist of auto liability (personal injury and property damage), workers' compensation, cargo, commercial liability, and employee medical expenses. At* December 31, 2024*, our insurance program involves self-insurance with the following risk retention levels (before giving effect to any commutation of an auto liability policy):
| ● | auto liability - $7.0 million in excess of $3.0 million policy that runs from April 1, 2024 to April 1, 2027 |
| ● | workers' compensation - $1.5 million |
| ● | cargo - $0.3 million |
| ● | employee medical - $0.4 million |
| ● | physical damage - 100% |
Due to our significant self-insured retention amounts, we have exposure to fluctuations in the number and severity of claims and to variations between our estimated and actual ultimate payouts. We record a liability for the estimated cost of the uninsured portion of pending claims and the estimated allocated loss adjustment expenses including legal and other direct costs associated with a claim. Estimates require judgments concerning the nature and severity of the claim, historical trends, advice fromthird-party administrators and insurers, the size of any potential damage award based on factors such as the specific facts of individual cases, the jurisdictions involved, the prospect of punitive damages, future medical costs, and inflation estimates of future claims development, and the legal and other costs to settle or defend the claims. We have significant exposure to fluctuations in the number and severity of claims. If there is an increase in the frequency or severity of claims, or we are required to accrue or pay additional amounts if the claims prove to be more severe than originally assessed, or any of the claims would exceed the limits of our insurance coverage, our profitability could be adversely affected.
In addition to estimates within our self-insured retention layers, we also must make judgments concerning claims where we havethird-party insurance and for claims outside our coverage limits. Upon settling claims and expenses associated with claims where we havethird-party coverage, we are generally required to initially fund payment to the claimant and seek reimbursement from the insurer. We had $1.1 million and $0.8 million receivables from insurers for claims and expenses we paid on behalf of insurers at* December 31, 2024* and2023, respectively, which are included in drivers' advances and other receivables on our consolidated balance sheet. Additionally, we accrue claims above our self-insured retention and record a corresponding receivable for amounts we expect to collect from insurers upon settlement of such claims. We have $0.6 million and $1.3 million as other long-term assets and as a corresponding accrual in the long-term portion of insurance and claims accruals on our consolidated balance sheet for claims above our self-insured retention for which we believe it is reasonably assured that the insurers will provide their portion of such claims at* December 31, 2024* and2023, respectively. We evaluate collectability of the receivables based on the credit worthiness and surplus of the insurers, along with our prior experience and contractual terms with each. If any claim occurrence were to exceed our aggregate coverage limits, we would have to accrue for the excess amount. Our critical estimates include evaluating whether a claim* may*exceed such limits and, if so, by how much.
We also make judgments regarding the ultimate benefit versus risk of commuting certain periods within our auto liability policy. If we commute a policy, we assume 100% risk for covered claims in exchange for a policy refund.
Our prior auto liability policies have sometimes included a release premium refund or commutation option that we have sometimes exercised, although we donot have either of these options in our current policies. Management cannot predict whether ornot future claims or the development of existing claims will justify a commutation of other policy periods, and accordingly,no related amounts were recorded at* December 31, 2024* or2023. We carry excess policy layers above the primary auto liability policy described above.
62
Interest
We capitalize interest on major projects during construction. Interest is capitalized based on the average interest rate on related debt. Capitalized interest was less than $0.1 million, $0.3 million, and $0.3 million in2024,2023, and2022, respectively.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Our financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, available-for-sale securities, accounts payable, debt, and interest rate swaps. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and current debt approximates their fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. Interest rates that are currently available to us for issuance of long-term debt with similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate the fair value of our long-term debt, which primarily consists of revenue equipment installment notes. The fair value of our revenue equipment installment notes approximated the carrying value at* December 31, 2024*, as the weighted average interest rate on these notes approximates the market rate for similar debt. Borrowings under our revolving Credit Facility approximate fair value due to the variable interest rate on the facility. The fair value of our interest rate swap agreement is determined using the market-standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed-cash payments and the discounted expected variable-cash receipts. The variable-cash receipts are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. These analyses reflect the contractual terms of the swap, including the period to maturity, and use observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. The fair value calculation also includes an amount for risk of non-performance of our counterparties using "significant unobservable inputs" such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default, which we have determined to be insignificant to the overall fair value of our interest rate swap agreements.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We have reflected the net liability after offsetting our deferred tax assets and liabilities in the deferred income taxes line in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. We believe the future tax deductions will be realized principally through future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and future taxable income, except for when a valuation allowance has been provided as discussed in Note12.
In the ordinary course of business there is inherent uncertainty in quantifying our income tax positions. We assess our income tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management's evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting dates. For those tax positions where it is more likely thannot that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have recorded the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it isnot more likely thannot that a tax benefit will be sustained,no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements. Potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized as a component of income tax expense.
Our policy is to recognize income tax benefit arising from the exercise of stock options and restricted share vesting based on the ordering provisions of the tax law as prescribed by the Internal Revenue Code, including indirect tax effects, if any.
Lease Accounting
At the commencement date of a new lease agreement with contractual terms longer thantwelve months, we recognize an asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet and categorize the lease as either finance or operating. Certain lease agreements have lease and non-lease components, and we have elected to account for these components separately.
Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are initially recorded based on the present value of lease payments over the term of the lease. When the rate implicit in the lease is readily determinable, this rate is used for calculating the present value of remaining lease payments; otherwise, our incremental borrowing rate is used. The incremental borrowing rate represents an estimate of the interest rate we would incur at the lease commencement to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over the term of the lease. Right-of-use assets also include prepaid lease expenses and initial direct costs of executing the leases, which are reduced by landlord incentives. Options to extend or terminate a lease agreement are included in or excluded from the lease term, respectively, when those options are reasonably certain to be exercised. Right-of-use assets are tested for impairment in the same manner as long-lived assets.
Finance lease obligations are utilized to finance a portion of our revenue equipment and are entered into with certain finance companies who arenot parties to our Credit Facility and* maycontain guarantees of the residual value of the related equipment by us. As such, the residual guarantees are included in the related debt balance as a balloon payment at the end of the related term as well as included in the future minimum finance lease payments. These lease agreements require us to pay personal property taxes, maintenance, and operating expenses. Our operating lease obligations donot* typically include residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
63
Right-of-use assets are included in net property and equipment. For finance leases, right-of-use assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the expected useful life or the lease term, and the carrying amount of the lease liability is adjusted to reflect interest expense, which is recorded in interest expense, net. Operating lease right-of-use assets are amortized over the lease term on a straight-line basis, and the lease liability is measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments. Variable lease paymentsnot included in the lease liability for mileage charges on leased revenue equipment are expensed as incurred. Operating lease costs are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease within operating expenses.
Capital Structure
The shares of Class A and B common stock are substantially identical except that the Class B shares are entitled totwo votes per share and immediately convert to Class A shares if beneficially owned by anyone other than our Chief Executive Officer or certain members of his immediate family, while Class A shares are entitled toone vote per share. The terms of any future issuances of preferred shares will be set by our Board.
Income Per Share
Basic income per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted income per share reflects the dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in our earnings.
The following table sets forth the calculation of net income per share included in the consolidated statements of operations for each of thethree years ended* December 31:*
| (in thousands except per share data) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| Numerators: | |||
| Income from continuing operations | $35,321 | $54,629 | $107,932 |
| Income from discontinued operations, net of tax | 600 | 600 | 750 |
| Net income | $35,921 | $55,229 | $108,682 |
| Denominator: | |||
| Denominator for basic income per share – weighted-average shares | 26,307 | 26,096 | 30,012 |
| Effect of dilutive securities: | |||
| Equivalent shares issuable upon conversion of unvested restricted shares | 161 | 489 | 715 |
| Equivalent shares issuable upon conversion of unvested employee stock options | 1,246 | 1,083 | 321 |
| Denominator for diluted income per share adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions | 27,714 | 27,668 | 31,048 |
| Basic income per share: | |||
| Income from continuing operations | $1.35 | $2.09 | $3.60 |
| Income from discontinued operations | $0.02 | $0.02 | $0.02 |
| Net income per basic share(1) | $1.37 | $2.12 | $3.62 |
| Diluted income per share: | |||
| Income from continuing operations | $1.28 | $1.97 | $3.48 |
| Income from discontinued operations | $0.02 | $0.02 | $0.02 |
| Net income per diluted share | $1.30 | $2.00 | $3.50 |
| (1) | Total may not sum due to rounding. |
There wereno unvested shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as the effect of any assumed exercise of the related awards wouldnot have been anti-dilutive for the years ended* December 31,2024,2023, and2022. There wereno, no, and 208 unvested options excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share since the effect of any assumed exercise of the related awards would be anti-dilutive for the years ended December 31,*2024,2023, and2022, respectively.
Stock-Based Employee Compensation
We issue several types of stock-based compensation, including awards that vest based on service, market, and performance conditions or a combination of the conditions. Performance-based and market-based awards vest contingent upon meeting certain performance or market criteria, respectively, established by the Compensation Committee of the Board. All awards require future service. For performance-based awards, determining the appropriate amount to expense in each period is based on likelihood and timing of achieving the stated targets for performance-based awards and requires judgment, including forecasting future financial results. The estimates are revised periodically based on the probability and timing of achieving the required performance and adjustments are made as appropriate. Awards that are only subject to time vesting provisions are amortized using the straight-line method.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications were made to the prior year’s consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.
64
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standardsnot* yet adopted*
In* November 2024,the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU2024*-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. This guidance requires disclosure of disaggregated information about certain income statement expense line items in the notes to the financial statements. The guidance in this ASU is effective for all public entities for fiscal years beginning after* December 15, 2026,and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027.The update may*be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effects adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.
In* December 2023,the FASB issued ASU2023*-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. This new guidance is designed to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. The amendments of this update are related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid, requiring (1) consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation and (2) income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. ASU2023-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after* December 15, 2024.*Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.
Accounting Standards adopted
In* November 2023,the FASB issued ASUNo.* 2023-07, Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (Topic280). This ASU updates reportable segment disclosure requirements by requiring disclosures of significant reportable segment expenses that are regularly provided to the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) and included within each reported measure of a segment's profit or loss. This ASU also requires disclosure of the title and position of the individual identified as the CODM and an explanation of how the CODM uses the reported measures of a segment’s profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources. This ASU became effective for us for our annual reporting period beginning* January 1, 2024,and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2025.*Adoption of the ASU has been applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The adoption of this standard had an immaterial impact on our consolidated financial statements.
There areno other new accounting pronouncements that are expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
| 2. | DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS |
As of* June 30, 2020,our previously identified Factoring reportable segment was classified as discontinued operations as it: (i) was a component of the entity, (ii) met the criteria as held for sale, and (iii) had a material effect on the Company's operations and financial results. On July 8, 2020,*we closed on the disposition of substantially all of the operations and assets of Transport Financial Services (“TFS”), which included substantially all of the assets and operations of our Factoring reportable segment. The sale consisted primarily of $103.3 million of net accounts receivable, which included $108.7 million of gross accounts receivable, less advances and rebates of $5.4 million.
We have reflected the former Factoring reportable segment as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented.
The following table summarizes the results of our discontinued operations for thetwelve months ended* December 31,*2024,2023, and2022:
| (in thousands) | Twelve months ended December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| Operating expenses · $ · - · $ · - · $ · - | |||
| (Reversal of) loss contingency | (800) | (800) | (1,000) |
| Operating income | 800 | 800 | 1,000 |
| Income before income taxes | 800 | 800 | 1,000 |
| Income tax expense | 200 | 200 | 250 |
| Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax | $600 | $600 | $750 |
Operating income for the years ended* December 31,*2024,2023, and2022, relates to the gain on the reversal of our contingent loss liability in the amount of $0.8 million, $0.8 million, and $1.0 million, respectively. Reversal of contingent loss liability relates to the reduced exposure of future indemnification by the Company to Triumph Bancorp, Inc. ("Triumph") as a result of the collection of covered receivables identified in the amended purchase agreement.
The following table summarizes the major classes of assets and liabilities included as discontinued operations as of* December 31, 2024* and2023:
| (in thousands) | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Noncurrent deferred tax asset | $209 | $409 |
| Noncurrent assets from discontinued operations | 209 | 409 |
| Total assets from discontinued operations | $209 | $409 |
| Current liabilities: | ||
| Noncurrent contingent liabilities | $835 | $1,635 |
| Total liabilities from discontinued operations | $835 | $1,635 |
There was $1.7 million of operating cash outflows related to the $1.7 million payment on the indemnification obligation to Triumph for the year ended* December 31, 2023andno net cash flows related to discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2024or2022.*
65
| 3. | FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS |
Fair value is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Accordingly, fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.
The fair value of the commodity contracts, including our former fuel hedges, is determined based on quotes from the counterparty which were verified by comparing them to the exchange on which the related futures are traded, adjusted for counterparty credit risk. There wereno fuel hedge derivatives outstanding as of* December 31,*2024 or2023.
The fair value of our interest rate swap agreements is determined using the market-standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed-cash payments and the discounted expected variable-cash receipts. The variable-cash receipts are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. These analyses reflect the contractual terms of the swap, including the period to maturity, and use observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. The fair value calculation also includes an amount for risk of non-performance of our counterparties using "significant unobservable inputs" such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default, which we have determined to be insignificant to the overall fair value of our interest rate swap agreements.
The fair value of the life insurance policies was determined by the underwriting insurance company’s valuation models and represents the guaranteed value we would receive upon surrender of these policies as of the reporting date.
Athree-tier fair value hierarchy is used to prioritize the inputs in measuring fair value as follows:
| ● | Level 1. Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; |
|---|---|
| ● | Level 2. Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and |
| ● | Level 3. Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. |
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
| (in thousands) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | Input Level | |
| Interest rate swaps | $1,397 | $1,101 | 2 |
| Contingent consideration | $(27,794) | $(21,802) | 3 |
| Cash surrender value life insurance policies | $3,370 | $2,424 | 2 |
Contingent consideration arrangements require us to pay up to $20.0 million of additional consideration to AAT's former shareholders based on AAT's results during thefirst two post-acquisition years, up to $30.0 million of additional consideration to Lew Thompson & Son Trucking, LLC's ("LTST's") former shareholders based on LTST's results during thefirst three calendar years following closing, and up to $12.0 million of additional consideration to Sims Transport Services LLC's ("Sims") former shareholders based on Sims' results during thefirst four calendar years following closing. Refer to Note8, "Acquisition of AAT Carriers, Inc.", for additional information regarding the AAT acquisition, Note7, "Acquisition of Lew Thompson & Son Trucking, LLC", for additional information regarding the LTST acquisition and Note6, "Acquisition of Sims Transport Services LLC", for additional information regarding the Sims acquisition.
The fair value of the contingent consideration is adjusted at each reporting period based on changes to the expected cash flows and related assumptions. There were contingent consideration payments made during the years ended* December 31, 2024and2023* of $10.0 million and $10.0 million, respectively, based on AAT's results for thefirst andsecond post-acquisition years. Of the $10.0 million paid for the contingent consideration liability during2024, $7.0 million was classified as financing cash flows and $3.0 million was classified as operating cash flows within the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. Of the $10.0 million paid for the contingent consideration liability during2023, $9.2 million was classified as financing cash flows and $0.8 million was classified as operating cash flows within the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. During the year ended* December 31, 2024,the fair value of the contingent consideration increased to $27.8 million from $21.8 million at December 31, 2023.Of the $6.0 million increase $16.0 million is the result of the subsequent adjustment to fair market value partially offset by the aforementioned $10.0 million payment. During the year ended December 31, 2023,the fair value of the contingent consideration increased to $21.8 million from $17.0 million at December 31, 2022.*Of the $4.8 million increase, $10.0 million and $1.8 million relates to the initial valuation of the contingent consideration arrangements for LTST and Sims, respectively, and $3.0 million is the result of the subsequent adjustment to fair market value partially offset by the aforementioned $10.0 million payment. The adjustment to the fair value of the contingent consideration liability was recorded as a component of general supplies and expenses within the consolidated statements of operations. The contingent consideration liability is included in accounts payable and other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.
The following table provides a summary (in thousands) of the activity for the contingent consideration liability for2024, 2023, and 2022:
| (in thousands) | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginning balance January 1, · Additions · Adjustments to fair market value · Payments · Ending balance December 31, | ||||||||
| 2024 | $(21,802) | $ | - | $(15,992) | $10,000 | $(27,794) | ||
| 2023 | $(17,023) | $(11,802) | $(2,977) | $10,000 | $(21,802) | |||
| 2022 | $ | - | $(16,210) | $(813) | $ | - | $(17,023) | |
66
| 4. | STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION |
Our Third Amended and Restated2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended (the "Incentive Plan") governs the issuance of equity awards and other incentive compensation to management and members of the Board of Directors (the "Board"). On* May 17, 2023,the stockholders, upon recommendation of the Board, approved the Third Amendment (the “Third Amendment”) to our Third Amended and Restated2006* Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan"). The Third Amendment (i) increased the number of shares of Class A common stock available for issuance under the Incentive Plan by an additional 1,150,000 shares, (ii) re-set the term of the plan to expire on* May 1, 2033,and (iii) made other miscellaneous, administrative and conforming changes as necessary. The Incentive Plan includes (i) a fungible share reserve feature, under which shares subject to stock options and stock appreciation rights will be counted asone share for every share granted and shares subject to all other awards will be counted as 1.80 shares for every share granted, (ii) a double-trigger vesting requirement upon a change in control, and (iii) a maximum award granted or payable to anyone* participant under the Incentive Plan for a calendar year of 1,000,000 shares of Class A common stock or $4,000,000, in the event the award is paid in cash.
The Incentive Plan permits annual awards of shares of our Class A common stock to executives, other key employees, non-employee directors, and eligible participants under various types of options, restricted share awards, or other equity instruments. At* December 31, 2024*,2,126,457 shares were available for award under the Incentive Plan.No awards* maybe made under the Incentive Plan after May 1, 2033.*To the extent available, we have issued treasury stock to satisfy all share-based incentive plans.
Included in salaries, wages, and related expenses within the consolidated statements of operations is stock-based compensation expense of $2.9 million, $6.5 million, and $6.0 million in2024,2023, and2022, respectively. Included in general supplies and expenses within the consolidated statements of operations is stock-based compensation expense for non-employee directors of $0.8 million, $0.6 million, and $0.6 million in2024,2023, and2022, respectively. All the stock compensation expense recorded in2024,2023, and2022 relates to restricted shares granted, other than $0.6 million, $3.9 million, and $2.2 million in2024,2023, and2022, respectively, which relates to stock options. Associated with stock compensation expense was $0.4 million, $2.2 million, and $0.4 million of income tax benefit in2024,2023, and2022, respectively, related to the exercise of restricted share vesting. We received $1.8 million, $0.2 million, and $0.4 million related to the exercise of stock options during2024,2023, and2022. Associated with the exercise of stock options during2024,2023, and2022 was $0.8 million, $0.1 million, and $0.1 million of income tax benefit, respectively. Forfeitures are recognized as they're incurred.
The Incentive Plan allows participants to pay the federal and state minimum statutory tax withholding requirements related to awards that vest or allows the participant to deliver to us shares of Class A common stock having a fair market value equal to the minimum amount of such required withholding taxes. To satisfy withholding requirements for shares that vested, certain participants elected to deliver to us 33,286,229,656, and 110,612 Class A common stock shares, which were withheld at weighted average per share prices of $26.16, $20.86, and $14.52, respectively, based on the closing prices of our Class A common stock on the dates the shares vested in2024,2023, and2022, respectively, in lieu of the federal and state minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. We remitted $0.9 million, $4.8 million, and $1.6 million in2024,2023, and2022, respectively, to the proper taxing authorities in satisfaction of the employees' minimum statutory withholding requirements. The payment of minimum tax withholdings on stock compensation are reflected within the issuances of restricted shares from treasury stock in the accompanying consolidated statement of stockholders' equity.
The following table summarizes our restricted share award activity for the fiscal years ended* December 31,*2024,2023, and2022:
| Number of stock awards (in thousands) · Weighted average grant date fair value | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unvested at December 31, 2021 | 1,124 | $9.06 | |
| Granted | 310 | $11.04 | |
| Vested | (446) | $9.40 | |
| Forfeited | (10) | $6.97 | |
| Unvested at December 31, 2022 | 978 | $9.56 | |
| Granted | 196 | $19.36 | |
| Vested | (706) | $9.24 | |
| Forfeited | - | $ | - |
| Unvested at December 31, 2023 | 468 | $14.60 | |
| Granted | 243 | $23.80 | |
| Vested | (142) | $15.14 | |
| Forfeited | (77) | $11.09 | |
| Unvested at December 31, 2024 | 492 | $19.55 | |
The unvested shares at* December 31, 2024* will vest based on when and if the related vesting criteria are met for each award. All awards require continued service to vest. Unrecognized compensation expense for outstanding shares was $6.3 million as of* December 31, 2024*, which is probable to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.1 years. The fair value of restricted share awards that vested in2024,2023, and2022 was approximately $2.2 million, $6.3 million, and $3.4 million respectively.
67
The following table summarizes our stock option activity for the fiscal year ended* December 31,*2024,2023, and2022:
| Number of options (in thousands) · Weighted average exercise price · Weighted average grant date fair value · Weighted average remaining contractual term · Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding at December 31, 2021 | 2,222 | $9.00 | $4.16 | 9.0 years | $9,382 | ||
| Options granted | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||
| Options exercised | (48) | $7.89 | $2.45 | ||||
| Options forfeited | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2022 | 2,174 | $9.02 | $4.20 | 8.0 years | $17,968 | ||
| Options granted | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||
| Options exercised | (30) | $7.89 | $2.45 | ||||
| Options forfeited | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2023 | 2,144 | $9.04 | $4.22 | 7.0 years | $29,978 | ||
| Options granted | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||
| Options exercised | (223) | $7.89 | $3.86 | ||||
| Options forfeited | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2024 | 1,921 | $9.17 | $4.26 | 6.0 years | $34,732 | ||
| Exercisable at December 31, 2024 | 1,921 | $9.17 | $4.26 | 6.0 years | $34,732 | ||
There wasno unrecognized compensation cost for outstanding options at* December 31, 2024*.
| 5. | PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT |
A summary of property and equipment, at cost, as of* December 31, 2024* and2023 is as follows:
| (in thousands) | Estimated Useful Lives (Years) | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue equipment | 2 - 20 | $575,726 | $538,617 |
| Communications equipment | 5 - 10 | 6,721 | 5,847 |
| Land and improvements | 0 - 15 | 12,407 | 11,747 |
| Buildings and leasehold improvements | 7 - 40 | 97,636 | 104,358 |
| Construction in-progress | - | 6,404 | 2,968 |
| Other | 2 - 10 | 30,510 | 28,995 |
| $729,404 | $692,532 | ||
Depreciation expense was $77.0 million, $62.4 million, and $53.2 million in2024,2023, and2022, respectively. This depreciation expense excludes net losses on the sale of property and equipment totaling $1.6 million in2024 and net gains on the sale of property and equipment totaling $12.6 million and $40.3 million in2023 and2022, respectively.
We lease certain revenue equipment under finance and operating leases with terms of approximately 48 to 84 months. At* December 31, 2024* and2023, property and equipment included finance and operating leases. Our finance leases had capitalized costs of $6.0 million and $7.6 million and accumulated amortization of $1.4 million and $1.2 million at* December 31, 2024* and2023, respectively. Amortization of these leased assets is included in depreciation and amortization expense in the consolidated statement of operations and totaled $0.5 million, $0.7 million, and $2.3 million during2024,2023, and2022, respectively. See Note11, "Leases" for additional information about our finance and operating leases.
| 6. | ACQUISITION OF SIMS TRANSPORT SERVICES LLC |
On* August 18, 2023,we acquired 100% of the equity interests of Sims, a specialized brokerage company, headquartered in Maysville, GA. The acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred was $9.8 million. The Stock Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, covenants, and indemnification provisions. The Stock Purchase Agreement includes an earnout component of up to an aggregate of $12.0 million based on Sims' adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization reported for thefirst* throughfourth calendar years following closing. The total purchase price, including any earnout achieved, is expected to range from $9.8 million to $20.0 million depending on the results achieved by Sims.
| (in thousands) | |
|---|---|
| Cash paid pursuant to Stock Purchase Agreement | $8,573 |
| Cash acquired included in historical book value of Sims' assets and liabilities | (526) |
| Contingent consideration | 1,786 |
| Net purchase price | $9,833 |
The contingent consideration arrangement requires us to pay a total of up to $12.0 million of additional consideration to Sim's former equity-holders based on Sim's results during thefirst four calendar years following closing. We estimated the fair value of the contingent consideration using a probability-weighted model. This fair value measurement is based on significant inputsnot observable in the market and thus represents a Level3 measurement. Refer to Note3, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments" for information regarding changes in the contingent consideration arrangement.
All goodwill related to the acquisition is deductible for tax purposes and there areno deferred income taxes arising from the acquisition.
| (in thousands) | August 18, 2023 |
|---|---|
| Accounts receivable | $735 |
| Other intangibles, net | 6,090 |
| Total identifiable assets acquired | 6,825 |
| Accounts payable | (457) |
| Accrued expenses | (4) |
| Total liabilities assumed | (461) |
| Net identifiable assets acquired | 6,364 |
| Goodwill | 3,469 |
| Net assets acquired | $9,833 |
During the year ended* December 31, 2024we recognized measurement period adjustments of $1.6 million, primarily related to the deductibility of goodwill and other intangibles, which decreased goodwill from $5.1 million as of December 31, 2023to $3.5 million as of December 31, 2024.The goodwill recognized is attributable primarily to expected cost synergies as a result of overhead support. Refer to Note9,* "Goodwill and Other Assets" for a summary of changes to goodwill during the period as well as information related to the identifiable intangible asset acquired.
Sims' results have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition and are reported within our Managed Freight reportable segment. The amounts of revenue and earnings of Sims included in the Company’s consolidated results of operations from the acquisition date to the period ended* December 31, 2024* are as follows:
| (in thousands) | Year Ended | Year Ended |
|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |
| Total revenue | $10,398 | $2,924 |
| Net income | $884 | $555 |
| 7. | ACQUISITION OF LEW THOMPSON & SON TRUCKING, LLC |
On* April 26, 2023,we acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of LTST and related entities, headquartered in Huntsville, AR. LTST is a dedicated contract carrier specializing in poultry feed and live haul transportation in Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas and was acquired to expand the Dedicated reportable segment into this niche market. The acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred was $114.5 million. The Stock Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, covenants, and indemnification provisions. The Stock Purchase Agreement includes an earnout component of up to an aggregate of $30.0 million based on LTST's adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization reported for the first, second, andthird* calendar years following closing. The total purchase, including any earnout achieved, is expected to range from $114.5 million to $134.5 million depending on the results achieved by LTST.
| (in thousands) | |
|---|---|
| Cash paid pursuant to Stock Purchase Agreement | $105,282 |
| Cash acquired included in historical book value of LTST's assets and liabilities | (839) |
| Contingent consideration | 10,016 |
| Net purchase price | $114,459 |
The contingent consideration arrangement requires us to pay a total of up to $30.0 million of additional consideration to LTST's former shareholders based on LTST's results during thefirst three calendar years following closing. We estimated the fair value of the contingent consideration using a probability-weighted model. This fair value measurement is based on significant inputsnot observable in the market and thus represents a Level3 measurement. Refer to Note3, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments" for information regarding changes in the contingent consideration arrangement.
Because of our338(h)10 election, all goodwill related to the acquisition is deductible for tax purposes, and there areno deferred income taxes arising from the acquisition.
| (in thousands) | April 26, 2023 |
|---|---|
| Accounts receivable | $4,848 |
| Driver advances and other receivables | 98 |
| Inventory and supplies | 1,015 |
| Prepaid expenses | 561 |
| Property and equipment | 42,277 |
| Other assets | 120 |
| Other intangibles | 52,870 |
| Total identifiable assets acquired | 101,789 |
| Accounts payable | (565) |
| Accrued expenses | (1,465) |
| Current portion of operating lease obligations | (396) |
| Current portion of insurance and claims accrual | (56) |
| Long-term portion of operating lease obligations | (2,103) |
| Total liabilities assumed | (4,585) |
| Net identifiable assets acquired | 97,204 |
| Goodwill | 17,255 |
| Net assets acquired | $114,459 |
Since acquisition we recognized measurement period adjustments which increased goodwill recognized for LTST by $4.9 million, primarily related to the Section338(h)10 election to $17.3 million as of* December 31, 2024.The goodwill recognized is attributable primarily to expected cost synergies in the areas of fuel and purchases of revenue equipment. Refer to Note9,* "Goodwill and Other Assets" for a summary of changes to goodwill during the period as well as information related to the identifiable intangible asset acquired.
LTST's results have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition and are reported within our Dedicated reportable segment. The amounts of revenue and earnings of LTST included in the Company’s consolidated results of operations from the acquisition date to the period ended* December 31, 2024* are as follows:
| (in thousands) | Year Ended | Year Ended |
|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |
| Total revenue | $126,288 | $41,838 |
| Net income | $3,337 | $4,726 |
The following unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations assume that the acquisition of LTST occurred as of* January 1, 2022:*
| (in thousands) | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |
| Total revenue | $1,131,476 | $1,124,492 | $1,281,504 |
| Net income | $35,921 | $57,592 | $121,943 |
| Basic net income per share | $1.37 | $2.21 | $4.07 |
| Diluted net income per share | $1.30 | $2.08 | $3.93 |
The pro forma financial information for all periods presented above has been calculated after adjusting the results of LTST to reflect the business combination accounting effects resulting from this acquisition, including the amortization expense from acquired intangible assets as though the acquisition occurred as of the beginning of the Company’s fiscal year2022. As noted above, the allocation is preliminary and changes to the value of the contingent consideration and finalization of our valuation could result in changes to the amount of amortization expense from acquired intangible assets included in the pro forma financial information presented above. The Company's historical consolidated financial statements have been adjusted in the pro forma combined financial statements to give effect to pro forma events that are directly attributable to the business combination and factually supportable. The pro forma financial information is for informational purposes only and isnot indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition had taken place at the beginning of the Company’s fiscal2022.
| 8. | ACQUISITION OF AAT CARRIERS, INC. |
On* February 9, 2022,we acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of AAT headquartered in Chattanooga, TN. AAT specializes in highly regulated, time-sensitive loads for the U.S. government. The acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred was $54.7 million. The Stock Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, covenants, and indemnification provisions. The Stock Purchase Agreement includes an earnout component of up to an aggregate of $20.0 million based on AAT's adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization reported for thefirst* andsecond years following closing. The total purchase price, including the earnout achieved, was $57.0 million.
| (in thousands) | |
|---|---|
| Cash paid pursuant to Stock Purchase Agreement | $40,347 |
| Cash acquired included in historical book value of AAT's assets and liabilities | (1,846) |
| Contingent consideration | 16,210 |
| Net purchase price | $54,711 |
The contingent consideration arrangement requires us to pay up to $20.0 million of additional consideration to AAT's former shareholders based on AAT's results during thefirst two post-acquisition years. We estimated the fair value of the contingent consideration using a probability-weighted model. This fair value measurement is based on significant inputsnot observable in the market and thus represents a Level3 measurement. Refer to Note3, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments" for information regarding changes in the contingent consideration arrangement.
Because of our338(h)10 election, all goodwill related to the acquisition is deductible for tax purposes, and there areno deferred income taxes arising from the acquisition.
| (in thousands) | February 9, 2022 |
|---|---|
| Accounts receivable | $842 |
| Prepaid expenses | 33 |
| Other short-term assets | 19 |
| Net property and equipment | 7,994 |
| Credentialing intangible asset | 32,000 |
| Total identifiable assets acquired | 40,888 |
| Accounts payable | (19) |
| Accrued expenses | (1,396) |
| Finance lease obligations | (458) |
| Other long-term liabilities | (3) |
| Total liabilities assumed | (1,876) |
| Net identifiable assets acquired | 39,012 |
| Goodwill | 15,699 |
| Net assets acquired | $54,711 |
The goodwill recognized is attributable primarily to expected cost synergies in the areas of fuel, purchases of revenue equipment. Refer to Note9, "Goodwill and Other Assets" for a summary of changes to goodwill during the period as well as information related to the identifiable intangible asset acquired.
AAT’s results have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition and are reported within our Expedited reportable segment. The amounts of revenue and earnings of AAT included in the Company’s consolidated results of operations from the acquisition date to the period ended* December 31, 2024* are as follows:
| (in thousands) | Year Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |
| Total revenue | $33,139 | $37,621 | $33,061 |
| Net income | $5,173 | $10,679 | $13,263 |
68
| 9. | GOODWILL, INTANGIBLES AND OTHER ASSETS |
The Landair trade name has a residual value of $0.5 million.
Amortization expense of $9.5 million, $7.5 million, and $4.3 million for the years ended* December 31,*2024,2023, and2022, respectively, was included in depreciation and amortization in the consolidated statements of operations.
A summary of other intangible assets, by reportable segment as of* December 31, 2024* and2023 is as follows:
| (in thousands) | December 31, 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross intangible assets | Accumulated amortization | Net intangible assets | Remaining Life (months) | |
| Trade name: | ||||
| Dedicated | $4,502 | $(2,479) | $2,023 | |
| Managed Freight | 1,089 | (910) | 179 | |
| Warehousing | 999 | (885) | 114 | |
| Total trade name | 6,590 | (4,274) | 2,316 | 98 |
| Non-Compete agreement: | ||||
| Dedicated | 4,670 | (1,946) | 2,724 | |
| Managed Freight | 380 | (127) | 253 | |
| Total non-compete agreement | 5,050 | (2,073) | 2,977 | 28 |
| Customer relationships: | ||||
| Dedicated | 60,172 | (12,142) | 48,030 | |
| Managed Freight | 7,312 | (1,987) | 5,325 | |
| Warehousing | 12,436 | (6,736) | 5,700 | |
| Total customer relationships: | 79,920 | (20,865) | 59,055 | 149 |
| Credentialing: | ||||
| Expedited | 32,000 | (6,222) | 25,778 | |
| Total credentialing | 32,000 | (6,222) | 25,778 | 145 |
| Total other intangible assets | $123,560 | $(33,434) | $90,126 | 142 |
69
| (in thousands) | December 31, 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross intangible assets | Accumulated amortization | Net intangible assets | Remaining Life (months) | |
| Trade name: | ||||
| Dedicated | $4,502 | $(2,269) | $2,233 | |
| Managed Freight | 1,089 | (891) | 198 | |
| Warehousing | 999 | (885) | 114 | |
| Total trade name | 6,590 | (4,045) | 2,545 | 110 |
| Non-Compete agreement: | ||||
| Dedicated | 4,670 | (778) | 3,892 | |
| Managed Freight | 380 | (32) | 348 | |
| Warehousing | - | - | - | |
| Total non-compete agreement | 5,050 | (810) | 4,240 | 40 |
| Customer relationships: | ||||
| Dedicated | 60,172 | (8,258) | 51,914 | |
| Managed Freight | 7,312 | (1,043) | 6,269 | |
| Warehousing | 12,436 | (5,700) | 6,736 | |
| Total customer relationships | 79,920 | (15,001) | 64,919 | 159 |
| Credentialing: | ||||
| Expedited | 32,000 | (4,089) | 27,911 | 157 |
| Total credentialing | 32,000 | (4,089) | 27,911 | |
| Total other intangible assets | $123,560 | $(23,945) | $99,615 | 151 |
The above finite-lived intangible assets have a weighted average remaining life of 142 months and 151 months as of* December 31, 2024* and2023, respectively.
The expected amortization expense of these assets for the nextfive years is as follows:
| (In thousands) | |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $9,488 |
| 2026 | 9,488 |
| 2027 | 8,678 |
| 2028 | 8,220 |
| 2029 | 8,208 |
| Thereafter | 45,544 |
The assignment of goodwill and intangible assets to our reportable segments was complete as of* December 31, 2024*. The carrying amount of goodwill was $78.9 million at* December 31, 2024*, compared to $75.7 million at* December 31,*2023. A summary of the changes in carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment is as follows:
| (in thousands) | Expedited | Dedicated | Managed Freight | Warehousing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | $15,699 | $27,767 | $10,531 | $21,750 |
| Post-acquisition goodwill adjustments | - | 4,808 | (1,614) | - |
| Balance at December 31, 2024 | $15,699 | $32,575 | $8,917 | $21,750 |
A summary of other assets as of* December 31, 2024* and2023 is as follows:
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Investment in TEL | $77,405 | $66,327 |
| Other long-term receivables | 3,163 | 4,664 |
| Other assets, net | 9,065 | 7,076 |
| Total other assets, net | $89,633 | $78,067 |
Other long-term receivables primarily represents amounts related to extended warranties purchased on our revenue equipment on our consolidated balance sheet as of* December 31, 2024*, and2023, as well as amounts recorded as a receivable in other assets and as a corresponding accrual in the long-term portion of insurance and claims accruals on our consolidated balance sheet as of* December 31, 2024and2023,* for claims above our self-insured retention for which we believe it is reasonably assured that the insurers will provide their portion of such claims.
The Company conducted its annual impairment assessments and tests of goodwill for each reporting unit as of* October 1,2024. We mayelect to perform an assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely thannot* that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the reporting unit's carrying amount, including goodwill. When performing the qualitative assessment, the Company considers the impact of factors including, butnot limited to, macroeconomic and industry conditions, overall financial performance of each reporting unit, litigation and new legislation. If based on the qualitative assessments, the Company believes it more likely thannot that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the reporting unit's carrying amount, or periodically as deemed appropriate by management, the Company will prepare an estimation of the respective reporting unit's fair value utilizing a quantitative approach.
If the estimation of fair value indicates that impairment potentially exists, the Company will then measure the amount of the impairment, if any. Goodwill impairment exists when the estimated implied fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value. Changes in strategy or market conditions could significantly impact these fair value estimates and require adjustments to recorded asset balances. As a result of the most recent goodwill impairment analysis performed (* October 1,*2024), the Company determined that it wasnot more likely thannot that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the reporting unit's carrying amount.
Additionally, the Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount* may**not* be recoverable. Impairment is recognized on assets classified as held and used when the sum of undiscounted estimated cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset is less than the carrying value. If such measurement indicates a possible impairment, the estimated fair value of the asset is compared to its net book value to measure the impairment charge, if any.No such events were identified as of* December 31,*2024.
70
| 10. | DEBT |
Current and long-term debt and lease obligations consisted of the following at* December 31, 2024* and2023:
| (in thousands) · December 31, 2024 · December 31, 2023 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current · Long-Term · Current · Long-Term | |||||||
| Borrowings under Credit Facility | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $11,579 |
| Borrowings under the Draw Note | - | - | - | - | |||
| Revenue equipment installment notes; weighted average interest rate of 5.4% at December 31, 2024, and 5.2% December 31, 2023, due in monthly installments with final maturities at various dates ranging from February 2028 to March 2029, secured by related revenue equipment | 62,860 | 170,629 | 46,357 | 167,509 | |||
| Real estate notes; interest rate of 6.3% at December 31, 2024 and 7.1% at December 31, 2023 due in monthly installments with a fixed maturity at August 2035, secured by related real estate | 1,350 | 16,456 | 1,294 | 17,806 | |||
| Total debt | 64,210 | 187,085 | 47,651 | 196,894 | |||
| Principal portion of finance lease obligations, secured by related revenue equipment | 751 | 3,192 | 781 | 5,296 | |||
| Principal portion of operating lease obligations, secured by related equipment | 10,349 | 31,302 | 11,950 | 30,892 | |||
| Total debt and lease obligations | $75,310 | 221,579 | $60,382 | $233,082 | |||
We and substantially all of our subsidiaries are parties to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Credit Facility") with Bank of America, N.A., as agent (the "Agent") and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (together with the Agent, the "Lenders"). The Credit Facility is a $110.0 million revolving credit facility, with an uncommitted accordion feature that, so long asno event of default exists, allows us to request an increase in the revolving credit facility of up to $75.0 million subject to Lender acceptance of the additional funding commitment. The Credit Facility includes a letter of credit sub facility in an aggregate amount of $105.0 million and a swing line sub facility in an aggregate amount equal to the greater of $10.0 million or 10% of the Lenders' aggregate commitments under the Credit Facility from time-to-time. The Credit Facility matures in* May 2027.*
Borrowings under the Credit Facility are classified as either "base rate loans" or "SOFR loans." Base rate loans accrue interest at a base rate equal to the greater of the Agent’s prime rate, the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, or SOFR for aone month period as of such day, plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.25% to 0.75%; while SOFR loans accrued interest at SOFR, plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.25% to 1.75%. The applicable rates are adjusted quarterly based on average pricing availability. The unused line fee is the product of 0.25% times the average daily amount by which the Lenders' aggregate revolving commitments under the Credit Facility exceed the outstanding principal amount of revolver loans and the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding letters of credit issued under the Credit Facility. The obligations under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by us and secured by a pledge of substantially all of our assets, with the notable exclusion of any real estate, revenue equipment pledged under other financing agreements, including revenue equipment installment notes and finance leases, and revenue equipment that we donot designate as being included in the borrowing base.
71
Borrowings under the Credit Facility are subject to a borrowing base limited to the lesser of (A)$110.0 million, minus the sum of the stated amount of all outstanding letters of credit; or (B) the sum of (i)87.5% of eligible accounts receivable, plus (ii) the least of (a)85% of the appraised net orderly liquidation value of eligible revenue equipment, (b)100% of the net book value of eligible revenue equipment, (c)60.0% of the Lenders' aggregate revolving commitments under the Credit Facility, or (d) $65.0 million. We hadno borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility as of* December 31, 2024*, undrawn letters of credit outstanding of approximately $19.8 million, and available borrowing capacity of $90.2 million. Based on availability as of* December 31, 2024* and2023, there wasno fixed charge coverage requirement.
The Credit Facility includes usual and customary events of default for a facility of this nature and provides that, upon the occurrence and continuation of an event of default, payment of all amounts payable under the Credit Facility* maybe accelerated, and the Lenders' commitments may*be terminated. If an event of default occurs under the Credit Facility and the Lenders cause, or have the ability to cause, all of the outstanding debt obligations under the Credit Facility to become due and payable, this could result in a default under other debt instruments that contain acceleration or cross-default provisions. The Credit Facility contains certain restrictions and covenants relating to, among other things, debt, dividends, liens, acquisitions and dispositions outside of the ordinary course of business, and affiliate transactions. Failure to comply with the covenants and restrictions set forth in the Credit Facility could result in an event of default.
Pricing for the revenue equipment installment notes is quoted by the respective financial affiliates of our primary revenue equipment suppliers and other lenders at the funding of each group of equipment acquired and include fixed annual rates for new equipment under retail installment contracts. The notes included in the funding are due in monthly installments with final maturities at various dates ranging from* February 2028* to* March 2029*. The notes contain certain requirements regarding payment, insuring of collateral, and other matters, but donot have any financial or other material covenants or events of default except certain notes totaling $28.6 million are cross-defaulted with the Credit Facility. Additional borrowings from the financial affiliates of our primary revenue equipment suppliers and other lenders are expected to be available to fund new tractors expected to be delivered in2025, while any other property and equipment purchases, including trailers, are expected to be funded with a combination of available cash, notes, operating leases, finance leases, and/or from the Credit Facility.
In* August 2015,we financed a portion of the purchase of our corporate headquarters, a maintenance facility, and certain surrounding property in Chattanooga, Tennessee by entering into a $28.0 million variable rate note with athird*-party lender. Concurrently with entering into the note, we entered into an interest rate swap to effectively fix the related interest rate to 4.2%. The note contains certain restrictions and covenants that are usual and customary for a note of this nature. Failure to comply with the covenants and restrictions set forth in the note could result in an event of default. We expect to be in compliance with our debt covenants for the next12 months.
In connection with the settlement of a dispute related to the sale of TFS (the "TFS Settlement"), in* September 2020,TBK Bank, SSB, as lender and agent for Triumph (“TBK Bank”), provided the Company with a $45 million line of credit (the “Draw Note”), the proceeds of which are to be used solely to satisfy our indemnification obligations under the TFS Settlement. We mayborrow pursuant to the Draw Note until September 23, 2025.*
As of* December 31, 2024*, the scheduled principal payments of debt, excluding finance leases for which future payments are discussed in Note11 are as follows:
| (in thousands) | |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $64,210 |
| 2026 | 53,372 |
| 2027 | 47,596 |
| 2028 | 70,568 |
| 2029 | 4,323 |
| Thereafter | 11,226 |
72
| 11. | LEASES |
Finance lease obligations are utilized to finance a portion of our revenue equipment and are entered into with certain finance companies who arenot parties to our Credit Facility. The leases in effect at* December 31, 2024* terminate in* May 2025* through* November 2033* and contain guarantees of the residual value of the related equipment by us. As such, the residual guarantees are included in the related debt balance as a balloon payment at the end of the related term as well as included in the future minimum finance lease payments. These lease agreements require us to pay personal property taxes, maintenance, and operating expenses. Our operating lease obligations donot typically include residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
A summary of our lease obligations for thetwelve months ended* December 31,*2024,2023, and2022 are as follows:
| (dollars in thousands) | Twelve Months Ended | Twelve Months Ended | Twelve Months Ended |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |
| Finance lease cost: | |||
| Amortization of right-of-use assets | $491 | $689 | $2,314 |
| Interest on lease liabilities | 818 | 510 | 377 |
| Operating lease cost | 14,350 | 18,296 | 20,538 |
| Short-term lease cost | 4,117 | 7,514 | 13,625 |
| Variable lease cost | 266 | 1,024 | 232 |
| Total lease cost | $20,042 | $28,033 | $37,086 |
| Other information | |||
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: | |||
| Operating cash flows from finance leases | $818 | $510 | $377 |
| Operating cash flows from operating leases | $11,222 | $13,965 | $17,114 |
| Financing cash flows from finance leases | $2,949 | $5,619 | $5,516 |
| Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities | $815 | $5,938 | $458 |
| Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities | $13,753 | $3,992 | $48,515 |
| Weighted-average remaining lease term—finance leases | 4.8 years | 3.8 years | 5.7 years |
| Weighted-average remaining lease term—operating leases | 4.4 years | 4.6 years | 4.6 years |
| Weighted-average discount rate—finance leases | 12.7% | 13.2% | 5.1% |
| Weighted-average discount rate—operating leases | 8.7% | 10.1% | 9.1% |
At* December 31, 2024* and2023, right-of-use assets of $40.0 million and $41.2 million for operating leases, respectively, and $4.6 million and $6.4 million for finance leases, are included innet property and equipment in our consolidated balance sheets. During the year ended* December 31, 2022,*we recognized $7.5 million of expense related to the early abandonment and disposal charges related to revenue equipment held under operating leases as the equipment was a source of significant operational headwinds throughout the year due to poor fuel economy, unusually high maintenance costs, and elevated downtime. Operating lease right-of-use asset amortization is included in revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation, communication and utilities, and general supplies and expenses, depending on the underlying asset, in the consolidated statement of operations. Amortization of finance leased assets is included in depreciation and amortization expense in the consolidated statement of operations.
Our future minimum lease payments as of* December 31, 2024*, summarized as follows by lease category:
| (in thousands) | Operating | Finance |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $13,083 | $1,214 |
| 2026 | 11,560 | 1,212 |
| 2027 | 10,386 | 1,212 |
| 2028 | 5,944 | 930 |
| 2029 | 3,623 | 340 |
| Thereafter | 4,562 | 527 |
| Total minimum lease payments | $49,158 | $5,435 |
| Less: amount representing interest | (7,507) | (1,492) |
| Present value of minimum lease payments | $41,651 | $3,943 |
| Less: current portion | (10,349) | (751) |
| Lease obligations, long-term | $31,302 | $3,192 |
Certain leases contain cross-default provisions with other financing agreements and additional charges if the unit's mileage exceeds certain thresholds defined in the lease agreement.
Rental expense is summarized as follows for each of thethree years ended* December 31:*
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue equipment rentals | $5,390 | $12,735 | $26,478 |
| Building and lot rentals | 12,816 | 13,721 | 7,567 |
| Other equipment rentals | 527 | 378 | 350 |
| Total rental expense | $18,733 | $26,834 | $34,395 |
73
| 12. | INCOME TAXES |
Income tax expense for the years ended* December 31,*2024,2023, and2022 is comprised of:
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal, current | $6,332 | $(1,132) | $16,123 |
| Federal, deferred | 2,731 | 16,624 | 12,774 |
| State, current | 2,078 | 2,575 | 5,136 |
| State, deferred | (596) | (456) | 827 |
| Income tax expense | $10,545 | $17,611 | $34,860 |
Income tax expense for the years ended* December 31,*2024,2023, and2022 is summarized below:
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computed "expected" income tax expense | $9,631 | $15,170 | $29,986 |
| State income taxes, net of federal income tax effect | 1,165 | 1,674 | 4,711 |
| Per diem allowances | 852 | 862 | - |
| Tax contingency accruals | - | (287) | (230) |
| Tax credits | (496) | (329) | (379) |
| Excess tax benefits on share-based compensation | (975) | (1,811) | (446) |
| Change in prior year estimates | (398) | 8 | (145) |
| Executive compensation disallowance | 1,068 | 2,370 | 1,778 |
| Other, net | (302) | (46) | (415) |
| Income tax expense | $10,545 | $17,611 | $34,860 |
The amount of income tax expense allocated to discontinued operations for TFS is $0.2 million for the years ended* December 31, 2024* and2023, and2022, respectively.
Income tax expense varies from the amount computed by applying the applicable federal corporate income tax rate of 21% for2024,2023, and2022, to income before income taxes primarily due to state income taxes, net of federal income tax effect, adjusted for permanent differences, the most significant of which are the effects of the per diem pay structure for drivers, executive compensation disallowance, and excess tax benefits on share-based compensation. Drivers who meet the requirements to receive per diem receive non-taxable per diem pay in lieu of a portion of their taxable wages. This per diem program increases our drivers' net pay per mile, after taxes, while decreasing gross pay, before taxes. As a result, salaries, wages, and benefits are slightly lower and our effective income tax rate is higher than the statutory rate. Generally, as pre-tax income increases, the impact of the driver per diem program on effective tax rate decreases, because aggregate per diem pay becomes smaller in relation to pre-tax income, while in periods where earnings are at or near breakeven, the impact of the per diem program on our effective tax rate is significant. Due to the partially nondeductible effect of per diem pay, our tax rate will fluctuate in future periods based on fluctuations in earnings.
The temporary differences and the approximate tax effects that give rise to our net deferred tax liability at* December 31, 2024* and2023 are as follows:
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Deferred tax assets: | ||
| Insurance and claims | $9,943 | $7,958 |
| Net operating loss carryovers | 4,756 | 14,550 |
| Tax credits | 487 | 347 |
| Leased liability | 10,640 | 10,796 |
| Finance lease obligation | 906 | 1,416 |
| State bonus | 3,205 | 6,760 |
| Accrued bonus | 3,146 | 3,198 |
| Intangibles | 1,394 | 727 |
| Other | 3,055 | 4,195 |
| Total gross deferred tax assets | 37,532 | 49,947 |
| Valuation allowance | (42) | - |
| Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance | 37,490 | 49,947 |
| Deferred tax liabilities: | ||
| Property and equipment | (91,226) | (96,208) |
| Investment in partnership | (48,447) | (50,613) |
| ROU Asset- leases | (10,203) | (10,371) |
| Intangibles | - | (4,088) |
| Other | (343) | (563) |
| Prepaid expenses | (4,921) | (4,199) |
| Total deferred tax liabilities | (155,140) | (166,042) |
| Net deferred tax liability | $(117,650) | $(116,095) |
74
The net deferred tax liability of $117.7 million primarily relates to differences in cumulative book versus tax depreciation of property and equipment, partially offset by net operating loss carryovers and insurance claims that have been reserved butnot paid. The carrying value of our deferred tax assets assumes that we will be able to generate, based on certain estimates and assumptions, sufficient future taxable income in certain tax jurisdictions to utilize these deferred tax benefits. The Company concluded that there is sufficient positive evidence to recognize existing deferred tax assets, with the exception of an immaterial amount of state attributes that are deemed unrealizable based on the timing of expiration and limited apportionable income.
As of* December 31, 2024*, we had less than $0.1 million of liability recorded for unrecognized tax benefits, which includes interest and penalties of less than $0.1 million. We recognize interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in tax expense. As of* December 31, 2023*, we had a $0.1 million liability recorded for unrecognized tax benefits, which included interest and penalties of less than $0.1 million. As of* December 31, 2022,we had a $0.4 million liability recorded for unrecognized tax benefits, which included interest and penalties of less than $0.1 million. Interest and penalties recognized for uncertain tax positions provided for de minimus expense in2024,* 2023, and2022.
The following tables summarize the annual activity related to our gross unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands) for the years ended* December 31,*2024,2023, and2022:
| 2024 · 2023 · 2022 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance as of January 1, | $105 | $392 | $596 | |
| Decreases related to lapsing of statute of limitations | (105) | (287) | (204) | |
| Balance as of December 31, | $ | - | $105 | $392 |
If recognized, approximately $0.0 million, $0.1 million, and $0.4 million of unrecognized tax benefits would impact our effective tax rate as of* December 31,*2024,2023, and2022, respectively. Any prospective adjustments to our reserves for income taxes will be recorded as an increase or decrease to our provision for income taxes and would impact our effective tax rate.
Our2021 through2023 tax years remain subject to examination by the IRS for U.S. federal tax purposes, our major taxing jurisdiction. In the normal course of business, we are also subject to audits by state and local tax authorities. We donot anticipate total unrecognized tax benefits to materially change in the nexttwelve months.
We have $46.4 million of federal net operating loss offsetting current tax in2024 withno federal net operating losses remaining. Our state net operating loss carryforwards and state tax credits of $99.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively, expire beginning in2024 and2029 based on jurisdiction.
The American Rescue Plan Act of2021 (the "ARPA") includes several provisions meant to stimulate the U.S. economy. Of relevance to the Company, ARPA extended the reach of IRC Section162(m) to include compensation paid to theeight highest-paid individuals other than the chief executive officer and chief financial officer (rather than thethree highest), however, this change isnot effective until2027. There isno material impact to the financial statements at this time.
We donot anticipate the Inflation Reduction Act (the "IRA") will have a significant impact on income tax expense or on other taxes. One of the most impactful provisions of the IRA includes the establishment of a Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax ("CAMT"). However, this tax only applies to corporations withthree-year average earnings in excess of*$1.0* billion. We will continue to monitor the CAMT each year to determine if we will become an applicable corporation. Additionally, the IRA enacted an excise tax on stock buybacks, which imposes a1% tax on stock buybacks, subject to netting provisions regarding stock awarded to employees as part of their compensation. We donot currently have an active buyback program, but will continue to monitor IRS guidance and regulations on how the buyback tax will be imposed and administered.
On* May 11, 2023,the Tennessee Works Act was signed into law by Governor Lee. The most impactful change for the Company was the phase-in of a single-sales factor apportionment formula for the logistics and leasing companies that file in Tennessee. The motor carriers already apply a single-sales factor. This resulted in the Company recording a $1.2 million benefit during2023* related to revaluing our deferred tax balances for this change. The original2023 estimate was updated based on2024 results and refined apportionment calculations. The revision had minimal effect on the overall deferred tax balance at* December 31, 2024.*
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development ("OECD") has released the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting framework2.0 ("Pillar Two") to introduce a global minimum corporate tax of15% for companies with global revenues and profits above certain thresholds. As of* December 31, 2024,we haveno* recorded effects for Pillar Two due to our operational jurisdiction being wholly domestic. The United States hasnot yet enacted legislation to adopt Pillar Two. We will continue to monitor the impact of this legislation going forward.
| 13. | EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENT |
We own a 49.0% interest in TEL, a tractor and trailer equipment leasing company and used equipment reseller. There isno loss limitation on our49.0% interest in TEL. We havenot guaranteed any of TEL's debt and haveno obligation to provide funding, services, or assets. There areno current put rights to purchase or sell with any owners. TEL’s majority owners are generally restricted from transferring their interests in TEL, other than to certain permitted transferees, without our consent, similarly, we are generally restricted from transferring our interests in TEL, other than to certain permitted transferees, without their consent. There areno third-party liquidity arrangements, guarantees, and/or other commitments that* mayaffect the fair value or risk of our interest in TEL. For the year ended December 31, 2024* we sold revenue equipment to TEL in exchange for the assumption of the related notes payable of $26.2 million and $0.5 million of cash. For the years ended* December 31,2023 and2022 we soldno tractors and trailers to TEL. We received $1.1 million, $0.9 million, and $0.8 million respectively, for providing various maintenance services, certain back-office functions, and for miscellaneous equipment. We purchased equipment from TEL for $0.6 million, $4.1 million, andnone in2024,2023, and2022, respectively. Additionally, we paid $1.8 million, $6.8 million, and $6.1 million to TEL for leases of revenue equipment and maintenance in2024,2023, and2022, respectively.* We had operating lease liabilities with TEL of $10.1 million and $4.1 million at December 31, 2024 and2023, respectively, for revenue equipment leased from TEL. We recorded net reversal of gains of less than $0.1 million for the years ended* December 31, 2024*,2023, and2022, representing 49% of the gains on tractors and trailers sold to TEL less any gains previously deferred and recognized when the equipment was sold to athird-party. Deferred gains totaling $0.2 million at* December 31, 2024* and2023, respectively, are being carried as a reduction in our investment in TEL.
We have accounted for our investment in TEL using the equity method of accounting and thus our financial results include our proportionate share of TEL's net income, which amounted to $14.7 million in2024, $21.4 million in2023, and $25.2 million in2022. We received an equity distribution from TEL for $3.7 million, $9.8 million, and $14.7 million in2024,2023, and2022, respectively, which was distributed to each member based on its respective ownership percentage.
75
Our accounts receivable and payable from TEL and investment in TEL as of* December 31, 2024* and2023, are as follows:
| Description: · Balance Sheet Line Item: · 2024 · 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounts receivable from TEL | Driver advances and other receivables | $ | - | $37 |
| Accounts payable to TEL | Accrued expenses | $275 | $460 | |
| Investment in TEL | Other assets | $77,405 | $66,327 | |
Our accounts receivable from TEL related to cash disbursements made pursuant to our performance of certain back-office and maintenance functions on TEL's behalf. Our accounts payable to TEL related to operating lease payments owed to TEL. Our investment in TEL is comprised of $4.9 million cash investment and our equity in TEL's earnings since our investment, partially offset by dividends received since our investment for minimum tax withholdings as noted above. Additionally, the abovementioned deferred gains on sales of equipment to TEL are carried as a reduction in our investment in TEL.
See TEL's summarized financial information below.
| (in thousands) | As of the years ended December 31, | |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Current Assets | $84,677 | $74,154 |
| Non-current Assets | 575,786 | 518,870 |
| Current Liabilities | 131,137 | 119,620 |
| Non-current Liabilities | 378,933 | 347,121 |
| Total Equity | $150,393 | $126,283 |
| (in thousands) | As of the years ended December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| Revenue | $150,538 | $151,207 | $149,347 |
| Cost of Sales | 11,467 | 14,768 | 28,815 |
| Operating Expenses | 89,575 | 79,596 | 60,861 |
| Operating Income | 49,496 | 56,843 | 59,671 |
| Net Income | $31,610 | $43,107 | $51,907 |
| 14. | EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS |
Deferred Profit Sharing Employee Benefit Plan
We have a deferred profit sharing and savings plan under which all of our employees with at leastsix months of service are eligible to participate. Employees* maycontribute a percentage of their annual compensation up to the maximum amount allowed by the Internal Revenue Code. We maymake discretionary contributions as determined by a committee of our Board. We made contributions of $2.1 million, $2.2 million, and $1.9 million in2024*,2023, and2022, respectively, to the profit sharing and savings plan.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan
The Supplemental Savings Plan (the "SSP") is our nonqualified deferred compensation plan started during2022 for the benefit of eligible key managerial employees whose contributions to our deferred profit sharing and savings plan are limited because of IRS regulations affecting highly compensated employees. Under the terms of the SSP, participants* mayelect to defer compensation on a pre-tax basis within annual dollar limits we establish. At December 31,2024 and2023, there were17 and15 active participants in the SSP, respectively. We maymake discretionary contributions as we so determine each year. Each participant is fully vested in all deferred compensation and earnings; however these amounts are subject to general creditor claims until distributed to the participant. Under current federal tax law, we arenot* allowed a current income tax deduction for the compensation deferred by participants, but we are allowed a tax deduction when a distribution payment is made to a participant from the SSP. The accumulated benefit obligation was $3.5 million and $2.4 million as of* December 31,2024 and2023, respectively, and is included in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. We purchased life insurance policies with the intent to fund the future liability. The aggregate market value of the life insurance policies was $3.4 million and $2.4 million as of December 31,*2024 and2023, respectively, and was included in other non-current assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
The accumulated benefit obligation and aggregate market value of the life insurance policies were as follows (in thousands):
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Accumulated benefit obligation | $3,541 | $2,360 |
| Aggregate market value | $3,370 | $2,424 |
| 15. | RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS |
Other than those associated with TEL, there areno material related party transactions. See Note13 for discussions of the related party transactions associated with TEL.
| 16. | COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES |
From time-to-time, we are a party to ordinary, routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, most of which involves claims for personal injury and/or property damage incurred in connection with the transportation of freight.
We maintain insurance to cover liabilities arising from the transportation of freight for amounts in excess of certain self-insured retentions. Refer to Note1 for information about our insurance program.
We had $19.8 million and $21.8 million of outstanding and undrawn letters of credit as of* December 31, 2024* and2023, respectively. The letters of credit are maintained primarily to support our insurance programs. Additionally, we had $45.0 million of availability on a line of credit from Triumph solely to fund any indemnification owed to Triumph in relation to the sale of TFS. As of* December 31, 2024*, the remaining contingent liability was $0.8 million.
We had commitments outstanding at* December 31, 2024*, to acquire revenue equipment totaling approximately $114.0 million versus commitments at* December 31, 2023* of approximately $121.9 million. These commitments are cancelable upon stated notice periods, subject to certain adjustments in the underlying obligations and benefits.
| 17. | SEGMENT INFORMATION |
Ourfour reportable segments are (i) Expedited, (ii) Dedicated, (iii) Managed Freight, and (iv) Warehousing. Refer to Note1, for a description of each of our reportable segments.
The Company's chief operating decision maker, the Chief Executive Officer, evaluates the operating results through reportable segment operating income, which includes certain corporate overhead allocations directly attributable to each of the segments. We donot report our intersegment revenues by segment to our CODM and donot believe they are a meaningful metric for evaluating the performance of our reportable segments.
Each segment uses certain shared infrastructure and each segment is presented with its direct costs and an allocation of shared overhead costs. Insurance and claims expense is charged to the segments based on their historic claims experience and an allocation of current insurance premiums.
The chief operating decision maker uses operating income for each segment in the annual budget and strategic planning process. The chief operating decision maker considers budget-to-actual variances on a quarterly basis as well as month-over-month variances when making decisions about the allocation of operating and capital resources to each segment. The chief operating decision maker also uses segment operating income for evaluating pricing strategy, to assess the performance of each segment by comparing the results of each segment withone another, and in determining the compensation of certain employees.
76
The following tables summarize our reportable segment information as used by our chief operating decision maker in making decisions regarding allocation of resources, etc., for2024,2023, and2022:
| (in thousands) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year Ended December 31, 2024 | Expedited | Dedicated | Managed Freight | Warehousing | Consolidated |
| Revenues | |||||
| Freight revenue | $346,697 | $317,787 | $248,939 | $100,518 | $1,013,941 |
| Fuel surcharge revenue(1) | 69,764 | 46,627 | - | 1,144 | 117,535 |
| Total revenue | $416,461 | $364,414 | $248,939 | $101,662 | $1,131,476 |
| Operating expenses: | |||||
| Salaries, wages, and related expenses | 136,453 | 141,051 | 9,180 | 46,299 | |
| Fuel expense | 64,661 | 50,063 | - | 1,473 | |
| Operations and maintenance | 39,651 | 36,983 | 1,421 | 5,419 | |
| Revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation | 65,594 | 29,890 | 209,236 | 4,864 | |
| Operating taxes and licenses | 1,498 | 1,648 | 45 | 2,351 | |
| Insurance and claims | 26,321 | 15,882 | 913 | 792 | |
| Communications and utilities | 2 | 459 | 40 | 882 | |
| General supplies and expenses | 987 | 2,243 | 3,041 | 16,816 | |
| Depreciation and amortization | 23 | 12,238 | 84 | 1,759 | |
| Gain on disposition of property and equipment, net | - | (107) | - | - | |
| Total allocated overhead | 35,465 | 40,750 | 11,788 | 10,640 | |
| Segment operating expenses | 370,655 | 331,100 | 235,748 | 91,295 | 1,028,798 |
| Segment operating income | $45,806 | $33,314 | $13,191 | $10,367 | $102,678 |
| Other operating loss (2) | (57,918) | ||||
| Total consolidated operating income | $44,760 | ||||
| (in thousands) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year Ended December 31, 2023 | Expedited | Dedicated | Managed Freight | Warehousing | Consolidated |
| Revenues | |||||
| Freight revenue | $343,779 | $268,465 | $258,903 | $99,362 | $970,509 |
| Fuel surcharge revenue(1) | 80,041 | 51,822 | - | 1,201 | 133,064 |
| Total revenue | $423,820 | $320,287 | $258,903 | $100,563 | $1,103,573 |
| Operating expenses: | |||||
| Salaries, wages, and related expenses | 138,897 | 116,383 | 8,534 | 49,495 | |
| Fuel expense | 75,671 | 55,686 | - | 1,544 | |
| Operations and maintenance | 45,836 | 32,061 | 1,228 | 5,658 | |
| Revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation | 55,064 | 30,492 | 221,535 | 5,974 | |
| Operating taxes and licenses | 1,679 | 927 | 45 | 2,107 | |
| Insurance and claims | 25,500 | 14,929 | 2,812 | 1,699 | |
| Communications and utilities | 65 | 272 | 9 | 927 | |
| General supplies and expenses | 1,072 | 2,173 | 2,282 | 17,141 | |
| Depreciation and amortization | 2,074 | 5,187 | 388 | 765 | |
| Gain on disposition of property and equipment, net | (17) | (94) | - | - | |
| Total allocated overhead | 32,969 | 35,805 | 11,617 | 9,467 | |
| Segment operating expenses | 378,810 | 293,821 | 248,450 | 94,777 | 1,015,858 |
| Segment operating income | $45,010 | $26,466 | $10,453 | $5,786 | $87,715 |
| Other operating loss (2) | (28,892) | ||||
| Total consolidated operating income | $58,823 | ||||
| (in thousands) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year Ended December 31, 2022 | Expedited | Dedicated | Managed Freight | Warehousing | Consolidated |
| Revenues | |||||
| Freight revenue | $355,360 | $291,199 | $320,985 | $78,852 | $1,046,396 |
| Fuel surcharge revenue(1) | 97,353 | 71,798 | - | 1,311 | 170,462 |
| Total revenue | $452,713 | $362,997 | $320,985 | $80,163 | $1,216,858 |
| Operating expenses: | |||||
| Salaries, wages, and related expenses | 139,950 | 126,625 | 10,671 | 44,553 | |
| Fuel expense | 88,574 | 76,254 | 9 | 1,660 | |
| Operations and maintenance | 46,747 | 37,416 | 207 | 3,620 | |
| Revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation | 52,122 | 45,606 | 259,177 | 4,711 | |
| Operating taxes and licenses | 1,474 | 564 | 41 | 956 | |
| Insurance and claims | 23,069 | 20,867 | 1,712 | 865 | |
| Communications and utilities | 140 | 172 | 9 | 399 | |
| General supplies and expenses | 783 | 1,791 | 1,916 | 10,212 | |
| Depreciation and amortization | 895 | 22 | 71 | 672 | |
| Gain on disposition of property and equipment, net | 230 | 67 | 35 | 19 | |
| Total allocated overhead | 34,286 | 30,624 | 8,564 | 8,169 | |
| Segment operating expenses | 388,270 | 340,008 | 282,412 | 75,836 | 1,086,526 |
| Segment operating income | $64,443 | $22,989 | $38,573 | $4,327 | $130,332 |
| Other operating loss (2) | (9,650) | ||||
| Total consolidated operating income | $120,682 | ||||
| (1) | The chief operating decision maker does not receive fuel surcharge revenue and fuel expense individually, but is provided with fuel expense less fuel surcharge revenue (other than the fuel surcharge revenue we reimburse to independent contractors and other third parties which is included in purchased transportation), which we refer to as net fuel expense. The chief operating decision maker uses net fuel expense to measure the effectiveness of our fuel surcharge program. |
| (2) | Other operating loss is attributable to unallocated corporate expenses. |
Balance sheet data by reportable segment isnot maintained by the Company.
77
| 18. | EQUITY |
On* December 31, 2024,after market close, the Company effected a 2 for1* forward split on its Class A common stock and Class B common stock outstanding in the form of a stock dividend, under which each stockholder of the Company's Class A common stock on that date receivedone additional share of the Company’s $0.01 par value Class A common stock for everyone share owned and each stockholder of the Company's Class B common stock on that date receivedone additional share of the Company’s $0.01 par value Class B common stock for everyone share owned. All share and per share amounts presented in this Annual Report on Form10-K, including with respect to dividends and in the financial statement and notes hereto have been adjusted for the stock split, except for the share amounts presented in the stockholders' equity section of our consolidated balance sheets.
On* May 18, 2022,our Board approved a new stock repurchase authorization of up to $75.0 million of our Class A common stock, with any remaining amount available under prior authorizations being excluded andno* longer available. Under such authorization, we repurchased 4.1 million shares of our Class A common stock for $57.5 million through* January 30, 2023.On January 30, 2023,the Board approved an amendment to the Company's stock repurchase program authorizing the purchase of up to an aggregate $55.0 million of our Class A common stock. The amendment added an incremental approximately $37.5 million to the approximately $17.5 million that was then-remaining under the program. Between May 2022and April 2023,we repurchased a total of 5.4 million shares of our Class A common stock. The program expired on January 31, 2024.*
On* January 26, 2022,our Board declared a cash dividend of $0.03125 per share, which was paid on March 25, 2022,to stockholders of record on March 4, 2022.On May 18, 2022,our Board declared a cash dividend of $0.03125 per share, which was paid on June 24, 2022,to stockholders of record on June 3, 2022.On August 17, 2022,our Board declared a cash dividend of $0.04 per share which was paid on September 30, 2022,to stockholders of record on September 2, 2022.On February 15, 2023,our Board declared a cash dividend of $0.055 per share, which was paid on March 31, 2023,to stockholders of record on March 3, 2023.On May 17, 2023,our Board declared a cash dividend of $0.055 per share which was paid on June 30, 2023,to stockholders of record on June 2, 2023.On August 16, 2023,our Board declared a cash dividend of $0.055 per share which was paid on September 29, 2023,to stockholders of record on September 1, 2023.On November 15, 2023,our Board declared a cash dividend of $0.055 per share which was paid on December 29, 2023,to stockholders of record on December 1, 2023.On February 13, 2024,our Board declared a cash dividend of $0.055 per share which was paid on March 29, 2024,to stockholders of record on March 1, 2024.On May 15, 2024,our Board declared a cash dividend of $0.055 per share which was paid on June 28, 2024,to stockholders of record on June 7, 2024.On August 14, 2024,our Board declared a cash dividend of $0.055 per share which was paid on September 27, 2024,to stockholders of record on September 6, 2024.On November 21, 2024,our Board declared a cash dividend of $0.055 per share which was paid on December 27, 2024,to stockholders of record on December 6, 2024.*
| 19. | SUBSEQUENT EVENTS |
On* February 10, 2025,our Board approved a quarterly cash dividend program of $0.07 per share, subject to quarterly approval by our Board. Our Board has approved the dividend, which will be for stockholders of record as of March 7, 2025,and payable on March 28, 2025.*
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.