Sets Date to Report Preliminary Fourth Quarter 2025 Financial ResultsJACKSONVILLE, Fla., Jan. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Proficient Auto Logistics, Inc. (NASDAQ: PAL) (the “Company”) today announced that Rick O’Dell, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Amy Rice, President and Chief Operating Officer, and Brad Wright, Chief Financial Officer will participate in the Stifel Financial Corp. Transportation & Logistics Conference on February 10 and 11, 2026. The materials to be used during the conference will ...

Stifel analyst J. Bruce Chan raised the firm’s price target on Proficient Auto Logistics (PAL) to $12 from $11 and keeps a Buy rating on the shares. For 2026, the firm believes the focus for transport stocks will be on supply rationalization and cost-driven self-help, says the analyst, who continues to position “more conservatively in high-quality names that preserve or even expand share in a mild pullback.” Claim 50% Off TipRanks Premium and Invest with Confidence Unlock hedge-fund level data and powe ...

Core Insights - Boston Partners increased its stake in Proficient Auto Logistics by 47.9% in Q2, owning 2,141,012 shares valued at $15.54 million [2] - Several institutional investors, including Bank of New York Mellon and Victory Capital Management, also raised their positions in Proficient Auto Logistics during Q1 [2] - Insider transactions revealed that Director John Skiadas sold 41,100 shares, reducing his position by 2.15% [3] - Proficient Auto Logistics has a market capitalization of $226.40 million, with a PE ratio of -406.75 and a beta of 2.53 [4] - Analyst ratings for Proficient Auto Logistics include two "Buy" ratings, one "Hold," and one "Sell," with an average target price of $12.50 [5] - The company focuses on auto transportation and logistics services in North America, operating approximately 1,130 transport vehicles [7]

Group 1 - The analyst team has a proven track record of outperforming across all market conditions, achieving an annualized return of almost 40% over the past decade with a long-only model portfolio return of over 23x [1] - The focus is on providing income-oriented investment options for those preferring lower-risk firms with steady dividend payouts [1] - The company specializes in research related to the energy, shipping, and offshore markets, indicating a strong expertise in these sectors [1] Group 2 - Proficient Auto Logistics, Inc. (PAL) has been previously covered, and this article serves as an update to earlier analyses [2] - The analyst has expanded coverage to include the offshore drilling and supply industry, as well as the shipping industry, which encompasses tankers, containers, and dry bulk [3] - The analyst has a background in auditing with PricewaterhouseCoopers and has experience navigating significant market events, such as the dotcom bubble and the subprime crisis [3]

Company Overview - Proficient Auto Logistics operates one of the largest auto transportation fleets in North America with over 800 owned assets and 804 dedicated employees as of September 30, 2025[116]. - The company has strategically located 57 facilities across the United States, focusing on transporting finished vehicles from production facilities to dealerships[116]. Revenue Generation - Revenue is generated through OEM contract and spot arrangements, secondary market auto moves, and long-term contract services[120]. - The Company Drivers segment generates revenue through transporting autos under fixed contracts, focusing on high-service and high-priority freight[134]. Acquisitions and Growth - The company completed multiple acquisitions, including Delta, Deluxe, Sierra, Proficient Transport, and Tribeca, enhancing its geographic presence and service offerings[117]. Financial Performance - Total operating revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $114,294,804, compared to $91,505,501 for the same period in 2024, representing a 25% increase[147]. - The Company reported a net loss of $3,019,686 for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to a net loss of $1,365,476 for the same period in 2024[147]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $31,003,907, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 9.5%[145]. - The operating ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was 100.1%, compared to 102.4% for the same period in 2024, indicating improved operational efficiency[146]. - Total operating revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $325.0 million, compared to $147.4 million for the same period last year[171]. Segment Performance - Company Drivers segment revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $41,717,289, up from $33,329,336 in 2024, reflecting a 25% increase[148]. - Subhaulers segment revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $66,492,924, compared to $53,384,131 in 2024, marking a 24.5% increase[148]. - Operating revenues in the Company Driver segment increased by $8.4 million, or 25.2%, to $41.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $33.3 million for the same period last year[150]. - In the Subhaulers segment, operating revenues increased by $14.4 million, or 24.8%, to $42.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $58.2 million for the same period last year[151]. - Operating revenues in the Subhaulers segment increased by $113.5 million, or 118.5%, to $209.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $95.7 million for the same period last year[173]. Expenses and Costs - Operating expenses are significantly influenced by fuel costs, driver-related expenses, and maintenance of the fleet[123]. - Total operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2025, were $114,395,552, compared to $93,691,006 in 2024, representing a 22% increase[147]. - Salaries, wages, and benefits increased by $5.0 million, or 28.6%, to $22.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $17.4 million for the same period last year[153]. - Purchased transportation expenses increased by $11.9 million, or 26.3%, to $56.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $45.0 million for the same period last year[157]. - Fuel and fuel taxes increased by $9.9 million, or 104.8%, to $19.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $9.4 million for the same period last year[179]. - Purchased transportation expenses increased by $89.9 million, or 123.0%, to $163.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $73.1 million for the same period last year[180]. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA - EBITDA decreased by $308,000, or 3.6%, to $8.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $8.5 million for the same period last year[169]. - Adjusted EBITDA increased by $2.4 million, or 25%, to $12.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $9.6 million for the same period last year[170]. - EBITDA increased by $14.6 million, or 142.4%, to $24.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $10.2 million for the same period last year[191]. - Adjusted EBITDA increased by $13.0 million, or 72.3%, to $31.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $18.0 million for the same period last year[192]. Cash Flow - Cash flows from operating activities were $25.7 million, representing a $17.9 million increase compared to the same period in 2024[202]. - Cash flows used in investing activities decreased significantly by $190.6 million to $11.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $201.8 million for the same period in 2024[203]. Interest and Expenses - Interest expense increased by $275,000, or 19.6%, to $1.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $1.4 million for the same period last year[166]. - Interest expense, net increased by $3.1 million, or 148.7%, to $5.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $2.0 million for the same period last year[187]. Risks and Accounting - The company is subject to risks related to economic conditions, market dynamics, and geopolitical developments that may affect its operations[114]. - Proficient Auto Logistics has identified itself as the accounting acquirer in its business combinations, impacting financial reporting and comparability[118]. - The company may take advantage of exemptions for up to five years as an emerging growth company[206]. - The company will cease to be an emerging growth company if total annual gross revenues exceed $1.235 billion[206]. - The company has elected to delay the adoption of certain accounting standards while classified as an emerging growth company[206]. - Financial statements may not be comparable to those of other public companies due to the election to avail of exemptions[206]. - No quantitative or qualitative disclosures about market risk were provided[207].

Core Insights - Proficient Auto Logistics has faced challenges in achieving profitability since its public listing in spring 2024, but it has received positive feedback for its strong cash flow generation [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company reported free cash flow of $11.5 million in the third quarter, which is significantly higher than its peers in the trucking sector [3]. - With a market capitalization of approximately $182 million, the projected full-year free cash flow of $30 million to $40 million would yield a cash flow return of over 20% [3]. - The closest competitor in the trucking sector has a cash flow yield of only 5% to 6% [4]. Stock Performance - Following the earnings report, Proficient's stock price increased by nearly 30%, closing at $8.55, marking a rise of $1.97 [4]. - Over the past month, the stock has risen by more than 46.2% and by 14.8% over the last three months, although it remains down about 8% over the past year and 25.3% from its 52-week high [5]. Management Insights - The CFO noted that investors recognize the company's strong cash flow returns, and there is optimism that future improvements in depreciation and amortization will enhance earnings visibility [6]. - Despite positive operating income at times, the company has reported a net loss of $8.5 million for the past 12 months [6].

Financial Performance - Total Operating Revenue for Q3 2025 was $114.3 million, a 24.9% increase from Q3 2024[3] - Adjusted Operating Income reached $4.2 million, compared to $1.1 million in Q3 2024, reflecting significant profitability improvement[3] - Total operating revenue for Q3 2025 reached $114.29 million, a 25% increase from $91.51 million in Q3 2024[27] - Operating loss for Q3 2025 was $100,748, compared to a loss of $2.19 million in Q3 2024[27] - Net loss for Q3 2025 was $3.02 million, compared to a net loss of $1.37 million in Q3 2024, reflecting a significant increase in losses[27] - The company reported a basic and diluted loss per share of $0.11 for Q3 2025, compared to a loss of $0.05 per share in Q3 2024[27] Operational Metrics - Total Units delivered increased to 605,341, marking a 21% rise from the same period last year[3] - Company unit deliveries increased by 24.8% year-over-year, while subhauler deliveries grew by 19.4%[10] - Adjusted Operating Ratio improved to 96.3%, a 250 basis points enhancement year-over-year[12] - Adjusted EBITDA for the trailing twelve months was $38.0 million, with a net leverage ratio of 1.7x[13][23] Costs and Expenses - Salaries, wages, and benefits for Q3 2025 amounted to $22.34 million, up from $17.37 million in Q3 2024, indicating increased workforce costs[27] - Fuel surcharge and other reimbursements increased to $7.44 million in Q3 2025 from $6.02 million in Q3 2024, reflecting higher operational costs[27] - Restructuring charges of $1.9 million were incurred, expected to yield annual savings exceeding $3 million starting in 2026[12] Cash and Debt Management - Cash at the end of Q3 2025 was $14.5 million, with total debt reduced to $79.2 million[13] - Cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2025, were $14.54 million, a decrease from $15.40 million as of December 31, 2024[25] - Accounts receivable increased to $45.92 million in Q3 2025 from $37.39 million in Q4 2024, indicating growth in sales[25] - Total current liabilities rose to $63.75 million in Q3 2025, up from $52.62 million in Q4 2024, reflecting increased operational costs[25] - Long-term debt, less current portion, was $57.81 million as of September 30, 2025, compared to $56.34 million as of December 31, 2024[25] Revenue Sources - The dedicated fleet revenue was $4.2 million in Q3 2025, down from $4.7 million in the same quarter last year[11]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Operating revenue for Q3 2025 was $114.3 million, a 24.9% increase compared to Q3 2024 [11] - Adjusted operating ratio improved to 96.3%, up 250 basis points from 98.8% in Q3 2024 [11] - Units delivered totaled 605,341, representing a 21% increase year-over-year [11] - Free cash flow from operations was approximately $11.5 million during the quarter, contributing to a reduction in debt [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - OEM contract business generated approximately 93% of total transportation revenue, consistent with previous quarters [12] - Dedicated fleet business revenue was $4.2 million, aligning with the expected run rate for 2025 [12] - Sister hauls or load sharing increased to 11% of revenue from 9% in the prior quarter, enhancing asset utilization [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - July auto sales and deliveries were stronger than expected, with SAR finishing at 16.4 million units [5] - October SAR slowed to 15.3 million, with forecasts for the remainder of the year in the high 15 to low 16 million range [7] - The pricing environment remains weak, with excess supply impacting revenue per unit [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for sustainable profitability and reinvestment while pursuing new business opportunities [6] - Focus on controlling costs and advancing targeted cost savings initiatives to produce sustainable benefits [8] - Plans to continue strategic objectives for margin expansion, market share gains, and acquisitions [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving growth and margin expansion despite market complexities [6] - Anticipated a modestly lower revenue outcome for Q4 compared to Q3, but similar adjusted operating ratio and cash flow [8] - The company is well-positioned to operate profitably with strong cash flow and respond quickly to market improvements [10] Other Important Information - A restructuring charge of $1.9 million was recognized, expected to yield over $3 million in annual savings starting in 2026 [8] - Cash and equivalents increased to $14.5 million, while aggregate debt decreased to approximately $79.2 million [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on revenue growth for the full year - Revenue growth for the full year is expected to be 10-12% based on a pro forma base of $388.8 million [19] Question: Update on systems transition - The company has fully transitioned to a unified operating platform across all operating companies [21] Question: Update on OEM contracts - Several OEM contracts are still awaiting awards, with no material results impacting overall revenues yet [26] Question: Expectations for CapEx and cash flow - CapEx is expected to increase in 2026, with a target of $15 million to $20 million as the fleet expands [50] Question: Impact of regulatory changes on capacity - Regulatory changes are not expected to materially impact Proficient, but may affect smaller carriers [53] Question: EV demand impact on quarterly results - The company does not track EV versus internal combustion engine volumes, but EVs may affect load factors [56]

Core Insights - Proficient Auto Logistics, Inc. reported strong revenue growth and improved profitability in Q3 2025, despite a slower seasonal period, indicating effective market share gains and operational improvements [2][6][9] Financial Performance - Total Operating Revenue for Q3 2025 was $114.3 million, a 24.9% increase from $91.5 million in Q3 2024 [5][6] - Total Operating Loss decreased to $0.1 million from a loss of $2.2 million in Q3 2024 [5][6] - Adjusted Operating Income rose to $4.2 million compared to $1.1 million in Q3 2024 [5][6] - Adjusted Operating Ratio improved to 96.3% from 98.8% year-over-year [5][6] - Total Units delivered increased by 21% year-over-year, with company deliveries up 24.8% and subhauler deliveries up 19.4% [6][8] Revenue and Profitability Metrics - Revenue per unit for company deliveries decreased by 1.5% to $181.42, while revenue per unit for subhaulers increased by 4.3% to $167.97 [8] - The dedicated fleet revenue was $4.2 million in Q3 2025, down from $4.7 million in the same quarter last year [9] Restructuring and Operational Efficiency - The third quarter included $1.9 million in restructuring charges aimed at improving operational efficiency, expected to yield annual savings exceeding $3 million starting in 2026 [10] - The adjusted operating ratio, excluding restructuring charges, improved by 250 basis points year-over-year [10] Balance Sheet Overview - As of September 30, 2025, the company had $14.5 million in cash and $79.2 million in debt, reflecting an $11 million reduction in total debt during the quarter [12] - The net leverage ratio was approximately 1.7x compared to adjusted EBITDA of $38 million for the trailing twelve months [12] Company Background - Proficient Auto Logistics is a leading specialized freight company focused on auto transportation and logistics services, operating one of the largest auto transportation fleets in North America [14]

Core Points - Proficient Auto Logistics, Inc. will host an investor conference call on November 11, 2025, to discuss its financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2025 [1] - A press release detailing the financial results will be issued at approximately 4:00 p.m. EST on the same day [1] - Investors can join the conference call by registering through a provided link [1] Company Overview - Proficient Auto Logistics is a leading specialized freight company focused on auto transportation and logistics services [2] - The company operates one of the largest auto transportation fleets in North America, formed by the combination of seven industry-leading operating companies [2] - Services primarily include transporting finished vehicles from production facilities, marine ports, or rail yards to dealerships across the country [2]