JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Proficient Auto Logistics, Inc. (NASDAQ: PAL) today announced that the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Proficient Auto Logistics, Inc. (the “Company”) appointed Rohit Lal (“Mr. Lal”) to serve as a member of the Board. Mr. Lal currently serves as the Executive Vice President of IT Strategy for Saia, Inc (NASDAQ: SAIA) (“Saia”), where he leads IT teams to develop and deliver enterprise-wide solutions from applications to analytics. “Rohit brings signif ...

Group 1: Investment Performance - The analyst team has achieved an annualized return of almost 40% over the past decade with a long-only model portfolio return of over 23 times [1] - The focus is on income-oriented investments for those preferring lower-risk firms with steady dividend payouts [1] Group 2: Company Coverage - Proficient Auto Logistics, Inc. (PAL) is mentioned as a company previously covered, indicating ongoing analysis and updates for investors [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] Group 3: Analyst Background - The analyst has a background in auditing with PricewaterhouseCoopers and has been a day trader for nearly 20 years, successfully navigating various market crises [3]

Core Insights - Proficient Auto Logistics provided a bleak outlook on the auto hauling market during its first quarter earnings call, leading to a significant drop in stock price by 25.57% to $7.77 [1] - The stock had previously risen nearly 30% after the third quarter earnings report, but has since given back almost 40% of those gains following the recent downturn [2] Financial Performance - CEO Rick O'Dell reported a strong balance sheet with net debt to trailing 12-month EBITDA improving from 2.2X to 1.5X, aided by the acquisition of Brothers Auto Transport [3] - CFO Brad Wright indicated that the strong balance sheet provides flexibility for potential acquisitions, allowing the company to utilize cash or take on additional leverage [4] Market Conditions - January's auto sales performance was notably poor, with the seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) expected to be the lowest in several years due to severe winter weather affecting dealership operations and consumer purchasing [5] - Despite the challenges, O'Dell expressed optimism for a post-winter market, anticipating healthy dealer inventory levels, continued sales incentives, and a stronger tax refund season [5] - The fourth quarter was particularly challenging, with October's SAAR annualized at 15.3 million units, considered weak compared to the full 2024 SAAR of 15.8 million units [5]

Proficient Auto Logistics Investor Presentation February 2026 Who We Are – Proficient Auto Logistics ("PAL") Top 2 Largest Auto Hauler(1) ~800 Dedicated Employees(2) ~2.3M Units Shipped 55+ Strategically Located Facilities 1,200+ Auto transport vehicles & trailers at our disposal daily >90% Automotive OEMs served for U.S. transport Source: Certain information is based on management estimates, which have been derived from third-party sources and internal research and are based on certain assumptions manageme ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total operating revenue for the full year 2025 was $430.4 million, an increase of 10.7% compared to 2024 [11] - Fourth quarter operating revenue was $105.4 million, up 11.5% year-over-year [11] - Adjusted EBITDA for the full year 2025 was $40.2 million, unchanged from 2024, while fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA increased by 32% to $9.2 million [11][12] - Total units delivered in 2025 exceeded 2.3 million, representing a 16.2% increase from 2024, although revenue per unit decreased by about 6% [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fourth quarter revenue and unit volumes each increased over 11% year-over-year, driven by the Brothers' acquisition and new business wins [7] - Adjusted operating ratio for the fourth quarter improved modestly compared to the prior year, despite challenges from market volume decline and higher insurance claims [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The automotive market peaked in March and April 2025, followed by weaker performance for the remainder of the year [5] - January 2026 saw lower-than-expected seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAR), attributed to severe winter weather affecting dealership operations [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for continued margin expansion and market share gains, focusing on sustainable profitability and disciplined business pursuit [9][10] - The strategy includes enhancing operational efficiency and leveraging cash flow for future capital structure decisions [12][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the automotive market's underlying resilience, citing replacement demand and lower interest rates as supportive factors [9] - The company anticipates challenges in 2026, with expectations for lower SAR and a focus on internal initiatives for revenue growth [13][14] Other Important Information - A non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $27.8 million was recorded, reflecting changes in market conditions [8] - The company’s net debt to trailing 12-month adjusted EBITDA improved from 2.2x to 1.5x over the past three quarters, enhancing financial flexibility [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for Q1 revenue and operating ratio - Management expects modest sequential improvement in operating ratio for Q1 [21] Question: Impact of non-domiciled CDLs on auto hauling market - Management noted that while there is some insulation from non-domiciled issues, it is impacting driver recruitment and overall capacity [24] Question: Revenue per unit expectations for 2026 - Management anticipates stability in revenue per unit, following significant volatility in the past year [29] Question: Capital allocation priorities - The focus will remain on debt reduction, with potential for M&A opportunities if they arise [31] Question: Revenue mix and competitive pricing environment - Management indicated that a healthier demand environment is needed for recovery in the spot market, with current pricing pressures affecting profitability [36][40] Question: Updates on organic growth and contract awards - Management reported mixed results in contract awards, with some new locations gained and some lost due to pricing dynamics [49] Question: M&A pipeline and expectations for 2026 - The company continues to develop its M&A pipeline, expecting to pursue 1-2 acquisitions per year [54]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total operating revenue for the full year 2025 was $430.4 million, an increase of 10.7% compared to 2024 [11] - Operating revenue for the fourth quarter of 2025 was $105.4 million, an increase of 11.5% over the fourth quarter of 2024 [11] - Adjusted EBITDA for the full year 2025 was $40.2 million, unchanged from 2024, while fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA was $9.2 million, a 32% increase year-over-year [11][12] - The adjusted operating ratio for the fourth quarter improved modestly compared to the prior year [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total units delivered in 2025 exceeded 2.3 million, representing a 16.2% increase from 2024, although revenue per unit decreased by about 6% [12] - The company experienced growth primarily from market share gains and an acquisition, with the automotive market not growing significantly [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The automotive market peaked in March and April 2025, followed by a weaker performance for the remainder of the year [5] - January 2026 saw lower-than-expected sales, attributed to severe winter weather affecting dealership operations [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for continued margin expansion and market share gains, focusing on sustainable profitability and disciplined business retention [9][10] - The company is positioned to improve performance in a down market and generate strong cash flow [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while the automotive market faces cost pressures, there is underlying demand due to an aging vehicle fleet and lower interest rates [9] - The company expects modest improvement in adjusted operating ratio due to restructuring initiatives and a normalization of claims performance [16] - Management expressed confidence in achieving year-over-year revenue growth for 2026, despite a challenging market environment [14] Other Important Information - A non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $27.8 million was recorded, reflecting changes in market conditions [8] - The company’s net debt to trailing 12-month adjusted EBITDA improved from 2.2x to 1.5x over the past year, enhancing flexibility for future capital decisions [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for Q1 revenue and operating ratio - Management expects sequential revenue to be down but modest improvement in operating ratio [21] Question: Impact of non-domiciled CDLs on auto hauling market - Management noted that while there is some insulation from non-domiciled issues, it is impacting the recruiting of new drivers [24] Question: Stability of revenue per unit in 2026 - Management anticipates stability in revenue per unit, following significant volatility in the past year [29] Question: Capital allocation priorities - The company will prioritize debt paydown, with flexibility for M&A opportunities if they arise [31] Question: Revenue mix and competitive pricing environment - Management indicated that a healthier demand environment is needed for recovery in the spot market, with current pricing pressures affecting carrier bids [36][40] Question: Updates on M&A pipeline - The company is actively engaged in developing a pipeline and expects to pursue 1-2 acquisitions per year [54]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total operating revenue for the full year 2025 was $430.4 million, an increase of 10.7% compared to 2024 [11] - Operating revenue for the fourth quarter of 2025 was $105.4 million, an increase of 11.5% over the fourth quarter of 2024 [11] - Adjusted EBITDA for the full year 2025 was $40.2 million, essentially unchanged from 2024, while fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA was $9.2 million, an increase of 32% year-over-year [11][12] - The adjusted operating ratio for the fourth quarter improved modestly compared to the prior year despite challenges [6][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company delivered over 2.3 million vehicles in 2025, representing a 16.2% increase from 2024, although revenue per unit decreased by about 6% [5][12] - The fourth quarter revenue and unit volumes each increased over 11% year-over-year, driven by the Brothers' acquisition and new business wins [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The automotive market peaked in March and April 2025, but the remainder of the year was weaker than expected, with a lower year-over-year seasonal volume push in the fourth quarter [5][6] - January 2026 saw lower-than-forecasted SAR, potentially the lowest monthly SAR in several years due to severe winter weather impacting dealership operations [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for continued margin expansion and market share gains, focusing on sustainable profitability and reinvestment [9][10] - The forecast for SAR in 2026 is lower than 2025 actual, with growth expected to come from internal initiatives rather than market conditions [13] - The company is prioritizing profitability over top-line growth, making disciplined choices regarding business retention and new contracts [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the underlying resiliency of the automotive market, supported by replacement demand and lower interest rates [9] - The company anticipates improved consumer demand in the coming months as weather impacts ease and sales incentives remain strong [8] - Management noted that while the market environment was challenging in 2025, they are optimistic about potential improvements in the second half of 2026 [70] Other Important Information - A non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $27.8 million was recorded during the quarter, reflecting changes in market conditions [8] - The company’s net debt to trailing 12-month adjusted EBITDA improved from 2.2x to 1.5x, enhancing flexibility for future capital structure decisions [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for Q1 revenue and operating ratio - Management expects sequential revenue to be down but modest improvement in operating ratio [21] Question: Impact of tightening capacity in the auto hauling market - Management noted that non-domiciled CDL issues are impacting driver recruitment but the company is somewhat insulated due to its hiring practices [23] Question: Revenue per unit expectations for 2026 - Management anticipates stability in revenue per unit, with no significant increases expected [28] Question: Capital allocation priorities - The company will prioritize debt paydown but remains open to M&A opportunities [30] Question: Updates on revenue mix and competitive pricing - Management indicated that a healthier demand environment is needed for spot market recovery, and they are maintaining discipline in pricing [35][39] Question: Updates on contract awards and market share gains - Management reported some new contract awards but also noted losses due to pricing dynamics [48] Question: M&A pipeline and expectations for 2026 - The company is actively engaged in developing a pipeline and expects to make 1-2 acquisitions in 2026 [53]

Financial Performance - Total Operating Revenue for 2025 was $430.4 million, an increase of 10.7% from 2024[3] - Adjusted Operating Income for 2025 was $10.8 million, down from $19.5 million in 2024[4] - Fourth quarter revenue increased by $10.9 million, or 11.5%, compared to Q4 2024[10] - Adjusted EBITDA for the twelve months ended December 31, 2025, was $40,211,000, reflecting the company's operational performance[24] - The net loss for the twelve months ended December 31, 2025, was $33,446,188, with a loss per share of $1.21[29] - Operating expenses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2025, totaled $462,760,056, leading to an operating loss of $32,334,882[29] Delivery and Units - Total Units delivered reached 2,311,234, reflecting a 16.2% increase from 2024[4] - Company unit deliveries increased by 24.2% year-over-year for the full year 2025[9] Financial Ratios and Metrics - Adjusted Operating Ratio for 2025 was 97.5%, compared to 95.0% in 2024[4] - Cash at the end of Q4 2025 was $14.3 million, with total debt of $74.3 million, resulting in a net leverage ratio of 1.5x[12] - Revenue per unit for Company deliveries decreased by 6.4% year-over-year for the full year 2025[8] Assets and Liabilities - Total current assets as of December 31, 2025, amounted to $70,381,338, while total assets reached $476,961,684[27] - Total liabilities as of December 31, 2025, were $162,997,835, with total stockholders' equity of $313,963,849[27] Goodwill and Impairments - The Company recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $27.8 million in Q4 2025[11] - The company incurred a goodwill impairment of $27,787,000 during the twelve months ended December 31, 2025[29] Operational Insights - The company made significant progress in integrating acquisitions and improving its balance sheet despite weaker market conditions[4] - Salaries, wages, and benefits accounted for $85,242,607 of the total operating expenses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2025[29] - The company reported a fuel surcharge and other reimbursements of $25,887,757 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2025[29] - The company plans to focus on improving its leverage position and balance sheet in the future[16]

Core Insights - Proficient Auto Logistics, Inc. reported a total operating revenue of $430.4 million for the full year 2025, reflecting a 10.7% increase from 2024 [2][9] - The company experienced an operating loss of $32.3 million for the full year, compared to an operating income of $10.9 million in 2024, primarily due to a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $27.8 million [2][11] - Adjusted Operating Income for 2025 was $10.8 million, down from $19.5 million in 2024, with an Adjusted Operating Ratio of 97.5%, compared to 95.0% in the previous year [3][11] Financial Performance - Total units delivered increased by 16.2% year-over-year, totaling 2,311,234 units for the full year 2025 [3][9] - Revenue per unit for company deliveries decreased by 6.4% to $180.65, while revenue per unit for subhaulers decreased by 5.6% to $167.16 [9] - The fourth quarter revenue increased by $10.9 million, or 11.5%, compared to the same quarter in 2024, despite a decline in automotive sales [10] Goodwill Impairment and Adjusted Metrics - The company recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $27.8 million during the fourth quarter, impacting the operating income but not the adjusted metrics [11][12] - Adjusted EBITDA for the full year was $40.2 million, with an Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 9.3% [8][26] Balance Sheet and Debt - As of December 31, 2025, the company had $14.3 million in cash and $74.3 million in debt, resulting in a net leverage ratio of 1.5x compared to Adjusted EBITDA [12][13] - Total debt was reduced by approximately $4.9 million during the quarter, indicating strong cash flow management [13] Company Overview - Proficient Auto Logistics operates one of the largest auto transportation fleets in North America, focusing on providing logistics services for finished vehicles [16] - The company has completed several acquisitions since its IPO in May 2024, enhancing its operational capabilities and market presence [4][16]

Core Viewpoint - Proficient Auto Logistics, Inc. is set to report its preliminary unaudited financial results for Q4 and the full year of 2025 on February 9, 2026, with a conference call scheduled for the same day to discuss these results [1] Group 1: Financial Reporting - The company will disclose its preliminary unaudited operating and financial results for the three months and full year ended December 31, 2025, at approximately 4:00 p.m. EST on February 9, 2026 [1] - An investor conference call will take place at 4:30 p.m. EST on the same day to discuss the results [1] Group 2: Conference Participation - Key executives, including the Chairman and CEO, President and COO, and CFO, will participate in the Stifel Financial Corp. Transportation & Logistics Conference on February 10 and 11, 2026 [1] Group 3: Company Overview - 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 [3] - The company provides a broad range of services primarily focused on transporting finished vehicles from production facilities, marine ports, or rail yards to dealerships across the country [3]