Proficient Auto Logistics Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results
- Unit volumes increased 7% year-over-year, with March showing strong 16.8% growth
- Revenue per unit for subhaulers improved in Q1 compared to Q4 2024
- Dedicated fleet revenue increased to $4.3M from $3.4M in Q4 2024
- Strong liquidity position with $16M available on term debt facility and $12M unused capacity on credit line
- Operating Loss of $2.4M compared to Operating Income of $6.5M in Q1 2024
- Revenue decreased 0.4% year-over-year to $95.2M
- Total Units delivered decreased 5% quarter-over-quarter
- Adjusted Operating Ratio deteriorated to 98.7% from 93.2% in Q1 2024
- Net debt of $68.4M with 1.9x leverage ratio
Insights
Proficient Auto Logistics shows volume growth but concerning margin compression with operating loss, though March trends hint at potential stabilization.
Proficient Auto Logistics' Q1 2025 results reveal a company navigating significant industry headwinds. Despite total unit deliveries increasing 7% year-over-year to 494,509, revenue remained essentially flat at $95.2 million (down 0.4% YoY), highlighting substantial pricing pressure in the auto transport market. The operating loss of $2.4 million contrasts sharply with the $6.5 million operating income in Q1 2024.
The adjusted figures tell a sobering story about deteriorating margins. Even after adding back non-cash expenses, adjusted operating income was just $1.2 million, with an adjusted operating ratio of 98.7% (versus 93.2% in Q1 2024). This leaves minimal profit margin and represents significant YoY deterioration.
Revenue per unit metrics reveal the core challenge: company delivery revenue per unit fell from $197.38 to $185.38 YoY, while subhauler revenue per unit dropped more dramatically from $194.72 to $173.14. This pricing weakness has effectively negated the benefit of higher volumes.
The balance sheet shows $10.9 million in cash against $79.3 million in debt, with a net leverage ratio of 1.9x. While not alarming, this leverage requires monitoring given the current profitability challenges. The company maintains $28 million in available credit facilities, providing some financial flexibility.
A potentially encouraging sign emerged in March with unit volumes up 16.8% YoY, significantly stronger than January and February's modest growth. Additionally, dedicated fleet revenue showed sequential growth from $3.4 million in Q4 to $4.3 million in Q1, though still below the $6.4 million from Q1 2024.
The company's acquisition strategy, including the recently completed Brothers Auto Transport purchase, appears to be a strategic response to industry weakness – pursuing scale and market share to offset pricing pressure. However, these acquisitions haven't yet translated to bottom-line improvement.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Proficient Auto Logistics, Inc. (NASDAQ: PAL) (the “Company” or “Proficient”) today reported its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025, and comparative summary financial information for the Founding Companies (as defined below) on a combined basis for the three months ended March 31, 2024.
First Quarter Summary (first quarter 2024 information on a combined basis)
Total Operating Revenue of
Total Operating Income/(Loss) of (
Adjusted Operating Income(1) of
Adjusted Operating Ratio(1) of
Total Units delivered of 494,509 a decrease of
_________________________
(1) Adjusted Operating Income and Adjusted Operating Ratio are non-GAAP financial measures. See “Summary Unaudited Combined Financial Information” on the following page for additional information regarding the use of Adjusted Operating Income and Adjusted Operating Ratio and a reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP measure.
Rick O’Dell, Proficient’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “The first quarter continued to exhibit the underlying market weakness that characterized the second half of 2024. Our ability to gain market share and successfully integrate our recent addition of Brothers Auto Transport will be important counterweights to an otherwise uncertain industry environment.”
On May 13, 2024, Proficient completed the initial public offering (the “IPO”) of its common stock. Prior to the IPO, Proficient had entered into agreements to acquire in multiple, separate acquisitions (the “Combinations”) five operating businesses and their respective affiliated entities, as applicable, operating under the following names: (i) Delta Auto Transport, Inc. (“Delta”), (ii) Deluxe Auto Carriers, Inc. (“Deluxe”), (iii) Sierra Mountain Group, Inc. (“Sierra”), (iv) Proficient Auto Transport (“Proficient Transport”), and (v) Tribeca Automotive Inc. (“Tribeca” and, together with Delta, Deluxe, Sierra, and Proficient Transport, the “Founding Companies”). On May 13, 2024, in connection with the closing of the IPO, Proficient also completed the acquisitions of all the Founding Companies. On August 16, 2024, Proficient completed the acquisition of Auto Transport Group (“ATG”). On April 1, 2025, Proficient completed the acquisition of Brothers Auto Transport (“Brothers”).
For accounting and reporting purposes, Proficient has been identified as the designated accounting acquirer of each of the Founding Companies and Proficient Transport has been identified as the designated accounting predecessor to the Company. As a result, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of, and for the three months ended, March 31, 2025 for Proficient (Successor) and the three months ended March 31, 2024 for Proficient Transport (Predecessor) are included in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The Company is not required to provide, and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q does not contain, pro forma financial data giving effect to the completion of the Combinations and the completion of the IPO and the use of the proceeds therefrom. However, the Company is providing below summary unaudited combined financial information for the three months ended March 31, 2025, with comparison to combined summary information from the preceding quarter ended December 31, 2024, and the year earlier quarter ended March 31, 2024. The December 31, 2024, numbers now reflect audited results, which include minor adjustments from the preliminary results previously disclosed. The summary unaudited combined financial information has been prepared by, and is the responsibility of, Proficient’s and the Founding Companies’ management. This information has not yet been subjected to audit, review or agreed-upon procedures of any audit firm, and therefore, there is no independent auditors’ opinion or any other form of assurance with respect thereto.
Summary Unaudited Combined Financial Information (1)
| ( | Three months ending - | ||||||||||
| 3/31/2025 | 12/31/2024 | 3/31/2024 | |||||||||
| Total Operating Revenue | $ | 95,206 | $ | 94,520 | $ | 95,556 | |||||
| Total Operating (Loss) Income | (2,363 | ) | (2,409 | ) | 6,538 | ||||||
| Addback: | |||||||||||
| Amortization of Intangibles | 2,416 | 2,416 | - | ||||||||
| Stock Compensation expense | 1,183 | 1,136 | - | ||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Income (2) | 1,236 | 1,143 | 6,538 | ||||||||
| Adjusted Operating Ratio (2) | 98.7 | % | 98.8 | % | 93.2 | % | |||||
| (Loss) Income before income taxes | (3,894 | ) | (4,257 | ) | 5,352 | ||||||
| Addback: | |||||||||||
| Depreciation & Amortization | 8,904 | 8,128 | 4,324 | ||||||||
| Stock Compensation Expense | 1,183 | 1,136 | - | ||||||||
| Interest Expense | 1,571 | 1,961 | 1,187 | ||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA (3) | 7,764 | 6,968 | 10,863 | ||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA Margin (3) | 8.2 | % | 7.4 | % | 11.4 | % | |||||
______________
(1) The amounts shown above reflect the unaudited summary combined financial results of the five Founding Companies for the full three-month periods presented without any pro forma adjustments that would give effect to the completion of the IPO or any related transaction expenses or adjustments recognized as a result of the IPO and concurrent Combinations. The results of Proficient (acquiror entity) are included in the three months ended March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024; however, they reflect only those operating expenses incurred following the closing of the IPO and concurrent Combinations (May 13 – December 31, 2024). There are no comparative expenses of Proficient included in the three months ended March 31, 2024. Amounts related to ATG are included only since its acquisition August 16, 2024.
(2) Our management team reviews Adjusted Operating Income and the related Adjusted Operating Ratio, both of which are non-GAAP financial measures, as a basis for comparing the results of financial reporting periods excluding the impact of non-cash expenses related solely to our recent IPO and the concurrent corporate combinations. These measures provide management with the requisite insight regarding progress on operating and integration initiatives. The table above provides a reconciliation of Adjusted Operating Income to Total Operating Income, the most comparable GAAP measure, and Adjusted Operating Ratio flows from that.
(3) Our management team reviews Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin, both of which are non-GAAP financial measures, to measure the operating performance and financial condition of our business and to make strategic decisions. See the Appendix for additional information regarding the use of Adjusted EBITDA. The table above provides a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA Income before Income Taxes, to the most comparable GAAP measure, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin flows from that.
Revenue and Profitability(1)
| Select Operating Metrics | Three months ending - | ||||||||||
| 3/31/2025 | 12/31/2024 | 3/31/2024 | |||||||||
| Unit Volume - Company Deliveries | 163,754 | 171,717 | 150,481 | ||||||||
| Revenue / Unit - Company Deliveries | $ | 185.38 | $ | 180.94 | $ | 197.38 | |||||
| Unit Volume - Subhaulers | 330,755 | 350,056 | 309,705 | ||||||||
| Revenue / Unit - Subhaulers | $ | 173.14 | $ | 162.97 | $ | 194.72 | |||||
| Percent Revenue, Company Deliveries | 35 | % | 35 | % | 33 | % | |||||
| Percent Revenue, Subhaulers | 65 | % | 65 | % | 67 | % | |||||
_________________
(1) The amounts shown above reflect combined information for the five Founding Companies for the full three-month periods presented without any pro forma adjustments that would give effect to the completion of the IPO or any related transaction expenses or adjustments recognized as a result of the IPO and concurrent Combinations. Amounts related to ATG are included only since its acquisition August 16, 2024.
Total revenue increased by less than
Balance Sheet
The Company ended the first quarter with
Conference Call
The Company will host an investor conference call at 5:00 p.m. EDT to discuss the results. Investors are invited to join the conference call by registering through the following link: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI302e5389800e4532be1cbc9a39fb590b
once registered, you will receive a dial-in and a unique pin to join the conference. You may also join the listen-only Webcast via https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/zmg98gip.
About Proficient Auto Logistics
We are a leading specialized freight company focused on providing auto transportation and logistics services. Through the combination of seven industry-leading operating companies since our IPO in May 2024, we operate one of the largest auto transportation fleets in North America. We offer a broad range of auto transportation and logistics services, primarily focused on transporting finished vehicles from automotive production facilities, marine ports of entry, or regional rail yards to auto dealerships around the country.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements generally relate to possible or assume future results of our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, plans and objectives. You can generally identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions that concern our expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections regarding future events and trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. The outcome of the events described in these forward-looking statements is subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2025 (the “Annual Report”) and elsewhere in the Annual Report. Accordingly, you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. We cannot assure you that the results, events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur, and actual results, events or circumstances could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the economic conditions in the global markets in which we operate; our ability to successfully implement our business strategy, effectively respond to changes in market dynamics and customer preferences, and achieve the anticipated benefits and associated cost savings of such strategies and actions; our ability to recruit and retain qualified driving associates, independent contractors and third-party auto transportation and logistics companies; an increase in the frequency or severity of accidents or other claims; our expectations regarding the successful implementation of the Combinations; geopolitical developments and additional changes in international trade policies and relations; the effect of any international conflicts or terrorist activities, on the United States and global economies in general, the transportation industry, or us in particular, and what effects these events will have on our costs and the demand for our services; our ability to manage our network capacity and cost structure for capital expenditures and operating expenses, and match it to shifting and future customer volume levels; our ability to compete effectively against current and future competitors; our ability to maintain our profitability despite quarterly fluctuations in our results, whether due to seasonality, large cyclical events, or other causes; and our future financial and operating results; our expectations regarding the period during which we will qualify as an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act; and our use of the net proceeds from the IPO and the sufficiency of our existing cash to fund our future operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements.
The forward-looking statements made in this document relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Appendix
Non-GAAP Financial Measure
We report our financial results in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). However, management believes that EBITDA provides useful information in measuring our operating performance, generating future operating plans and making strategic decisions regarding allocation of capital. Management believes this information presents helpful comparisons of financial performance between periods by excluding the effect of certain non-recurring items.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore it may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies, and it should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) for the period adjusted for interest expense, net, income tax expense (benefit), depreciation and amortization expense and stock compensation expense.
Summary Unaudited Combined Financial Information (1)
| Twelve months ending - | |||
| ( | 3/31/2025 | ||
| (Loss) Income before income taxes | $ | (4,505 | ) |
| Addback: | |||
| Depreciation & Amortization | $ | 30,577 | |
| Stock Compensation Expense | 4,003 | ||
| Interest Expense | 6,186 | ||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 36,261 | |
_____________
(1) The amounts shown above reflect the unaudited summary combined financial results of the five Founding Companies for the full three-month periods presented without any pro forma adjustments that would give effect to the completion of the IPO or any related transaction expenses or adjustments recognized as a result of the IPO and concurrent Combinations. The results of Proficient (acquiror entity) are included in the three months ended March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024; however, they reflect only those operating expenses incurred following the closing of the IPO and concurrent Combinations (May 13 – December 31, 2024). There are no comparative expenses of Proficient included in the three months ended March 31, 2024. Amounts related to ATG are included only since its acquisition August 16, 2024.
| PROFICIENT AUTO LOGISTICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) | |||
| March 31, 2025 | |||
| ASSETS | |||
| Current assets: | |||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 10,910,825 | |
| Accounts receivable, less allowance for credit losses | 47,161,777 | ||
| Net investment in leases, current portion | 253,109 | ||
| Maintenance supplies | 1,438,087 | ||
| Assets held for sale | 10,000 | ||
| Income tax receivable | 1,897,720 | ||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 7,597,782 | ||
| Total current assets | 69,269,300 | ||
| Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation/amortization | 118,785,207 | ||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 10,485,577 | ||
| Net investment in leases, less current portion | 121,732 | ||
| Deposits | 4,792,963 | ||
| Goodwill | 170,900,127 | ||
| Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization | 130,074,810 | ||
| Other long-term assets | 841,179 | ||
| Total assets | $ | 505,270,895 | |
| Liabilities, mezzanine equity, and stockholders’ equity | |||
| Current liabilities: | |||
| Accounts payable | $ | 12,509,588 | |
| Accrued liabilities | 22,750,192 | ||
| Income tax payable | — | ||
| Finance lease liabilities, current portion | 76,225 | ||
| Operating lease liabilities, current portion | 1,869,592 | ||
| Long-term debt, current portion | 18,333,690 | ||
| Total current liabilities | 55,539,287 | ||
| Long-term liabilities: | |||
| Line of credit | 8,000,000 | ||
| Finance lease liabilities, less current portion | — | ||
| Operating lease liabilities, less current portion | 8,778,249 | ||
| Long-term debt, less current portion | 52,953,684 | ||
| Deferred tax liability, net | 41,786,905 | ||
| Other long-term liabilities | 2,241,923 | ||
| Total liabilities | 169,300,048 | ||
| Commitments and contingencies | |||
| Stockholders’ equity: | |||
| Common stock, | 270,691 | ||
| Additional paid in capital | 347,939,938 | ||
| Accumulated deficit | (12,239,782 | ) | |
| Total stockholders’ equity | 335,970,847 | ||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 505,270,895 | |
| PROFICIENT AUTO LOGISTICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited) | ||||
| Three months ended March 31, 2025 | ||||
| Operating revenue | ||||
| Revenue, before fuel surcharge | $ | 87,615,128 | ||
| Fuel surcharge and other reimbursements | 5,427,840 | |||
| Other Revenue | 1,305,745 | |||
| Lease Revenue | 857,308 | |||
| Total operating revenue | 95,206,021 | |||
| Operating Expenses | ||||
| Salaries, wages and benefits | 19,288,103 | |||
| Stock-based compensation | 1,183,009 | |||
| Fuel and fuel taxes | 6,065,255 | |||
| Purchased transportation | 47,208,843 | |||
| Truck expenses | 5,849,846 | |||
| Depreciation | 6,488,579 | |||
| Intangible amortization | 2,415,830 | |||
| Loss on sale of equipment | 8,781 | |||
| Insurance premiums and claims | 4,958,679 | |||
| General, selling, and other operating expenses | 4,101,602 | |||
| Total Operating Expenses | 97,568,527 | |||
| Operating (loss) income | (2,362,506 | ) | ||
| Other income and expense | ||||
| Interest expense | (1,570,920 | ) | ||
| Acquisition Costs | (37,102 | ) | ||
| Other income, net | 76,222 | |||
| Total other expense, net | (1,531,800 | ) | ||
| (Loss) Income before income taxes | (3,894,306 | ) | ||
| Income tax (benefit) expense | (702,621 | ) | ||
| Net (loss) income | $ | (3,191,685 | ) | |
| Loss Per Share | ||||
| Basic & Diluted | $ | (0.12 | ) | |
| Weighted Average Shares | ||||
| Basic & Diluted | 27,069,114 | |||
Investor Relations: Brad Wright Chief Financial Officer and Secretary Phone: 904-506-4317 email: Investor.relations@proautologistics.com
FAQ
What were PAL's key financial results for Q1 2025?
How much debt does Proficient Auto Logistics (PAL) have in Q1 2025?
What was PAL's unit delivery performance in Q1 2025?
How did PAL's operating ratio perform in Q1 2025?
What recent acquisitions has Proficient Auto Logistics (PAL) completed?
