P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. Announces Results for the Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2024

Rhea-AI Summary

P.A.M. Transportation Services reported consolidated net income of $2.4 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, for Q3 2024, compared to $6.1 million, or $0.28 per share, in Q3 2023. Operating revenues decreased 9.4% to $182.6 million from $201.5 million year-over-year. The company's operating ratio was 98.7%, with operating income of $2.3 million. The quarter was impacted by extended customer downtime and Hurricane Helene. As of September 30, 2024, the company had $152.2 million in combined cash, marketable securities, and credit line availability, with outstanding debt of $288.7 million.

Positive

• Generated $43.8 million in operating cash flow during first nine months of 2024
• Sequential improvement in consolidated operating results from previous quarter
• Strong liquidity position with $152.2 million in combined cash and available credit

Negative

• Net income decreased 60.7% YoY from $6.1M to $2.4M
• Operating revenues declined 9.4% YoY to $182.6M
• Operating ratio weakened to 98.7%
• Debt increased by $27.0 million since December 2023
• Inflationary operating costs continue to impact business

Insights

Financial Analyst

The Q3 2024 results reveal significant challenges for P.A.M. Transportation Services. Revenue declined by 9.4% to $182.6 million, while net income dropped sharply to $2.4 million from $6.1 million year-over-year. The operating ratio of 98.7% indicates extremely thin margins, leaving little room for profit after operating expenses.

The increasing debt position, up by $27 million since December 2023, coupled with inflationary pressures on operating costs, presents concerns. However, the $152.2 million in combined liquidity provides some financial flexibility. The sequential improvement mentioned by management, along with $43.8 million in operating cash flow for the first nine months, suggests operational stability despite market headwinds.

Transportation Industry Analyst

The results reflect broader trucking industry challenges, with customer downtime and weather disruptions (Hurricane Helene) impacting volumes. The 98.7% operating ratio is particularly concerning as it's well above industry benchmarks for profitable operations. The management's optimism about market normalization should be viewed cautiously against the backdrop of persistent inflationary pressures and volume challenges.

The company's diverse operational footprint across the US, Canada and Mexico provides some strategic advantages, but hasn't been enough to offset the current market headwinds. The sequential improvement trend needs to strengthen significantly to return to historical performance levels.

Third Quarter 2024 Summary Results

• Total revenues of $182.6 million, down 9.4% YoY
• Operating income of $2.3 million
• Operating ratio of 98.7%
• Diluted earnings per share of $0.11

TONTITOWN, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: PTSI) (“we” or the “Company”) today reported consolidated net income of $2.4 million, or diluted and basic earnings per share of $0.11, for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. These results compare to consolidated net income of $6.1 million, or diluted and basic earnings per share of $0.28 for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.

Operating revenues decreased 9.4% to $182.6 million for the third quarter of 2024 compared to $201.5 million for the third quarter of 2023.

Joe Vitiritto, President of the Company, commented, “Our consolidated operating results for the third quarter of 2024 improved sequentially. The quarter started off slow because of extended, but planned, down time from some of our biggest customers and ended slower than expected as we saw impacts to our business and volumes prior to Hurricane Helene. Inflationary operating costs continue to materialize, but we are determined to minimize the impact to our business and focus on factors that we can control. We continue to see signs that the market is improving, and I am confident that we are moving closer to a more normal truckload market. In these times, I am thankful for our whole team, especially all of our professional driving associates as they continue to demonstrate resiliency even in the face of challenges brought about from this tough environment.”

Liquidity, Capitalization, and Cash Flow

As of September 30, 2024, we had an aggregate of $152.2 million of cash, marketable equity securities, and available liquidity under our line of credit and $308.9 million of stockholders’ equity. Outstanding debt was $288.7 million as of September 30, 2024, which represents a $27.0 million increase from December 31, 2023. During the first nine months of 2024, we generated $43.8 million in operating cash flow.

About P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc.

P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. is a holding company that owns subsidiaries engaged in providing truckload dry van carrier services transporting general commodities throughout the continental United States, as well as in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. The Company’s consolidated operating subsidiaries also provide transportation services in Mexico through its gateways in Laredo and El Paso, Texas, under agreements with Mexican carriers.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information included in this document contains or may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements may relate to expected future financial and operating results, prospects, plans or events, and are thus prospective. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, excess capacity in the trucking industry; surplus inventories; general inflation, recessionary economic cycles and downturns in customers' business cycles; a significant reduction in or termination of the Company's trucking service by a key customer, including as a result of future labor disruptions; increases or rapid fluctuations in fuel prices, interest rates, fuel taxes, tolls, and license and registration fees; potential economic, business or operational disruptions or uncertainties that may result from any future public health crises; the resale value of the Company's used equipment; the price and availability of new equipment consistent with anticipated acquisitions and replacement plans; increases in compensation for and difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified drivers and owner-operators; increases in insurance premiums and deductible amounts relating to accident, cargo, workers' compensation, health, and other claims; increases in the number or amount of claims for which the Company is self-insured; inability of the Company to continue to secure acceptable financing arrangements; seasonal factors such as harsh weather conditions that increase operating costs; competition from trucking, rail, and intermodal competitors including reductions in rates resulting from competitive bidding; the ability to identify acceptable acquisition candidates, consummate acquisitions, and integrate acquired operations; our ability to develop and implement suitable information technology systems and prevent failures in or breaches of such systems; the impact of pending or future litigation; general risks associated with doing business in Mexico, including, without limitation, exchange rate fluctuations, inflation, import duties, tariffs, quotas, political and economic instability and terrorism; the potential impact of new laws, regulations or policy, including, without limitation, rules regarding the classification of independent contractors as employees, tariffs, import/export, trade and immigration regulations or policies; and other factors, including risk factors, included from time to time in filings made by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, whether due to new information, future events or otherwise. Considering these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed above and in company filings might not transpire.

P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Key Financial and Operating Statistics
(unaudited)
	Quarter Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2024		2023		2024		2023
	(in thousands, except earnings per share)				(in thousands, except earnings per share)
Revenue, before fuel surcharge	$160,799		$174,348		$481,980		$549,885
Fuel surcharge	21,778		27,154		66,136		80,754
Operating Revenue	182,577		201,502		548,116		630,639
Operating expenses and costs:
Salaries, wages and benefits	44,736		46,032		132,559		142,138
Operating supplies and expenses	34,982		42,378		105,002		123,589
Rent and purchased transportation	73,129		78,595		221,210		244,020
Depreciation	17,741		15,552		55,381		47,805
Insurance and claims	4,768		5,146		15,093		25,205
Other	5,121		5,305		18,052		17,936
Gain on disposition of equipment	(209)		(339)		(109)		(1,175)
Total operating expenses and costs	180,268		192,669		547,188		599,518
Operating income	2,309		8,833		928		31,121
Interest expense	(2,936)		(2,046)		(9,104)		(6,565)
Non-operating income	3,744		1,638		7,891		3,729
Income/(loss) before income taxes	3,117		8,425		(285)		28,285
Income tax expense/(benefit)	705		2,328		(68)		7,637
Net income/(loss)	$2,412		$6,097		($217)		$20,648
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share	$0.11		$0.28		($0.01)		$0.93
Average shares outstanding – Diluted	21,825		22,139		21,911		22,219
	Quarter Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2024		2023		2024		2023
Truckload Operations
Total miles (in thousands) (1)	46,503		47,209		136,397		148,304
Operating ratio (2)	100.5%		95.8%		102.8%		96.0%
Empty miles factor	8.89%		7.84%		8.82%		8.48%
Revenue per total mile, before fuel surcharge (1)	$2.10		$2.14		$2.10		$2.17
Total loads	106,061		105,342		319,081		316,772
Revenue per truck per workday	$751		$764		$724		$781
Revenue per truck per week	$3,757		$3,819		$3,620		$3,903
Average company-driver trucks	1,820		2,007		1,842		2,038
Average owner operator trucks	481		326		455		360
Logistics Operations
Total revenue (in thousands)	$50,190		$62,091		$162,618		$192,204
Operating ratio	94.3%		93.3%		94.0%		91.2%

P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)
	September 30,		December 31,
	2024		2023
	(in thousands)
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$48,078		$100,614
Trade accounts receivable, net	93,673		80,604
Other receivables	5,954		7,203
Inventories	2,332		2,321
Prepaid expenses and deposits	9,499		13,213
Marketable equity securities	44,205		43,203
Income taxes refundable	4,324		3,883
Total current assets	208,065		251,041
Property and equipment	828,473		771,131
Less: accumulated depreciation	282,451		266,412
Total property and equipment, net	546,022		504,719
Other non-current assets	2,655		4,697
Total assets	$756,742		$760,457
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$37,898		$62,652
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	16,776		16,799
Current portion of long-term debt	61,170		57,645
Total current liabilities	115,844		137,096
Long-term debt, net of current portion	227,539		204,064
Deferred income taxes	104,195		104,331
Other long-term liabilities	250		750
Total liabilities	447,828		446,241
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock	224		223
Additional paid-in capital	40,999		40,825
Treasury stock, at cost	(13,996)		(8,736)
Retained earnings	281,687		281,904
Total stockholders’ equity	308,914		314,216
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$756,742		$760,457

_______________________________________
1)	Excludes miles driven by third party power only carriers.
2)	The Truckload Operations operating ratio has been calculated based upon total operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge, as a percentage of revenue, before fuel surcharge. We used revenue, before fuel surcharge, and operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge, because we believe that eliminating this sometimes volatile source of revenue affords a more consistent basis for comparing our results of operations from period to period.

 

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P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.

P.O. BOX 188

Tontitown, AR 72770

Lance K. Stewart

(479) 361-9111

Source: P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc.

FAQ

What was PTSI's earnings per share in Q3 2024?

PTSI reported earnings of $0.11 per diluted share in Q3 2024.

How much did PTSI's revenue decline in Q3 2024?

PTSI's operating revenues decreased 9.4% to $182.6 million in Q3 2024 compared to $201.5 million in Q3 2023.

What was PTSI's operating ratio in Q3 2024?

PTSI's operating ratio was 98.7% in Q3 2024.

How much operating cash flow did PTSI generate in the first nine months of 2024?

PTSI generated $43.8 million in operating cash flow during the first nine months of 2024.